Archive notice: This article was originally published on March 24, 2016. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Global Shutter Delays Delivery
The longer-than-expected development time resulted from difficulties with the practical implementation of the global-shutter function. However, the nature of the problem differs between the two camera models, the URSA Mini 4.6K and the Micro Cinema Camera. BMD engineers worked on a solution for six months, but the performance of the global shutters did not meet Blackmagic Design’s high quality standards. The manufacturer therefore decided to ship both models without the global-shutter function.
Results from the beta phase involving professionall cinematographers and DoPs showed that the cameras’ strength lies in their 15-stop dynamic range, which is only available when operating without global shutter anyway. The use of the high frame rate made possible by the rolling shutter was also said to be more important.
Two Different URSA Mini Models
The URSA Mini 4K was originally intended as the entry-level model, and the URSA Mini 4.6K with its expanded feature set as the high-end model. That now looks different, as the two cameras excel in different areas of application. Anyone filming fast sports action with lots of movement will choose the URSA Mini 4K with its global shutter. Anyone who prefers a wide dynamic range for sophisticated digital films will choose the URSA Mini 4.6K.
Blackmagic Design understands and accepts if some customers who pre-ordered an URSA Mini 4.6K wish to change their order because of the modified function.
Short-Film Test & RAW Files
The manufacturer’s in-house design team wanted to try using the camera on set. So they produced a short film as an experiment. It was shot under various conditions, with setups in low light at night and in bright, direct sunlight. They also used different setups, for example with the camera installed on a tripod, shoulder mount, dolly, gimbal and even a drone. The short film in 4K is available to download from the Blackmagic Design website at www.blackmagicdesign.com/de/blackmagicursamini. Along with the short film, users can also download the making-of documentary showing the shoot behind the scenes, as well as three separate original camera RAW files.
Features of the URSA Mini
Availability and Price
The Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K is now available worldwide from Blackmagic Design resellers for 4,995 USD in the EF version and 5,495 USD in the PL version.
Micro Cinema Camera
This model is also now being delivered without the global-shutter function. The currently communicated price for the mini digital-film camera on the BMD website is 1155 euros.
