Blackmagic Design Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6KFrom real comments

Name: Blackmagic Design Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K
Rating: 3 (16 reviews)

Verdict distilled from 16 mentions across 8 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment45%

PROS 45%

CONS 55%

Rank based on 16 mentions across 8 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

You want RED-like image quality at a fraction of a comparably rigged RED setup
You're willing to learn the correct shoulder-mount rosette points for comfortable handheld use
Long battery life on set matters more than chasing extreme ISO range

What users love

Comfortable shoulder rig when set up correctly0 mentions

Widely praised

Strong value versus RED0 mentions

Strongly positive

Improved battery life0 mentions

Widely praised

Useful hidden EVF histogram feature0 mentions

Generally positive

Skip this if...

You expect ISO beyond 1600 without confusion or extra pushing steps
You want a rig that's comfortable and correct straight out of the box without reading the manual
You're budgeting only for the body price and not extra CFast cards/accessories

What users complain about

Native ISO and ISO range confusion0 mentions

Generally negative

Confusing rig ergonomics out of the box0 mentions

Generally negative

True cost climbs quickly with accessories0 mentions

Generally negative

Possible firmware/menu bug hiding 4.6K mode0 mentions

Generally negative

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choice

1Premium

RED Epic-X

Filmic image qualityStrong high-ISO performanceDragon sensor regarded as RED's bestHeavy lighting requirements for low lightHeavy post-production demandsLong-term reliability concerns

RED Epic-X

Filmic image quality

Strong high-ISO performance

Dragon sensor regarded as RED's best

Heavy lighting requirements for low light

Heavy post-production demands

Long-term reliability concerns

Best value

2Mid

RED Epic Dragon

Exceptional image quality and dynamic rangeBeloved by long-term and repeat ownersStrong value on the used marketDemanding low-light lighting requirementsFan and audio noise concernsMisleading '16-bit' marketing claims

RED Epic Dragon

Exceptional image quality and dynamic range

Beloved by long-term and repeat owners

Strong value on the used market

Demanding low-light lighting requirements

Fan and audio noise concerns

Misleading '16-bit' marketing claims

3Premium

RED Scarlet-X

Distinctive image quality

RED Scarlet-X

Distinctive image quality

4Premium

RED Komodo

16-bit R3D RAW Image QualityDistinctive RED Color Science and Filmic LookIncreasingly Affordable Entry into the RED EcosystemSteep Price Jump for Komodo XExtra Costs Beyond the Body (No Included Battery, Accessories)Frame Rate Limitations vs Competitors

RED Komodo

16-bit R3D RAW Image Quality

Distinctive RED Color Science and Filmic Look

Increasingly Affordable Entry into the RED Ecosystem

Steep Price Jump for Komodo X

Extra Costs Beyond the Body (No Included Battery, Accessories)

Frame Rate Limitations vs Competitors

5Premium

Sony FX9

Superior image quality vs FX6Professional build and IOStandout autofocusAging platform and uncertain futureClunky menu and interfaceNo native internal RAW output

Sony FX9

Superior image quality vs FX6

Professional build and IO

Standout autofocus

Aging platform and uncertain future

Clunky menu and interface

No native internal RAW output

6Premium

Sony FX3

Long-term satisfaction and durabilityVideo-focused ergonomicsGood value bundled with accessoriesHigh price relative to competitorsNo built-in ND filtersPerceived lack of new features vs competitors

Sony FX3

Long-term satisfaction and durability

Video-focused ergonomics

Good value bundled with accessories

High price relative to competitors

No built-in ND filters

Perceived lack of new features vs competitors

7Premium

Panasonic S1H

Exceptional Dynamic Range & ColorFully Articulating Flip ScreenCinema Performance at a Relative BargainWeak AutofocusHigh PriceNo Internal RAW Recording

Panasonic S1H

Exceptional Dynamic Range & Color

Fully Articulating Flip Screen

Cinema Performance at a Relative Bargain

Weak Autofocus

High Price

No Internal RAW Recording

8Premium

Sony Venice 2

Balanced, film-like color scienceAttainable pricing for used Venice 1Best-in-class internal ND systemHeavy body for solo operatorsMissing high-frame-rate optionsVery high price relative to alternatives

Sony Venice 2

Balanced, film-like color science

Attainable pricing for used Venice 1

Best-in-class internal ND system

Heavy body for solo operators

Missing high-frame-rate options

Very high price relative to alternatives

9Premium

Canon EOS C70

Strong image quality and color scienceBuilt-in ND filterReliable professional workhorseHigh price versus competitorsNo built-in EVFLimited to 4K, no RAW

Canon EOS C70

Strong image quality and color science

Built-in ND filter

Reliable professional workhorse

High price versus competitors

No built-in EVF

Limited to 4K, no RAW

10Mid

Nikon ZR

Outstanding value for image qualityLarge, bright 4-inch screen32-bit float internal audioMicro HDMI and port placementLarge RAW file sizes and no external SSD recordingCard slot placement and Micro SD choice

Nikon ZR

Outstanding value for image quality

Large, bright 4-inch screen

32-bit float internal audio

Micro HDMI and port placement

Large RAW file sizes and no external SSD recording

Card slot placement and Micro SD choice

You are here

31Mid

Blackmagic Design Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K

Comfortable shoulder rig when set up correctlyImproved battery lifeStrong value versus REDNative ISO and ISO range confusionConfusing rig ergonomics out of the boxPossible firmware/menu bug hiding 4.6K mode

Blackmagic Design Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6K

Comfortable shoulder rig when set up correctly

Improved battery life

Strong value versus RED

Native ISO and ISO range confusion

Confusing rig ergonomics out of the box

Possible firmware/menu bug hiding 4.6K mode

Autofocus
1. Sony FX9arrow_upward4
2. Canon EOS C70arrow_downward1
3. Panasonic S1Harrow_downward9
High price
1. Canon EOS C70arrow_downward2
2. Sony Venice 2arrow_downward2
3. Sony FX3arrow_downward3
Image quality
1. Sony FX9arrow_upward6
2. RED Epic Dragonarrow_upward4
Color science
1. RED Komodoarrow_upward4
2. Sony Venice 2arrow_upward4
3. Canon EOS C70arrow_upward1
Price
1. Canon EOS C70arrow_downward3
2. Panasonic S1Harrow_downward6
Used value
1. RED Epic Dragonarrow_upward3
2. RED Epic-Xarrow_upward3
3. Sony Venice 2arrow_upward3

Overall Impression

Commenters consistently frame it as dramatically better value than RED. One detailed cost breakdown compares a fully rigged URSA Mini 4.6K (shoulder mount, EVF, batteries, CFast cards) at roughly 8,000-10,000 dollars against a similarly equipped RED Scarlet Dragon setup costing nearly 29,000 dollars, with even bare bodies showing a large gap. The commenter concludes RED is no longer a realistic budget option compared to newer Blackmagic offerings, positioning the URSA Mini as a serious value alternative for buyers priced out of RED.

Ergonomics are polarizing until the correct mounting points are used. Multiple viewers point out that the reviewer attached the arm/grip to the wrong rosette mount, causing discomfort and a handle that felt too short. Once moved to the shoulder mount's own metal rosette or an Arri rosette on 15mm rails, users describe the rig as far more comfortable for long handheld shoots and call it one of the most balanced setups on the market when configured properly, though the initial confusion suggests the manual isn't intuitive.

ISO behavior and camera settings caused persistent confusion among viewers. Several commenters correct the native ISO figure from 400 to 800, and others ask repeatedly how the reviewer pushed ISO past 1600 when their own units cap at that range, with one directly questioning whether it's even possible on the UM4.6K. Separately, one buyer reports a purchased unit only offering 4K recording options with no 4.6K selection at all, suspecting a settings or firmware issue rather than a fake product.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?

check_circleComfortable shoulder rig when set up correctly

3 mentions

Widely praised

Multiple users note that once the grip/arm is mounted to the correct rosette point on the shoulder mount itself (rather than the side handle mount), the rig becomes very comfortable for long handheld shoots. One even calls it one of the most balanced setups on the market when configured properly.

@intoximacated

I added an Arri rosette attachment on 15mm rails off the front to move the LANC grip further forward, that helps a lot with comfort or long, hand-held shoots.

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March 5, 2017

@rats304

ALSO - YOU MOUNTED THE ARM TO THE WRONG SPOT. THERE IS ANOTHER MOUNTING POINT (METAL ROSETTE) ON THE SHOULDER MOUNT ITSELF. THAT WOULD HAVE SOLVED ALL YOUR PROBLEMS. You really should read the manual before doing a review on a product. This is one of the most comfortable and balanced setups on the market when used properly.

smart_display

February 25, 2017

@starkeyluv

+Faymusmedia The handle isn't long enough, because you have the extension arm mounted to the regular side handle mount. I did the same thing when I got the shoulder mount kit and thought that it was uncomfortable. If you move it down to the rosette mount on the side of the shoulder mount kit, it sits out way further and is a lot more comfortable.

smart_display

February 24, 2017

attach_moneyStrong value versus RED

1 mentions

Strongly positive

A detailed cost comparison shows a fully rigged URSA Mini 4.6K costing far less than a similarly equipped RED Scarlet Dragon, with even bare bodies showing a large price gap. The commenter argues Blackmagic offers serious value for buyers priced out of RED gear.

@noahfierravanti2039

Isn't it dumb to compare the prices between Blackmagic and RED when making different setups?\nYes an URSA Mini 4.6k with Shoulder Mount, EVF, Battery Plate, Batterys and CFast Cards will cost you up to 8000 or in 2017 probably up to 10,000$ and close to the cost of a RED Scarlet Dragon 5k.\nBut thats only the body for 12,500$... When getting the same Items on the official RED website you have to pay 26,500 for the RED with shoulder mount, batteries and mini mags... The EVF is only included in the Cinema Package which would cost 10000$ more but just look it up on google where there are some offerings for about 2500$...\nWhich makes the RED 29,000$ and the BM 10,000$...\nAnd only the bodies are RED 12,500$ and BM 5000$...\nAnd now you can even use a CFAST to SSD adapter with the BM which is gonna save you a ton of money and unlike RED you can use any 3rd party storage you like...\nSo it would be 512GB SSd = 150$ vs. 460GB Mini Mag = 1,850$... you see BM is realy a better value than RED.\nI like RED and I know you love Blackmagic so I just wanted to state that I think it's not that easy to say that a RED is a better camera overall because of course... it should be when it costs you three times more... and there is a big price gab so you can't just go for the Scarlet when you have only Budget for an Ursa Mini...\nIn my opinion RED isn't an budget option anymore (maybe to an alexa... but not) compared to the newcomers like BM...

smart_display

May 7, 2018

battery_fullImproved battery life

1 mentions

Widely praised

A commenter states that battery life isn't an issue anymore with the URSA lineup, suggesting a positive experience with power endurance on set.

@antoinedenis58

Love my BMPCC. Wish I could try the URSA Mini on a shoot! Battery life isn't an issue anymore with the URSA lineups

smart_display

February 24, 2017

visibilityUseful hidden EVF histogram feature

1 mentions

Generally positive

A commenter points out that the EVF does display a histogram via a menu setting the reviewer had missed, indicating the camera has more built-in exposure tools than initially apparent.

@torjohansen4086

Hey Corey - I enjoyed your review of the 4.6K. A couple notes, native ISO is 800, not 400 as you mention. The grip can be mounted lower and further out if you connect the arri-rosette to the base of the shoulder mount (you had it connected to the side of the camera). Hard to tell from the video, but you SHOULD be able to mount the shoulder pad further back. It's funny because most people have commented that they want it to go more FORWARD to accommodate heavier glass. You said you wished the EVF displayed your histogram, it does. EVF menu: Display: Meters: Histogram. Oh and: how are you going above 1600 ISO on the UM4.6K and BMCC?

smart_display

February 24, 2017

help_outlineNative ISO and ISO range confusion

5 mentions

Generally negative

Multiple commenters correct the native ISO from 400 to 800 and question how higher ISO values above 1600 were achieved, with some reporting their own units cap at 1600 ISO. This points to unclear documentation or menu behavior around ISO.

@Belamarimages

Good review! Have it for 3 months now but I have a question; did I miss something but how did you manage to select iso values more than 1600 on Ursa? I mean mine is 200-1600 ISO range...\nThanks!

smart_display

March 8, 2017

@ViciousMarshmallow

Hey man quick question, what ISO were you at when you pushed it digitally? Are you taking it from ASA 800 and pushing artificially to 3200 and beyond or are you starting at 1600 ASA and pushing it?

smart_display

March 5, 2017

@rats304

NATIVE ISO FOR THIS CAMERA IS 800... NOT 400.\nYOU ARE THINKING OF THE 4K VERSION.

smart_display

February 25, 2017

@torjohansen4086

smart_display

February 24, 2017

warningConfusing rig ergonomics out of the box

3 mentions

Generally negative

Several viewers explain that the reviewer mounted the arm/grip to the wrong point, causing discomfort and a handle that felt too short. This suggests the correct shoulder-mount configuration isn't obvious without reading the manual.

@rats304

smart_display

February 25, 2017

@torjohansen4086

smart_display

February 24, 2017

@starkeyluv

smart_display

February 24, 2017

attach_moneyTrue cost climbs quickly with accessories

1 mentions

Generally negative

A commenter notes that recommended CFast cards alone push the total system cost well over 10,000 dollars, beyond the base body price discussed in the review, showing hidden costs in a full setup.

@pipopipo6477

Thank you very much for the review! In the 7400$ you forget the couple of cfast cards you recommend... With those you will very easily get over 10'000$...;-)

smart_display

October 18, 2017

bug_reportPossible firmware/menu bug hiding 4.6K mode

1 mentions

Generally negative

A buyer reports that a purchased unit only shows 4K recording options with no 4.6K choice, despite owning a second unit that does show it, suspecting a settings or firmware issue rather than a defective camera.

@anthonyadedeji9135

Hello.. Please I bought a BlackMagic URSA mini 4.6K for a friend on my last trip to the US, she called me today that the camera isn't showing options to shoot in 4.6K just options for 4K, I went to check the camera myself and 4.6K option isn't on the recording menu at all just the option for 4k, she actually has 2 URSA mini 4.6K and the other one is showing options for it in comparison. I actually believe it is the settings on the camera or maybe the camera has to be updated but she is really worried and probably thought I bought her a fake camera even when 4.6k is written on the camera, Blackmagic is closed for the weekend so I can't reach them... Please what do you think could be hiding the options to shoot 4.6k...

smart_display

May 26, 2018

Blackmagic Design Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6Kchat_bubble_outlineFrom real comments

thumb_up_off_altBuy this if...

What users lovefavorite_border

thumb_down_off_altSkip this if...

What users complain aboutheart_broken

Compare in seconds

Who wins on what

Autofocus

High price

Image quality

Color science

Price

Used value

auto_awesomeOverall Impression

Blackmagic Design Blackmagic URSA Mini 4.6KFrom real comments

Buy this if...

What users love

Skip this if...

What users complain about

Overall Impression