{"id":57466,"date":"2015-06-09T09:00:51","date_gmt":"2015-06-09T14:00:51","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/?p=57466"},"modified":"2015-06-09T09:56:01","modified_gmt":"2015-06-09T14:56:01","slug":"choosing-blackmagic-ursa-ursa-mini","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.premiumbeat.com\/blog\/choosing-blackmagic-ursa-ursa-mini\/","title":{"rendered":"Choosing Between The Blackmagic URSA and URSA Mini"},"content":{"rendered":"

Blackmagic\u2019s URSA Mini offers a lot of camera in a very affordable package. However, it\u2019s important to take into account the limitations of the URSA Mini when comparing it to its big sister.<\/h2>\n

Top image from Blackmagic<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n

Upon its initial release, the original Blackmagic\u00a0URSA<\/strong> had a lot of people quite perplexed. For many, the original URSA\u2019s weight was a real issue. It was big and bulky, yet some of its incredible features were (and still are) hard to ignore. All things considered, what else was there really to complain about? For $6K the camera offered functionality that rivaled cameras many times its price, and the image quality was great – at least when shooting at the native ISO of 400.<\/strong><\/p>\n

But again, the weight was certainly an issue for many shooters. Many potential URSA<\/strong> customers were filmmakers on a budget, who likely had come up through DSLRs<\/strong> or other small camcorders. Meaning, to make the jump from a 1 – 3 pound camera to a 17 lbs camera was a big deal! Especially when you consider other professional cinema cameras, which only weigh in at 10 lbs or so.<\/p>\n

When the URSA Mini<\/strong> was announced many potential buyers came out of the woodwork. The camera seemed to offer some of the same incredible features as the original URSA<\/strong>, but in a much smaller package. Although, when taking a closer look at the URSA Mini<\/strong>, it seems not every last feature was included, which results in pros and cons for both cameras. Below is a list of the 5 most important considerations to take into account if you\u2019re debating purchasing or using the Blackmagic URSA vs. the URSA Mini<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

1. Weight<\/h2>\n

\"Choosing<\/p>\n

We\u2019ve already touched on this briefly, but if weight is a big consideration for you, then the URSA Mini<\/strong> may be preferable. Unlike the 17 lb URSA<\/strong>, the Mini<\/strong> version only weights in at 5 lbs, which is a huge difference. For long handheld shots, rigging, gimbals or other stabilizers, the Mini<\/strong> is definitely preferable over the URSA<\/strong>. That said, the weight of the original URSA<\/strong> may not be a problem for you at all, depending on how you like to shoot. For instance, on most of my shoots 90% of the material is shot on a tripod, so a 17 lb camera doesn\u2019t pose a problem. When you pair it with an Easy Rig, the weight becomes even more manageable.<\/p>\n

2. Sensor Upgrades<\/h2>\n

\"Choosing<\/p>\n

The URSA Mini<\/strong> doesn\u2019t have the ability to upgrade it\u2019s sensor the same way the URSA<\/strong> does. Since the URSA\u2019s<\/strong> release last year, there\u2019 s already been a new sensor announced (the 4.6K version) that\u2019ll be user upgradeable on the original URSA<\/strong> model. This is great news for people like myself that own the URSA<\/strong>, and are looking for more dynamic range and higher sensitivity, but don\u2019t want to have to invest in an entirely new camera. Unfortunately, the URSA Mini<\/strong> does not have the ability to upgrade, so whatever you purchase is what you\u2019re going to be working with until you sell it or get a new camera.<\/p>\n

3. Monitoring<\/h2>\n

\"Choosing<\/p>\n

The original URSA<\/strong> has 3 monitors – all of which are really useful. It has a 10\u201d fold out monitor on the operator side of the camera, as well as a 5\u201d monitor on the body itself, and on the AC side of the camera there is another 5\u201d monitor. This makes shooting with a camera crew simple and efficient since all of your monitoring is built right in. On the other had, the URSA Mini<\/strong> has a single 5\u201d monitor on the operator side of the camera, which truthfully is more than sufficient for what the camera is designed for. That said, if you\u2019re the type of shooter who is always hooking up 2 or 3 monitors for your crew to use, the URSA<\/strong> has everything you need built right in.<\/p>\n

4. Side Handle<\/h2>\n

\"Choosing<\/p>\n

Much like the Canon C300, the URSA Mini<\/strong> has a really great side handle that can be useful for handheld shooting, or even removed and relocated to use with a shoulder mount kit. Naturally, the full sized URSA<\/strong> doesn\u2019t have any side handle since the camera is far too large to make use of one, but it\u2019s undeniably a nice touch that makes the URSA Mini<\/strong> really enjoyable to shoot with as a single operator. The handle has a record button, and focus\/iris buttons built right in which make it really useful.<\/p>\n

5. Frame Rates<\/h2>\n

Both the URSA<\/strong> and the URSA Mini<\/strong> have the ability to toggle between a global and rolling shutter, which effectively unlock higher frame rate options. Although, the Mini<\/strong> is more limited than the URSA<\/strong> in some regards. For instance, the URSA<\/strong> can shoot at up to 120fps in 4K RAW, while the Mini<\/strong> will max out at 60fps in 4K RAW. In global shutter mode, the URSA<\/strong> maxes out at 60fps while the Mini<\/strong> can do only 30fps. In my opinion, this isn\u2019t a deal breaker for the URSA Mini<\/strong>, as 60fps in 4K RAW is more than enough for most slow-motion work. Though, it\u2019s still nice to have the ability to go up to 120fps on the URSA<\/strong> if you\u2019re in a pinch.<\/p>\n

Here’s an interview from NAB 2015 in which No Film School’s Joe Marine speaks with Blackmagic’s Grant Petty about some of the differences between the URSA<\/strong> and URSA Mini<\/strong>.<\/p>\n