Technology and Gadgets Accessories THE STORY OF JUANA THURSDAY 24TH APRIL 2025 FULL EPISODE PART 1 AND PART 2 COMBINED

THE STORY OF JUANA THURSDAY 24TH APRIL 2025 FULL EPISODE PART 1 AND PART 2 COMBINED

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Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K: A Revolutionary 12K Cinema Camera for Filmmakers

The Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K is a groundbreaking digital cinema camera that redefines high-resolution filmmaking with its 12K Super 35mm sensor, robust broadcast features, and compact design. Launched in 2020, it offers professional-grade capabilities at a relatively accessible price, making it a favorite for filmmakers seeking cinematic quality for feature films, documentaries, and VFX-heavy projects. This article explores its key features, pricing in the Kenyan market, where to purchase it (new and refurbished), and who this camera is best suited for.


Key Features of the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K

The URSA Mini Pro 12K is engineered for versatility, delivering exceptional image quality and workflow efficiency. Here are its standout features:

  1. 12K Super 35mm HDR CMOS Sensor:
    • The 12,288 x 6480 Super 35mm sensor captures 80 megapixels per frame, offering 14 stops of dynamic range and a native ISO of 800. It produces detailed images with rich colors, subtle skin tones, and minimal noise, optimized for 12K, 8K, and 4K outputs via oversampling for smoother, alias-free visuals.
  2. High Frame Rates and Resolutions:
    • Records 12K 17:9 at 60fps, 12K 2.4:1 at 75fps, 8K at 120fps, and 4K Super 16 at 240fps, ideal for slow-motion and high-resolution workflows. The optical low-pass filter (OLPF) in the OLPF model reduces moiré and aliasing, enhancing virtual production with LED walls.
  3. Blackmagic RAW and Efficient Codecs:
    • Supports 12-bit Blackmagic RAW with constant quality (Q0, Q1, Q3, Q5) and constant bitrate (5:1, 8:1, 12:1, 18:1) options, enabling cinema-quality images with efficient file sizes. Blackmagic RAW allows 12K editing on laptops without proxies, storing metadata for lens data, white balance, and LUTs.
  4. Interchangeable Lens Mounts:
    • Features a PL mount (standard), with optional EF and F mounts for compatibility with cinematic PL lenses (e.g., Cooke, Zeiss) or photographic EF lenses. The 12-pin broadcast connector supports lens control, and the PL mount includes Cooke /i Technology for metadata.
  5. Built-In ND Filters:
    • Motorized ND filters (2, 4, 6 stops) provide precise exposure control, maintaining shallow depth of field in bright conditions without external filters, ideal for outdoor shooting.
  6. Dual Card Recording and USB-C Expansion:
    • Dual CFast 2.0 and UHS-II SD card slots enable simultaneous or relay recording, supporting high frame rates. The SuperSpeed USB-C 3.1 Gen 2 port (10 Gb/s) records to NVMe SSDs or flash disks via the URSA Mini Recorder, offering extended recording times for 12K RAW.
  7. Professional Audio and Connectivity:
    • Features two XLR inputs with 48V phantom power for professional audio, supporting 4-channel 24-bit 48 kHz recording. Connectivity includes 12G-SDI in/out, timecode, genlock, LANC, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth for remote control via the Blackmagic Camera Setup app.
  8. Ergonomic Design and Controls:
    • The magnesium alloy body weighs ~2.5 kg and includes a 4-inch fold-out touchscreen for monitoring and settings. Broadcast-style controls (e.g., tactile dials, assignable buttons) and a digital slate function streamline operation, with V-Lock or Gold Mount battery plates for power.
  9. Generation 5 Color Science:
    • The Gen 5 color science delivers natural skin tones, vibrant colors, and smooth highlight roll-off, rivaling high-end cameras like the ARRI ALEXA. The new film curve enhances neon signs and high-contrast scenes, with metadata preserving color data for post-production in DaVinci Resolve Studio (included).
  10. Virtual Production and VFX Support:
    • The OLPF model minimizes interference from LED video walls, making it ideal for virtual production. The 12K resolution supports green screen, chroma keying, and VFX compositing, with oversampling ensuring sharp 8K/4K deliverables.

Pricing in the Kenyan Market

The price of the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K in Kenya varies based on whether it’s new or refurbished and the retailer. Below are approximate prices based on available data:

  • New Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K:
    • International Retailers (shipped to Kenya):
      • B&H Photo Video: ~KSh 778,000 (converted from $5,995, body only, post-2021 price drop, excluding shipping and import duties).
      • Amazon: ~KSh 778,000 (body only) or ~KSh 842,000 (with OLPF, excluding shipping and duties).
      • CVP: ~KSh 778,000 (body only, excluding shipping and duties).
    • Local Retailers:
      • Jiji.co.ke: Prices range from KSh 800,000–1,000,000, depending on seller and configuration (e.g., PL or EF mount). Limited stock; contact sellers for availability.
      • Cameras Africa: ~KSh 850,000 (body only, contact for stock).
  • Refurbished Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K:
    • Local Market:
      • Jiji.co.ke: Used/refurbished units start at KSh 500,000–700,000, depending on condition, hours (e.g., 100–1000 hours), and accessories (e.g., CFast cards, shoulder kit). Verify seller credibility.
    • International Retailers:
      • eBay: Used units range from KSh 454,000–648,000 (converted from $3,500–$5,000, excluding shipping and duties), often including EF/PL mounts or EVF.
      • ShareGrid: ~KSh 584,000 (converted from $4,500, used with accessories, excluding shipping and duties).
      • Amazon Renewed: ~KSh 648,000 (converted from $5,000, body only, 90-day warranty, excluding shipping and duties).

Note: Prices are approximate and reflect a 2021 price drop to $5,995. Import duties (16% VAT + 25% customs duty) and shipping may add 30–40% to international purchases. Local availability is limited, and refurbished units vary by condition and accessories. Always confirm with sellers and factor in additional costs.


Where to Buy the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K in Kenya

New Cameras

The URSA Mini Pro 12K is a niche camera with limited local availability in Kenya. Below are top options for purchasing new units:

  1. Cameras Africa:
  2. Jiji.co.ke:
    • Location: Nationwide (online marketplace)
    • Price: ~KSh 800,000–1,000,000
    • Link: Jiji.co.ke – Cameras
    • Offers: Multiple sellers; verify ratings and condition.
  3. B&H Photo Video:
  4. Amazon:
    • Location: International (ships to Kenya)
    • Price: ~KSh 778,000 (body only) or ~KSh 842,000 (OLPF model)
    • Link: Amazon – Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K
    • Offers: Wide selection; verify shipping eligibility.
  5. CVP:
    • Location: International (ships to Kenya)
    • Price: ~KSh 778,000 (body only, excluding shipping/duties)
    • Link: CVP – Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K
    • Offers: Competitive pricing; check shipping options.

Refurbished Cameras

Refurbished or used URSA Mini Pro 12K units are available through local and international platforms, offering savings:

  1. Jiji.co.ke:
    • Price: ~KSh 500,000–700,000
    • Link: Jiji.co.ke – Cameras
    • Notes: Verify seller reviews, request photos, and confirm hours and accessories (e.g., CFast cards, EF mount).
  2. eBay:
    • Price: ~KSh 454,000–648,000
    • Link: eBay – Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K
    • Notes: Offers used/refurbished units with accessories (e.g., shoulder kit, EVF); check seller ratings and shipping.
  3. ShareGrid:
  4. Amazon Renewed:
  5. New Life Cine:

Tip: For refurbished units, ensure the camera is tested, includes essential accessories (e.g., CFast cards, power supply), and has low operating hours (ideally <1000). International retailers like eBay or Amazon Renewed offer reliable options, while Jiji.co.ke reduces import hassles but requires careful vetting.


Who the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K Is Best For

The URSA Mini Pro 12K is a professional cinema camera designed for filmmakers who need high-resolution imaging and versatile workflows. It’s best suited for:

  1. Feature Film and Episodic TV Directors:
    • The 12K resolution, 14 stops of dynamic range, and Gen 5 color science deliver cinematic visuals for feature films, TV dramas, and IMAX productions, with Netflix approval ensuring industry-standard quality.
  2. VFX and Green Screen Artists:
    • The 80MP sensor and OLPF model excel in chroma keying, compositing, and virtual production, with sharp edges and oversampled 8K/4K outputs ideal for VFX-heavy projects like sci-fi or action films.
  3. Documentary Filmmakers:
    • Internal ND filters, XLR audio, and ergonomic controls make it suitable for documentary work in varied conditions, such as Kenya’s wildlife or urban settings, with Blackmagic RAW enabling efficient post-production.
  4. Run-and-Gun Shooters:
    • The compact design, broadcast controls, and dual card recording support fast-paced shoots like news, reality TV, or music videos, with DaVinci Resolve Studio streamlining editing.
  5. Indie Filmmakers and Content Creators:
    • The price drop to $5,995 makes it accessible for indie filmmakers producing high-end content for streaming platforms or social media, with vertical/square video support for modern formats.

Not Ideal For:

  • Beginners or casual users, as it requires technical expertise and rigging (e.g., lenses, SSDs).
  • Budget-conscious filmmakers, as accessories (e.g., CFast cards, lens mounts) add to costs.
  • Photographers, as stills are limited to Blackmagic RAW frames, requiring specialized software.
  • Ultra-lightweight shoots, as its 2.5 kg weight is heavier than compact options like the Sony FX3.

Considerations:

  • Users praise the URSA Mini Pro 12K’s color science, frame rates, and onboard ND filters but note occasional reliability issues (e.g., SDI port failures reported by some). The Blackmagic RAW-only recording may limit workflows for editors preferring ProRes. Compared to the RED Komodo-X (global shutter, lighter), it offers superior resolution and built-in features at a similar price.

Conclusion

The Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K is a revolutionary cinema camera that brings 12K filmmaking to a wider audience with its 80MP Super 35mm sensor, 14 stops of dynamic range, and Blackmagic RAW efficiency. Its onboard ND filters, XLR audio, and versatile lens mounts make it a powerhouse for professional productions. In Kenya, new units are available through international retailers like B&H Photo Video or Cameras Africa for ~KSh 778,000–1,000,000 (plus import costs), while refurbished units can be found on Jiji.co.ke or eBay starting at ~KSh 454,000–700,000. The 2021 price drop enhances its value, making it a compelling choice for filmmakers.

For Kenyan filmmakers shooting feature films, VFX projects, or documentaries, the URSA Mini Pro 12K offers unmatched resolution and flexibility, whether capturing Nairobi’s vibrant streets or the Serengeti’s wildlife. While it demands technical know-how and additional accessories, its cinematic quality and accessible price make it a standout investment. Choose the Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K, and you’re equipping yourself with a camera that redefines digital filmmaking.

THE STORY OF JUANA THURSDAY 24TH APRIL 2025 FULL EPISODE PART 1 AND PART 2 COMBINED

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