GEAR
BLACKMAGIC URSAMINI PROG2
to get power to the camera but we used Blackmagic’s V-lock adapter plate which costs £85/$105. We also added the optional £1388/$1495 OLED viewfinder which is well-built and multi-adjustable. For use on the shoulder as an ENG camera, it’s an essential buy. As is spending £340/$395 for the shoulder mount kit and another £198/$199 for the handgrip. This gives a useful handle with grip and shoulder mount with shoulder pad, 15mm rail attachments, a quick-release tripod mount and rosettes on both sides. The grip has a Rec button but you have to push a button to change the iris rather than a wheel which some cameras have. Once again, while Canon and Sony are pushing the envelope as far as advanced autofocus on cinema cameras, the Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 EF is still stuck in the dark ages. There is not only no clever tracking, face detection or even phase detect AF, but like the older camera, the G2 only has a push-to-focus button. Using a Canon-mount Sigma AF lens, the camera slowly focuses on the central subject then locks focus at that point. There is no continuous AF or focus tracking at all, which is a bit of a shame. It’s pretty much the only fly in the ointment for what is a fantastically high-spec and high-performing camera, especially considering its affordable price.
THE VERDICT
on the older camera. Shooting 4.6K Blackmagic Raw gives rich files with 14 stops of dynamic range and beautiful colours. And at fast frame rates, too. When we tested the Ursa Mini Pro a couple of years ago, we said that for the money, there was nothing on the market to come close to it in terms of spec, usability and quality of the footage, especially in good light. The new G2 model improves on the quality, adds insane frame rates and costs the same as the older model when it was launched. That makes it a stunning buy. HOW IT RATES Features: 9 Loads of features but that autofocus is still lacking. Performance: 9 Great stunning footage, if you don’t mind extra time to edit Raw. Handling: 9 It’s built to last, has lots of nice buttons and a great menu. Value forMoney: 10 Such quality and spec for such a reasonable price. OVERALL RATING: 9/10 One of the best do-it-all cameras Pros: Ease of use, great menus, stunning quality of footage. Cons: Autofocus is lacking, poor ISO range, expensivemedia. More information blackmagicdesign.com
Although the new Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 EF looks almost identical to its older sibling, the changes to the electronics and sensor inside the camera have turned a great- value, capable machine into an even more impressive one. We’ve already been contacted by several users of Canon cameras who wish to use their EF-mount lenses and see the Blackmagic Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 EF as an alternative to the Canon C series for high-speed shooting. It’s not just a one-trick pony; the camera can be used in low- compression Raw for ultimate quality when shooting cinematic movies, rigged up as an ENG camera, or used as a studio or livestreaming camera, especially if teamed up with some of Blackmagic’s studio accessories. The camera comes with an EF mount but this can be user- changed to a Nikon F, PL or B4 mount so servo-powered zoom lenses could be fitted. And the camera’s solid build means it could survive a war zone. The ergonomics are good, especially with the add-on EVF and shoulder mount which does take the strain. Of course, the price does start to climb when you add on all the accessories. And no additional purchase can make up for the poor AF system, either. Think of it as a manual focus camera with push-assist AF to help you get focus pretty close. The footage – audio and video – is excellent and an improvement
BELOW SDI connectors prove this camera’s credentials as pro- quality gear
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AUTUMN 2019 PRO MOVIEMAKER
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