Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K Write Up

The URSA Mini 4.6K is the newest offering from Blackmagic Design, the same company that brought the highly sought after Blackmagic Cinema and Pocket Camera. This new camera promises a lot and on the heels of the popularity of the previous cameras  many are waiting with baited breath for information on the Ursa Mini.

Blackmagic URSA  Mini 4.6K Basics

• 4.6k Sesnsor
• 15 Stops Dynamic Range
• 1080 @120FPS
• EF, PL and B4 Mounts
• 5″ Touch Screen Monitor
• 12G SDI in/out
• 2 Phantom power XLR inputs

I had the chance to discuss some of the new URSA Mini with someone in the upper echelon of Blackmagic and although they can’t comment on rumors and of course other company’s products, they did offer up some fun information that does come officially from Blackmagic.

Unofficially Speaking

Now UNOFFICIALLY, the ship date has obviously been pushed back and rumors circling around the web claim that we should see production models shipping in the spring time. I am unsure as to what the hold up is but I do know that the camera is currently in its beta test stage, how far along or when that will be wrapped up I do not know.

Down to Business

Enough rumors and conjecture, let’s get to what I got from Blackmagic.

Foucault Design:
What Feature are you most excited about with the new URSA Mini camera?

Blackmagic Design:
URSA Mini’s lightweight design makes it ideal for handheld use. The digital film camera’s 4.6K sensor with 15 stops of dynamic range lets users capture epic cinematic shots, while its compact size is perfect for solo shoots or smaller crews.

Additionally, URSA Mini’s other features – built-in histograms, focus assist, audio level meters, dual RAW and ProRes recorders, high-quality stereo microphones and a 5” fold out screen that can be used as an on set monitor – reduce needed on-set equipment for shoots since so much is already built into the camera.

Furthermore, there is a B4 lens mount modification for URSA Mini PL that allows it to use broadcast HD lenses.

I don’t know about you, but the need for less gear on set or location especially because it’s built into the camera with that in mind is a huge plus.  The option for EF, PL and B4 broadcast lenses adds to the versatility of this camera. With its dynamic range, lens mount options and SDI outputs the Ursa mini could very well find its self at home in various live broadcast settings.

FD: What do you feel sets the URSA Mini apart from the URSA?

BMD: The URSA Mini’s miniaturized design is perfect for longterm, handheld use. It’s Blackmagic URSA Mini Shoulder Kit, which features a quick release mounting plate so it can go from handheld to shoulder or to a tripod in seconds, and the Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder, makes the camera perfect for pickup and run shooting situations.

Again doing some awesome things with the end user in mind, making it easier to swap or run and gun is great and something that I know I can appreciate. It’s the little things that save time and make life easier during production.

FD: Any info on the sensor, is it proprietary to Blackmagic or is it outsourced or redone from the URSA?

BMD:The 4.6K digital film sensor features high resolution of 4608 x 2592 at 120 frames per second and an extremely wide 15 stops of dynamic range. Blackmagic Design developed it for both the URSA and URSA Mini digital film cameras.

They are excited about this camera to say the least. Actually so am I and a lot of other people. The little bit of footage we see coming out of this thing is truly beautiful and the specs on paper make it look just as good. This camera is set to be a serious contender with cameras like Sony’s Fs5 or the Cannon C300 MkII or even some of the big boys like the Red Scarlet or the Arri Alexa Mini. The price and options and features make it a true contender. The raw and prores recording are great, the size is even better and the whopping 15 stops of dynamic range is down right scintillating.  I’m sure it can’t be with out its drawbacks. The biggest one that I can see is the media. It takes cFast cards, and those babies aren’t cheap.  That’s one of the biggest things that I think will keep this out of the hands of filmmakers but not for long as I suspect the price of that media will drop significantly like the SDHC cards did.

Final Thoughts

If this camera lives up to the hype, and I think it will.  It will be worth waiting as ship dates get pushed back.  I think practically speaking this camera will fit well into many sorts of productions, indie film, corporate commercial work and serious film making. Things I like, the dynamic range and camera raw make this enticing.  It would allow a lot of room in post to fix what ever issues may arise.  But the built in 5′ touch screen monitor with histograms, focus assist and audio levels will help make sure you get it right the first time.  That mixed with the small size and run and gun options available it makes it ideal for the smaller one man crews who do corporate video work day in and day out. So, I  say give it a shot, try before you buy of course.  But if it lives up to the hype, it will be an incredible tool in your kit.  If you’d like, you can try the now shipping 4K version, more on it from Blackmagic here.

Oh, and I will be doing a full review of this camera when they become available, don’t miss out on that and subscribe to my blog to get all my articles right in your inbox.

You heard what I think about the URSA Mini, I would love to know what your thoughts are.  Let me know what you think in the comments below.