The race forward in technology tends to develop along two axes: the first is the raw capability of electronics to process data with greater speed and accuracy, and the second is improving the efficiency of the tech so that it can be made smaller to wield, easier to use, and cheaper to buy. Blackmagic has been leading the former with its professional level URSA camera, but it's taking on the latter challenge with the Blackmagic URSA Mini.
The Blackmagic URSA Mini
The mini version of the URSA should feel immediately familiar to anyone who has used its larger predecessor. The sensors in the Mini are a revision of the ones in its cousins and big brother, so the footage keeps the same level of pristine quality despite the smaller form factor. As you might expect, not all of electronics are equal in power, such as the drop from 120 fps in 4K RAW to 60 fps. It still gets 15 stops of dynamic range, can swap between rolling and global shutter modes, and has a broad range of studio quality recording formats including ProRes and CinemaDNG Raw. You can choose from EF or PL lenses, and there's even an optional shoulder mount.
It still has the same professional aesthetic of the big URSA, but Blackmagic has shaved off over two-thirds of the weight. That puts the Mini at a comfortable 5 pounds, enabling the wielder to be more mobile or the camera to be mounted in more locations. Some of the extra features like the spare viewing screens were removed, but the remaining 5" touchscreen display does its job admirably. The one major addition to the frame is the side handle that would be out of place on the larger version.
Ultimately, choosing between the URSA and the URSA Mini comes down to the intended purpose and personal preference. The Mini's lower price and profile make it a good choice for smaller studios, amateurs, or those working on less stationary sets. If you know you'll be filming on a tripod and have the cash to spare, there's less reason to veer away from the original URSA.
If you're shopping for a later project or aren't pressed for time, you can also opt to wait a bit longer and pre-order the 4.6K model of either the Mini or full URSA for even better pictures.
