I had a chance to use the URSA Mini 4.6K camera on various projects over 3 months. Two of those were films.
Finally after this experience I feel like I can do a proper, comprehensive review of the Blackmagic Ursa Mini 4.6K. I used the camera on a challenging feature film shoot in India where I put the camera through it’s paces and extreme weather conditions.
Let me share with you what I learned about this new camera. Also what accessories work and which don’t, etc.
To find out more about the film “ZIA” check out the director and main star’s page HERE. For more info about the film “#ActorsLife” go HERE.
BlackMagic URSA Mini 4.6K on BH Photo Video, Amazon, Amazon Canada, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, Adorama, eBay, Henry’s
The Viewfinder at BH Photo Video, Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany, Adorama and eBay
Xeen Lenses at BH Photo Video, Adorama and eBay
Of course, you can use this camera with Canon lenses and any other brand with the EF-mount.
The Shoulder Rig at BH Photo Video, Adorama and eBay
The Tripod Quick-Release Plate at BH Photo Video
The Follow Focus at BH Photo Video, Adorama
CFast to SSD Adapter at BH Photo Video, Amazon (sold by Adorama), Adorama and eBay
Here is the recording media I recommend so that it’s fast enough and won’t drop frames or corrupt your files: Samsung 850 EVO 500GB SSD on Amazon, Amazon UK, eBay
The Mattebox at Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Germany and eBay
Here is the battery I used which you can get from Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, Amazon Germany
LanParte URSA Mini Professional Shoulder Kit on Amazon, Amazon Germany, BH Photo Video, eBay
LanParte URSA Mini Basic Shoulder Kit on Amazon, Amazon Germany, BH Photo Video, eBay
LanParte URSA MINI Top Handle on Amazon, Amazon Germany, BH Photo Video, eBay
LanParte URSA MINI Extension Arm on Amazon, BH Photo Video, eBay
LanParte V-mount Battery Back Plate for URSA Mini on Amazon, Amazon UK, Amazon Canada, Amazon Germany, BH Photo Video, eBay
Check back for the video where I show you how to build your own SSD adapter for the camera for less than $100. Also the different rigs I tested out and batteries.
To keep the review videos shorter, I’ve decided to do another video where I show how I built up the rig for this camera. You will see the lenses and all the accessories I use – and there are a lot them. In fact, although the camera is called Mini, the whole camera rig is far from small. But when you are working on a long shoot, accessories can make a world of difference in what you get out of a camera.
Here is that unboxing and setup video.
Davinci Resolve Color Grading Tutorial I mentioned in the review.
Below are some of the stills from the films I shot on the URSA Mini 4.6K
Tom,
The video is set to private …can’t watch it. 🙁
I have to re-upload it again… there was a big glitch with the first youtube upload. Almost done uploading again.
Came here to post the same thing. I’ve went to FB, IG and YT looking for the vid. lol
Do you feel like you need ND filters with a hot mirror to deal with the IR Pollution? I was considering Schneider ND’s/.
Yes, in situations where there is a lot of infrared light it is a must to have some sort of IR cutting filter. Here are various tests I did https://tomantosfilms.com/13965/solution-to-ir-pollution/
superb
We are the Blackmagic agent in Sri Lanka.Also we are renting for movies.
Which IR filters suitable for URSA Mini 4.6 K.
There are various IR cutting filters you can use. Here is a test I did with a few different options. Watch it and then decide which one you like the most: https://tomantosfilms.com/13965/solution-to-ir-pollution/
Like you video reviews, please whats the name of the tripod you use in filming in India?
Tom, enjoyed your Ursa Mini 4.6 review. At my company, Trispect Films, we shoot most of our jobs on this camera and enjoy its versatility and overall ease of use but most of all the images the camera delivers. Of course, there’s very little that’s “mini” about it once it’s rigged out but even fully rigged I can throw it up on my shoulder for awhile. Speaking of which, my Ursa shoulder mount kit is fine but I’d like a more comfortable should pad for the system, one that is perhaps more cushioned and rounder to the shoulder shape. Any recs that I might look at?
Hello Tom.
I’m on the brink of buying a Bmpcc 4K but now my employer offers me a Ursa Mini 4.6k (not pro) plus many accessories for a very attractive price. Problem is, I have to decide this week.
I shoot uhd only and rarely night shots. I do however love fine detail.
I’ve had some trouble with previous BM cameras with fixed pattern noise; but the 4.6 has an improved sensor so I sincerely hope that has been improved.
I love the ursa mini formfactor but I don’t want bags of noise or FPN.
What do you think? Buy the BM Ursa Mini 4.6k now and start shooting, or wait for the BMPCC4K? (and why…)
Your opinion on this is much appreciated!
Thanks and kind regards, Martin
The 4.6k has no noise patterns. Its a great camera and has many things better then the soon to come pocket cinema camera 4K. The only advantage of the the BMPCC4K is the smaller size. So if the size doesn’t matter to you I would get the 4.6K.
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