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A deep dive into the features, workflow, and real-world potential of Blackmagic’s PYXIS cinema camera.
In the world of digital cinematography, flexibility is king. Filmmakers and content creators increasingly demand cameras that are not just high performing, but modular, riggable, and future-proof. Enter Blackmagic PYXIS — a camera built with adaptability at its core, combining the image quality of film cameras with the ruggedness and flexibility of a box rig.
In this post, I’ll walk you through what makes PYXIS unique, how it stands out in practical use, and whether it might be a smart addition to your kit.
What Is PYXIS?
In its essence, PYXIS is a box / cube digital cinema camera designed to be customized for any shooting scenario — whether that’s cinema, documentary, studio, drone, gimbal, or social content. Its modular architecture allows you to add side plates, handles, viewfinders, and custom accessories to build exactly the rig you need.
It comes in two main models:
PYXIS 6K — full-frame HDR sensor, dual native ISO, strong low-light and dynamic range performance
PYXIS 12K — higher resolution RGBW sensor with 16 stops of dynamic range for ultra-high-end cinematography
You can choose among EF, PL, or L-Mount versions, depending on your preferred lens ecosystem.
But beyond specs, the real magic is how well it adapts to your shooting style.
Why PYXIS Matters: Key Strengths in Real Use
1. Modularity and Rigging Freedom
Because PYXIS is essentially a “raw canvas,” its many mounting points and interchangeable side plates give filmmakers freedom to build exactly what they want — right- or left-hand grips, rails, top handles, rosette plates, etc.
One reviewer even noted the camera “feels like it’s dying to have a right-hand grip attached.”
2. Seamless Workflow & Cloud Integration
PYXIS includes features designed for modern, collaborative workflows. Through Blackmagic Cloud, media can upload and sync so that editors can begin working while you’re still on set.
You can remotely control camera parameters (focus, white balance, frame rate, start/stop) via mobile devices.
Streaming is built in — PYXIS supports RTMP and SRT, meaning you can go live from the camera itself.
3. Image Quality & Performance
The 6K version offers a wide dynamic range (~13 stops) and dual native ISO (400/3200), giving you flexibility in both bright and low-light scenarios.
Even in very dark conditions, the automatic ISO switching helps maintain image integrity.
The 12K model pushes things further for projects where very high resolution and maximum latitude are essential.
Recording in Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) means you retain maximum flexibility in post — exposure, color balance, and more can be tweaked non-destructively.
4. Practical I/O & Connectivity
The camera includes professional I/O: 12G-SDI output, USB-C, mini XLR (48V phantom power), 3.5 mm mic, headphone jack, and timecode/reference ports.
On the 12K model, you also get a 10-gigabit Ethernet port, enabling ultra-fast network media transfer and tethered workflows.
5. Vertical / Social Media Friendly
Reviewers have praised how easily PYXIS can be used for portrait or vertical shooting. By simply rotating the rig, the user interface and screen layout adapt intuitively — making it ideal for social media content creators as well as traditional forms.
Possible Trade-Offs & Considerations
No internal ND filters — you will need external ND filters or matte box solutions. (This is a common trade-off in high-end modular systems.)
Audio limitations — only one mini XLR input (switched mic/line) and one 3.5 mm input. This might require an external audio mixer for complex sound setups.
Price & ecosystem — as a high-end camera, accessories and compatible lenses will add up.
Learning curve — pushing modular flexibility means you’ll spend some time designing your ideal rig and workflow.
Streaming & upload bandwidth — built-in streaming and cloud features are powerful, but their performance depends on network reliability.
Core Features & Design
- PYXIS 6K: full-frame 36 × 24 mm HDR sensor, ~13 stops dynamic range, dual native ISOs (400 / 3200)
- PYXIS 12K: a newer model with a full-frame RGBW sensor, supporting up to 12,288 × 8,040 resolution, ~16 stops dynamic range
- Dual CFexpress media slots (for redundancy or extended recording)
- Records in 12-bit Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) plus H.264/H.265 proxy files simultaneously
- Three mount options: locking EF, PL, or L-Mount
- Iris and focus controls when using compatible electronic lenses
- PYXIS 6K: ~13 stops dynamic range
- Dual native ISO in 6K model: 400 and 3200, with automatic switching for better low-light performance
- Body built from CNC machined aluminum for strength and light weight=
- Multiple ¼-20 and ⅜-16 mounting threads top, bottom, and side plates for attaching handles, rails, accessories
- Optional side rosette plates, pro handles, handgrips, etc.
- 12G-SDI output (for HDR / UltraHD monitoring)
- USB-C expansion port (10 Gb/s) for external storage, mobile data, or peripheral use
- 10G Ethernet (on 12K) for fast networking, media upload, remote control
- Mini XLR input with phantom power (48V), 3.5 mm mic input, headphone out
- Timecode / reference / sync input options
- Built-in hardware engine supports RTMP and SRT streaming to platforms (YouTube, Facebook, X, etc.)
- Can connect a 4G/5G phone via USB-C for mobile data to send streams or upload to Blackmagic Cloud
- Real-time cloud sync: media can appear in DaVinci Resolve projects as you record, enabling concurrent editing workflows
- 4" 1920×1080 capacitive touchscreen (~1,500 nits brightness) for menus and preview
- Supports Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF via USB-C
- Assignable buttons, LUT support, metadata embedding (lens data, motion sensors, etc.)
- Highly accurate timecode clock: <1 frame drift over ~8 hours
- Warranty: 1 year limited
- No internal ND filters (so external ND filters or matte boxes are required) — common with this class of cinema camera
- Sensor & Formats
- Recording & Media
- Mount & Lens Control
- Dynamic Range & ISO
- Rigging & Modularity
- Connectivity / I/O
- Streaming & Cloud Workflow
- User Interface & Viewfinder
Is PYXIS Right for You?
If your work demands adaptability, rig customizability, modern networked workflows (cloud sync, remote control, live streaming), and top-tier image quality — PYXIS is a compelling choice. It bridges the gap between high-end cinema cameras and flexible systems suited for a wide range of use cases (studio, field, drone, social).
For creators who stick to very simple rigs or whose productions rarely change setups, a more straightforward body may suffice. But for those pushing boundaries, PYXIS gives you the tools to evolve your workflow.
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