Just to be completely transparent, this is my first review of anything ever. (When I get more settled into blogging and reviews, i’ll incorporate personal video reviews). I thought this would be fun and hopefully it helps in your camera decisions. If you are considering upgrading from the BMPC4k or just want more information on it, this post should help. I’ve been an owner of the Blackmagic Production 4k camera for a year and wanted to replace/upgrade my camera. I want to share reasons behind that decision to upgrade and things to look for.
Reasons for the change:
- Better ergonomics
- XLR inputs
- Slow motion capabilities
Things you should keep an eye on.
- Top handle/shoulder mount, and viewfinder are sold separately.
- Requires Cfast 2 cards which are pretty expensive.
- Has no internal battery so you will need a battery solution.
The blackmagic camera assist is a great way to get HD video and an additional monitor at a reasonable price. As of right now a Cfast 2.0 – 256gb card will cost you $675ish. The blackmagic camera assist records on SDs and a 256gb card with a decent write speed is $150ish. So if you aren’t so worried about 4k, I would recommend getting the camera assist with SD cards. You would save money and have a recorder/extra monitor.
https://www.blackmagicdesign.com/products/blackmagicvideoassist
What comes in the box?
- EF-Mount Port Cap
- Side Handle
- LANC Cable
- Power Supply
- DaVinci Resolve Full-Version License Dongle
Recording modes:
4K Recording in RAW , RAW 3:1 (frame rates from 5fps up to 60fps)
UHD Recording in Prores HD, 422, LT, Proxy (frame rates from 5fps up to 60fps)
1080p Recording in Prores HD, 422, LT, Proxy, (frame rates from 5fps up to 60fps)
1080p window/crop Recording in Prores HD, 422, LT, Proxy, (frame rates from 5fps up to 60fps)
ISO 200/400/800, BASE ISO is still 400 just like the Ursa and Production Camera.
Recording Times: Hopefully this gives you a general idea of what the data to record time ratio is.
UHD 3840×2160 Prores 422
60fps
with San disk 128GB Cfast 2.0 card you’ll get 29min
25fps
with San disk 128GB Cfast 2.0 card you’ll get 29min
1920×1080 – Prorez 422
60fps
San disk 128GB Cfast 2.0 card you’ll get 1hr 50ish min
24fps
with San disk 128GB Cfast 2.0 card you’ll get 1hr 50ish min
If you want a crash course on the sensor performance, check out Shane Hurlbut’s blog:
Blackmagic 4K URSA Tests Part 1
Blackmagic 4K URSA Tests Part 2
If you’d like to see images from the ursa mini, you can check out this video from The Dreamers:
I haven’t been able to test the black hole/orb issue that blackmagic cameras had in the past. I’ll report back when I have more time to do that. I’ll leave you with this video just in case you need to know how to fix it in Davinci Resolve:
Remember that the camera is just a tool to help tell stories. Better tools can make the artist’s job easier, but should be used as a crutch for basic cinematography and story-telling principles. If this has helped you at all, let me know by leaving a comment. Remember, if you haven’t signed up for the newsletter. This content can be delivered right to your e-mail inbox.