Blackmagic Design today announced Blackmagic PYXIS 6K, their next-generation digital film camera. It features a box design so you can rig up the perfect camera for your productions. Many BMD fans have wanted the box camera design for many years, and today, Blackmagic Design delivered! Plus, it’s priced very competitively at $2,995 USD.
This new model features a massive 36 x 24mm 6K sensor with stated 13 stops of dynamic range and dual CFexpress media recorders.
Blackmagic PYXIS features a full-frame sensor with a native resolution of 6048 x 4032. That’s almost three times larger than a Super 35 sensor and allows customers to use anamorphic lenses uncropped. The 13 stops of dynamic range with dual native ISO up to 25,600 provide low-noise images in all lighting conditions.
Using the full area of the sensor gives customers a unique open gate 3:2 image which also lets you reframe in post. The large sensor also lets you work in true 6:5 anamorphic without cropping.
Dual Gain ISO
Blackmagic PYXIS features dual native ISO up to 25,600, which means it’s optimized to minimize grain or noise in images while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor. The native ISO is 400, and the secondary high base ISO is 3200. The gain is set automatically as you adjust the ISO setting.
Lens Mount Options
Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is available in three models; however, the mounts are not swappable. You can choose between L-Mount, PL, or Locking EF lens mounts.
The L-Mount model works with the latest full frame lenses from Leica, Panasonic and Sigma but can also accommodate lens adapters, allowing customers to use a wide variety of new and vintage lenses. The EF model lets customers use high quality photographic lenses customers already own from DSLRs or even Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras. Or the PL model lets customers work with professional cinema lenses from Zeiss, ARRI, Cooke and more without needing an adapter.
With multiple mounting points and accessory side plates, it should be easy to configure Blackmagic PYXIS into the camera that fits your needs.
PYXIS’ compact body is made from precision CNC machined aerospace aluminum, which makes it lightweight and very strong, making it usable on a range of camera rigs such as cranes, gimbals, or drones. In addition to the multiple 1/4″ and 3/8″ thread mounts on the top and bottom of the body, Blackmagic PYXIS has a range of side plates that further extend their ability to mount accessories such as handles, microphones or even SSDs.
Frame Rates
Blackmagic PYXIS can shoot in all standard resolutions and frame rates from HD up to DCI 4K and even 6K. You can even shoot stills at 24.6 megapixels.
Blackmagic PYXIS will shoot up to 36 fps at 6048 x 4032 3:2 open gate, 60 fps at 6048 x 2520 2.4:1, and 60 fps at 4096 x 2160 4K DCI. For higher frame rates, customers can window the sensor and shoot up to 100 fps at 2112 x 1184 Super 16.
Built-In LCD
Many box cameras don’t have a very bright or easy-to-use LCD monitor. The 1500 nits built-in LCD on Blackmagic PYXIS is more than just a status display. It’s a 4″ high-resolution HDR touchscreen that looks great for monitoring and reviewing shots on set.
Its full HD resolution means you can frame and focus shots without needing an external monitor; however, you probably will still want one as the LCD doesn’t flip out.
Blackmagic states that the PYXIS features a logical design that puts important functions such as ISO, WB, and shutter at your fingertips with both touchscreen and physical controls. A row of 3 customizable function buttons means you don’t have to go hunting through a messy menu on a tiny screen to find a command. The controls can even be locked to avoid accidentally changing settings during a shot or when the camera is out of reach on a rig.
The standard plate included with Blackmagic PYXIS is made from the same aircraft-grade aluminum as the camera body and features two 1/4″ thread mounts and one 3/8″ thread mount, allowing customers to add microphones, brackets, or other accessories. Customers can also attach the included SSD plate, which offers a convenient location to securely attach a USB-C drive for recording or even a mobile phone for live streaming.
Recording Formats
Blackmagic PYXIS records in Blackmagic RAW to preserve control of detail, exposure, and color during post-production. It also records HD H.264 proxies in real-time, making it easy to share media around the world in minutes. This means images always maintain resolution and quality for color, keying, compositing, reframing, stabilization, and tracking in HD, 4K, or 6K. One thing worth mentioning is BMD didn’t state if ProRes was an option as they only list Blackmagic RAW for the main recording format and H.264.
Formats
Blackmagic RAW 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, Q0, Q1, Q3 and Q5 at 6048 x 4032, 4832 x 4032, 6048 x 3200, 6048 x 2520, 4096 x 3072, 4096 x 2160, 2112 x 1184 and 1920 x 1080 with film, extended video, video dynamic range or custom 3D LUT embedded in metadata. Supports recording optional portrait mode metadata for all resolutions in Blackmagic RAW and H.264 Proxies.
Blackmagic PYXIS supports creating a small H.264 proxy file in addition to the camera original media when recording. This means the small proxy file can upload to Blackmagic Cloud in seconds, so their media is available back at the studio in real-time. The ability to transfer media directly into the DaVinci Resolve media bin as editors are working is revolutionary and has never before been possible. Any editor working anywhere in the world will get the shots.
Supported Codecs
Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 3:1,
Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 5:1,
Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 8:1,
Blackmagic RAW Constant Bitrate 12:1,
Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q0,
Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q1,
Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q3,
Blackmagic RAW Constant Quality Q5,
H.264 Proxy in 1920 x 1080, 8-bit 4:2:0
Shooting Resolutions
6048 x 4032 (Open Gate 3:2) up to 36 fps
4832 x 4032 (Anamorphic 6:5) up to 36 fps
6048 x 3200 (6K DCI 17:9) up to 48 fps
6048 x 2520 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 fps
4096 x 3072 (Super 35 4:3) up to 50 fps
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI 17:9) up to 60 fps
2112 x 1184 (Super 16 16:9) up to 100 fps
1920 x 1080 (1080 HD 16:9) up to 120 fps
Frame Rates
Maximum sensor frame rate dependent on resolution and codec selected. Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps supported. Off-speed frame rates up to 60 fps in 6K 2.4:1 and 4K DCI 17:9, 100 fps in Super 16 16:9 and 120 fps in 1080HD.
Media
The Blackmagic PYXIS features two built-in CFexpress card recorders and a USB-C expansion port for recording directly to external flash media disks or an SSD. CFexpress media are more durable and faster than even older media, so they are perfect for recording full-resolution, 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files. Plus, with dual CFexpress slots, you can keep recording because they can hot-swap full cards without stopping.
Storage Type
1 x CFexpress Type B
1 x high speed USB-C expansion port for external media.
Below you can see the data rates based on shooting 30fps.
6048 x 4032 (6K Open Gate 3:2)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 370 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 223 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 140 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 94 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 278 to 555 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 186 to 444 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 124 to 318 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 75 to 186 MB/s
4832 x 4032 (Anamorphic 6:5)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 297 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 179 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 112 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 75 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 223 to 445 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 149 to 356 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 100 to 255 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 60 to 149 MB/s
6048 x 3200 (6K DCI 17:9)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 295 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 177 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 111 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 75 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 221 to 441 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 148 to 353 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 99 to 253 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 60 to 148 MB/s
6048 x 2520 (6K 2.4:1)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 233 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 140 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 88 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 59 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 175 to 348 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 117 to 279 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 78 to 199 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 47 to 117 MB/s
4096 x 3072 (Super 35 4:3)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 192 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 116 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 73 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 49 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 145 to 288 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 97 to 231 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 65 to 165 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 39 to 97 MB/s
4096 x 2160 (4K DCI 17:9)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 136 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 82 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 52 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 35 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 102 to 203 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 69 to 163 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 46 to 117 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 28 to 69 MB/s
2112 x 1184 (Super 16 16:9)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 40 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 24 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 16 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 11 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 30 to 59 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 21 to 48 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 14 to 34 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 9 to 21 MB/s
1920 x 1080
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 33 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 20 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 13 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 9 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 25 to 49 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 17 to 40 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 12 to 29 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 8 to 17 MB/s
Size & Weight
The camera weighs in at 3.3 lb / 1.49 kg.
Cloud Options
When uploading to Blackmagic Cloud, you can use an Apple or Android phone to get a connection to the internet via mobile data. Simply connect the phone to the USB-C port and Blackmagic PYXIS will configure for mobile data. Plus it works with the latest high speed 5G phones, as well as 4G phones! You can also connect via wired Ethernet using the camera’s Ethernet port. This lets you get your media out as you shoot so post production teams anywhere in the world can start work in real time! Plus on set grading can be done in a grading suite and synced back to DaVinci on set.
Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF
Blackmagic PYXIS supports the optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF to make outdoor and handheld shooting much easier. You get an integrated high-quality 1920 x 1080 color OLED display with built in proximity sensor, 4 element glass diopter for incredible accuracy with a wide focus adjustment.
IO
Blackmagic PYXIS features a wide range of connections for audio, monitoring, power and more. The camera includes a 12G-SDI out for monitoring with support for HDR and Ultra HD output. That means customers can connect an SDI display for on-set monitoring of images, with or without overlays that show critical information and camera status. SDI allows for much longer cable runs than HDMI, making it easier to reach monitors that are further away on set.
Blackmagic PYXIS features a built hardware streaming engine that supports RTMP and SRT streaming to YouTube, Facebook, X and more. For internet access, customers have two options: one to connect via Ethernet, or customers can connect to a 4G or 5G phone for mobile data. As the streaming is built into the camera, you can see the stream status and data rate in the viewfinder and the LCD.
Analog Audio Inputs
A surprise, and we always expect a few, is that the camera only has one mini XLR audio input that is switchable between mic with phantom power and supports line level (up to +14dBu). The second channel is a 3.5mm Stereo Input. It’s not great, but at least you have two channels. With the popularity of products such as the RODE Wireless Pro, you can get a tiny wireless setup and use the RODE to mix two channels in the settings. Not ideal, but possible.
Battery Option
The PYXIS 6K uses the popular and fairly inexpensive Sony-type BP-U battery. It can be powered externally with a 12V power supply and has a 1×2-pin locking connector.
Blackmagic PYXIS 6K features
- 36 x 24mm full frame 6K 6048 x 4032 sensor.
- Open gate 3:2, full height 6:5 anamorphic and Super 35 for creating cinematic content.
- Choice of models with L-Mount, PL or locking EF lens mounts.
- Records full resolution up to 36 fps or 120 fps windowed.
- Built-in 4″ HDR 1500 nit LCD screen.
- Records Blackmagic RAW and H.264 proxies.
- Extremely fast dual CFexpress card recording.
- Ethernet or mobile data for mobile remote streaming.
- Optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF.
- Features 12G-SDI for monitoring with status overlay.
- Professional mini XLR input with 48 volt phantom power.
- Complete streaming solution for YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more.
- High capacity BP-U series batteries.
Availability and Price
Blackmagic PYXIS 6K will be available in June from US$2,995, excluding duties, from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide.
Thoughts
This is an exciting release today. The box camera design is popular, and Blackmagic Design has packed a lot of impressive features into a compact box-style camera at an incredibly competitive price. After combing through the specifications, I noticed that ProRes recoding options are not mentioned. This is interesting if the internal recording will only be limited to Blackmagic RAW. Also, there is no internal ND. These could be dealbreakers for some people. However, my gut tells me this will be a disruptor and sell very well. Of course, we will have to see how it performs. It’s great to see BMD being BMD once again!
