URSA Mini 4.6K Review (after real world use)

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

initial-tests-resolve-01_00_02_04-still001

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ursa-mini-46k-review-after-real-world-use-on-2-films-00_04_14_22-still008

ursa-mini-46k-review-after-real-world-use-on-2-films-00_04_17_01-still009

ursa-mini-46k-review-after-real-world-use-on-2-films-00_21_30_06-still001

ursa-mini-46k-review-after-real-world-use-on-2-films-00_05_16_20-still014

ursa-mini-46k-review-after-real-world-use-on-2-films-00_05_21_14-still015

20 thoughts on “URSA Mini 4.6K Review (after real world use)”

  1. 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?

  2. 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

    1. 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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