Blackmagic URSA Mini Is Coming! 15 Stops of Dynamic Range, 4.6K Sensor & Much More! | Noam Kroll (http://noamkroll.com/blackmagic-ursa-mini-is-coming-15-stops-of-dynamic-range-4-6k-sensor-much-more/)

Only site on this camera that I found so far. I'll see if theirs others.

Official info will be coming in tomorrow morning anyway.

If it's the same price of the URSA - maybe even cheaper? - it sounds like it could be a heck of a deal.
A shoulder mount camera, still the best camera design.

It gets SMALLER.

https://twitter.com/mattallardACS/status/587392276361383937

New BMPCC?

Edit: More of the poster is coming up! Drone mountable? https://twitter.com/editblog/status/587393778886914048

1) I can't believe it wasn't called the "Ursa Minor"

2) It will be 2016 before someone who purchases this unit from a re-seller actually holds it in their hands.

+1 Ursa Minor

Orders placed... I'll let you guys know what I think of it in 2016. :)

Reports are the Ursa Mini is going to be $2995.

The smaller thing is the Micro Cinema.

Reports are the Ursa Mini is going to be $2995.


Excellent price! I was thinking it was going to be more like $4,000.
Looks like it could be a nice ENG camera, I wonder what ENG lens will work well with it.

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

Excellent price! I was thinking it was going to be more like $4,000.

Beware, there are 4 versions, depending of the resolution and the mount:

- 4K: $ 2995 (EF mount) or $ 3495 (PL mount)

- 4,6K: $ 4995 (EF mount) or $ 5495 (PL mount)

So, there is an extra + $2000 for 0,6k more resolution, and + 3 stops of dynamic range.
It's nice to have the choice.

Something to consider is that the viewfinder is optional so that will add onto the price as well.

30p in a Global Shutter configuration? Falls slightly short of the bigger URSA which can do 60p and has a global shutter.

And no 4096x2160 ACTUAL DCI mode... We're expected to crop it to DCI ourselves?!?

I suspect heat will be a from the computer processioning limitation in such a small camera, plus it has a larger camera in the range. This camera has the same sensor as the Usra and assuming it records RAW, it should fit into a very low budget scenario. You want a larger pixel sensor for downscaling for resolution reasons.

EDIT A few more details: http://www.provideocoalition.com/blackmagic-announces-ursa-mini

Interesting cam...but with no inbuilt ND filters I don't see the point of the extra accessories to make it run-n-gun friendly.

Pity, as ND filters are absolutely necessary as far as I am concerned - for the type of fast paced work I would use it for.

I totally agree with Andy on the lack of ND filters. After being a little let down that Panasonic's new release (DVX200) is a fixed-lens camera (when I was hoping for more of an AF100 successor), I got a little excited about the URSA mini, but lack of built-in ND filters is probably a non-starter for me.

Have they given a release date yet?

Dave,

With you on the DVX200 front too - was really hoping Panasonic would knock the ball out of the park...spec. details are still coming in...but it's not looking like the game changer I hoped it might be.

Maybe I just have to bite the bullet and order the C300MkII after all - gulp!

Marc,

July availability... I think...but this is BMD so who knows which year and how long after it will take for the firmware bugs to be worked out...they have a lot of "previous" in that area (unfortunately).

I'm about out of hope for holding onto the m43 format at this point. Looks like there may be a C100/300 or FS7 in my future. Really intrigued by the design of the URSA mini though... I don't see myself working with a matte box for the bulk of the material I need to shoot - but could maybe just outfit key lenses with variable NDs...

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

Other info talking about the options. Theirs no built in ND filters and when you add some of the options such as the newer sensor, the price can get much higher.
Blackmagic Announces Lighter URSA Mini with 4.6K Sensor & 15 Stops of Dynamic Range (http://nofilmschool.com/2015/04/blackmagic-announces-lighter-ursa-mini-46k-sensor-15-stops-dynamic-range)

I suspect heat will be a from the computer processioning limitation in such a small camera, plus it has a larger camera in the range. This camera has the same sensor as the Usra and assuming it records RAW, it should fit into a very low budget scenario. You want a larger pixel sensor for downscaling for resolution reasons.

Actually this is a completely different sensor than the URSA. 4.6K. I think it's the CMOSIS CMV20000. That can only go as high as 30p in 5K in Global Shutter mode.

Dave, the DVX200 was so close yet so far. The lack of 4:2:2 internal recording is what really kills it for me. Great for web people, not so great for broadcast. But hey, if they make a HVX with the same lens and somewhat different P2Express capable body...

I love black magic, but will probably never buy one of their cameras. They just don't fit my needs, but they are disruptive and innovative, which is great for the consumer.

I can almost guarantee the C100 mkII doesn't get 60p or a wonderful EVF without feeling heat from some of the competition.

True, this sensor seems be available as an upgrade to the Ursa, which now also has a 4.6k sensor..


"There will now be two versions of the URSA, one using the original sensor. And there will be a version incorporating the new sensor. Existing URSA owners can completely upgrade their new cameras to the new specification with an upgrade that costs $2000."

The 4.6k also allows 120fps in 4k.
They say release July in small numbers, then good numbers end of August. Viewfinder in July.
Footage looks pretty decent (as much as you can judge anything on the web).
Steve

Hold on, what?

It said it can only do 30p in global shutter mode. How can the bigger URSA body do 120p? If it is the CMOSIS sensor, it would still be limited and not be able to reach 120fps in rolling shutter mode.

BMD seems to come out with what appear to be great products, But after reading this forum for several years, it always seems that there's an asterisk after every product and that they never seem to get anything 100% right. Just my opinion, but that's how it looks to me.

Actually this is a completely different sensor than the URSA. 4.6K. I think it's the CMOSIS CMV20000. That can only go as high as 30p in 5K in Global Shutter mode.
Actually, it looks more like the BAE/Fairchild LTN4625A (http://www.fairchildimaging.com/catalog/focal-plane-arrays/scmos/ltn4625a).

Anyone see the video where he explains why it doesn't have built-in ND filters......doesn't make sense at all claiming there'd be a huge lump at front of cam. The Sony FS7 doesn't have that issue?
Also, the $2,995 version is for the original URSA sensor which has had it's fair share of reported image problems.
I really want to love Black Magic, they come out with great ideas but executing them properly seems to be a real issue.

Hold on, what?

It said it can only do 30p in global shutter mode. How can the bigger URSA body do 120p? If it is the CMOSIS sensor, it would still be limited and not be able to reach 120fps in rolling shutter mode.

Yeah I was assuming that it would be like the Mini and do the full 120fps only in rolling shutter mode, but who knows!
Steve

There's an EVF available for both URSA cameras: New Viewfinder for the Blackmagic URSA by Brian Hallett (http://www.provideocoalition.com/new-viewfinder-for-the-blackmagic-design-ursa)

Since this has a SDI input, I assume you'll be able to use it with other cameras.

There's an EVF available for both URSA cameras: New Viewfinder for the Blackmagic URSA by Brian Hallett (http://www.provideocoalition.com/new-viewfinder-for-the-blackmagic-design-ursa)

Since this has a SDI input, I assume you'll be able to use it with other cameras.

Yes, but where does it get its power? Will other cameras be able to supply power to the EVF? Not sure what a "standard" power connector is.

And the lack of ND filters is baffling. Having used an FS100 for years, an ND filter wheel is very much appreciated. The reasons given are BS. Many other S35 cameras have managed to include them. BMC is promoting its versatility as a do-all camera, even good for shoulder-mount run n' gun, but without ND filters, this becomes a bothersome quirk.

Some external battery mounts have 12v,out for camera lights etc, so power shouldn't be that big a problem when putting together a camera rig. although it will need some planning.

My Blackmagic mini converter has what they term a "standard" power connection, unfortunately it isn't the same "standard" as used on my PAG light, although it's the same as on a Blackmagic camera..

In the page of the regular URSA there is a video shot with the new 4.6K sensor which resides in the mini as well. I think the outcome, although heavily graded to judge it properly, shows potential

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

I like it. Seems very neutral and lifelike. It's getting to the point where many cameras can be intercut quite well because modern sensors no longer have a baked in look to them. Nice!

Native ISO 400, Max Gain +6db to 800. Is that a dealbreaker to anyone else?

Be careful. I mentioned how I thought if this thing had built in ND
it would be 'borderline perfect' over at the 'other' board and wow,
it was like blood in the water. Lots of people not happy with those of
us who had the audacity to want built in ND. Maybe more narrative
filmmakers there and more corporate video types here, not sure.
If it had the built in ND's I'd probably buy one (well I'd rather have more
physical switches and buttons on the body of the camera as well as I'm not
a fan of 'touch screen' operated cameras, but since it doesn't
I'll just stay with what I have for now.

Seems it's a custom 4.6k sensor that they're using:

NAB 2015: New Blackmagic 4.6K Sensor Insights on Vimeo

Be careful. I mentioned how I thought if this thing had built in ND
it would be 'borderline perfect' over at the 'other' board and wow,
it was like blood in the water. Lots of people not happy with those of
us who had the audacity to want built in ND. Maybe more narrative
filmmakers there and more corporate video types here, not sure.
If it had the built in ND's I'd probably buy one (well I'd rather have more
physical switches and buttons on the body of the camera as well as I'm not
a fan of 'touch screen' operated cameras, but since it doesn't
I'll just stay with what I have for now.

Well Gabe I think we both took it on the chin on the other board for wanting ND. Since I just sold my FS100 I now need a replacement and was really considering this camera. But like so many of the cameras at NAB, it will be the Fall 2015 at best before one is available unless they have greatly improved since last year. The other issue is this camera is not much less expensive than the FS7 which I can buy right now ... with ND. I applied to test the Cion for a couple of days and hope that comes through as it also seems interesting. Kept all my 4x4 and 4x5 NDs and Chroziel matte box. Now if they could just sort out the ingest issue with the PXW-X70 I would buy one to pair with my PMW-300.
I thought things were supposed to get simpler with new tech.

I applied to test the Cion for a couple of days and hope that comes through as it also seems interesting.

No NDs on the CION either though - and it's a fair bit more expensive.
For the URSA full size camera with the new sensor is of interest - it's the only camera anywhere near that price that does 120fps 4k slow motion - next step up is Epic, then Varicam, then F65!
....or FS700 in short bursts with Odyssey.
Steve

Native ISO 400, Max Gain +6db to 800. Is that a dealbreaker to anyone else?

native iso is about 800 possibly a little more according to John Brawley

I highly doubt that it's a "custom sensor." They're adapting another existing sensor with different ways to call the image from the sensor. That's not "custom."

If it is the Fairchild Imaging sensor, why are they limiting global shutter to 30p when it can do 120p at full resolution in global shutter mode? Theoretically that makes 4.6K60p possible.

They say in the video the frame rate limitation is due the cooling requirement. No doubt it's also handy from a market placement point of view.

Really? If that's the case, why not put in bigger heatsinks like the RED cameras? The price point for this sensor if it supported global shutter 60p would be groundbreaking.

The Red Scarlet has a fan, which has caused noise issues. A quiet cooling system isn't simple and the cooling seems to be why the Ursa is so large with its liquid cooling system.

I re-read the specs of the sensor. It supports 240fps at full resolution in Rolling Shutter Mode and 120fps in Global Shutter mode. It is so possible to use 60fps in Global Shutter mode, it just needs the liquid cooling of the bigger URSA.

native iso is about 800 possibly a little more according to John Brawley
I felt like their NAB set was pretty well lit and the thing was set at 400. I shoot corporate stuff in offices where I can augment with a little fill here and there, but doing a full light set up for every shot just isn't practical. I feel like even at 800 I'd need way more.

I wish it would work for me, I love the form factor.

Be careful. I mentioned how I thought if this thing had built in ND
it would be 'borderline perfect' over at the 'other' board and wow,
it was like blood in the water. Lots of people not happy with those of
us who had the audacity to want built in ND. Maybe more narrative
filmmakers there .........
Errr, what? How can built in ND be anything other than a "good thing".....? You can always simply not use it.

Isn't that what the FS100 was most (justifiably) criticised about when it first came out - no built in ND?

Maybe it may add a bit to size and cost, but I can't believe that would be substantial - and probably compensated for by the otherwise lost sales. Even my RX10 has some built in ND, and that's primarily a stills camera.

It's purists who find built-in NDs to be a disgrace since they theoretically lower image quality more than something that goes in front of the lens. Nevermind cost savings, practicality, workflow, etc.

Overall what you want/need is different than what other folks want/need. Folks would to well to take a chill pill. It's one of the reasons I love DVinfo. So much well-moderated, good, practical information without a ton of the hyper-emotional fanboy BS.

It's purists who find built-in NDs to be a disgrace since they theoretically lower image quality more than something that goes in front of the lens.

Coming from broadcast cameras, no ND was a complete bypass - no additional glass so no image degradation.

I wonder if the mini has the same "black hole sun" problem as the URSA? Does anyone know?
BlackMagic Ursa Camera Black Hole Sun test - YouTube

. Folks would to well to take a chill pill. It's one of the reasons I love DVinfo. So much well-moderated, good, practical information without a ton of the hyper-emotional fanboy BS.


Thanks, Michael. DVInfo does tend to run a tight ship. Our motto here is "high signal, low noise" so that people can find what they are looking for without wading through useless postings.

Every year around NAB, we have a flood of debates about new gear that sometimes get a little intense. We keep it as clean as possible.

-gb-