Blackmagic Design URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 Cinema Camera

PRODUCT HIGHLIGHTS

• 4.6K Super 35 HDR CMOS Sensor
• 4.6K up to 120 fps, 300 fps at 1080p
• 15 Stops of Dynamic Range at 3200 ISO
• USB-C Expansion Port for External Disks
• CinemaDNG and ProRes 444 & 422 Recording
• Dual CFast 2.0 and SD Memory Card Slots
• 12G-SDI Output, Timecode and REF Input
• 2 XLR Audio Inputs with Phantom Power
• 2-/4-/6-Stop ND Filter, Magnesium Body

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 colour 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 flavours 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.

New G2 Model Features

• Updated Super 35 4.6K image sensor
• 4608 x 2592 with 15 stops of dynamic range at 3200 ISO
• 4.6K images at up to 120 frames per second
• Windowed 4K DCI at up to 150 frames per second
• Windowed 1080 HD at 300 frames per second
• Blackmagic RAW images in both film and extended video modes
• Raw compression levels up to 12:1
• USB-C expansion port for recording to external drives

Built-In ND Filters

The URSA Mini Pro G2 features high-quality neutral density (ND) filters that let you quickly reduce the amount of light entering the camera. The clear, 2-, 4-, and 6-stop filters have been specifically designed to match the colour science of the URSA Mini Pro G2 to maintain consistent image quality with minimal colour shift. The ND filters conveniently let you use different combinations of aperture and shutter angle to achieve shallower depth of field, or specific levels of motion blur, in a wider range of situations. Additionally, the internal IR filters have been designed to filter both optical and infrared wavelengths evenly to eliminate IR contamination of the images that can be brought about by standard ND filter. A precision mechanism holds the filters and quickly moves them into place when the ND filter dial is turned. Furthermore, the current filter settings can be displayed as an ND number, stop reduction, or fraction on the LCD.

External Control Section

Using a design inspired by classic broadcast cameras, the URSA Mini Pro G2 features a wide array of tactile physical controls with direct access to the most important camera settings. The controls are laid out in a logical order that makes them easy to remember so you'll be able to adjust camera settings, apply ND filters, and change frame rates without having to look at the buttons, dive into on-screen menus, or take the camera off your shoulder.

User-Interchangeable Lens Mounts

By default, the URSA Mini Pro G2 includes an interchangeable EF mount. If you want to use lenses with F (Nikon), PL, or B4 mounts, separately available interchangeable mounts can be purchased. Having an interchangeable lens mount allows the URSA Mini Pro G2 to be used in nearly any kind of workflow including documentary, ENG/EFP, and cinema. For ENG lenses, a 12-pin Hirose connector will power the servo so all lens functionality can be utilized.

External LCD Status Display

The status display is a high-visibility black-and-white LCD screen designed to be easily seen even in bright light. The status display shows record timecode, locked timecode, and reference timecode along with the current shooting frame rate, shutter angle, aperture, white balance, ISO, and iris. It also features a battery indicator, card recording status, and audio meters for monitoring levels. The screen's backlight can be turned on when you're shooting in dimly lit locations, and off when you're shooting outdoors and in bright light to increase contrast, making it easy to read under nearly any shooting condition.

Advanced Image Processing

The URSA Mini Pro 4.6K G2 also uses Blackmagic Design Generation 4 Color Science for superior imaging that results in extremely accurate skin tones and lifelike colours that rival those of cameras costing tens of thousands of dollars more. Blackmagic RAW images are encoded using a custom nonlinear 12-bit space designed to provide the maximum amount of colour data and dynamic range. With Blackmagic RAW, customers can choose compression levels up to 12:1 and still get professional-quality images that can be used for feature films, documentaries, and broadcast programming. These formats can be recorded onto CFast or SD cards, as well as direct to flash disks using the USB-C expansion port.

CFast 2.0 and SD Media Support

Two of each CFast 2.0 and SD slots are available for recording media. High-end workflows that require 4K or 4.6K raw recording and high frame rate shooting will take full advantage of the high-bandwidth CFast 2.0 cards. Raw HD and 4K ProRes material can be recorded onto convenient and relatively inexpensive SD cards compatible with the UHS-II standard. Since two of each slot are available, you can keep recording, regardless of format choice.