NAB 2015 Announcement: The Blackmagic URSA Mini
The Blackmagic URSA Mini just might be the coolest announcement from NAB 2015.
With banners and signs hinting at an impending release, Blackmagic has finally unveiled the Blackmagic URSA Mini, a scaled down version of their already successful URSA camera. The Blackmagic URSA Mini looks to be a smaller, more user-friendly version of the URSA with a focus on usability.
The Blackmagic URSA Mini
The Blackmagic URSA Mini comes in 4 different varieties an URSA Mini 4K EF, URSA Mini 4K PL, URSA Mini 4.6K EF and URSA Mini 4.6K PL. Most notably the cameras can record up to 15 stops of dynamic range, making them incredibly similar to the Canon C300 Mark II, just not in price.
Users who get the 4.6k version of the camera will be able to record up to 30fps with a global shutter and 60fps with a rolling shutter. The new URSA Mini will feature a 5″ fold-out touchscreen which has built-in focus assist to make focusing incredibly easy.
The camera also comes with a brand-new feature that lets users switch between both global and rolling shutter. However, this incredible new feature is only available for the 4.6K version of the Mini.
Both the 4K and 4.6K cameras have the ability to record in RAW and ProRes with dual CFast cards. Currently CFast cards tend to be expensive, but we will likely see the price drop as more and more cameras are using CFast cards over SSD’s.
Like the URSA, the URSA Mini is great for recording audio as it has 2 stereo microphone inputs. Users can also output 12G-SDI signal for monitoring. The camera also has an XLR 4 pin output for powering viewfinders.
Provided that high-end editing software can use the information, the Blackmagic URSA Mini will allow users to record information related to camera pitch, roll, and yaw movements when recording in RAW. The 4.6K camera will also allow users to record their GPS coordinates for easy management in post.
Blackmagic URSA Mini Specs
| Sensor | Super 35mm |
| Resolution | Up to 4.6K |
| Frame Rate | 60p at 4K |
| Compression | CinemaDNG RAW or ProRes |
| Cards | Dual CFast |
| Audio | 2-Stereo XLR Inputs |
| Dynamic Range | 15 Stops |
| Color Depth | Up to 4:4:4 |
| Lens Mount | EF or PL |
| Output | 12G-SDI + XLR 4 Pin Power |
| Monitoring | Built-In 5″ Display |
| Color | Black |
As with all Blackmagic cameras, users who purchase a Blackmagic URSA Mini will also recieve a full copy of DaVinci Resolve.
Pricing and Availability
All four models of the URSA Mini have different prices:
- URSA Mini 4K EF – $2,995
- URSA Mini 4K PL – $3,495
- URSA Mini 4.6K EF – $4,995
- URSA Mini 4.6K PL – $5,495
All four models of the camera will be available in July.
Want to learn more about the Blackmagic URSA Mini? Check out the press release on Blackmagic’s website.
What do you think about the Blackmagic URSA Mini? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
