Mini 4.6K release update

I for one would like to welcome our new robot overlords.

Well, only one week to go before the BMD vs distributors update head bang ...... I can't help but wonder what the outcome will be and will we be privy to any of the goings on. BMD for sure will invoke the "cone of silence" to match their past record and the distributors will be shackled with an NDA before attending.

cone of silence.jpg (160.16 KiB) Viewed 11908 times

..... and out here in the trenches, I'm sure the crickets will be chirping madly!!!

Or the reviewer posted to the wrong camera.

..which tells you quite a bit. Also calling the EVF "expensive." Sure, if you've never shopped for EVF's before.

Agreed... Its picture quality rivals Tatu of the Gratical, which costs 2X as much, and Red's oled evf costs close to $4k...

Whoooo hoooo......Black Magic update all of their prospective customers on the 4.6K

World peace has happened, Elon Musk is living on Mars and Robots rule the world.

What do you mean? Has black magic updated us somewhere? I haven't seen anything...

Whoooo hoooo......Black Magic update all of their prospective customers on the 4.6K

World peace has happened, Elon Musk is living on Mars and Robots rule the world.

What do you mean? Has black magic updated us somewhere? I haven't seen anything...

On BM's website.

BM46KShipping.jpg (98.73 KiB) Viewed 11703 times

Whoooo hoooo......Black Magic update all of their prospective customers on the 4.6K

World peace has happened, Elon Musk is living on Mars and Robots rule the world.

What do you mean? Has black magic updated us somewhere? I haven't seen anything...

On BM's website.

BM46KShipping.jpg

Thanks, but I don't see anything on their homepage, on the product page or anywhere else... do you have a link?

Thanks, but I don't see anything on their homepage, on the product page or anywhere else... do you have a link?

See above. It's a standing joke.

Thanks, but I don't see anything on their homepage, on the product page or anywhere else... do you have a link?

See above. It's a standing joke.

Oh. I didn't see the image in the post before. The shipping in February button is old news... which equates to no news.

At this point in time BM has pretty much lost all credibility when it comes to shipping dates.

At this point in time BM has pretty much lost all credibility when it comes to shipping dates.

My parents were born and adopted six children in between updates from BMD...go figure how anyone could figure this was professional and normal.

Just came across this promising tease.

https://twitter.com/onerivermedia

At this point in time BM has pretty much lost all credibility when it comes to shipping dates.

My parents were born and adopted six children in between updates from BMD...go figure how anyone could figure this was professional and normal.

Let me guess, you are a fruit fly?

Resolve 2.3 update came out last Thursday and contains a Blackmagic 4.6K Film to Rec 709 LUT.
Does anyone else think this is a good sign?

I think it is Paul. Perhaps the next good sign would be an update to the URSA User Manual. As of their October 2015 version, the only reference to the Mini is in its 4K incarnation. An update to include 4.6K models would indicate production units are about to ship. That's my guess though.



v/r
Andy

I think it is Paul. Perhaps the next good sign would be an update to the URSA User Manual. As of their October 2015 version, the only reference to the Mini is in its 4K incarnation. An update to include 4.6K models would indicate production units are about to ship. That's my guess though.

v/r
Andy

Agreed.
And the appearance of 4.6K Raw files, as per JB's prophesy.

At this point is it even worth worth buying 2 months before NAB?

At this point is it even worth worth buying 2 months before NAB?

That's true.
We could wait for cameras announced in April and wait for a year for them.

I think the URSA Mini 4.6 is going to be a hard camera to beat! Look to NAB 2016 for refinements, more than a new camera like the 4.6. We might see a Pocket II or a 2K URSA Mini type camera, with an update to the original 2.5K sensor to match the 4.6, with a EF and MFT mount. Also we might see. BM MFT to B4 adapter for the Micro Studio and the B4 lens connection adapter. Perhaps a new Studio camera with B4 mount and camera connector plug, etc... I think 2016 will be a year of refinements and accessories to the existing lineup, rather than new innovations like the 4.6 camera. That is my prediction...
Cheers

Sure, you can wait for NAB. Just don't start playing the chasing camera game. Every time a new one that is "better" is announced, you'll be buying that one, or waiting for it to be released.

Just be careful not to fall into that trap.

Exactly Paul, if the Mini 4.6 punches all or most of the buttons you need in a camera today, than get the Mini 4.6 -- why wait, you are not going to get a "better" camera for several years. Professional Camera development seems to come in a two-three year cycle, pros do not go out a buy a new camera every year, when some small refinement is made. They need to get a return in their investment first, and useually upgrade when there has been a "major" development, like a much improved sensor or video processor addressing previous shortcomings in a camera. Cheers

At this point is it even worth worth buying 2 months before NAB?

Yes, most definitely. Buy what's available when you need it. If you are always waiting for new gear, you will always be using old gear.

At this point is it even worth worth buying 2 months before NAB?

Yes, most definitely. Buy what's available when you need it. If you are always waiting for new gear, you will always be using old gear.

You nailed it with that quote Dave!

Resolve 2.3 update came out last Thursday and contains a Blackmagic 4.6K Film to Rec 709 LUT.
Does anyone else think this is a good sign?

Huh, didn't notice that. Will have to test it out.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Huh, didn't notice that. Will have to test it out.

Well...yeah! Since you've got one!

Exactly Paul, if the Mini 4.6 punches all or most of the buttons you need in a camera today, than get the Mini 4.6 -- why wait, you are not going to get a "better" camera for several years.

[quot

Huh, didn't notice that. Will have to test it out.

Well...yeah! Since you've got one!

Huh, didn't notice that. Will have to test it out

Hahaha.

It looks like crap when you apply it to Pocket raw.
I can see how Jodi Eldred's 4.6K airport footage got so messed up.
Looking forward to your thoughts Tim.

I think the URSA Mini 4.6 is going to be a hard camera to beat! Look to NAB 2016 for refinements, more than a new camera like the 4.6

+1

The 4.6K sensor might go in other cameras, but there's very little I would change in the Ursa Mini. The forrm factor is spot on. An Ursa Mini mkii might have a few refinements like reversible touchscreen with audio meters, timecode, remaining storage, battery. External on/off button and audio pots, EBU audio, universal interchangable mount. Built in LCD ND.
But this would be a more expensive camera.

Resolve 2.3 update came out last Thursday and contains a Blackmagic 4.6K Film to Rec 709 LUT.
Does anyone else think this is a good sign?

Hate to burst the bubble but this has been the case since the previous resolve update


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Resolve 2.3 update came out last Thursday and contains a Blackmagic 4.6K Film to Rec 709 LUT.
Does anyone else think this is a good sign?

Hate to burst the bubble but this has been the case since the previous resolve update

Umm no it hasn't. No bubbles bursting here.
2.2 doesn't have it
2.3 does.

Unless the full Studio version was different.

I really hope the 4.6K Film to Rec 709 LUT. in the newly released Resolve 2.3 is a good sign. I might be clinging to straws. Any sign is a good sign. I am at the stage where I am scared to open my email. Scared I get news of another delay.

I have ordered a URSA Mini 4.6K EF Mount for a feature film shoot that starts in the middle of March. I am now getting extremely nervous about the promised delivery date. It changed recently from the JAN to FEB, in an instant. What would prevent it from changing again from FEB to MARCH. I really thing Blackmagic should be more open to all of us who have ordered this camera, and give us a real DATE. I am going to look like a right royal fool having to explain another delivery delay to my clients. Pease join me in kindly demanding a real release date from Blackmagic. Nervous Willie from South Africa.

I am really hoping the reason for the delay is to put out a clear upgrade over the 4K model. If so, please take your time and get it right.

v/r
Andy

I am really hoping the reason for the delay is to put out a clear upgrade over the 4K model. If so, please take your time and get it right.

v/r
Andy

i don't know about that review.
i think there was some quality difference since he wasn't recording to the CFast card and used the Video Assist for recording. i have a Mini 4K and have NEVER seen those janky horizontal lines dancing like that!

I am really hoping the reason for the delay is to put out a clear upgrade over the 4K model. If so, please take your time and get it right.




v/r
Andy

i don't know about that review.
i think there was some quality difference since he wasn't recording to the CFast card and used the Video Assist for recording. i have a Mini 4K and have NEVER seen those janky horizontal lines dancing like that!

Great to hear. I just ordered the 4K. What about the XLR inputs? Do the suck as much as described in the video?

I am really hoping the reason for the delay is to put out a clear upgrade over the 4K model. If so, please take your time and get it right.

v/r
Andy

I'm getting really tired of these "Its not specifically for me so its not good for anyone" reviews... That sensor has been out for two years, we all know that ISO 800 is not good. The camera is going to weigh around 8kg fully equipped, which is similar to any other cinema camera.

Most reviews are comparing the mini to a DSLR (same thing happened when the BMCC and BMPC came out) and they are completely different beasts.

He's complaining about the camera being big and heavy, but weights the camera with the accessories on it. He's complaining about HDMI out, this is a cinema camera. Does anyone complain that Arri doesn't have an HDMI out? Jeez that is one ridiculous review. Cinema cameras need light, some more than others. It seems this person is still in a DSLR frame of mind.

I am really hoping the reason for the delay is to put out a clear upgrade over the 4K model. If so, please take your time and get it right

Andres, the 4.6k sensor is not an upgrade of the 4k sensor. It's a completely new design from the ground up. There is plenty of beta footage out there now that shows the strengths of the new sensor and that the two biggest problems with the 4k sensor are not present in the 4.6k, FPN and black hole sun spot. It's also pretty clear, this is just an opinion however, that the 4.6k is very close to being released.

As for the review you posted, I would not take it seriously in the slightest. One of the things that has happened with manufacturing such affordable cinema cameras is that they are ending up in the hands of people who are looking for a consumer level camera, not knowing the basics of how to shoot manually. As others have pointed out, this review seems to be from the perspective of a DSLR user.

Also, the URSA Mini 4K has the updated 4K Ver 2 sensor, which only came out last year on the URSA, not two years ago.

I am really hoping the reason for the delay is to put out a clear upgrade over the 4K model. If so, please take your time and get it right

Andres, the 4.6k sensor is not an upgrade of the 4k sensor. It's a completely new design from the ground up. There is plenty of beta footage out there now that shows the strengths of the new sensor and that the two biggest problems with the 4k sensor are not present in the 4.6k, FPN and black hole sun spot. It's also pretty clear, this is just an opinion however, that the 4.6k is very close to being released.

As for the review you posted, I would not take it seriously in the slightest. One of the things that has happened with manufacturing such affordable cinema cameras is that they are ending up in the hands of people who are looking for a consumer level camera, not knowing the basics of how to shoot manually. As others have pointed out, this review seems to be from the perspective of a DSLR user.

Hi Dave,
I think what he meant were things like the sticky XLR plugs and a maybe noisy fan. If it is so, these are valid reasons for an upgrade... and yes, I would wait 2 more weeks for a power button (or a programmable button for this) on the screen.

"DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA"
This guy annoys the hell out of me.
I saw his other videos about the Mini and he is in no position to give an informed opinion about the camera, let alone blaring to the world, 'Do Not Buy This Camera'.
Others have nailed where he is mistaken.
The most glaring mistake being to dis the low light ability of the 4K Mini, not understanding the trade-off with DR. His 5D3 will give him low light capability, with corresponding FPN and random noise.
When you realise he recorded this to a Video Assist, the cause of the horizontal lines needs to be investigated with this in mind. Was he using quality shielded SDI cables? Why are some getting good images from the Mini without this issue?
Audio. Obviously does not have a good grasp of audio recording. Just because his Tascam has a higher level signal means nothing. If the gain is cranked up on the Tascam, so is the noise. Either use a mic with a higher output, or a pre-amp. His beef with the XLR design is ridiculous.
The Mini weighs 1.2 Kgs more than a 5D3. Suck it up or don't use tons of 15mm rigging.
ND filter. NO, you don't need it. Either get a VND or a matte box. Does the 5D3 have VND's? No.

With so many unobjective, half arsed criticisms it seems to me like he's going after BM.
Maybe he's hoping to return his 4K and trade up to the 4.6K. If so, he should have waited.

For me the only valid point he makes is the lack of an external button.
This seems to be an aesthetic choice by BM and not one I like, but hey, you can't please everyone all of the time,
obviously.

"DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA"
This guy annoys the hell out of me.
I saw his other videos about the Mini and he is in no position to give an informed opinion about the camera, let alone blaring to the world, 'Do Not Buy This Camera'.
Others have nailed where he is mistaken.
The most glaring mistake being to dis the low light ability of the 4K Mini, not understanding the trade-off with DR. His 5D3 will give him low light capability, with corresponding FPN and random noise.
When you realise he recorded this to a Video Assist, the cause of the horizontal lines needs to be investigated with this in mind. Was he using quality shielded SDI cables? Why are some getting good images from the Mini without this issue?
Audio. Obviously does not have a good grasp of audio recording. Just because his Tascam has a higher level signal means nothing. If the gain is cranked up on the Tascam, so is the noise. Either use a mic with a higher output, or a pre-amp. His beef with the XLR design is ridiculous.
The Mini weighs 1.2 Kgs more than a 5D3. Suck it up or don't use tons of 15mm rigging.
ND filter. NO, you don't need it. Either get a VND or a matte box. Does the 5D3 have VND's? No.

With so many unobjective, half arsed criticisms it seems to me like he's going after BM.
Maybe he's hoping to return his 4K and trade up to the 4.6K. If so, he should have waited.

For me the only valid point he makes is the lack of an external button.
This seems to be an aesthetic choice by BM and not one I like, but hey, you can't please everyone all of the time,
obviously.

Don't worry i spoke with him earlier after i posted on his page..seems like a nice guy, he going to update his video after i explained somethings he should know before posting a review with a caption like that.

"DO NOT BUY THIS CAMERA"
OK so looking at the DNG's he posted on his Youtube page, I see the horizontal banding.
Dud? RMA it.
Firmware? How come not everyone is getting this issue?

Many people are, it is a known confirmed issue by BM. The camera does a black balance on startup and then as the camera warms the black balance is no longer valid and the lines begin to appear, or something along those lines. The work around is to power cycle once the camera is warm to reset the black balance and remove the lines. Both Hook and JB have commented about it.

I was wondering if these cameras do black shading.
Inconvenient, but a simple workaround.

So after seeing this video, reading posts here and reviews on B&H, I think I understand or can dismiss most of the negative comments about the 4K except for the issue of hot white pixels. Any 4K owners on here seeing them? Is it an issue only experienced by a few users or more widespread? Anyone hear from BMD about this issue?

In contrast to, "Do Not Buy This Camera",

Meet Rambo:

What's the consensus, do you think BMD's quality control is slipping? I for one am extremely nervous after reading the reviews of the 4K, and have considered cancelling my 4.6k order several times. Yes, I agree that some of the reviews on B&H and online are bogus, and the video "don't buy this camera" was done by a novice. But I'm sorry there shouldn't be that many bad reviews, especially when the camera is shipping in limited quantities. It has me worried that in the rush to get these cameras out BMD threw quality control out the window. I even have a good friend who's had to RMA 2 cameras and is on his third, the good news is his newest camera seems to be running right (I'll try to get him on here to discuss his experiences)

I volunteer at a local college and I have been asked by just about all the students if they should invest in the Ursa Mini 4K, and as of late I've changed my answer to no, and tell them to simply wait. The camera is extremely cheap for what you get but for a lot of the students $3k is a lot of money, and frankly I'm not sure how these cameras will hold up over time. I'd love to hear some opinions.

So after seeing this video, reading posts here and reviews on B&H, I think I understand or can dismiss most of the negative comments about the 4K except for the issue of hot white pixels. Any 4K owners on here seeing them? Is it an issue only experienced by a few users or more widespread? Anyone hear from BMD about this issue?

i still think the XLR jacks are an issue for me. i've resulted in just using the onboard mics for reference audio... for the simple fact that i'm tired of trying to pull an XLR cable out of my Ursa Mini in fear of breaking it!

Well B&H updated their shipping date to March 1

[Tony Rivera]

Locked due to varying off-topic.