For starters, if you were to truly compare the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K, a lot more would have to go into the equation than just image quality. While both are arguably great cameras, they are designed and intended for different uses - but with several aspects that do overlap.
Let’s look at some slightly-scientific side-by-side image quality tests between the two Blackmagic’s to see how they both stack up and compare.
Side by Side Comparison
In this side-by-side comparison video by Zebra Zone, we get a good look at each camera’s video recording quality with the sole focus on static, tripod recording uploaded online. It’s not an end-all comparison, but it does offer some surprising insights - mostly into just how high of quality the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K can deliver.
The URSA Mini Pro, however, clearly outshines with its dynamic range and built-in ND filters (not included in this test) and V-mount support. It’s interesting though to see how far Blackmagic’s color science has developed and how each camera performs in different low light settings.
The Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro
As we’ve written about before, the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro has been a strong feature-heavy offering that’s helped Blackmagic build itself into the brand it is today. For broadcast and larger scale productions, the URSA Mini Pro will always be a stronger option than its Pocket Cinema 4K counterpart, but also reflects up to 5 times the investment. Here are the full stats for comparison.
Super-35mm CMOS Sensor
4608 x 2592 Video up to 60 fps
CinemaDNG and ProRes 444 & 422 Recording
2/4/6-Stop ND Filter Wheel
15-stops Dynamic Range
12G-SDI Output
2 XLR Audio Inputs with Phantom Power
Full Set of External Controls
Price: $5,995.00
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
4/3"-Sized HDR Sensor
4096 x 2160 up to 60 fps (DCI 4K)
Dual Native ISO to 25,600
13-Stop Dynamic Range
Active Micro Four Thirds Lens Mount
Record up to 120 fps Windowed HD
External Recording via USB Type-C
5" Touchscreen Display
Price: $1,295.00
How do you think the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K compares with the URSA Mini Pro? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
