2 minute Blackmagic Ursa review at DVinfo.net

Dylan Couper · October 20th, 2014, 04:20 PM

Playing around with the URSA in the office today (thanks to Guy and Steph at www.dvestore.com for fast shipping!) Here's some initial things that people may not consider:

1) Sony tripod plate mount. The bottom is not tapped 1/4, 3/8" like Red and most other cameras. Fortunately you can get these off Ebay for $100-$200.
2) External power is via 4pin XLR. This is good as there are a ton of D-tap to XLR cables cheap, but bad if you expected your Production camera power solution to work out of the box.
3) The 10" screen is not usable as a handheld monitor solution, too close (this should be expected).
4) Lack of 1/4" threaded holes for accessory mounting. Like, oh say a V-mount battery plate to the back. I'm sure there are some solutions for that already.
5) It's FREAKIN HEAVY. We all knew that already, just a reminder.
6) The box weights like 25lbs due to the camera being packed in the best form fitting foam ever. It's really nice. I'm saving it.
7) No shoulder pad built in. Bottom is too rough to run on your shoulder with the weight without a pad, so look for that solution fast (which is what I'm doing right now). EDIT: looks like there are none. BM may have one on the way, answer pending.
8) What does Blackmagic have against DIALS & SWITCHES?!? Seriously Blackmagic, learn some camera ergonomics. At least the audio has dials.

Summary of initial impressions... light years better than there other cameras, but they have failed to learn some fundamental things that I expected them to by now. Also, warm up your credit card for new accessories.

Chris Hurd · October 20th, 2014, 08:16 PM

Much appreciated, Dylan -- would love to see photos of the packing material. Many thanks!

Dylan Couper · October 20th, 2014, 10:47 PM

What's funny Chris is that I actually texted 4 people about how good the packing material was... Without mentioning the camera at all.

Seriously, just add two hinges, a lock and a handle and it's a free case!

Rob Katz · December 2nd, 2014, 09:16 PM

i saw some footage of this camera shot by ned stolz here in nyc.

i was impressed.

the blackmagic folks do put out a really nice image.

yes, the camera is crazy heavy.

and is probably a tool better suited to being on some form of support rather than handheld.

that said, i liked the image.

ymmv

be well.

rob
smalltalk productions/nyc

October 20th, 2014, 04:20 PM	#1
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	2 minute Blackmagic Ursa review Playing around with the URSA in the office today (thanks to Guy and Steph at www.dvestore.com for fast shipping!) Here's some initial things that people may not consider: 1) Sony tripod plate mount. The bottom is not tapped 1/4, 3/8" like Red and most other cameras. Fortunately you can get these off Ebay for $100-$200. 2) External power is via 4pin XLR. This is good as there are a ton of D-tap to XLR cables cheap, but bad if you expected your Production camera power solution to work out of the box. 3) The 10" screen is not usable as a handheld monitor solution, too close (this should be expected). 4) Lack of 1/4" threaded holes for accessory mounting. Like, oh say a V-mount battery plate to the back. I'm sure there are some solutions for that already. 5) It's FREAKIN HEAVY. We all knew that already, just a reminder. 6) The box weights like 25lbs due to the camera being packed in the best form fitting foam ever. It's really nice. I'm saving it. 7) No shoulder pad built in. Bottom is too rough to run on your shoulder with the weight without a pad, so look for that solution fast (which is what I'm doing right now). EDIT: looks like there are none. BM may have one on the way, answer pending. 8) What does Blackmagic have against DIALS & SWITCHES?!? Seriously Blackmagic, learn some camera ergonomics. At least the audio has dials. Summary of initial impressions... light years better than there other cameras, but they have failed to learn some fundamental things that I expected them to by now. Also, warm up your credit card for new accessories. __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

October 20th, 2014, 08:16 PM	#2
Chris Hurd Obstreperous Rex Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: San Marcos, TX Posts: 27,366 Images: 513	Re: 2 minute Blackmagic Ursa review Much appreciated, Dylan -- would love to see photos of the packing material. Many thanks! __________________ CH Search DV Info Net \| 20 years of DVi \| ...Tuesday is Soylent Green Day!

October 20th, 2014, 10:47 PM	#3
Dylan Couper Wrangler Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: Vancouver, British Columbia Posts: 8,314	Re: 2 minute Blackmagic Ursa review What's funny Chris is that I actually texted 4 people about how good the packing material was... Without mentioning the camera at all. Seriously, just add two hinges, a lock and a handle and it's a free case! __________________ Need to rent camera gear in Vancouver BC? Check me out at camerarentalsvancouver.com

December 2nd, 2014, 09:16 PM	#4
Rob Katz Major Player Join Date: May 2003 Location: new york city, new york Posts: 594	Re: 2 minute Blackmagic Ursa review i saw some footage of this camera shot by ned stolz here in nyc. i was impressed. the blackmagic folks do put out a really nice image. yes, the camera is crazy heavy. and is probably a tool better suited to being on some form of support rather than handheld. that said, i liked the image. ymmv be well. rob smalltalk productions/nyc