Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Digital Cinema Camera
Upping the electronics and recording capabilities of its Mini Pro predecessor, the Blackmagic Design‘s URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Digital Cinema Camera
brings expanded control set and even more functionality. The G2
introduces an updated Super 35 4.6K sensor featuring 15 stops of dynamic
range at 3200 ISO, high frame rate recording up to 300 fps, and
additional recording functionality.
First, the addition of external camera controls allows menus to be
accessed to change exposure settings, activate slow/fast motion, or
engage focus assist or other functions. The exterior of the camera also
gains a monochrome LCD panel which displays essential shooting data at a
glance. Another welcome pro feature is the built-in ND (neutral
density) filter wheel. The four-position wheel switches between two,
four, and six stops of neutral density, plus a clear filter for no
exposure reduction.
Behind the display, two SD card slots beside the CFast 2.0 slots enable
more affordable media to be used for less intensive recording formats.
The G2 introduces a USB-C expansion port so you can record directly to
external drives. The default electronic EF lens mount is
user-interchangeable and adjustable to ensure proper flange focal
distance.
At the heart of the camera is Blackmagic Design’s acclaimed Super 35mm
4.6K sensor block, known for its ability to capture cinematic images
with subtle gradients and large dynamic range rated at 15 stops. The G2
can now capture Blackmagic RAW footage in film and extended modes which
makes it more versatile to meet your production needs. Probably the most
impressive update with the G2 is the ability to capture 4.6K footage at
120 fps, 4K DCI at 150 fps, or even 1080p footage at 300 fps which is
well suited for fast-action shooting.
Like the URSA Mini, the URSA Mini Pro G2 can record high-resolution raw
sensor data in CinemaDNG format onto CFast 2.0 or SD memory cards at up
to 60 fps. The raw files preserve the full dynamic range and color
tonality output from the sensor, so you can have greater control over
the look in post-production. However, data-heavy uncompressed raw files
aren’t always easy to deal with on set so in addition to uncompressed
raw recording, the URSA Mini Pro provides compressed raw recording at
3:1 and 4:1 compression ratios to save space while retaining
post-production flexibility.
If raw capture is not necessary for your production, the URSA Mini Pro
G2 offers ready-to-edit industry standard Apple ProRes files in many
different flavors within the 444 and 422 chroma subsampling variations
depending on your workflow. The 4.6K, 4K, 3K, 2K, and HD recording
resolutions can be captured as ProRes files either using the “Film”
dynamic range for a flatter image for grading in post-production, or
“Video” dynamic range for a finished look right out of the camera.
ProRes can be recorded to either CFast 2.0 or UHS-II SD cards (SD cards
top out at UHD 4K; please check the Blackmagic Design website for
updated card compatibility and limitations).
Since the form factor of the original URSA Mini has been adhered to, the
ergonomic benefits have remained as well. With separately available
accessories like the VCT shoulder pad, side-handle extension, broadcast
battery plate, and EVF, the camera can be kitted out for comfortable
shooting over extended periods. For studio-style shooting, the same
shoulder pad is compatible with 15mm LWS rods for mounting lens supports
for long lenses, follow focuses, lens drive motors, matte boxes, and
more.
