Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K

Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K

The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K is a flagship digital cinema camera that integrates the elite 12K Large Format (LF) RGBW sensor into a compact, modular "box" chassis. Designed for maximum customizability, it serves as a high-resolution "brain" that can be rigged for everything from high-end feature films to compact drone and gimbal operations.

12K Large Format Sensor Technology

The heart of the PYXIS 12K is the revolutionary 35.64mm x 23.32mm RGBW sensor, offering 16 stops of dynamic range and unparalleled resolution.

• 12,288 x 8,040 Native Resolution: Captures nearly 100 megapixels per frame, providing immense flexibility for reframing, stabilizing, and downsampling to 8K or 4K.

• RGBW Filter Array: Unlike standard Bayer sensors, the RGBW architecture includes "clear" pixels to improve low-light performance and highlight retention, resulting in a more cinematic tonal response.

• Full-Frame Versatility: The sensor supports multiple aspect ratios without cropping, including 3:2 Open Gate, 16:9, 17:9, and Anamorphic 6:5 for true cinematic wide-screen capture.

Modular Box Design

The PYXIS 12K moves away from traditional camera shapes in favor of a "rig-ready" CNC-machined aluminum box.

• Three Mount Options: Available in native L-Mount, PL, or EF versions to suit your existing lens collection.

• Side Plates and Mounting: Features interchangeable side plates and multiple 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads, allowing for the direct attachment of the PYXIS Pro Handle, SSD holders, and wireless transmitters.

• Built-in HDR Monitor: Includes a high-brightness 4-inch, 1500-nit touchscreen that remains visible in direct sunlight, providing full menu control and HDR monitoring.

Advanced Recording and Workflow

To manage the massive data requirements of 12K cinematography, the PYXIS utilizes high-speed media and cloud-ready protocols:

• Dual CFexpress Slots: Features two CFexpress Type B slots for high-bitrate internal recording of Blackmagic RAW (BRAW).

• USB-C Expansion: Allows for direct recording to high-capacity external NVMe SSDs.

• Real-Time Cloud Sync: Simultaneously records H.264 proxies that can be uploaded to Blackmagic Cloud via the built-in 10G Ethernet port or a 5G/4G phone tether. This enables editors to begin cutting shots across the world just seconds after the director calls "cut."

Professional Connectivity

• 12G-SDI Output: Provides a high-quality monitoring feed for on-set displays or wireless transmitters.

• Professional Audio: Includes a mini XLR input with phantom power and a 3.5mm stereo input for comprehensive audio capture.

• Standard Powering: Powered by Sony-style BP-U batteries or via the 2-pin Lemo locking DC input.

• URSA Cine EVF Support: Compatible with the high-resolution Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF via a dedicated USB-C viewfinder port.

Technical Performance

• 12K Open Gate: Up to 40 fps.

• 12K 2.4:1: Up to 60 fps.

• 8K/4K Open Gate: Up to 72 fps.

• Native ISO: 800 (with selectable ISO up to 25,600).

Operational Insight

The PYXIS 12K is essentially a "miniaturized" version of the URSA Cine 12K. Its greatest strength lies in oversampling; shooting in 12K even when your final deliverable is 4K ensures a level of detail, color depth, and noise reduction that is impossible to achieve with native 4K sensors.

Professional Tip

Because the 12K sensor is power-hungry, it is highly recommended to use the 2-pin Lemo input for external V-Mount or Gold Mount battery power when rigging the camera for long production days. While the internal BP-U batteries are great for compact setups, larger external batteries will ensure you aren't swapping power in the middle of a critical take.