The arrival of the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K has sent waves through the cinematography community. With its formidable 12K RGBW full-frame sensor, this compact camera demands exceptional media performance for recording. In this post, we’ll dive into what makes the PYXIS 12K special and list the CFexpress cards officially recommended by Blackmagic Design—the ones that can reliably keep up with its extreme data rates. If you're planning to shoot 12K or high-frame 8K, this guide is essential to avoid dropped frames or write errors.
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| Image credit: CineD |
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| Blackmagic PYXIS 12K camera sensor. Image credit: Blackmagic Design |
What Makes the PYXIS 12K ExceptionalHigh-Resolution 12K RGBW Sensor
- The PYXIS 12K uses a 36 × 24 mm RGBW sensor and delivers stunning image quality with 12,288 × 8,040 resolution. (CineD)
- It can push up to 60 fps in 12K (depending on aspect ratio), and even higher frame rates in 8K/4K modes (up to 112 fps). (CineD)
- Blackmagic claims 16 stops of dynamic range, which gives more latitude in challenging lighting situations. (CineD)
- Compact, Versatile Rig Design
- The camera is positioned to merge the performance of the URSA line with a smaller form factor, making it compelling for both studio and field workflows. (CineD)
Given all this horsepower, the data pipeline—from sensor to media—is under tremendous stress. That’s where CFexpress card choice matters more than ever.
Why the Right CFexpress Card Is Critical
At 12K resolution and high frame rates, the data throughput is massive. A slower or under-qualified card may:
- Drop frames during recording
- Cause write errors or corrupted footage
- Force the camera to limit bitrate or resolution
- Affect workflow efficiency (retries, media failures)
To avoid such pitfalls, Blackmagic has lab-tested and approved specific CFexpress Type B cards that can sustain the throughput required for 12K and demanding 8K/9K modes. (CineD)
Officially Recommended CFexpress Cards
Below is a curated list of CFexpress cards that Blackmagic supports for PYXIS 12K recording:
| Brand / Model | Type / Version | Capacities / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Angelbird | AV PRO SE CFexpress B v4 MK2 | 512 GB, 1 TB (CineD) |
| Angelbird | AV PRO SX (v2.0) | 160 GB, 330 GB (CineD) |
| Angelbird | AV PRO MK2 (v2.0) | 1 TB, 4 TB (CineD) |
| Delkin Devices | Black VPG 400 (v4.0) | 512 GB (CineD) |
| ExAscend | Element Pro (v4.0) | 1 TB (CineD) |
| Lexar | Professional Gold / Diamond (v4.0 or with VPG 400) | 2 TB, 4 TB, 512 GB VPG 400 (CineD) |
| OWC | Atlas Ultra (v2.0) | 325 GB (CineD) |
| ProGrade Digital | Cobalt (v2.0) | 650 GB (CineD) |
| Wise Advanced | PRO CFX4 (v4.0) | 1 TB (CFX4-B1024PM3) (CineD) |
These are the cards tested by Blackmagic to reliably support 12K 16:9 Blackmagic RAW at up to 45 fps, and 8K 3:2 (Open Gate) at up to 60 fps. (CineD)
NOTE: Blackmagic didn’t include every CFexpress 4.0 card from every manufacturer on their list, so it’s wise to stick with these approved models to guarantee stability. (CineD)
Tips for Choosing & Using CFexpress Cards with PYXIS 12K
- Choose capacity according to shoot length & codec — 12K footage eats media fast.
- Use identical cards per dual slot config to simplify proxy workflows or hot swapping.
- Format cards in-camera before use to ensure compatibility.
- Don’t mix untested media in critical shoots — errors at 12K are very costly.
- Monitor camera status & warnings during recording — some cards may degrade at high sustained throughput.
- Have backup cards in case one fails in the field.
Conclusion
The Blackmagic PYXIS 12K is pushing cinematic boundaries in a compact body, but its incredible capabilities demand equally capable media. Using one of the officially recommended CFexpress cards is essential to fully unleash the camera’s potential without risking data loss.
If you’re preparing to shoot with PYXIS 12K, pick one of the cards above, test it in your workflow, and always have redundancy options on hand.
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