Las Vegas, NV—Blackmagic Design introduced the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K digital film camera, featuring a box or cube design so you can rig up the camera for your production needs. This new model employs a 36x24mm 6K sensor with 13 stops of dynamic range as well as dual CFexpress media recorders.
With a customizable body, the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is available in three models: L mount, PL or Locking EF lens mounts. Consequently, the camera is compatible with a range of cinema and photographic lenses. Further, Blackmagic is demoing the PYXIS 6K at NAB, Booth #SL5005.
“Since the introduction of the original Pocket Cinema Cameras, our customers have been asking us to make it in a more customizable design,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design’s CEO. “But we wanted it to be so much more than just a Pocket Cinema Camera in a different body. The new Blackmagic PYXIS is a fully professional cinema camera with more connections and seamless integration into postproduction workflows.”
Blackmagic PYXIS 6K Details
Moreover, users can mount the next-gen camera on various 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, the PYXIS has side plates that extend the ability to mount accessories such as handles, microphones or SSDs.
Furthermore, the camera’s full-frame sensor has a native resolution of 6,048×4,032. That’s almost three times larger than a Super 35 sensor. It also allows cinematographers to shoot with a shallow depth of field or to use anamorphic lenses uncropped for a true cinematic look. Using the full area of the sensor gives users a unique open gate 3:2 image, which also lets them reframe their shots in postproduction. Additionally, whether shooting in bright sunlight or in almost no light, the 13 stops of dynamic range with dual native ISO up to 25,600 provides low noise images.
What’s more, the PYXIS can shoot in all standard resolutions and frame rates from HD up to DCI 4K and 6K. Conversely, it can shoot stills at 24.6 megapixels. Other video specs include the ability to shoot up to 36 fps at 6,048×4,032 3:2 open gate or 60 fps at 6,048×2,520 2.4:1 and 60 fps at 4,096×2,160 4K DCI. For higher frame rates, users can window the sensor and shoot up to 100 fps at 2,112×1,184 Super 16.
Additionally, a built-in LCD is a 4-inch, high-resolution HDR touchscreen for monitoring and reviewing shots on set. Its Full HD resolution means users can frame and focus their shots without an external monitor. They can also use the display as a focus-assist station.
Rigability & Operability
Plus, side plates expand the rigability of the camera. The standard plate included with the PYXIS is made from the same aircraft grade aluminum as the camera body. It features 2 1/4″ thread mounts and one 3/8″ thread mount, allowing the attachment of microphones, brackets or other accessories. Users can also attach the included SSD plate that offers a location to attach a USB-C drive for recording or a smartphone for livestreaming.
Further, the PYXIS records in Blackmagic RAW to preserve control of detail, exposure and color during postproduction. It also records HD H.264 proxies in real time, making it easier to share media. What’s more, there are two CFexpress card recorders, and a USB-C expansion port allow recording direct to external flash media disks or an SSD. Plus, with dual CFexpress slots, users can hot swap full cards without stopping.
Another feature is the ability to create a small H.264 proxy file in addition to the camera’s original media when recording. As a result, the small proxy file can upload to Blackmagic Cloud in seconds, so the media is available back at the studio in real time. Users can also transfer media directly into the DaVinci Resolve media bin. As a result, any editor working anywhere in the world will get the shots.
Connection Options
To upload to Blackmagic Cloud, operators can use an Apple or Android phone to get an Internet connection via mobile data. Connect the phone to the USB-C port and the PYXIS will configure for mobile data. Or they can connect via wired Ethernet using the camera’s Ethernet port.
The camera also provides a range of connections for audio, monitoring and power. It has a 12G-SDI out for monitoring with support for HDR and Ultra HD output. Consequently, users can connect an SDI display for on-set monitoring of images, with or without overlays that show information and camera status. Moreover, a hardware streaming engine supports RTMP and SRT streaming to YouTube, Facebook and X. As the streaming is built into the camera, users can see the stream status and data rate in the viewfinder and the LCD.
The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K will be available in June for a suggested retail price of $2,995.
