Camera Test: URSA Cine 12K vs ARRI vs Sony vs RED
In today’s filmmaking landscape, filmmakers face an overwhelming number of options. Every new cinema camera promises to be a game-changer, boasting incredible specs, higher resolutions, and wider dynamic ranges. But beyond the marketing hype and online debates, one fundamental question remains for every cinematographer, director, and producer: How does the camera actually see the world?
How does it render the subtle nuances of skin tone? Does it handle the roll-off into highlights under a harsh sun? And does it interpret color and contrast under controlled studio lighting? Answering these questions is the key to making one of the most crucial creative decisions for any project.
That’s why Filmmakers Academy, in collaboration with the renowned Keslow Camera, has produced the definitive Camera Test Series. Spearheaded by ASC-caliber professionals, this is your backstage pass to a meticulously crafted, no-frills shootout between today’s top cinema cameras. We stripped away the variables to reveal the true character of each sensor, providing you with the visual knowledge to choose with confidence.
The Mission: A True Apples-to-Apples Comparison
The goal of this series was to eliminate guesswork. We pitted the groundbreaking Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF against the reigning industry heavyweights: the Sony Venice 2, the RED Raptor XL, the ARRI Alexa LF, and the ARRI Alexa 35.
To ensure a fair and scientifically accurate comparison, our methodology was rigorous and consistent across every single test.
| Single Camera Position | Every camera was shot from the exact same position, using matched focal lengths. |
| Identical Lensing & Filtration | The same lenses and Tiffen NATural ND filters were used on each camera. |
| Controlled Lighting | The lighting setup remained identical for each camera’s pass. |
| Consistent Subjects | The same two subjects, one with a light complexion and one with a dark complexion, were used throughout to evaluate skin tone rendering. |
| Calibration | Focus and color charts were used in every setup to ensure a perfect technical baseline for comparison. |
Anyone can look at specs, but this camera test is about seeing how each sensor interprets the exact same reality.
The Tests: Pushing Sensors to Their Limits
Our comprehensive series focuses on two key lighting environments. We present each one with both individual camera tests and direct side-by-side comparisons.
Day Interiors Camera Test
Shot under controlled 3200K tungsten light pushed through diffusion, this test is all about nuance. We evaluate how each camera system renders skin tones under warm, soft, artificial light. By pushing each camera through its ISO range (400 to 3200) with both wide and tight lenses, we reveal the true fidelity of its color science and the character of its noise pattern in a controlled studio setting.
Day Exteriors Camera Test
We took the cameras out into the harsh, beautiful light of a Southern California day. This test is the ultimate evaluation of dynamic range and color rendering under natural daylight. We analyze how each sensor handles the bright highlights of the sky, the subtle details in the shadows, and the complex interplay of light on both light and dark skin tones. We also test each camera’s internal NDs against external Tiffen NATural NDs, providing a clear look at any potential IR pollution or color shifts.
The Verdict is In Your Hands: Watch the Full Camera Test Series for FREE!
Reading about a camera’s performance is one thing. Seeing it for yourself is everything.
We are making the complete Keslow Camera | Camera Test Series available for you to watch right now, absolutely FREE, exclusively on the Filmmakers Academy platform. No strings attached.
Analyze the side-by-side comparisons, pixel-peep the skin tones, and see with your own eyes how the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF truly stacks up against the ARRI Alexa 35, Sony Venice 2, and RED Raptor XL. This series is an indispensable resource for any craftsman who knows that choosing the right camera isn’t about hype—it’s about how it sees the world.
Make your next camera choice an informed one.
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