Ursa Mini!

... Glass will last nearly forever if you care for it, Cameras and sensors? Not so much...

Right! My advice would be to invest in quality glass as modern cameras are fast becoming highly disposable 'sensor blocks' in danger of becoming rapidly obsolete.

My considerable investment in Zeiss Contax FF primes has served me well since the late 80s on multiple cameras - both film and digital. Adapted to various manufacturers and/or sensor formats over the years, I imagine they will continue to serve me well into the future.

Hmm, I do hope some kind of option whether to use rolling or global shutter, but I think that's too much to hope for. Since I'm a VFX guy I prefer global shutter, but I know rolling can be beneficial in other situations... Tough choice.

100 bucks it'll be rolling shutter !!! With 15 stops DR... can't be other way.

Men at BMD, i love you all !!!!! Hug paaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrttttyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy !!!!!!! This camera seems to answer many of my expectations.

Thank you.

Preorder when it is available.

They should have named it URSA Minor...

They don't see Ursa Minor from Australia!

$2995 for an ENG camera is amazing, but it's still $30K+ for a decent PL ENG lens. What's the point?

The point is, that you save at least 20k on the camera, pretty obvious, isn't it?

No, because the full URSA is still a better buy. All I'm interested in is the EVF.

I've been holding off on the full URSA, but unless I see something big in the next few hours, the URSA V2 sensor is what I'm going with.

A third camera to come yet

I've been holding off on the full URSA, but unless I see something big in the next few hours, the URSA V2 sensor is what I'm going with.

^^ This

If the sensor is the same as the mini, and there's the option to switch between rolling and global shutter (but keeps the 15-stops of DR) then I am sold!

I wonder what will happen to the BMPC4K if that becomes the URSA Mini's entry point price.

Oh, and any chances of swappable mounts?

It's going to be nicknamed URSA Minor, for sure. Although i'd call it Ursula...

And to those who already complain because they bought a camera in the last couple of weeks: don't fear, you'll probably not be able to buy the Ursula before fall.

not $2995.

Webpage updated with all new releases!!

A 240GB KineMAG costs $699...plus shipping and import taxes.

SSD raid would be much more cost effective.


PL

that is crazy. you just doubled your chance of failure and you have to have a box that has the hardware to raid or put that cost into the camera. then you need the EXACT SAME raid controler on the computer side to read the drives if they aren't in a mag. RAID 0 is raid 0 until you find out its not. if you have more then one drive (card whatever) then you are going to have to have some sort of parity check and that is just going to add to the cost which is why those other mags cost what they cost. They are safeish.

Finally,
Rolling shutter at 60fps and global shutter at 30fps! Awsome!

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/produc ... icursamini

Its nice that it's somewhat expensive so I don't try to get my hands on it or maybe I should

Just wow, great form factor just like the Sony FS7. So if the image quality is close or the same as the C300 MKII, would people give the URSA Mini a glance? The Canon brand and easy workflow seems to be worth $$$ to people though.

not $2995.

Maybe that Australian or better yet Canadian $ ? haha yeah its not but one can be delusional in hope.

Or read the release I just got as an email just this very minute.

There are 4 models of URSA Mini as there is two lens mounts and two sensor options. URSA Mini 4K EF is $2,995, URSA Mini 4K PL is $3,495. With the new 4.6K sensor, URSA Mini 4.6K EF is $4,995 and URSA Mini 4.6K PL is $5,495. URSA Mini will be available late July and a lot more information is available on our URSA Mini web site below.

Interesting to note that the lower cost Ursa Mini only has 12 stops of dynamic range versus the 15 found in the 4.6k version...

Full details of Blackmagic URSA Mini on BM's website here:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicursamini


Jules

So...

URSA Mini (4 versions), Micro Cinema Camera, Micro Studio Camera 4K, Viewfinder, Video Assist to name a few.

Let's not forget Davinci Resolve 12 and Fusion 8.

I wonder what they are going to call their next, even smaller cameras at NAB '16: Baby Ursa? Ursa Cup? Ursa minuscule?

Well they've removed the BMPC4k from the website so I suppose that means it's discontinued. I hope they continue to support it in software upgrades. A windowed 60fps upgrade would be a nice consolation prize.

Well they've removed the BMPC4k from the website so I suppose that means it's discontinued. I hope they continue to support it in software upgrades. A windowed 60fps upgrade would be a nice consolation prize.

It was my first assumption as well, but the camera is still listed with the other cinema camera.

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/cinemacameras

Looking at it all, it seems the base EF Ursa Mini (and the big Ursa) use the same 12 stop 4k sensor that is in the 4K Production Camera. The new 4.6k sensor is the new one with 15stops dynamic range.

Side note: The 4k Production Camera didn't get an update with 2.1 and still has some outstanding updates to bring it back in line with the other cinema cameras. Perhaps 60p could still be coming? Who knows.

It looks like the weight isn't listed on the tech specs page. Just references to "light-weight". Anyone know?

Edit: Nevermind, 5lbs

My question is about ISO/ASA. It's not mentioned in any of the new cameras. What the native? How high does it go now?

You bought a camera 3 months before NAB? And now you are asking for a upgrade credit - Seriously?

Yeah, a 1/4 of a year prior and 6 from the projected release, which would only be 3 months from the "3 months til NAB period" for next year/next models. I'm not saying a 100% trade up, hell, 10% would be great. Something to counter act the Moore's Law effect, or at least make me feel I'm not pissing into the wind.

I really hope they will offer the side handle itself too, for example for the production or the cinema camera...

This mini looks like a great buy. I'd love to hear the native ISO of the 4.6k sensor. 800? I also wish this came in a mft mount so we could throw on a speedbooster. I imagine that might be coming later.

Here's hoping FPN is a thing of the past!

Ease of use in actual operation is what will make or break this one for its intended use. In all the photos and video I've seen so far of the new handle, it doesn't appear to have an iris wheel at all. It looks like just the same auto iris button that appears on the BMCC, etc. So, I gotta wonder how manual control of the iris is going to be achieved on this camera while shooting. Also, their mention of third party lanc control is nice, but so far I haven't found a single one that works well enough to yield decent, fast results that compare to the beautifully thought out controls on the C300 side handle. I know it's great to use glass with manual iris ring, but they built the URSA mini with an EF mount and the majority of those lenses have internal iris that requires camera control.
Does anyone know where on the Ursa mini the control to open and close the iris are? Is there the ability to manually control the iris from the handle?

... So if the image quality is close or the same as the C300 MKII, would people give the URSA Mini a glance? The Canon brand and easy workflow seems to be worth $$$ to people though.

Can the C300 record ProRes 444 XQ UHD in camera? If so I would think the image quality would be similar for a fraction of the price. But you also have the option to record raw 3:1 or raw 4:1 in camera and build your own image in post. Can the C300?

Rick Lang
Sent using Tapatalk HD

Looking at it all, it seems the base EF Ursa Mini (and the big Ursa) use the same 12 stop 4k sensor that is in the 4K Production Camera. The new 4.6k sensor is the new one with 15stops dynamic range.

Side note: The 4k Production Camera didn't get an update with 2.1 and still has some outstanding updates to bring it back in line with the other cinema cameras. Perhaps 60p could still be coming? Who knows.

Hope so. They skipped 2.2 firmware and came up with URSA mini. Should we consider this a paid upgrade of BMPC4K costing $ 2995? Don't know yet!

Hi there,

1. URSA Mini + DJI Ronin compatibility?
2. No internal battery?
3. Will be shipping HDMI-out-less?
4. Is there any link to check for some demo dngs?

Thanks.

New video with Grant Petty here:

Sure it's shoulder mounted, by why call it an ENG camera?

Besides.... ENG functions, for a 4k Prores, or 4.6k RAW cam.... that's a little silly isn't it?

Would you say the Alexa and Amira are silly? The F900? Etc.
ENG and EFP are the same style for slightly different purposes.

I'm so glad to see the return of the ENG style.
DSLR's have caused a revolution in EFP but their ergonomics are shite.

"Everything we do is open. I don't like closed ecosystems"

What a great man

The new 'mini' seems to tick a lot of boxes but let's hope it one day includes a MFT mount because like the Production 4K camera, it is compromised with an EF Mount. Sure, there's a PL option but that restricts it's use again. For my money, the most exciting release this year is the Micro Studio Camera - a very versatile HD/4K sensor block which can be mated to virtually any current glass including B4 ENG/EFP lenses.

Got to play with the mini today. this is the basic info I got from one of the nice BM guys. The body only weighs 5lbs. With the new sensor you can choose between rolling and global. You get up to 30 frames with 4K RAW but up to 60 with 4:1 RAW. ISO's range from 200-1600 with the native being 800. The media is CFAST cards (dual slots).

The $2,995 Mini has the same sensor as the old URSA & BMPC.

Also, with regards to the BMPC 4K, one of the BM guys told me to 'stay tuned'...he would give me anything further, another BM guy told me there may be a firmware coming soon but offered no details. It was apparent they were all there to talk about the Mini. In fact, the only cameras available for a hands on demo were the URSA & URSA Mini.

Hi there,

1. URSA Mini + DJI Ronin compatibility?
2. No internal battery?
3. Will be shipping HDMI-out-less?
4. Is there any link to check for some demo dngs?

Thanks.

It should do fine on a Ronin, or a Helix. They told me that the production model is going to be lighter than the display models, because of the magnesium chassis, but also the EVF and handle were on the display models, and will be easier to remove on the production models. Even with them, a Ronin or Helix could fly it. It's also pretty small; not much bigger than an Epic.

I though the ursa mini was $2995 for the 4.6k sensor. I was a little disappointed that it was $4995 because that put it at the Ursa prices. I hope the mini will drop in price soon. Will wait for the price drop. Anyhow your prices are always incredible to beat. Great job this time. From the owner of the production and cinema camera.

I have not heard anything in regard to low light or native ISO. Anyone have any idea?

I think I read the range was 200 to 1600 ISO, so it would make sense if the native was 800. I have not heard that confirmed yet.

The new 'mini' seems to tick a lot of boxes but let's hope it one day includes a MFT mount because like the Production 4K camera, it is compromised with an EF Mount.

It makes no sense to do an MFT mount when MFT lenses won't natively cover the sensor.

JB

It makes no sense to do an MFT mount when MFT lenses won't natively cover the sensor. JB

True - then why not offer it with a Sony E-mount compatible interface. BMD would then attract current Metabones 'Speed Booster' owners or others who need a short sensor to flange interface. If I could maintain the original FOV of my considerable investment in Zeiss FF primes, I might consider it as my first BMD camera!

It makes no sense to do an MFT mount when MFT lenses won't natively cover the sensor. JB

True - then why not offer it with a Sony E-mount compatible interface. BMD would then attract current Metabones 'Speed Booster' owners or others who need a short sensor to flange interface. If I could maintain the original FOV of my considerable investment in Zeiss FF primes, I might consider it as my first BMD camera!

Sony E mount is proprietary.

Name any other non sony E mount cameras ?

JB

Could any1 over at NAB tell us anything about the balance on your sholder? Looking at the pictures it looks like the shoulder pad is way to far back, making it front heavy? But, if this is so and you would get any other brand shoulder pad. You would need an adapter to be able to push viewfinder forward? Could any of you at NAB check with any of the 3rd party shoulder pad manufacturers if they have any plans?

Overall, looking GOOD!!

Cheers

Sony E mount is proprietary.

And the EF mount is not a proprietary mount? Surely there must be a generic mount which maintains a short sensor/flange distance? If it's not a MFT mount what is it? A P/L mount?

Even Brian Caldwell, one of the 'Speed Booster' designers lamented the fact on this Forum, that the BMD 4K Production camera with it's native EF mount limited his ability to offer an optical lens adapter to take the large range of legacy glass because of the substantial sensor/flange distance.

I think I read the range was 200 to 1600 ISO, so it would make sense if the native was 800. I have not heard that confirmed yet.

Native ISO is 800 on the 4.6K cameras.

why would some one buy the heavy URSA now that this is out ?

tempting to sell my URSA and get the mini as it is lighter and does the same thing

why would some one buy the heavy URSA now that this is out ?

tempting to sell my URSA and get the mini as it is lighter and does the same thing

Because right now the maximum rates are double the mini.

Plus it has extra overhead for other potential future features like LUTs.

Plus in 2 years when the next sensor comes along it'll be a cheaper upgrade ?

JB