URSA Mini 4.6k The Original™ Magenta Cast Issue

Soon after getting my 2nd Ursa Mini 4.6k I was able to take it on our family trip to Kauai. Did a lot of shooting. Lots of blue skies. Looked out for the magenta edges. Is it perfect? Maybe not, but I think the image is a million times better than my last camera.

You'll see some mixed footage here, some Ursa, some go pro, some DJI X3 and X5.

This is fantastic, the kind of thing I use my gear for. Did you get out past the 2 mile mark on the Na Pali coast trail? I got my BMCC and tripod out to about the 7 mile mark. Things really get amazing around mile 4 or so. It is tough work but some of the best scenery I have ever captured.

Soon after getting my 2nd Ursa Mini 4.6k I was able to take it on our family trip to Kauai. Did a lot of shooting. Lots of blue skies. Looked out for the magenta edges. Is it perfect? Maybe not, but I think the image is a million times better than my last camera.

You'll see some mixed footage here, some Ursa, some go pro, some DJI X3 and X5.

This is fantastic, the kind of thing I use my gear for. Did you get out past the 2 mile mark on the Na Pali coast trail? I got my BMCC and tripod out to about the 7 mile mark. Things really get amazing around mile 4 or so. It is tough work but some of the best scenery I have ever captured.

Oh man! No, we got to the beach and had to go back. My extended family was watching our kids for the day and we had to go back sooner so we didn't make our babysitters mad... That's awesome that you got your camera out there though! Is the footage posted online anywhere?

Oh man! No, we got to the beach and had to go back. My extended family was watching our kids for the day and we had to go back sooner so we didn't make our babysitters mad... That's awesome that you got your camera out there though! Is the footage posted online anywhere?

This thread has become more bloated than Donald Trump's ego...any chance of sticking to the topic?

There are better forums for sharing holiday tips on tropical islands and solving other First-World problems like upsetting your babysitter than a cinematography section of a video production manufacturer's site.

Maybe you chaps should try a site like Facebook the next time you feel the urge to swap recipes? I hear it's becoming really popular with the baby-boomers these days.

Oh man! No, we got to the beach and had to go back. My extended family was watching our kids for the day and we had to go back sooner so we didn't make our babysitters mad... That's awesome that you got your camera out there though! Is the footage posted online anywhere?

This thread has become more bloated than Donald Trump's ego...any chance of sticking to the topic?

There are better forums for sharing holiday tips on tropical islands and solving other first-world problems like upsetting your babysitter than a cinematography section of a video production manufacturer's site.

Maybe you chaps should try a site like Facebook the next time you feel the urge to swap recipes? I hear it's becoming really popular with the baby-boomers these days.

Hey thanks Nic!

Actually the original reason for the post was to update folks on the thread showing footage from a UM46 replacement that does not exhibit the magenta issue. I suppose the 3 responses following were more conversational and less magenta issue specific for which I apologize deeply for.

Also thanks for the Facebook suggestion but as a millennial I'm more of an Instagram man.

Hope to here more of your super original and ultra-witty Donald Trump jokes and fun jabs in future forum posts! Thanks for keeping the forum on-topic!

Hope to here more of your super original and ultra-witty Donald Trump jokes and fun jabs in future forum posts! Thanks for keeping the forum on-topic!

No worries Scott - glad to help.

Did your millenial schoolteacher explain the difference between the English words "here" and "hear"?
Maybe you weren't listening that day. Or is it different in American?

PM me when the next instalment of "America's Least Interesting Home Videos" is ready for endless re-posting.

As a documentary and promotional film producer in my sixties now, I've been following this thread because I see the 4.6 as a possible long term solution for my particular market. However, the vacation pictures posted by Scott above did nothing to inspire me any further. In fact, apart from the obviously talented production values, I thought the entire clip looked 'magenta' - like a washed out 80's Hollywood movie. Was this a conscious 'cinematic' post decision? If so, fair enough but to my 'BBC Planet Earth' documentary eye, my current HD Sony produces better, more saturated and lifelike pictures. Perhaps I'm confusing the difference between 'video' and 'cinema' or maybe, the 4.6 is not suited to my application.

As a documentary and promotional film producer in my sixties now, I've been following this thread because I see the 4.6 as a possible long term solution for my particular market. However, the vacation pictures posted by Scott above did nothing to inspire me any further. In fact, apart from the obviously talented production values, I though the entire clip looked 'magenta' - like a washed out 80's Hollywood movie. Was this a conscious 'cinematic' post decision? If so, fair enough but to my 'BBC Planet Earth' documentary eye, my current HD Sony produces better, more saturated and lifelike pictures.

My post was less a commentary on the overall magenta color, which is still there. But was to show the lack of a strong UNEVEN magenta cast that my other UM46 had. As for the lack of strong saturation, that was a personal decision. I personally don't like a super saturated or contrasty look. But thats just my preference.

I do wish that the camera did not lean so hard toward magenta in-camera, because its kind of a pain to try to get it right in post when dealing with hundreds of clips to color correct.

What HD Sony are you shooting on?

I though the entire clip looked 'magenta' - like a washed out 80's Hollywood movie. Was this a conscious 'cinematic' post decision?

Hi Craig,

I think Scott pushed the "hipster grade" button in iMovie, although I couldn't fathom enduring the whole instalment to find out, as I was conscious I'd never get those eight and a half minutes back.

Please don't judge this camera on one excruciating home movie and some poor ball-handling skills.

My experience with it so far is very positive - especially if handled proficiently in post.

Cheers,

Nic

Oh man! No, we got to the beach and had to go back. My extended family was watching our kids for the day and we had to go back sooner so we didn't make our babysitters mad... That's awesome that you got your camera out there though! Is the footage posted online anywhere?

This thread has become more bloated than Donald Trump's ego...any chance of sticking to the topic?

There are better forums for sharing holiday tips on tropical islands and solving other First-World problems like upsetting your babysitter than a cinematography section of a video production manufacturer's site.

Maybe you chaps should try a site like Facebook the next time you feel the urge to swap recipes? I hear it's becoming really popular with the baby-boomers these days.

I though the entire clip looked 'magenta' - like a washed out 80's Hollywood movie. Was this a conscious 'cinematic' post decision?

Hi Craig,

I think Scott pushed the "hipster grade" button in iMovie, although I couldn't fathom enduring the whole instalment to find out, as I was conscious I'd never get those eight and a half minutes back.

Please don't judge this camera on one excruciating home movie and some poor ball-handling skills.

My experience with it so far is very positive - especially if handled proficiently in post.

Cheers,

Nic

Is it really necessary to start out of the gate with the condescending attitude Nic? Scott's post was offered up as an example of how his second camera was behaving with regards to the uneven magenta cast, which apparently is much better than his first copy. The content, editing and even filming style is completely irrelevant with regards to how magenta shows or not. When I see this type of unnecessary judgmental personal attack, it really makes me cringe and has no place in this forum.

...I think Scott pushed the "hipster grade" button in iMovie, although I couldn't fathom enduring the whole instalment to find out, as I was conscious I'd never get those eight and a half minutes back....

Nic, I think you are a being bit cruel there. Sometimes called the world's oldest 'indie', I mentor a lot of young filmmakers and trust me on this, Scott's work shows considerable talent and talent for which (if we take into account his considerable arsenal of film making hardware) implies he could be in high demand. I would like to be pointed toward some 4.6 footage which is not overly de-saturated or 'creatively graded' to see if it works for me as a 'video' camera.

Craig, have you searched on Vimeo for Mini 4.6K?


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The uneven Magenta problem is seen around f/8 and smaller, and most around mid range focal lengths like 35mm or 50mm.

If you didn't shoot those settings, then it doesnt indicate that new cameras dont have the issue, just that you can shoot around it

Is it really necessary to start out of the gate with the condescending attitude Nic? Scott's post was offered up as an example of how his second camera was behaving with regards to the uneven magenta cast, which apparently is much better than his first copy. The content, editing and even filming style is completely irrelevant with regards to how magenta shows or not. When I see this type of unnecessary judgmental personal attack, it really makes me cringe and has no place in this forum.

+1, even if +1 is OT. I have greatly appreciated the gracious and civil responses I have received from professionals on this forum to my basic questions.

As a documentary and promotional film producer in my sixties now, I've been following this thread because I see the 4.6 as a possible long term solution for my particular market. However, the vacation pictures posted by Scott above did nothing to inspire me any further. In fact, apart from the obviously talented production values, I thought the entire clip looked 'magenta' - like a washed out 80's Hollywood movie. Was this a conscious 'cinematic' post decision? If so, fair enough but to my 'BBC Planet Earth' documentary eye, my current HD Sony produces better, more saturated and lifelike pictures. Perhaps I'm confusing the difference between 'video' and 'cinema' or maybe, the 4.6 is not suited to my application.

Please stick to your Sony HD camera

Some people are really nasty in this place... I honestly don't see the use...

Oh man! No, we got to the beach and had to go back. My extended family was watching our kids for the day and we had to go back sooner so we didn't make our babysitters mad... That's awesome that you got your camera out there though! Is the footage posted online anywhere?

This thread has become more bloated than Donald Trump's ego...any chance of sticking to the topic?

There are better forums for sharing holiday tips on tropical islands and solving other First-World problems like upsetting your babysitter than a cinematography section of a video production manufacturer's site.

Maybe you chaps should try a site like Facebook the next time you feel the urge to swap recipes? I hear it's becoming really popular with the baby-boomers these days.

I though the entire clip looked 'magenta' - like a washed out 80's Hollywood movie. Was this a conscious 'cinematic' post decision?

Hi Craig,

I think Scott pushed the "hipster grade" button in iMovie, although I couldn't fathom enduring the whole instalment to find out, as I was conscious I'd never get those eight and a half minutes back.

Please don't judge this camera on one excruciating home movie and some poor ball-handling skills.

My experience with it so far is very positive - especially if handled proficiently in post.

Cheers,

Nic

Is it really necessary to start out of the gate with the condescending attitude Nic? Scott's post was offered up as an example of how his second camera was behaving with regards to the uneven magenta cast, which apparently is much better than his first copy. The content, editing and even filming style is completely irrelevant with regards to how magenta shows or not. When I see this type of unnecessary judgmental personal attack, it really makes me cringe and has no place in this forum.

+1 I understand that the posts were going a little off topic, however there is no need to be so obnoxious Nic, no wonder you have a warning tagged to your profile if thats the way you conduct yourself.

Any idea on when we will get a "meaty" update Joshua? We are feeling a bit hungry.


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Any idea on when we will get a "meaty" update Joshua? We are feeling a bit hungry.


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+10

Yeah, I want that one too... the meaty one

[Tony Rivera]

We currently have some people at Infocomm in Las Vegas so most likely, the earliest we would have an update would be next week.

Thank you Tony, let's hope there is some substantive news soon.

Haven't been on here in quite sometime, it's unfortunate there isn't a fix yet. Hell, I think it's been over a month I sure hope there is one soon.

Hi Craig,

I think Scott pushed the "hipster grade" button in iMovie,

I don't condone Nic's post's at all, and I think they were completely unnecessary. However, I embarrassingly shot coffee through my nose after reading his last post

We currently have some people at Infocomm in Las Vegas so most likely, the earliest we would have an update would be next week.

Thanks for the update I hope we'll get good news, can't wait to finally order one !

Haven't been on here in quite sometime, it's unfortunate there isn't a fix yet. Hell, I think it's been over a month I sure hope there is one soon.

Hi Craig,

I think Scott pushed the "hipster grade" button in iMovie,

I don't condone Nic's post's at all, and I think they were completely unnecessary. However, I embarrassingly shot coffee through my nose after reading his last post

oh man, getting serious when coffee is wasted

Just got my ursa mini 4.6K, no issues with magenta cast, but issues with vertical lines in low light. Have the impression no one is really talking about that. shouldn't happen I think. Wonder if that is also on BMD's to do list?

[Joshua Helling]

Any idea on when we will get a "meaty" update Joshua? We are feeling a bit hungry.


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Hey Guys,

I went straight from Infocomm to our east coast office, so i've been traveling a bit. My latest information is that we're trying to get a software update to you all this week. So not just a "we're working on it", but a software release.

Standard cautions apply, "something may change in QA", "my dog ate it!" Etc, etc. Thanks so much for your patience.

[Joshua Helling]

Hope to here more of your super original and ultra-witty Donald Trump jokes and fun jabs in future forum posts! Thanks for keeping the forum on-topic!

No worries Scott - glad to help.

Did your millenial schoolteacher explain the difference between the English words "here" and "hear"?
Maybe you weren't listening that day. Or is it different in American?

PM me when the next instalment of "America's Least Interesting Home Videos" is ready for endless re-posting.

Man, take it easy. Frustration over the current situation is good. But there is no need to start being nasty to a fellow user. Stop.

Everyone. Please help avoid fanning these types of flames, if someone gets nasty, just ignore them. Also, keep the thread on topic. Again, I feel the frustration here, but personal attacks, and non constructive critique of peoples work simply will not be tolerated. Plus, don't feed the trolls!

Hope to here more of your super original and ultra-witty Donald Trump jokes and fun jabs in future forum posts! Thanks for keeping the forum on-topic!

No worries Scott - glad to help.

Did your millenial schoolteacher explain the difference between the English words "here" and "hear"?
Maybe you weren't listening that day. Or is it different in American?

PM me when the next instalment of "America's Least Interesting Home Videos" is ready for endless re-posting.

Man, take it easy. Frustration over the current situation is good. But there is no need to start being nasty to a fellow user. Stop.

Everyone. Please help avoid fanning these types of flames, if someone gets nasty, just ignore them. Also, keep the thread on topic. Again, I feel the frustration here, but personal attacks, and non constructive critique of peoples work simply will not be tolerated. Plus, don't feed the trolls!

+100

As a documentary and promotional film producer in my sixties now, I've been following this thread because I see the 4.6 as a possible long term solution for my particular market. However, the vacation pictures posted by Scott above did nothing to inspire me any further. In fact, apart from the obviously talented production values, I thought the entire clip looked 'magenta' - like a washed out 80's Hollywood movie. Was this a conscious 'cinematic' post decision? If so, fair enough but to my 'BBC Planet Earth' documentary eye, my current HD Sony produces better, more saturated and lifelike pictures. Perhaps I'm confusing the difference between 'video' and 'cinema' or maybe, the 4.6 is not suited to my application.

My iPhone also produces more saturated ans "lifelike" pictures... but if this really is better...? I wouldn't say that!
Saturation is not a quality parameter, it's a matter of taste. When I look for example at House Of Cards, the picture is not very saturated, but I wouldn't know anything (!) with a higher quality!
If you prefer more contrast and high saturation you can raise it in the post if you want. Some people don't. Or just use your Sony... or any iPhone...

Any idea on when we will get a "meaty" update Joshua? We are feeling a bit hungry.


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Hey Guys,

I went straight from Infocomm to our east coast office, so i've been traveling a bit. My latest information is that we're trying to get a software update to you all this week. So not just a "we're working on it", but a software release.

Standard cautions apply, "something may change in QA", "my dog ate it!" Etc, etc. Thanks so much for your patience.

Really glad to hear that the issue can be fixed with a simple firmware update !

But it's really weird, since every camera ships with the same firmware, and not everyone has the issue

Any idea on when we will get a "meaty" update Joshua? We are feeling a bit hungry.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Hey Guys,

I went straight from Infocomm to our east coast office, so i've been traveling a bit. My latest information is that we're trying to get a software update to you all this week. So not just a "we're working on it", but a software release.

Standard cautions apply, "something may change in QA", "my dog ate it!" Etc, etc. Thanks so much for your patience.

Thanks Joshua.

[CaptainHook]

Hi, FW3.3 is now live on the website which has some improvements in this area:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/suppor ... al-cameras

Hi, FW3.3 is now live on the website which has some improvements in this area:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/suppor ... al-cameras

Thank you Hook! You guys rock.

Great news indeed. Benton you should be the first to post back after trying the new software.

Hi, FW3.3 is now live on the website which has some improvements in this area:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/suppor ... al-cameras

Awesome timing! If this update works out, it will be the best birthday gift I've gotten today! Second only to a cardboard little tree air freshener from my 10 year old and a set of poker chips from my 13 year old! Can't wait to test it out in the morning. What's also interesting about this timing, is that I just happen to have two UM4.6 cameras on hand. An earlier one (my second) that exhibits the magenta corners cast and one that doesn't (just received as a replacement) but it does still show some mild color non-uniformity at smaller stops. Interesting times. Thank you Blackmagic!! And Thank you Captain Hook!

Hi, FW3.3 is now live on the website which has some improvements in this area:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/suppor ... al-cameras

Awesome timing! If this update works out, it will be the best birthday gift I've gotten today! Second only to a cardboard little tree air freshener from my 10 year old and a set of poker chips from my 13 year old! Can't wait to test it out in the morning. What's also interesting about this timing, is that I just happen to have two UM4.6 cameras on hand. An earlier one (my second) that exhibits the magenta corners cast and one that doesn't (just received as a replacement) but it does still show some mild color non-uniformity at smaller stops. Interesting times. Thank you Blackmagic!!

A very Happy Birthday to you Benton! I eagerly await the results of your tests on the two different cameras and what it reveals about the new firmware.

I am quite shocked that BMD has released this update with no apologies and no explanations at all. We simply get the vague words "some improvements". What BMD should be delivering along with this firmware is an assurance that the issue is solved and provide a detailed and honest explanation that answers the following questions:

What was the real cause of the problem?
Is BMD absolutely certain it is not a manufacturing defect in the hardware?
Why is the issue so variable between the cameras?
Are they quality checking all new cameras shipped for the problem to ensure that we can trust the 4.6K going forward?

I've applied the 3.3 update to both the URSA Mini 4.6K PL camera and the Blackmagic Viewfinder. Will also test tomorrow!


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Jamie they did mention earlier in this thread that the software fixes would be incremental ..so this may just be the first update toward the goal of totally Eliminating the magenta cast. If it fixes it with this release that would be awesome. Just something to keep in mind that there may be more releases to come. Hence the words " some improvements"

Here is a screen shoot of a raw 4608x2592 frame of the north sky an hour before sunset taken at T8, APO 50mm lens, ND0.4, B+W UVIR Cut. No correction applied.

Firmware 3dot3 quick test raw T8

UM46K 3dot3 2016-06-13 at 8.42.59 PM.png (1001.5 KiB) Viewed 5036 times

Another raw shot this time of the south-by-south east sky an hour before sunset. I included the tree on the left so you could see that I wasn't using ETTR unlike my earlier tests; this was exposed using false colour on the BM Viewfinder with the sky registering a light grey (similar to what it was to the eye due to the cloud cover).

Firmware 3.3 quick test raw T8

UM46K 3dot3 2016-06-13 at 8.58.44 PM.png (1022.3 KiB) Viewed 5029 times

Hi, FW3.3 is now live on the website which has some improvements in this area:

https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/suppor ... al-cameras

Awesome timing! If this update works out, it will be the best birthday gift I've gotten today! Second only to a cardboard little tree air freshener from my 10 year old and a set of poker chips from my 13 year old! Can't wait to test it out in the morning. What's also interesting about this timing, is that I just happen to have two UM4.6 cameras on hand. An earlier one (my second) that exhibits the magenta corners cast and one that doesn't (just received as a replacement) but it does still show some mild color non-uniformity at smaller stops. Interesting times. Thank you Blackmagic!!

A very Happy Birthday to you Benton! I eagerly await the results of your tests on the two different cameras and what it reveals about the new firmware.

I am quite shocked that BMD has released this update with no apologies and no explanations at all. We simply get the vague words "some improvements". What BMD should be delivering along with this firmware is an assurance that the issue is solved and provide a detailed and honest explanation that answers the following questions:

What was the real cause of the problem?
Is BMD absolutely certain it is not a manufacturing defect in the hardware?
Why is the issue so variable between the cameras?
Are they quality checking all new cameras shipped for the problem to ensure that we can trust the 4.6K going forward?

Thank you Jamie for the birthday wishes! Seeing how the two cameras I have behave with the new software will be very interesting. Prior to the update, they each have very different color characteristics. The newer one has virtually no magenta bias or magenta corners. If the update is effective, both cameras should be very close in color to each other. Otherwise, they will be throwing the balance off in one group of cameras, while fixing another. I've got my fingers crossed that both cameras I will be testing will look better. But I must say that this most resent camera is looking outstanding! This frame is Pre- 3.3 RAW Rokinon 35 T1.5:

3rd Camera Pre 3.3 firmware 1200px wide.jpg (814.12 KiB) Viewed 5070 times

Looking forward to shots with pavement running along the lower portion of the frame, Benton.


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Looking forward to shots with pavement running along the lower portion of the frame, Benton.


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That's first on the agenda tomorrow morning Rick!

What do you think of my shots of grey skies?


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Here is a screen shoot of a raw 4608x2592 frame of the north sky an hour before sunset taken at T8, APO 50mm lens, ND0.4, B+W UVIR Cut. No correction applied.

UM46K 3dot3 2016-06-13 at 8.42.59 PM.png

Looks great

What do you think of my shots of grey skies?


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They look much more even than the previous sky shots you posted earlier. I can't tell if there is a slight magenta cast creeping in on the upper left of the first shot or if it's an evening blue sky that's poking through? An additional white balance tuning in post would probably clean all that up. The lower portion of the frame that shows the clouds looks nice and consistent.

Thanks for the comment, Troy. Just an appropriate starting exposure and nothing pushed or pulled until it breaks.


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So it's here: https://twitter.com/Blackmagic_News/status/742565703891324929
Camera 3.3
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/support/family/professional-cameras

Version 3.3 is here:
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/suppor ... al-cameras

here is my quick and dirty test.