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Features
- Super-35mm CMOS Sensor
- 4K video (4000 x 2160) to 60fps
- 12 stops Dynamic Range
- 12G-SDI Output, Timecode and REF Input
- Ready-to-Edit ProRes 444 + 422 Recording
- Compressed & Uncompressed Raw Recording
- 2x CFast 2.0 Memory Card Slots
- 5” (1920 x 1080) LCD capacitive touchscreen
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Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K Camera Introduction Video
Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K Camera Overview
The handheld-friendly Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K Camera sports a global-shutter sensor built with a dynamic range of 12 stops and Super-35mm 4K. Its EF-mount is also capable of accommodating a myriad of popular lenses to ensure aesthetic possibilities.
Moreover, the unit comes with a side handle that is compatible with a rosette located on the side of the camera. This feature is used to control the start and stop function with the use of a LANC connection. This mini camcorder is also capable of producing cinematic images via recording raw sensor data onto CFast 2.0 memory cards in CinemaDNG format at 60 fps.
Design & Features
The URSA mini 4K Camera from Blackmagic Design has an ergonomic shape and apt size which allows this handheld camera to shoot in various environments for music videos, indie films, feature films, documentaries and commercials. It comes with an optional shoulder mount complete with a built-in plate with a quick-release feature.
This can turn the URSA Mini from being a handheld camcorder into a shoulder camera or tripod camera in seconds. Moreover, the camera has a body made of magnesium alloy that accounts to its being lightweight. There is also a side handle that comes with the package for better handling. The optional shoulder mount, on the other hand, can be used to extend the handle for documentary-style configuration.
This compact camera comes with a 4K Super-35mm sensor with 3840 x 2160 native shooting resolution as well as 1920 x 1080 with a global shutter that prevents motion and flash banding unlike rolling shutter sensors. The size of the sensor is capable of recreating shallow depth of field. It also has a 12-stop dynamic range wide-enough for allowing more data in working with color correction as well as retaining detail even with highlight and shadow image portions.
As for connections, this 4K camera has multiple. One is the 12G-SDI output that can accommodate up to 2160p60 with the use of a single BNC cable. It can also be switched to HD-SDI or 6G-SDI based on the shooting format. There are also 2 LANC inputs, phantomed-power audio, reference input, HD-SDI monitoring out and balanced XLR.
Moreover, located on the front right side is the HD-SDI monitoring output as well as the 4-pin XLR DC that can be connected to the on-set monitor or the optional viewfinder.
The Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K Camera comes with 2 media card slots for CFast 2.0 SD cards. The display is a diagonal 5” LCD capacitive touchscreen with 1920 x 1080 resolution.
The 4K URSA Mini provides compressed raw recording at a 3:1 compression ratio to save space while retaining post-production flexibility. It is also capable of recording UHD 3840 x 2160 and 1080p video with the use of ProRes fiels that are ready-to-edit within the 444 and 422 chroma subsampling variations for any workflow.
As for UHD footage it cans be recorded at a rate of 312.5 MB in ProRes 444 XQ and in at 1080pin ProRes 422 Proxy file at 5.6 MB data rate. The power can also be supplied using the 4-pin XLR jack situated at the back of the camera. Moreover, Gold-Mount and V-Mount batteries can also be used for power.
Other features of the URSA Mini 4K Camera include built-in microphones in high quality capable of professional audio features. Software is also included, the Da Vinci Resolve saved in a USB dongle which is compatible to both MAC and Windows. It is capable of handling 12-bit log RAW images from URSA Mini.
Pros and Cons
One of the pros of the URSA Mini 4K Camera from Blackmagic Design has an ergonomic shape that makes it comfortable to carry on the shoulder. It is also equipped with an excellent OLED viewfinder. Its Global Shutter feature is also a plus in this small and lightweight camcorder. Moreover, has a universal battery mount that can accommodate both V-Mount and Gold-Mount batteries.
As for the drawbacks of this model, the absence of ND filters is one of the few cons. It also has a Shuttle Angle feature so it is hard to make adjustments as opposed to having Shutter Speed. Moreover, the on/off menu is located behind the LCD screen.
Final Thoughts
Overall, this compact handheld camcorder is a powerful shooting machine with some weaknesses as well. However, the great features of the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K outweigh its not-so-good qualities. The Global Shutter feature, for one, comes in handy in times the shooting scenario cannot be handled by any other camera.
Camera Features
Sensor Size
22mm x 11.88mm (Super35).
Shooting Resolutions
4000 x 2160
3840 x 2160
1920 x 1080
Frame Rates
Maximum sensor frame rate dependent on resolution and codec selected.Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps supported.
Dynamic Range
12 stops
Focus
Focus button turns on peaking, auto focus available using compatible lenses.
Iris Control
Iris button automatically adjusts the lens iris settings on compatible lenses so no pixel is clipped in film mode. Scene average auto exposure in video mode.
Lens Mount
EF Mount
Screen Dimensions
1 x 5” – 1920 x 1080
Screen Type
LCD capacitive touchscreen
Metadata Support
Automatic camera data and user data such as shot number, filenames and keywords.
Controls
Touchscreen menus on 5” screen. Push buttons for other controls. 2 assignable shortcut keys.
Microphone
2 x built in cardioid microphones for stereo recording with -15dB pad and low cut filter.
Speaker
1 x mono speaker, enabled in playback mode when headphones are not used.
Storage Features
Storage Rates
4000 x 2160
CinemaDNG RAW – 265 MB/s
CinemaDNG RAW 3:1 – 125 MB/s
3840 x 2160
Apple ProRes 444 XQ – 250 MB/s
Apple ProRes 444 – 165 MB/s
Apple ProRes 422 HQ – 110 MB/s
Apple ProRes 422 – 73.6 MB/s
Apple ProRes 422 LT – 51 MB/s
Apple ProRes Proxy – 22.4 MB/s
1920 x 1080
Apple ProRes 444 XQ – 62.5 MB/s
Apple ProRes 444 – 41.25 MB/s
Apple ProRes 422 HQ – 27.5 MB/s
Apple ProRes 422 – 18.4 MB/s
Apple ProRes 422 LT – 12.75 MB/s
Apple ProRes Proxy – 5.6 MB/s
Storage rates based on 30 frames per second.
Storage Type
2 x CFast 2.0
Please click here for a summary of compatible media.
Recording Formats
Lossless CinemaDNG RAW and RAW 3:1 with film dynamic range at 4000 x 2160. Apple ProRes XQ, 444, 422 HQ, 422 LT and 422 Proxy at 3840 x 2160 and 1920 x 1080 with either film or video dynamic range.
Connections
SDI Video Output
1 x 12G-SDI BNC 10-bit 4:2:2
1 x 3G-SDI BNC 10-bit 4:2:2
SDI Video Input
SDI Video Input
Please click here for a summary of recommended cables to use with Blackmagic 12G-SDI products.
Ref/ Timecode Input
1 x BNC reference or timecode input with automatic detection
Analog Audio Input
2 x XLR analog switchable between mic and line levels. Phantom power support.
SDI Audio Output
2 channel
Headphones
3.5mm stereo headphone jack
Remote Control
2 x 2.5mm LANC input for Rec Start/Stop, plus Iris and Focus control using compatible lenses.
Computer Interface
USB 2.0 Mini-B port for software updates.
Standards
SDI Compliance
SMPTE 292M, SMPTE 424 Level B, Draft SMPTE 2081-1, Draft SMPTE 2082-1
SDI Audio Sampling
48 kHz and 24 bit
Software
Software Included
DaVinci Resolve Studio grading software including Resolve USB dongle for Mac OS X and Windows.
Blackmagic Media Express software.
Blackmagic Disk Speed Test.
Blackmagic Camera Setup.
Operating Systems
Mac OS X 10.10 Yosemite,Mac OS X 10.11 El Capitan or later.
Windows 8.1 or Windows 10.Power Requirements
External Power Input
1 x 4-pin XLR port for external power or battery use.
1 x 4-pin XLR port for external power or battery use. 1 x 12-pin molex connector on rear battery plate.
Custom V-mount battery plate with D-tap +12V regulated output from camera.
External Power Output
1 x 12V output using 4-pin XLR for powering external accessories such as EVF.
1 x 12V regulated output from rear molex 12-way connector.
Power
Rear camera mount compatible with industry standard V-mount or Gold Mount battery plates.
Accessories
Optional Accessories
Blackmagic URSA Mini Shoulder Kit including top handle and extender arm
Blackmagic URSA Viewfinder
VLock Battery Plate
Physical Specifications
Environmental Specifications
Operating Temperature
0° to 40° C (32° to 104° F)
Storage Temperature
-20° to 45° C (-4° to 113° F)
Relative Humidity
0% to 90% non-condensing
What’s Included
Blackmagic URSA Mini 4K EF
Turret Dust Cap
Side Handle with LANC Cable and strap
Power supply
SD card with software and manual
DaVinci Resolve Studio USB dongle
Warranty
Product Warranty
12 Month Limited Manufacturer’s Warranty.
Unboxing the Blackmagic Design URSA Mini 4K Camera
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