Introduction

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is the next generation of customizable cinema cameras, designed to meet the demands of professional filmmakers and content creators alike. This high-end digital film camera boasts a full-frame 36 x 24mm sensor that captures stunning 6K resolution images, delivering precise skin tones and rich, organic colors. With its wide dynamic range and advanced features, the PYXIS enables filmmakers to achieve cinematic quality in a variety of settings, from feature films to social media content.

What sets the Blackmagic PYXIS apart is its versatile design, allowing users to build the perfect camera rig tailored to their production needs. The camera is available in three different lens mount options—EF, PL, and L-Mount—providing compatibility with a vast array of cinema and photographic lenses. Additionally, it features dual CFexpress media recorders for high-speed data handling and supports simultaneous recording of 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and small H.264 proxy files. This combination of cutting-edge technology and user-friendly design makes the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K an exceptional choice for capturing high-quality cinematic content in any environment.

Versatile Design

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is engineered with a highly versatile design that caters to the diverse needs of filmmakers and content creators. Its compact and lightweight body, constructed from precision CNC machined aerospace aluminum, ensures durability without compromising on portability. This robust construction makes the PYXIS ideal for various shooting environments, whether mounted on a camera rig, crane, gimbal, or drone.

Multiple Mounting Points

One of the standout features of the PYXIS is its array of mounting points strategically located on the top, bottom, and sides of the camera. These include multiple 1/4" and 3/8" threaded mounts, allowing users to attach a variety of accessories such as microphones, lights, and monitors with ease. This flexibility enables filmmakers to customize their setups according to specific production requirements.

Configurable Side Plates

The camera's design includes innovative side plates that enhance its configurability. These plates can accommodate additional accessories like handles for improved stability and control, SSDs for expanded storage options, or other essential gear tailored to the shoot's demands. This modular approach allows filmmakers to build a rig that is not only functional but also optimized for their unique shooting style.

Ideal for Various Productions

The versatility of the Blackmagic PYXIS makes it suitable for a wide range of applications—from high-end feature films and television programming to social media content creation. Its ability to adapt to different filming scenarios ensures that users can achieve professional-grade results regardless of the project scale.

Image Quality

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K camera is designed to deliver exceptional image quality, making it a powerful tool for filmmakers seeking to capture stunning visuals. At the heart of this camera is a full-frame 36 x 24mm sensor that supports an impressive 6K resolution of 6048 x 4032 pixels. This high resolution allows for detailed and crisp images, enabling filmmakers to produce content that meets the highest professional standards.

Dynamic Range and ISO Performance

The PYXIS boasts a remarkable 13 stops of dynamic range, which provides filmmakers with the ability to capture a wide spectrum of light and shadow. This feature is crucial for achieving depth and detail in both brightly lit and shadowy areas of a scene. Additionally, the camera features dual native ISO settings that can reach up to 25,600, allowing for excellent performance in low-light conditions. This means that users can maintain image quality even in challenging lighting environments, ensuring that their footage remains clear and vibrant.

Blackmagic Color Science

A standout aspect of the PYXIS is its implementation of Blackmagic's advanced color science. This technology is specifically engineered to produce rich, organic colors and precise skin tones, which are essential for high-quality cinematography. Filmmakers can expect natural-looking results straight out of the camera, reducing the need for extensive color correction during post-production. The camera's ability to accurately render skin tones makes it particularly appealing for narrative filmmaking and documentaries where character portrayal is vital.

Versatility in Aspect Ratios and Formats

The Blackmagic PYXIS also supports various aspect ratios and film formats without sacrificing image quality. This versatility allows filmmakers to choose the framing that best suits their creative vision, whether they are shooting in traditional widescreen formats or experimenting with more unique aspect ratios. The ability to switch between formats seamlessly enhances the camera's adaptability across different projects and styles.

Lens Options

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K offers remarkable versatility with its three available lens mount options: EF, PL, and L-Mount. This design choice allows filmmakers to utilize a wide range of cinema and photographic lenses, making the PYXIS compatible with one of the largest selections of lenses in the industry.

Lens Mount Options

1. L-Mount: The L-Mount variant is designed to work seamlessly with full-frame lenses from renowned manufacturers such as Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma. Its large diameter and short flange distance not only provide compatibility with these modern lenses but also allow for the use of lens adapters. This means filmmakers can incorporate a diverse array of new and vintage lenses into their setups without compromising image quality.

2. EF Mount: The EF model supports high-quality DSLR lenses, making it a practical choice for those who already own Canon-compatible glass. The locking mechanism ensures a secure attachment, which is particularly beneficial when using heavier professional cinema lenses. This mount option is ideal for filmmakers looking to leverage their existing lens inventory while still achieving high-end cinematic results.

3. PL Mount: For those focused on professional cinema production, the PL mount offers compatibility with top-tier cinema lenses from brands like Zeiss, ARRI, and Cooke. This model includes contact pins that read and record lens metadata, enhancing the filmmaking process by providing critical information directly within the camera's recording.

Compatibility and Flexibility

The ability to choose between these three mounts significantly enhances the creative possibilities for filmmakers. Whether shooting in a controlled studio environment or capturing dynamic scenes in the field, the PYXIS 6K's flexibility allows users to select the best lens for their specific needs. The camera's design also accommodates various aspect ratios and film formats without sacrificing quality, enabling filmmakers to produce visually stunning content tailored to their artistic vision.

Recording and Media

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K excels in recording capabilities and media management, making it a powerful choice for professional filmmakers. This camera is equipped to record both high-quality 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and H.264 proxy files simultaneously, providing users with the flexibility to work efficiently in various post-production scenarios.

Dual CFexpress Card Slots

The PYXIS features dual CFexpress card slots that facilitate fast and durable recording. CFexpress media is known for its high-speed performance and resilience, allowing filmmakers to capture full-resolution 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files without interruption. The dual slots enable hot swapping of cards, meaning users can replace a full card with a new one while continuing to record. This feature is particularly beneficial during long shoots where downtime must be minimized.

USB-C Expansion Port

In addition to internal recording, the PYXIS 6K includes a USB-C expansion port for connecting external SSDs or flash drives. This allows for additional storage options and the ability to record directly onto external media, which can be useful for large projects requiring extensive data management. The USB-C connection not only enhances storage capabilities but also facilitates faster data transfer rates, ensuring that high-quality footage can be accessed and processed quickly.

Advantages of Blackmagic RAW

Blackmagic RAW is designed to preserve the quality of the camera's sensor data while providing maximum flexibility during post-production. This codec allows filmmakers to adjust critical settings such as ISO, white balance, and exposure after the fact, all without losing image quality. The efficient encoding of Blackmagic RAW results in smaller file sizes compared to traditional RAW formats, making it easier to manage and edit footage.The camera supports various compression ratios for Blackmagic RAW, including options like 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, and even higher-quality settings like Q0 and Q1. These options allow filmmakers to balance between file size and image quality based on their specific needs. The ability to create H.264 proxies alongside the original media streamlines workflows by enabling quick uploads for immediate editing or sharing.

Monitoring and Controls

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K features a sophisticated monitoring and control system that enhances the shooting experience for filmmakers. Central to this system is a 4-inch high-resolution HDR touchscreen LCD, which provides intuitive access to camera settings and real-time monitoring of shots.

High-Resolution Touchscreen

The built-in LCD screen boasts a brightness of 1500 nits, making it highly visible even in bright outdoor conditions. This HDR display not only allows users to frame and focus their shots effectively but also serves as a comprehensive interface for adjusting camera settings. The touchscreen is designed for ease of use, enabling filmmakers to tap on various indicators to modify parameters such as ISO, white balance, and shutter speed without navigating through complex menus. This interactive approach streamlines the workflow and keeps the creative process fluid.

Physical Controls

In addition to the touchscreen functionality, the PYXIS 6K incorporates physical controls that provide tactile feedback for critical adjustments. Users can quickly access essential functions like ISO, white balance, and shutter settings through dedicated buttons and a scroll wheel. This combination of touchscreen and physical controls allows for rapid adjustments, which is particularly beneficial in dynamic shooting environments where time is of the essence.

3D LUT Support

The camera supports the application of 3D LUTs (Look-Up Tables) for on-set monitoring and grading. This feature enables filmmakers to preview their footage with specific color grading applied, helping them visualize the final look of their project during shooting. The ability to load custom LUTs enhances creative flexibility, allowing cinematographers to achieve their desired aesthetic in real time.

Optional URSA Cine EVF

For those who require more precise monitoring, especially in challenging lighting conditions or when shooting handheld, an optional URSA Cine EVF (Electronic Viewfinder) is available. This accessory provides an accurate viewfinder experience, crucial for achieving focus and composition accuracy outdoors. The EVF can be mounted easily and offers an additional layer of control over the camera's functionality.

Audio and Connectivity

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K incorporates advanced audio and connectivity features that enhance its functionality for professional filmmakers. This camera is designed to facilitate high-quality audio recording and seamless integration with various external devices.

Audio Inputs

The PYXIS 6K features a mini XLR input equipped with 48V phantom power, enabling users to connect professional microphones such as lapel mics and boom mics. This capability ensures that filmmakers can capture high-fidelity audio directly into the camera without the need for an external sound recorder. The built-in microphones also boast an extremely low noise floor and are designed to be shock and wind resistant, making them suitable for recording guide tracks on location.In addition to the mini XLR input, the camera includes a 3.5mm audio input for connecting standard video camera microphones. This flexibility allows for a variety of audio sources to be used, accommodating different recording scenarios. The PYXIS also features a built-in speaker for playback and a 3.5mm headphone jack, providing filmmakers with the tools they need to monitor audio during recording.

Video Output and Monitoring

For video output, the PYXIS 6K is equipped with a 12G-SDI output that supports HDR and Ultra HD monitoring. This connection allows filmmakers to link the camera to SDI displays for on-set monitoring of images, complete with overlays that show critical information such as camera status and settings. The use of SDI instead of HDMI is advantageous, as it supports longer cable runs, making it easier to position monitors further away from the camera.

Timecode and Reference Inputs

The camera includes a timecode input, which is essential for multi-camera shoots where synchronization is critical. By connecting an external timecode generator via the BNC timecode input, users can ensure that all cameras are perfectly in sync, facilitating smoother editing in post-production.

Networking and Expansion

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K also features an Ethernet port that allows for remote control of the camera over a network using secure REST APIs. This capability can be particularly useful for larger productions where multiple cameras are in use. Additionally, the USB-C expansion port enables users to connect external SSDs or flash drives for extended recording times and quick data transfer post-shooting.

Post-Production Workflow

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is designed to streamline the post-production workflow, providing filmmakers with powerful tools and features that enhance efficiency and flexibility. Central to this process is the inclusion of DaVinci Resolve Studio, a comprehensive software suite that integrates editing, color correction, audio post-production, and visual effects all in one platform.

DaVinci Resolve Studio Integration

DaVinci Resolve Studio is renowned for its robust capabilities, making it a preferred choice among industry professionals. With its seamless integration into the PYXIS 6K workflow, users can take advantage of advanced editing tools and color grading features right out of the box. This software supports high-resolution formats, enabling filmmakers to work with camera-original quality images throughout the entire production process. The user-friendly interface allows for quick navigation between tasks such as editing, color correction, and audio mixing, ensuring a smooth transition from shooting to final output.

Multilingual Support

To accommodate a global audience, DaVinci Resolve Studio supports 13 languages, making it accessible for international users. This feature is particularly beneficial for collaborative projects involving teams from different regions, as it allows everyone to work within a familiar language environment.

Remote Control Functionality

The PYXIS 6K also includes Bluetooth remote control capabilities, allowing users to operate the camera from up to 30 feet away. This feature enhances flexibility during shooting, especially in situations where the camera is mounted in hard-to-reach places or when adjustments need to be made without disturbing the scene. The ability to control settings remotely can significantly improve workflow efficiency on set.

Power Management

For power management, the PYXIS 6K is compatible with BP-U series batteries, providing filmmakers with reliable power options for extended shooting sessions. Additionally, it comes with international power adapters, ensuring that users can operate the camera in various locations around the world without compatibility issues.

Conclusion

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K represents a significant advancement in digital filmmaking, combining high-end features and exceptional versatility in a customizable package. This next-generation cinema camera is designed to meet the demands of various production environments, making it an ideal choice for feature films, television programming, documentaries, and even social media content.

At the core of the PYXIS 6K is its full-frame 36 x 24mm sensor that captures stunning 6K resolution images (6048 x 4032), delivering rich, organic colors and precise skin tones. With 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO capabilities up to 25,600, the camera excels in diverse lighting conditions, ensuring low-noise images and high image detail. This level of image quality is typically reserved for high-budget productions, allowing independent filmmakers and content creators to achieve cinematic results without the associated costs.The camera's versatile design allows users to configure it according to their specific needs. With three lens mount options (EF, PL, or L-Mount), filmmakers can use a wide array of cinema and photographic lenses. The compact body made from precision CNC machined aluminum ensures durability while remaining lightweight, making it suitable for use on various rigs such as gimbals, drones, or cranes.

The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is not only tailored for traditional filmmaking but also opens doors for creating high-quality content for platforms like YouTube and social media. Its ability to record both 12-bit Blackmagic RAW and H.264 proxy files simultaneously enhances workflow efficiency during post-production. The inclusion of DaVinci Resolve Studio further streamlines editing, color correction, and audio post-production processes.

In summary, the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K delivers high-end digital film quality in a versatile and customizable package. Its advanced features make it suitable for a wide range of applications—from blockbuster films to independent projects—empowering filmmakers to produce stunning visual narratives with ease. With its competitive pricing and robust capabilities, the PYXIS 6K positions itself as an invaluable tool for modern filmmakers seeking to elevate their craft.