Best Indie Virtual Production Camera | Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2

[@JLOFlix]

Hey, Matt, I'm sure I can speak for the thirsty masses in saying, THANK YOU for all of your hard work and especially your willingness to share the knowledge! I sincerely appreciate it!

[@RandomRotation]

I second that!

[@walterwparkour]

This is so sick, never would've thought this could be done for under 10g

[@rezakusunglima]

Great vlog Matt! Can’t wait till you start doing more complex camera movements and lighting setups.

[@CinematographyDatabase]

that will be next vlog hopefully

[@matthewjamesmiller]

Pretty amazing stuff Matt! Looking forward to your progress.

[@Nathankinamorh]

I am soo pumped for LED walls and Projectors!

[@SuppyShuck]

Finally on the black magic bandwagon 😊... welcome to the club.

[@chanhokim7750]

hi, thanks for the great content! now that Ursa 12K has the same price tag of $6000. Would you prefer 12K camera over this 4K one? thanks!

[@EanMartinTays]

This is bigger than the DSLR revolution.

[@davidvega1087]

Can you do a video tutorial for how you light your scenes. I’d like to learn more about how to evenly light a scene, what that tool you were using was and how you use it, and what those 4,5, and 6.3 numbers were.

[@MrlegendOr]

Fx9-6 or A7III's real-time gyroscope sensor data can be future for this kind of work

[@timreha]

Sweet! Thanks Matt for posting.

[@saltycherrypie6918]

Great video, this clears up my plan of attack for the weekend. I want to focus on genlock (which I'm not sure I can do - red dragon) and on having proper tracking for the camera.

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Let me know if it GenLocks and what Model Red and capture card you have!

[@theswimclub8582]

Matt, this looks awesome... thanks for the information

[@felipedamasceno6812]

Hi! I have a doubt. For the virtual production, do you need the glasses or only the accessories work?

[@peoplestechchannel7581]

Thank you for lo that you are doing, Matt. Very much appreciated

[@Isaaclaaa]

Does the A7Sii have GEN LOCK capabilities? If not, is there any hardware I can buy that will give the camera such capability. Or is the only option to get proper sync to UE4 to buy a GENLOCK capable camera?

[@rushboardtechuk]

If the $5500 price tag is too much for entry-level producers, they may want to use a Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K instead. Whilst it doesn't offer everything the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 does, for $1600 it is rated for 2.8K 120FPS, 4K 60FPS, and 6K 50FPS (incl. 6K 60FPS Anamorphic); still suitable for VR production and independent Film/TV projects. It also works with many of the URSA's lenses and mounts.

[@Parogameslimited]

Does the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K support genlock tho?

[@rushboardtechuk]

@@Parogameslimited BMPCC cannot do Genlock per se, but Unreal can using the camera as the timecode source... In my case, I wouldn't use more than one camera anyway, given the VP space available, but there are Genlock kits available for about £200.

[@EugenioTrainer]

Awesome content, do you think the red komodo wit the expander module will work to genlock? Do you think the Canon Cinema Prime CN-E with the EOS C300 will give you metadata for UE? Thanks

[@rolandtung1457]

Excuse me, is there a detailed setting for genlock? I use a camera, and then enter the broadcast station to make a delay and then output to the unreal engine. How should I set genlock to make the picture perfect? Thank you

[@cuonglx677]

Thank for your sharing. Your clip is really helpful. And how can i render to the footage (.avi, .mp4, ...) while i finished the composinting?

[@RSill25]

Hi Matt, this is so helpful, thanks. But, what is the ISO you set on the G2? I know a lots of my colleagues like 800...

[@shunkanstudiotv]

Hey Matt, I have a curious question. I'm working on my virtual production project for my company now, I was wondering whether I need to always turn on the VIVE PRO headset everytime I want to use the Vive Tracker? Can I use the Vive Tracker only? Thanks before!

[@GerfriedGuggi]

Hi Matt, great video on showcasing this workflow! thanks! on which computer hardware are you actually live rendering the UE4 background? what would be a good hardware recommendation to get good quality live-rendering in 1080p? thanks

[@LuisGrolez]

LED WALL YES PLEASE !!!!

[@FTGTapGod]

As both a VR enthusiast and a freelance DP I've been heavily looking into going down this rabbit hole for some commercial and music video concepts. I already have a room set up for VR tracking which helps. Does Genlocking use the video signal coming out from the SDI or just the timecode? I have access to a RED Gemini, but use a ZCam E2 (and soon F6) for personal use. It does have a timecode out so, if that's all that is needed, I will do some testing and let you know if you can add those cameras to your list. I picked the F6 over the Ursa Mini Pro G2 because I am intrigued by large format and have loved using the cheaper ZCam E2 for the past year. Hoping the F6 is able to Genlock though because that could change that decision. Love this series. Appreciate you bringing us along with you in the process.

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Not sure about other cameras right now. But it's worth testing. I'm pretty new to using timecode/genlock in this way.

[@FTGTapGod]

@@CinematographyDatabase will test and let you know what I find.

[@SagunManandhar]

Thank you very much for putting up these stuffs !! BTW, one question. Do good does the vive tracker does in terms of moving around with the camera ? In my knowledge, trackers like motion capture does require fine tweaking and are not 100% accurate . If that's the case with vive tracker, won't there be miss matching ?

[@anscia]

Are you considering the difference in movement between the vive and the sensor when tilting? Because, and I might be wrong, if the vive is positioned higher than the sensor, aren’t you risking a difference in movement when tilting? Doesn’t the vive revolve around a greater arc than the sensor? Doesn’t that cause a difference in the parallax? Btw, you’re doing something really special, that’s amazing

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I don’t know the prevailing knowledge on best practice for placement or the offset in UE4. I can ask some people who would know. I’m just hacking stuff together.

[@anscia]

Cinematography Database thanks a lot for replying, I can’t wait to see what you’ll be able to achieve!

[@alex0589]

@@CinematographyDatabase if the software cant account for the parallax and it cant be calculated on the fly, you have to put the vive as close as possible to the sensor/optical center, think of a scope on a rifle, if it's real close to target, if wont be accurate, if youre super far away, the parallax(?)/difference is negligible/aligned. Right now the scope is on your head and you're shooting the rifle from the hip....and the target is the wall in front of you so the virtual parallax cant match the live action video. (Please anyone feel free to correct me, i literally have no idea about any of this, lets get the ball rolling)

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I use a basic transform offset in UE4 and if my vector math is correct it perfectly corrects for the real world physical offset. Like I mention in the video, that is just the first step. The virtual camera doesn’t go at the sensor plane like most people assume.

[@davidhelmut]

great videos matt! I think the tracker should be closer to your lens to be more accurate. isnt it possible to record both layers (incamera and UE4) separately and stitch it together in the post later? so you have more options on keying, grading and focus. or is it about to do it live?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

If compensate for the position of the tracker in UE4. Yes you can record the footage normally and record the camera track in UE4. Then use the camera data to render the CH background and composite normally in Nuke/AE.

[@Jenus85]

Hi Matt! Great videos! Would you still recommend mounting the Vive Tracker that way or have you found something better?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Now I keep it lower profile to the body, but if you get the offset correct it doesn’t matter.

[@Jenus85]

Cinematography Database Ok. Yeah I know about the offsets to the lens entrance pupil. Just trying to figure out what mounting gear I should buy to cover most cases. Do you still use that arm and would recommend it or do you use something smaller?

[@richard.frantzen]

Awesome! This is great! 🙏👍

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Thanks for all of your help!

[@bokimon1989]

Can you please share your discord channel link

[@andrewpotter927]

The type of SDI decides what your max Resolution is on your output. HD-SDI = 720P/1080i60 3G-SDI = 1080P60 6G-SDI = 4k30 12G-SDI = 4k60

[@NUCLEARARMAMENT]

How do you get real-time encoding of zoom into this kind of software? Also, can this be used in real-time with mocap for something like a live virtual production studio broadcast, where a 3D CGI character is composited by Unreal Engine over the actor wearing the mocap suit, with a face tracker (like iClone or whatever other alternative exists that can work in tandem with realtime broadcasting of the mocap tracking data)?

[@GregCorson]

Hey Matt, I see the vive is mounted on an arm with Arri locating pins. Do the pins match up with the vive index hole so it won't rotate? I still have some problems with the vive getting bumped and rotating. I proposed a solid mount with index pins to Smallrig Dreamrig. Besides stopping rotation you could tear down the camera rig and put it back together without re-calibrating, it would line up the same every time. If you think that's a good idea please support the idea in Smallrig's Dreamrig Facebook.

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Can you link the Dream Rig page? I saw they take user designs and some times make them. I have the same issue as you if I bump the tracker. Also with no bubble level I just eye ball the horizon, which isn’t great.

[@GregCorson]

@@CinematographyDatabase This is a link to the post, though you have to join the group to get in. facebook.com/groups/DreamRig/permalink/2646209252277116/

[@GregCorson]

@@CinematographyDatabase a bubble level is a great idea for making sure a VIVE on a ballhead or arm is flat relative to the floor! Or relative to the camera if you level the camera first. I think I have one that will fit on the power switch of the tracker, if that's level. If not I suppose you could stick the tracker and level on a plate. Unfortunately doesn't deal with rotation. That's why I want a mount that's one piece.

[@martin_minds]

wow, thats sooooo GREAT! thanks

[@austinburkephotography9643]

This is amazing! Love seeing the progress. Do the vive trackers only work the HTC give or is able to work with other be headsets as well?

[@stevenpinto7796]

Hey Matt, do you think the cheaper Black Magic Studio camera would work the same as the URSA mini? It also has 12G SDI so I assume it would be, what are your thoughts on this?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

If it has SDI out it probably works. I’ve seen them used in combination with high end tracking systems before. I haven’t tested myself however.

[@daniilzorin3143]

Hi there. Have you tried getting timecode directly from Ursa Mini? mine is stuck at 00.00.00.00 24fps while stating that its synced.....? Any suggestions?

[@sharmhillbetaproductions3810]

Asking this question before I finish the video Can the blackmagic pocket be set up just like the ursa ?

[@sharmhillbetaproductions3810]

Blackmagic pocket 6k *

[@NateMac000]

Where is the script to delay the Vive Tracker? I couldn't find it on Greg's page.

[@knekk3]

did you find it by now? I looking for it, too....

[@DucatiKozak]

This is very cool Matt! Ive been eagerly following the whole series as you build your virtual studio & looking forward to experimenting soon myself. Will the SDI capture work with the Pocket 6K through Black Magic's HDMI to SDI, or is this a Timecode issue? Can it be recreated well with the 6K?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Someone in the Facebook group is doing it with a BMPCC but the workflow is a bit different. I’ll know more as time goes on and I talk with others. I may buy a BMPCC6K to do my own tests later on.

[@johnkelly8009]

Great stuff, Matt. I'm curious if you could answer me a question (I'm still very much learning Unreal). I have my Composure composite set up (compositing BG under live Camera input under FG), my camera is tracking fairly well, but when I play the engine to start the tracking, the Comp gets suspended. At 14:30 you're playing the engine and still able to see the comp. How is that? When I play, it suspends the comp preview. Any help with that would be great

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I haven’t used Composure for a bit, but you need to select the comp in the world outliner when you hit play.

[@johnkelly8009]

@@CinematographyDatabase thanks for the reply, I actually just figured this out last night. If I run the engine normally it suspends the composure comp (when I select it in the outliner it says “suspended” instead of showing a preview). Solutions is running the engine as a simulation. That gets my tracking working and composure. I’m sure the way I’m doing things isn’t the most elegant, but it’s the best solution I have going on right now. If I could pick your brain, I’m sure I’d learn a lot about this. You’re much further along than I am right now

[@fernandoedelstein5252]

Does timecode work with the Blackmagic Decklink mini recorder 4K?

[@KekLuck]

is it possible to set the blackmagic card as a fullframe composite background and "key" out objects in front of it? Basically render a live AR Object into the live video. Im from a small production company in Germany and will propably try my hands on this vive/unreal production projects in a week or two aswell! Seems lots of fun for the very small prize. Also great camera choice! Its the same we have xd

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Yes AR is possible with this setup. You should check out Richard’s channel linked in the description. He did a cool dinosaur AR demo with this setup.

[@syedshueeb1667]

Hey Matt, did u try using depth sense camera like ZED for tracking? these guys 'vanishingpoint.xyz' are using it, the ZED camera also has ue4 custom code +plugin .

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I haven't tried that yet. I do want to try the Vanishing Point system in the future.

[@gomistudio9771]

Hi Matt, how you encode that lens, it is possible??

[@MarcusJ973]

You want to get a huge LED panel like the one useed in the mandalorian show ? ??

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I want a much smaller version.

[@MarcusJ973]

@@CinematographyDatabase a smaller version ? Do you have any suggestions of a led panel from amazon or from somewhere ?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

@@MarcusJ973 still researching

[@MarcusJ973]

@@CinematographyDatabase ok cool..... I would love to learn and to start doing what your doing, but I will need at least $2,000 to 4,000 to get a decent set up like something similar to what you have and then I'll need to find the space for the set up. I have a bachelors degree in 3d animation finished, in may 2018. I still need a massive amount of time ,maybe years to be decent in the 3d modeling /animation world.... I took a small break from all that schooling and picked up interest in vfx..... now I started learning vfx stuff from FXPHD if u have heard of the site... Since I'm new at vfx and green screen stuff It is taking me so long and sometimes days to get through just one hour long chapter of the tuturials when you are learning how to do things, but at least I'm trying to progress so I can get into the vfx field then eventually I'll learn how to make films on my own. I purchased black magic pocket 4k last year (body only ), and now I have to get a lens , camera cage, tripod, battery, all the stuff to get the camera working ...I'm just not sure of what lens and length to get with my limited budget. Then i can start practicing some green screen scenes when I develop the nesssessary skills , hopefully before the summer hits. Maybe I can pull off learning what u can from the training sites and I can get a few scenes together to make a short demo so I can get a vfx job in NY. Any suggestions on if I can get some type of virtual production jobs now with the current sistuation that I am in ??? It's so hard getting any type of job without 6 months or 1 year of experience. I need at least $18 to $20 to survive in NJ. I work a fulltime job now as a mall cop for 14 years lol... I try to get out this job. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

[@LIGA-SHOW]

Aloha, are you still using the camera?

[@hinchan6864]

Thanks!!!! I wanna Learn more From you!!!

[@MrHarraga]

I wanna be part of this!

[@zlmgs]

Thanks for sharing, but I had a problem on the composure, the character's animation was stopped when I simulate the game. The animation is still running in the editor, but stopped in the composure preview? Is there anyway to fix that?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

it moving in the editor is the weird part actually, normally it needs to on Play. Join the FB group and ask there - facebook.com/groups/virtualproduction/

[@zlmgs]

Cinematography Database ,thanks for your reply and I have asked for help in the group

[@chriswatts3697]

How do you want to match those 2 images in the composite at the end? Realtime or post? Any concept yet for this task?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I'm primarily focused on real time comp and tracking. This same workflow works for recording the green screen and CG separately and comping in Nuke/Post.

[@evilra6552]

what is the industry standard camera?

[@AdamSmith-pn5hk]

Is it possible to use a BMPCC4K with this setup?

[@alesis_]

Hi Matt! This is amazing, but could you show us the tracking precision with more complex camera movement? Whit walking around the pony whith camera in your hands or on a steadicam.

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Next vlog I’ll do some handheld. The green screen isn’t very big so I can’t move a ton. But it will be more than just pan + tilt.

[@alesis_]

​@@CinematographyDatabase good :) It will be useful if you show tracking accuracy even if the edges of green screen are visible in the camera view.

[@anime2121]

You should try the original Blackmagic Ursa. The version 1 Blackmagic Ursa have global shutter.

[@CinematographyDatabase]

really? I didn't know that. I've seen the Studio camera used for VP for an affordable solution. I don't know if global shutter helps here.

[@krishnat790]

How are you feeding the offset of the Vive Tracker to Unreal so that Real Camera is correctly calibrated with CineCamera in UE?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I could do a video on it in the future, but it’s just a transform offset in the UE4 camera tracker actor.

[@SteelYang]

@@CinematographyDatabase Really awesome stuff man but I believe you should mount the Vive Tracker closer to the sensor of the camera, at least vertically. The tracker's movements are not 1:1 with the sensor and therefore you're having a strange "trolley/glide" effect instead of just a simple "pan" effect when you rotate the camera. The "talent" is correct but the Unreal footage glides left to right because the Vive tracker's position moves left to right. I believe that by mounting the Vive Tracker directly above the sensor then the offset you dialed in should be more accurate during panning shots. As long as you don't have too many tilting shots it shouldn't get weird.

[@gryphonsegg]

does this work with the G1?

[@懒人-b5d]

Can I use HDMI output to convert SDI video?

[@vialouie]

Thank you for this!

[@garrettcorona]

Awesome!

[@markdecile213]

Yo what happened to all of your older videos??? Why did you unlist them?

[@gingerbreadmanquan]

can i use my red komodo?

[@richardwulf1382]

ty, helps a lot !!!!!

[@bertofilms1]

What tripod are you using for the Black Magic Camera?

[@cauedominici1184]

I guess is a manfroto

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Manfrotto Nitrotech

[@wolfbox007]

how are you getting the blackmagic plugin to work with version 4.25?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

The plug-in is built into UE 4.25 now, you just enable it

[@wolfbox007]

@@CinematographyDatabase brilliant, was so brain heavy into thinking we had to install a plugin I didn't think to just check if it was there already. I'll spread that info to anyone who asks cause its a real brain fart and so simple. Thanks for all the videos you put up and the great education on unreal engine and virtual production. I am a former daytime soap opera actor ABC and NBC who loves to stay at home and play with all my camera toys these days. You've been a great inspiration. Thanks Bud!

[@DeanHarringtonimages]

Cool as hell Matt... sounds like an oxymoron but meant well. Who makes the backdrop frame... is it home made?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

if you look back a few vlogs there is a review/demo of it, it's made by Lastolite, also linked in the description.

[@AltonGlassVR]

Do you have any samples with mocap?

[@Shauny_D]

What is your seem between the green backdrop and green floor?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

the Lastolite Panaramic Background comes with a green fabric "skirt" that you can then also Green Gaffers tape to hide the transition.

[@Shauny_D]

Thanks after I commented I saw your link. I've been using pool noodles with a wire coat hanger so the hold a curve. But I can just drape a green 12x12 over them and line it up just behind.

[@jgvbadv]

I can buy this camera for 2 grand.. do you think it is a good buy?

[@tompfeiler1426]

You’re probably looking at a first generation 4.6 K

[@davidconsumerofmath]

Tom Pfeiler or maybe even the inferior 4K

[@jgvbadv]

@@davidconsumerofmath nah.. Tom was right, it was a 1 gen 4.6K but after reading online of the "support" that BM is giving i've decided to bail out..

[@oddleiflarsen5374]

@@tompfeiler1426 I'm thinking of buying the Ursa mini pro 4.6K, but do you think it's better to upgrade to the G2?

[@dietwedge]

I've been shooting on the G1 for a few years now. I'm assuming I could do all this with that as well?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

It's likely that it would, but I'd have to ask someone or test myself.

[@dietwedge]

Cinematography Database the differences weren’t enough to get me to upgrade, but this could. Thanks man. Lol.

[@PicturesPlusProductions]

@@dietwedge Jason, did you find out if G1 is good for this also?

[@dietwedge]

Pictures Plus Productions yes...absolutely usable.

[@hubertnguyenVP]

Following your journey with every video. I'm digging into this too! BTW I already applied to the FB group, so would you mind approve my request. Thanks!

[@protasov-by]

Hey! What light you use for ligthing up greenscreen?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

most Aputure 120d LED lights

[@protasov-by]

Cinematography Database I see 120d, but meant about that on the celling

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Aputure LS 1/2

[@protasov-by]

Cinematography Database ok, thanks! :)

[@MarcusJ973]

Can you integrate mocap with the unreal engine 4 and virtual productions ??. There is a new budget friendly mocap system that is open source called chordata motion that you can search online that will have a kickstarter soon. Do you have any other things that can be done with virtual productions ? I'm learning VFX and video compositing from scratch and I would like to get into it virtual production if I can use virtual productions with any type of vfx work. I would love to see more of what you can do with virtual productions and hope to see some high end production work done with it that even I can learn to do by watching your channel.

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Yeah I have a Rokoko suit that I can use live at the same time as the virtual camera.

[@MarcusJ973]

@@CinematographyDatabase ohh wow. That's sick.. that mocap system is too much money for me at the moment.

[@LaszloDudas08]

Whats Your tripod brand ?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Manfrotto Nitrotech

[@24pfilms]

Matt do you have a link to the Discord Group

[@CinematographyDatabase]

I'm asking Richard for the official link, I always forget how to link to Discord channels that aren't mine

[@cauedominici1184]

Is this a 24-105mm ?

[@CinematographyDatabase]

Yes. It’s not a great lens for VP but use it for its focal range.

[@cauedominici1184]

@@CinematographyDatabase yea, thanks. Just got one for me, but for photography.

[@GhostStealth590]

Unpopular opinion, but the Ursa really is overrated. This camera is strictly for highly lit studios on a tripod, and that's about it. From my knowledge and the Ursa's I've worked with, it's maximum possible ISO is 800... Not ideal at all. Even then, in low light, 800 ISO produces a looooot of noise. Combined with the absurd weight of the camera, there's many more cameras that are 100x more versatile, lighter, better sensor, better image quality, for about the same price if not cheaper. Edit: Don't get me wrong, it's a good camera capable of many things, just don't know if it's the MAIN camera companies should go for.

[@alexandredmc]

does this process work on the sony fs7 camera? or only at blackmagic? I will buy this plate www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1082828-REG/blackmagic_design_bdlkhdextr4k12g_decklink_4k_extreme_12g.html/specs only 1 pc with 2x 2080 ti work? need a macbook to?

[@qntmstudios1214]

Pretty scary that an indie camera is £4K+ - the rest of the setup is very reasonable.

[@blender_wiki]

Nice vidéo but you do a big mistake, you don't expose the green screen and the skin tones at the same IRE value.

[@jeffreyrcassidy8011]

(XR AR MR) Integration Engineer

[@oddleiflarsen5374]

Awesome!

[@pureicedcoffee5917]

Can I use mobile phone replace HTC vive tracking?