Our New Favorite Camera - Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K Review

The video provides an in-depth look at the Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K, evaluating whether it lives up to the hype that surrounded its release and whether it remains competitive as a low-budget cinema camera. The reviewer walks through the design, noting how Blackmagic compacted the original URSA form factor into a more practical body, with key ports including dual SDI, XLR audio, and a built-in microphone for scratch audio. They discuss practical usability, such as the touchscreen interface, the EVF option, and the need to select from a broad ProRes and RAW recording menu to unlock the camera’s full 4.6K resolution. The discussion also covers the cost and logistics of using CFast cards versus SSDs with an adapter, highlighting the current price barrier of media and the workaround that minimizes risk of footage loss. Throughout, the review emphasizes color science improvements, dynamic range performance, and the camera’s performance in real-world lighting, from harsh daylight to sunset, while comparing it to familiar cameras like the A7S II. By the end, the verdict is that the URSA Mini 4.6K offers compelling image quality and creative potential at a sub $10,000 price point, with caveats surrounding media costs, continuous firmware polish, and the learning curve for handling its many recording options. The host remains confident that for serious filmmakers, the URSA Mini opens new creative avenues and represents a genuine winner in its class, especially when paired with proper rigging and lighting setups.

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