BlackMagic - URSA Mini

[David Heath]

Originally Posted by Gabe Strong

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.

[Michael Kraus]

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.

[Shaun Roemich]

Originally Posted by Michael Kraus

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.

[Warren Kawamoto]

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

[Greg Boston]

Originally Posted by Michael Kraus

. 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-

[Emmanuel Plakiotis]

Wth the new sensor, supposedly is not a problem anymore.

We must not forget that it includes 1000$ worth of software for free, which is getting more versatile each year.

The lack of ND igs not that important for certain types of production
. I suspect that it involves specific know how, that new companies don't yet have.

[Brian Drysdale]

The Mini comes with a choice of 2 sensors, the 4k and the 4.6k, no doubt there is a price difference, given that the 4k production camera cost around the same as the "from price" of the new camera. This sensor option is there for the full URSA, except you can't later upgrade the Mini.

You can do 160 fps in HD with the Mini.

[Glen Vandermolen]

Originally Posted by Greg Boston

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-

Yes, I finally gave up posting on the other site. Just a bunch of kids arguing. I check to see if anybody has added relevant info on the camera, but not much. Just a bunch of hand-wringing.

Thanks, Chris, for giving us this site.

[Gary Huff]

Originally Posted by Brian Drysdale

The Mini comes with a choice of 2 sensors, the 4k and the 4.6k, no doubt there is a price difference

Yep, and I think that anyone potentially interested in the Ursa Minor should hold out for the 4.6k just to see how it performs. I have no interest in the camera with the old 4K sensor.

[Jack Zhang]

I'm only interested in the old 4K sensor in the mini if that supports 4k60p global shutter in the mini, since that older sensor cannot switch between rolling shutter and global shutter modes.

[Lawrence Bansbach]

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang

I'm only interested if that supports 4k60p global shutter in the mini, since that older sensor cannot switch between rolling shutter and global shutter modes.

In the Mini, the 4.6K sensor supports up to 30p in global-shutter mode. In the full-size Ursa, it's 60p.

[Jack Zhang]

Originally Posted by Lawrence Bansbach

In the Mini, the 4.6K sensor supports up to 30p in global-shutter mode. In the full-size Ursa, it's 60p.

Yes, but I was asking if the old 4K sensor could do 60p at full resolution in the mini. Blackmagic's been quiet and hasn't clarified that yet. The old sensor is global shutter mode only.

[Rakesh Malik]

Originally Posted by Mike McKay

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.

Sony custom designed extra thin ND filters specifically for the FS7. My guess is that BMD just didn't have the resources to go that far.

[Rakesh Malik]

Originally Posted by Jack Zhang

Yes, but I was asking if the old 4K sensor could do 60p at full resolution in the mini. Blackmagic's been quiet and hasn't clarified that yet. The old sensor is global shutter mode only.

It can, the mini can do 60p, but only in rolling shutter mode at full resolution. It might require two CFast cards to keep that rate up, but a few folks from BMD have confirmed the maximum frame rate.

[Jack Zhang]

Originally Posted by Rakesh Malik

It can, the mini can do 60p, but only in rolling shutter mode at full resolution. It might require two CFast cards to keep that rate up, but a few folks from BMD have confirmed the maximum frame rate.

I don't think you understand. The old 4K sensor is Global Shutter mode only. If it can do 60p, that would be amazing. The only sensor that can switch between rolling and global is the new 4.6K one.