The URSA Mini Pro 4.6K from Blackmagic is getting a few major updates, which includes a new Super 35 4.6K HDR image sensor and 15 stops of dynamic range.
When looking at the second generation, the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 may not look to different. There hasn’t been much change to the design of the camera, at least that’s the case for the camera’s outside. The major changes have been made inside the camera. With the Super 35mm 4.6K image sensor and 15 stops of dynamic range, the camera also offers a new 3200 ISO. Plus, the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 can shoot up to 300 frames per second in full HD with Blackmagic RAW. Also, the system has a new USB-C expansion port for direct recording to external disks.
You can shoot 120 fps in 4.6K Blackmagic Raw on the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2
The camera’s new sensor can record full 4.6K images at up to 120 frames per seonc in Blackmagic RAW. Additionally, the system can shoot UHD 150 fps in Blackmagic RAW, 2K DCI 300 fps in Blackmagic RAW, and HD 300 fps in Blackmagic RAW. Though, it’s worth noting that you will have to use 12:1 compression for some of the higher frame rates.
Additionally, if you shoot in ProRes, the camera can work in 80 fps in 4.6K, 120 fps in UHS, and 240 fps in HD.
Improvements to the camera’s rolling shutter issue
When we looked at the original URSA Mini Pro, we saw some rolling shutter when panning. While it wasn’t too much of an issue, Blackmagic has made improvements to the adapted camera’s sensor readout. The readout is now said to be a lot faster and should substantially decrease the amount of rolling shutter.
New Color Science
For the second gen, the system uses Blackmagic’s Generation 4 Color Science to reportedly result in “accurate skin tones” and “improved lifelike color” according to Newsshooter. Also, Blackmagic RAW images are encoded with a custom non-linear 12-bit space designed to “provide the maximum amount of color data and dynamic range.”
Each and every format offered on the camera can be recorded to CFast or SD cards. But they can also be directed to flash disks using the USB-C expansion port.
New ND Filters
Blackmagic’s given the URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 new neutral density (ND) filters. They are used to reduce the amount of light that enters the camera. With IR compensation, the new two, four and six-stop filters are designed to match the colorimetry of the camera and offer latitude.
Embedded 3D LUTs
Now 3D LUTs are embedded into the G2. With Blackmagic RAW 1.3, 3D LUTs can be embed into the RAW clip. Additionally, there’s plans to release LUT setting controls in Davinci Resolve 15.3. That should be released sometime soon.
There’s been improvements made to the audio as well
Blackmagic’s made a few adjustments to the system’s audio. First, the camera’s audio circuitry for lower noise on the XLR inputs has been improved. Additionally, there’s new line level adjustments.
Overview
- Digital film camera with 15 stops of dynamic range
- Super 35 mm 4.6K sensor with Blackmagic Design Generation 4 Color Science
- Supports frame rates up to 60 fps and off-speed slow motion recording up to 120 fps in 4.6K, 150 fps in 4K DCI and 300 fps in HD Blackmagic RAW
- Interchangeable lens mount with EF mount included as standard
- Two, four and six-stop neutral density (ND) filters with IR compensation designed to specifically match the colorimetry and color science of Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2
- Fully redundant controls including external controls which allow direct access to the most important camera settings such as external power switch, ND filters wheel, ISO, shutter, white balance, record button, audio gain controls, lens and transport control, and high frame rate button
- Built in dual C-Fast 2.0 recorders and dual SD/UHS-II card recorders
- High speed USB-C expansion port for recording directly to an external SSD or flash disk
- Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy body
- LCD status display for quickly checking timecode, shutter and lens settings, battery, recording status, and audio levels
- Supports recording of up to 300 frames per second in HD, 150 frames per second in 4K DCI, and 120 frames per second at full frame 4.6K
- Features all standard connections, that includes dual XLR mic/line audio inputs with phantom power, 12G-SDI output for monitoring with camera status graphic overlay and separate XLR 4 pin power output for viewfinder power, headphone jack, LANC remote control and standard 4 pin 12V DC power connection
- Built-in stereo microphones for recording sound
- 4-inch foldout touchscreen for on-set monitoring and menu settings
- Includes full copy of DaVinci Resolve software color grading and editing software
Pricing and availability
The new URSA Mini Pro 4.6K from Blackmagic Design is open for pro-order for $5,995. You can learn more by reading Blackmagic’s press release.
