Pyxis 6K: the latest step from Blackmagic Design in cinema box cameras

Blackmagic continues to deepen its commitment to film cameras with Pyxis 6K, a box camera with 6K sensor, 13 stops dynamic range and compatibility with L, PL or EF lenses.

The new Blackmagic Pyxis has among its main features a full frame sensor that allows filming with a resolution of 6048 x 4032. This makes it possible to shoot with a shallow depth of field or to use anamorphic lenses that take advantage of the entire sensor area to achieve a cinematic look. Regardless of whether shooting in daylight or low-light conditions, the 13-stop dynamic range and maximum dual native ISO of 25,600 enable images to be captured with very low noise in a variety of lighting conditions.

Being able to take advantage of the full sensor area results in a recorded image that captures the entire frame with an aspect ratio of 3:2, allowing shots to be reframed during post-production. Thanks to the large sensor size, it is possible to work with an aspect ratio of 6:5 in anamorphic format without cropping the image, providing more detail in this type of shot and a resolution that was not possible before.

The Blackmagic Pyxis model can record in all common 4K and 6K resolutions and frame rates and even shoot 24.6 megapixel stills. It also supports frame rates up to 36 f/s at 6048 x 4032 with the full sensor or 60 f/s at 6048 x 2520 (2.4:1) and 60 f/s at 4096 x 2160 in DCI 4K format. Using higher values provides the opportunity to reduce the usable sensor area and shoot at 120 f/s in 2.8K resolution (2868 x 1512, 17:9),

The system comes in three versions that adapt the system to L, EF or PL lenses. The L-mount version allows the use of the latest full-frame models developed by Leica, Panasonic and Sigma, while providing compatibility with a wide range of new and classic lenses through the use of adapters. The EF-mount version supports photographic lenses from DSLRs or even those used on Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera models, while the PL version offers the opportunity to work with professional lenses from manufacturers such as Zeiss, Arri and Cooke without the need for an adapter.

Large integrated LCD display

The Blackmagic Pyxis LCD touch screen gives you the ability to view various data and monitor images on set due to its size and support for HDR footage. Similarly, its resolution allows framing and focusing without the need for large external monitors.

As for the rest of the Pyxis body, it has a “logical design” that simplifies access to essential features such as ISO sensitivity, white balance and shutter. It also features three programmable buttons that simplify access to the various functions. It is worth noting that these controls can be locked to prevent unexpected changes to settings during shooting or when the camera is out of range.

The Blackmagic solution also integrates side mounts that provide greater flexibility in adapting the camera to different jobs. The bracket included with the unit is made from the same aircraft-grade aluminum as the frame and features two 6.35 mm (1/4 in) and one 9.50 mm (3/8 in) threaded holes for adding microphones and other accessories. The camera also integrates an SSD mount that provides a secure place to attach USB-C disks or even cell phones for live streaming over the Internet.

RAW and H.264 in parallel

The Blackmagic Pyxis model includes a USB-C expansion port, which allows to record directly to external flash drives or SSDs, and two CFexpress card slots, which are much more durable and faster than older storage media and are ideal for recording Blackmagic RAW 12-bit high resolution files. These card slots provide the ability to continue recording without the need to pause to change the storage device.

The Blackmagic Pyxis 6K not only records in Blackmagic RAW format to preserve detail and control exposure and color during post-production, but also H.264 proxy files in HD resolution that can be easily shared on the fly. This ensures “unprecedented” resolution and quality for color adjustments, overlays, compositing, resizing, stabilization and tracking in HD as well as 4K and 6K.

The H.264 proxy can be uploaded to the Blackmagic Cloud platform “in a matter of seconds”, making content available in the studio “instantly”. This upload can be executed via the data connection provided by an iPhone or Android phone connected via the camera’s USB-C port, although the system also integrates ethernet connections. In either case, the camera’s viewfinder and display are capable of showing the transmission status and transfer rate.

Connectivity and accessories

Blackmagic Pyxis 6K allows the optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF electronic viewfinder to be connected in order to facilitate both on-location and handheld shooting. This accessory includes an OLED screen with 1920 x 1080 resolution, an integrated proximity sensor and a four-element glass diopter with wide focus adjustments for greater precision.

Blackmagic’s latest solution also offers a wide variety of connections for audio devices, monitors and power supplies. For example, it has a 12G SDI output that transmits UHD images with wide dynamic range and also allows you to connect monitors to monitor recorded material and view critical camera data. The SDI connections provide the possibility of using longer cables, facilitating the use of units that are further away.

Finally, the Blackmagic Pyxis model has an integrated streaming engine compatible with RTMP and SRT protocols that allows streaming through platforms such as YouTube, Facebook and X.