GEAR
BLACKMAGIC URSAMINI PROG2
balance, shutter angle and audio levels using sliders. It’s a shame the screen doesn’t give the option for large waveforms to help you nail exposure. A histogram, zebra, false colours and peaking are available, but it’s not the same experience as the full suite of viewing tools on external monitors. The screen does have a digital ‘slate’ which you use to enter metadata and keywords with an on-screen keyboard just like on a smartphone. The camera can be controlled via a tablet or smartphone using a free app, too. There are professional connections like XLR audio, controlled by adjuster wheels and the on-screen levels help you set up quickly. Blackmagic say the internal audio circuitry has been improved and sound quality is excellent. Some users thought the Ursa Mini Pro was not the best for audio as there could be a minor delay and the amps were not optimal. We had no issues with the new G2 version. There is a 12G-SDI out connector, HD-SDI monitoring out, two LANC inputs, timecode in and reference input so it will record continuous incoming timecode. There is a D-Tap connection
system that’s easy to use and navigate. It’s a world apart from the complex and convoluted menus some camera manufacturers insist on using. The left of the camera has a backlit LCD screen showing record timecode, frame rate, shutter angle, aperture, white balance, ISO and iris along with a battery indicator, card recording status and audio meters for monitoring levels. The left control panel has lots of separate control switches including a high frame rate button. When we tested the pre-G2 model we said our only niggle was that when the LCD screen is folded out, it does hinder access to some of the controls. Unfortunately this is still the same. The 4in touchscreen is bright and useable outdoors, although not great when viewed from oblique angles. Its relatively large size means you can get away without an external monitor a lot of the time. For studio use, Blackmagic sells a 7in studio monitor or you could use one of the many aftermarket options. The touchscreen has tabs at the top of the screen to let you select what group of settings you want. Tap to adjust settings like white-
“The 4in touchscreen is bright and useable outdoors, although not great when viewed from oblique angles”
ABOVE It’s worth spending the extra £340/$395 for the shoulder mount kit
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PRO MOVIEMAKER AUTUMN 2019
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