Ok. Sure, there’s the GoPro HERO4 Black. But let’s be real about what we mean when we say “camera.” I am a huge fan of GoPro cameras but they are not the first choice for top-notch video production unless you need some POV shots of some extreme sports.
There are plenty of cameras out there that will capture 120fps but few do it at 1920 x 1080 resolution and none of those do it at the $3K entry-price of the URSA Mini 4K camera. Sony almost gets us there with the A7s; however, it is limited to 720p resolution at 120 fps. The Panasonic GH4 also gets close with a variable frame rate mode delivering 96fps in 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Still, no one is delivering a camera close to the prowess of the URSA Mini in the same DSLR-price ballpark.
To be clear, there are two models of the URSA Mini – a 4K option and 4.6K option. Both are available with either an EF mount or a PL mount. The EF mount 4K model retails for $2995.
The URSA Mini will capture 60 fps at 4K and 4.6K on the respective models. A high-frame rate option also allows either camera to capture windowed 1920 x 1080 video at 120 fps.
These details are unclear in the press release and technical data available thus far. There are no clear answers in the forums and other media outlets that I have found.
The product details listed on Blackmagic Design’s website previously stated that URSA Mini could capture 160 fps in HD. When I queried Blackmagic’s products team, they corrected that statement to confirm only 120 fps for the windowed HD mode. (Blackmagic updated the website with the corrected info as well.)
Essentially, this is an HD “crop mode” that uses the center portion of the sensor to capture the high frame rate, which can then be conformed in post production down to 5x slow motion in a 1080/24p timeline. Not bad for a $2995 camera.
Of course, if you want the dynamic range of the 4.6K sensor, you will need to pony up another $2K for that camera.
This is one of the features that really intrigues me about the URSA Mini – especially at this price – and I know there are many other folks interested in this feature based on the numerous forum posts I have read on the topic. Hopefully, this clears the air about the slow motion capabilities of the URSA Mini with some official details direct from Blackmagic.
Look for more coverage on the URSA Mini in the coming months as we build toward its ship date later this summer. Stay tuned.
and the samsung nx1 ? does it do 120 @1080 ?
I knew there would be something I missed. You’re right. The NX1 does indeed shoot 120 fps at 1920 x 1080.
never mind, I think the ursa has a better 120fps then the nx1, that btw I like very much, sicne is coming from a manufacturer historically not so camera related ..
I think both cameras have a lot of potential. Obviously, there are different intended end-users though…
Does the ursa mini 4k not 4.6 shoot 120fps at 1080. The specs on the black magic form do not show this only up to 60
According to my conversations with Blackmagic, both the 4K and 4.6K models shoot 120fps in windowed 1080 mode, as noted in the post above.
What does windowed mode mean … that it takes it from a smaller area from the sensor? So is it true a 1080?
Also does anybody know if the EF mount option supports the canon lenses that require the in camera motor to change the f-stop or do you need lenses with manual f-stops?
Windowed 1080 is like a window on the sensor. Basically, it is cropping a true 1920 x 1080 portion of the sensor.
The camera supports the active electronic’s inside Canon lenses. You can even see some of the standard still photography Canon L lenses in uses on the the product pages of Blackmagic’s website.
For 1080p at 60fps, does the Ursa Mini use the full sensor or the windowed mode? I can’t find this information anywhere. I understand 120fps uses the window mode, but I want to know about the 60fps @ 1080p mode. Anyone know? This is important, because it would dramatically affect the field of view.
I think the answer is that 1080/60p is the full sensor since it is a “normal” frame rate – but you’re right, there’s no clear documentation. Just email BM support and ask.
If you find out, please follow up here and let the rest of us know.
Thanks Eric,
Found out the Ursa Mini 4k shoots up to 60 fps at 1080p with full sensor resolution. 120 fps requires the crop (“windowed”) mode. No idea about the 4.6k sensor, however.
Great. Thanks for letting us know.