Blackmagic's Ursa Mini 4.6K and Micro Cinema Camera, now on sale

The development of the global shutter in both cameras took longer than expected and caused a delay in its launch. Now, since the operation of the global shutter is not up to par with the products that Blackmagic offers to its users, the company has chosen to launch both models without this feature.

Blackmagic Design It already has the Ursa Mini 4.6K and Micro Cinema Camera on the market. Coinciding with this launch, the Australian company has made public on its web a short film that shows off the features offered by the Ursa Mini 4.6K model, as well as a behind-the-scenes film showing how the unit was used during filming.

Since both cameras were announced, Blackmagic Design has strived to begin production as soon as possible and fulfill orders already placed. However, the development of the global shutter in the two cameras has taken longer than expected and its launch was delayed due to problems in its implementation. The difficulties that arose were different in each case but, nevertheless, they are already on the street.

For the past six months, the company's engineers have tried in every way to resolve these problems. Since the operation of the global shutter is not up to par with the products that Blackmagic Design offers to its users, it has been decided to remove this feature in both models.

The main reason is that the results obtained by professional filmmakers and cinematographers who have tested the beta versions of the cameras over this time on various projects are extraordinary. In his opinion, the launch of these should not be postponed due to this function, since the main benefits they offer are given by the width of the dynamic range and not by the use of the global shutter. People who work in the digital production of high-end audiovisual content want to use this type of unit to take advantage of the 15 stops of dynamic range and high frame rate provided by the continuous shutter.

With the launch of the Ursa Mini 4.6K model, users will be able to choose between two completely different versions of this camera. Originally, it was thought to provide this model with additional features. However, the 4K and 4.6K versions are geared toward different types of projects, with the former's global shutter being more suitable for action-packed sports, while the latter's wide dynamic range is more appropriate for high-end digital imaging.

The Ursa Mini 4K model has been well received since its launch and thanks to its global shutter it allows recording 4K material with a high frame rate at 60 f/s, making it ideal for filming fast-paced sports shows. For its part, the Ursa Mini 4.6K version offers a dynamic range of 15 steps that is ideal for carrying out high-end projects. Now users have the possibility of choosing between both models depending on the type of work they do.

Those responsible for evaluating this camera have been impressed with the extraordinary quality of the images and their cinematic appearance. In his opinion, the colorimetry and the amplitude of the latitude are the most outstanding characteristics of the URSA Mini 4.6K model.

“Traditionally I had worked with cameras that were five times the price of this one and I am surprised by the capacity of the new 4.6K sensor,” confessed Jody Eldred, a cameraman who won an Emmy award for best cinematography, who has also done work for the programs ME, NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Good Morning America, and the National Geographic television network, among others. "The 15 stops of dynamic range are real, and the material recorded in RAW format with high contrast and graded with DaVinci Resolve 12 is a clear testament. The shadows are also very defined. It was a pleasant surprise for both me and my colorist. Blackmagic Design has really achieved something practically impossible with this model," he added.

Testing

The company recognizes and accepts that some users who pre-ordered the Ursa Mini 4.6K model may wish to modify their orders as a result of these changes.

The Blackmagic Design team wanted to test the camera first-hand on set, so they made a short film about it.

The production took place in all types of conditions, from low-light scenes to shots in full sun. Likewise, different types of accessories were used, including tripods, shoulder mounts, moving platforms, stabilizers and even a drone. The recorded material can be downloaded in 4K resolution from your web. Users also have at their disposal a video that documents the making of the short film, as well as three original files in RAW format that they can use to try to grade the different shots with the free version of DaVinci Resolve. By having the ability to adjust the color in the images captured with the camera, you get a true idea of ​​the latitude it is capable of achieving.

Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design, has apologized "for taking longer than expected to launch the Ursa Mini 4.6K and Micro Cinema Camera models, and we are disappointed not to be able to deliver the features we had promised. As a designer, I have always felt that my job is to provide a platform where our users can develop their creativity, but until we launch a product we cannot know what this scenario will be like. This camera is amazing and the images have a cinematic quality. The response we have received from reviewers is excellent, and has already been used in various feature films and national campaigns. The images we have captured so far transcend our initial expectations, and I look forward to seeing the incredible shots that will be obtained thanks to this new model.”

Blackmagic URSA Mini

This model is designed to be used in productions such as feature films, television series, advertisements, documentaries and music videos. The extraordinary quality of the 4.6K sensor and the dynamic range of 15 stops allow you to achieve spectacular shots with a cinematic look. Likewise, thanks to its compact design, it is ideal for working individually or in small teams.

It also has several threaded holes that allow you to add professional lenses, travel rails, filter holders and other accessories. Furthermore, the optional shoulder mount (Blackmagic Ursa Mini Shoulder Kit) has a docking plate that allows you to easily attach or remove the camera and place it on a tripod in a matter of seconds. For this reason, it is ideal for recording environments that require unexpected travel.

This new model features a frame made from a magnesium alloy with cutting-edge technology that provides great resistance, lightness and comfort for long days of recording. On the other hand, it incorporates functions such as signal histogram display, focus adjustment, audio intensity measurement and recording in RAW or ProRes format. It also includes excellent quality stereo microphones and a 5-inch folding screen that can be used to monitor images. In this way, the number of devices that must be transported from one location to another is drastically reduced, since this version integrates most of the features necessary on the recording set in a compact design.

The Ursa Mini model is a true professional quality digital cinema camera that offers a resolution of 4,608 x 2592 pixels. The 4.6K sensor has a dynamic range of 15 stops with a latitude that exceeds the conventional standard used in the film industry. Likewise, it allows filming content at 60 f/s for those who require higher frame rates. On the other hand, this version has an integrated cooling system that guarantees the width of the dynamic range and helps to refine the level of details in the lightest and darkest areas of the image. Recorded material can be saved in 12-bit Cinema DNG (RAW) format without loss of information to achieve the best possible quality, or in ProRes to minimize storage space and facilitate the post-production process.

The 0.25″ threaded holes located at the top and bottom of the camera provide the ability to add conventional accessories that users associate with larger models. All optional components for this model are specifically designed with the objective of optimizing its performance. Accessories developed by Blackmagic include a top handle and a shoulder mount consisting of a pad and attachment points to facilitate tripod use.

Main features of the Ursa Mini 4K model

• Four models depending on the type of sensor (4K or 4.6K) and mount (EF or PL).
• Two CFast 2.0 card slots allow you to record images without interruptions in extraordinary quality.
• Support for open source formats for editing programs such as DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro, Media Composer, and Premiere Pro.
• Support for CinemaDNG (RAW), ProRes 444
• Conventional connections include two
• Built-in stereo microphones for recording audio.
• 5-inch folding touch screen with HD 1080 resolution that allows you to modify settings and monitor images on the recording set.
• Optional shoulder support makes it easy to quickly switch support points with a tripod.
• Includes full copy of DaVinci Resolve.