Blackmagic UltraStudio 4K Mini
Portable Thunderbolt 3 capture and playback to 4K DCI at 60fps in 10-bit and 12-bit HDR. 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, SD card reader and 45W laptop charging. Includes DaVinci Resolve Studio.
- 4K DCI capture at 60fps in 10-bit and 12-bit HDR — cinema-grade 4K capture at full DCI resolution (4096×2160) at 60fps, with 12-bit colour depth for maximum grading latitude
- 12G-SDI and HDMI 2.0 connections — full 12G-SDI for 4K broadcast cameras and HDMI 2.0 for 4K cinema cameras, both supporting the maximum 4K60 bandwidth
- Built-in SD card reader — transfer footage directly from SD-format camera cards on the same device that is capturing and playing back, eliminating a separate card reader
- 45W Thunderbolt laptop charging — charge a connected MacBook Pro or MacBook Air via the same Thunderbolt connection used for capture, reducing the number of cables and adapters needed
- DaVinci Resolve Studio included — the full paid version of DaVinci Resolve Studio (worth over £250) is included with every UltraStudio 4K Mini
- Real-time 12-bit HDR output to broadcast monitors — output the graded signal from DaVinci Resolve at full 12-bit HDR depth to a reference monitor for accurate HDR grading decisions
What is the UltraStudio 4K Mini?
The UltraStudio 4K Mini is Blackmagic's mid-tier Thunderbolt 3 capture and playback device, stepping up from the HD Mini with 4K DCI capture at 60fps and 12-bit HDR colour depth. It is designed for post-production professionals working with 4K cinema cameras, 4K broadcast cameras and 4K HDR content who need a portable, high-quality capture and monitoring interface.
12G-SDI supports the full 12G-SDI bandwidth required for 4K60 from broadcast cameras. HDMI 2.0 handles 4K60 from cinema cameras (ARRI, Sony, Canon, Blackmagic) that output 4K via HDMI. Both connections operate at the device's maximum 4K DCI 60fps specification.
DaVinci Resolve Studio included
Every UltraStudio 4K Mini includes the full DaVinci Resolve Studio licence — the paid professional version with all advanced features including noise reduction, collaboration tools and full 3D stereoscopic grading. This represents significant added value and makes the 4K Mini one of the most cost-effective paths to a complete professional 4K grading and capture system.
12-bit HDR for serious grading work
The 12-bit HDR capture and output capability is significant for colour grading. Where 10-bit provides 1024 steps per channel, 12-bit provides 4096 steps — four times the colour information. When grading HDR content for broadcast or streaming delivery, 12-bit source material and 12-bit reference output allow graders to make much finer adjustments in highlights and shadows without visible banding or crushing.
45W laptop charging
The Thunderbolt 3 connection on the 4K Mini also provides 45W of power to the connected laptop. A MacBook Air charges fully from this single Thunderbolt connection. A MacBook Pro receives a partial charge that significantly extends battery life during on-location grading sessions. One cable handles data, capture output and laptop power simultaneously.
| Host Connection | |
| Interface | Thunderbolt 3 |
| Laptop Charging | 45W via Thunderbolt 3 |
| Video Connections | |
| SDI | 12G-SDI input and output (BNC) |
| HDMI | HDMI 2.0 input and output (Type A) |
| Capture | |
| Max Resolution | 4096x2160 (4K DCI) at 60fps |
| Colour Depth | 10-bit and 12-bit HDR |
| Additional Features | |
| SD Card Reader | Built-in SD UHS-II card reader |
| Included Software | DaVinci Resolve Studio (full paid version) |
| Audio | |
| Audio | AES/EBU, analogue in/out, embedded HDMI/SDI |
| Software Compatibility | |
| NLE/Grading | DaVinci Resolve Studio, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, Avid |
| Product Information | |
| SKU / Model | BDLKULSDMINI4K |
| Warranty | 1-year Blackmagic Design warranty |
| Pricing | Price on Application — contact us for a quote |
Specifications correct at time of publication. Contact us to confirm before specification.
The UltraStudio 4K Mini is for serious 4K post-production and HDR colour grading workflows where 12-bit quality and DaVinci Resolve Studio integration matter.
HDR Colour Grading
Grade 4K HDR content in DaVinci Resolve Studio with 12-bit HDR output to a calibrated reference monitor. The 12-bit colour depth provides the maximum grading latitude for HDR deliverables.
4K Cinema Post-Production
Capture from cinema cameras (ARRI, Sony Venice, Canon C70, Blackmagic Cinema) via 12G-SDI or HDMI 2.0 at full 4K DCI resolution in DaVinci Resolve Studio for feature film and commercial post-production.
Broadcast 4K Post
Capture and playout for 4K broadcast post-production — accept 12G-SDI from broadcast cameras and output to 12G-SDI reference monitors for quality control.
Portable 4K Grading Suite
Take the 4K Mini on location for client review sessions — one Thunderbolt cable to a MacBook Pro provides capture output, 45W charging and SD card reading from a single compact device.
4K Archive and Ingest
Ingest 4K material from 12G-SDI sources and SD cards into DaVinci Resolve for archive, conform and delivery — the built-in SD card reader eliminates a separate device in the workflow.
Film School and Media Education
Professional-grade 4K capture and grading hardware with DaVinci Resolve Studio included — a complete professional 4K grading system for film and media students at competitive cost.
Is DaVinci Resolve Studio really included?
Yes — every UltraStudio 4K Mini includes a licence for DaVinci Resolve Studio, the full professional paid version. This is the same software used for feature film grading worldwide and includes all advanced features not in the free DaVinci Resolve version.
What is the difference between the 4K Mini and the HD Mini?
The 4K Mini captures up to 4K DCI at 60fps in 12-bit HDR. The HD Mini captures up to 1080p60 in 10-bit YUV. The 4K Mini adds 12G-SDI (vs 3G-SDI), HDMI 2.0 (vs HDMI), a built-in SD card reader, 45W laptop charging and includes DaVinci Resolve Studio.
Can the 4K Mini charge a MacBook while capturing?
Yes — the Thunderbolt 3 connection on the 4K Mini supplies 45W of power to the connected computer simultaneously with data transfer. This charges a MacBook Air fully and provides significant partial charging for MacBook Pro models during extended on-location sessions.
DaVinci Resolve Studio is included. The UltraStudio 4K Mini works with all major NLE and grading applications via the Blackmagic Desktop Video driver.
NLE and Post-ProductionContact us to confirm compatibility with a specific platform or version not listed above.