Blackmagic Generation 6 Color Science

Blackmagic Design recently announced Blackmagic Camera 10.3, which added support for the new Generation 6 color science to the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF. The company has released a video that shows users how to access and use Blackmagic Generation 6 Color Science with the Blackmagic URSA Cine 12K LF and DaVinci Resolve 21.1.

Blackmagic Generation 6 Color Science is a new color processing update for Blackmagic cameras, especially the URSA Cine 12K LF, that was designed to enhance image quality and streamline post-production workflows. The Standard video color spaces from Gen 5 have been replaced by the Blackmagic Rec 709 BT1886 technical transform, specifically designed for Rec 709 displays. It adds integration for Live SMPTE 2110 workflows, enabling tally, talkback, and live shading via ATEM switch

The Generation 6 color science is available as a decoding option for Blackmagic RAW files in DaVinci Resolve 21.1 and Blackmagic RAW SDK 6.0. It can be used with existing Blackmagic RAW footage. When processing older files in DaVinci Resolve 21.1, Gen 6 is available as a selectable decoding option for your Blackmagic RAW footage. You can also use it with other Blackmagic cameras, including the PYXIS and the Pocket Cinema Camera line.

With the new Generation 6 color science, the default starting point for imaging has shifted from Blackmagic Film Wide Gamut to DaVinci Wide Gamut. According to Blackmagic Design, this results in more natural skin tones and improved color reproduction in bright, exposed areas.

With the URSA Cine 12K LF, the LUT Management has been updated, and now users can apply two separate LUTs simultaneously, where one output (e.g., the camera’s LCD) monitors in SDR while another (e.g., via SDI) monitors in HDR. The Generation 6 color science also introduces sophisticated, less processor-intensive LUT-based gamut compression, replacing the older in-camera toggle.