Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K - Note Suwanchote “The Beaches”

Note Suwanchote’s camera test of the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K was shot at Cannon and Realto Beaches. Note really wanted to test Blackmagic Design’s latest 12K sensor shooting straight into a sunset, to get a real sense of what this camera is capable of.

“I figured these locations would be a great way to show off the dynamic range and color this sensor should be able to capture. I wanted to capture the nuance that you see during a sunset with the different colors. Sunsets are pretty easy to film, and the lighting is just so soft and gorgeous. I've done this type of test before with other cameras, and I wanted to get a rough comparison between them all.”

“In terms of lenses for the URSA 12K, some people have this theory, that you need a $100,000 lens to get the best out of this camera. But that’s not what I've found. I think you can really use any lens you have. So I used my Sigma 18-35mm Art EF zoom lens.”

“I also love the anamorphic setup with this camera. The URSA 12K really allows you to capture ‘ultra’ high resolution anamorphic. Because of the way anamorphic is generally cropped, there’s always a little less detail and resolution with most cameras. But what I love about the 12K sensor is there is just so much resolution to play with. So to have this option built-in to this camera, was really great.”

“To shoot my anamorphic shots, I used a Nikon 85mm 1.8 Non-AI + ISCO Ultra Star Red (2x anamorphic mode) + Rapido FVD-16A. So I had a 2X scope in front of the Nikon prime with a variable diopter in front of that whole setup, giving it a single focus ability.”

“The first thing I noticed in color grading my footage, is the flexibility you get with the 12K sensor, when compared to the other sensors. There is a very organic rich look in the details that becomes even more apparent when you start grading. The other thing I found that never gets old, is that the images off the 12K sensor have a 3D dimensionality to them. I have had this camera for more than 10 months now, and all of my images have this beautiful 3D look to them.”

Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K
12K Super 35 Sensor (12,288 x 6,480)
Sigma 18-35mm Art EF mount & Nikon 85mm 1.8 Non-AI F mount + ISCO Ultra Star Red (2x anamorphic mode) + Rapido FVD-16A
Blackmagic RAW 12K - 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, Q3
Frame Rates - 24fps, 33fps & 60fps in 12K
Filters Used - HOYA IR
ISO 400, 640, 800
Generation 5 Color Science