At NAB 2024 in Las Vegas, Blackmagic Design discussed their new PYXIS 6K camcorder. Questions turned to why they chose not to include ND filters and what the reasoning was behind not having a movable screen or two mini XLR inputs.
The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K features a design box so you can set up the perfect camera for your productions. Many BMD fans have been wanting to design with the camcorder for years, and Blackmagic Design has finally delivered. Plus, it's priced very competitively in the 2.995$.
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This new model features a massive 6K 36 x 24mm sensor with a claimed 13 stops of dynamic range and dual CFexpress media recorders.
The Blackmagic PYXIS features a full-frame sensor with a native resolution of 6048 x 4032.This is nearly three times larger than a Super 35 sensor and allows customers to use reshaped lenses without cropping. 13 stops of dynamic range with double the native ISO up to 25,600 delivers low-noise images in all lighting conditions.
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Using the full sensor area gives customers a unique 3:2 open gate image that also allows you to redirect the image in post-production. The large sensor also allows you to work in true 6:5 resized without cropping.
Dual Gain ISO
The Blackmagic PYXIS features dual native ISO up to 25,600, meaning it is optimized to minimize noise in images while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor. The native ISO is 400 and the secondary high ISO is 3200. The gain is set automatically as you adjust the ISO setting.
Lens Options
The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is available in three models; however, the mounts are not interchangeable. You can choose between L-Mount, PL or Locking EF 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 legacy lenses. The EF model allows customers to use high-quality still lenses they already own from DSLRs or even Blackmagic Pocket Cinema cameras. Or the PL model allows customers to work with professional cinema lenses from Zeiss, ARRI, Cooke and others without the need for an adapter.
With multiple mounting points and side accessory plates, it's easy to configure the Blackmagic PYXIS into the camcorder that suits your needs.
The PYXIS has a solid construction made of high-precision CNC aircraft aluminum, which makes it lightweight and very durable, making it useful in a range of cinematography systems such as gimbals or drones. In addition to multiple 1/4″ and 3/8″ threads on the top and bottom of the body, the Blackmagic PYXIS features a range of side plates that further expand its ability to mount accessories such as handgrips, microphones or even SSDs.
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Frame rates
The Blackmagic PYXIS can record at all standard resolutions and frame rates from HD to DCI 4K and even 6K. You can even capture stills at 24.6 MP.
The Blackmagic PYXIS could capture up to 36 frames per second at 6048 x 4032 3:2 open gate, 60 frames per second at 6048 x 2520 2.4:1, and 60 frames per second at 4096 x 2160 4K DCI. For higher frame rates, customers can window-load the sensor and capture up to 100 frames per second at 2112 x 1184 Super 16.
Built-in LCD Screen
Many cameras don’t have a very bright or easy-to-use LCD screen. The Blackmagic PYXIS’s built-in 1500 nit LCD screen isn’t just a status indicator. It’s a high-resolution 4″ HDR touchscreen that looks great for monitoring and reviewing shots on set.
Full HD resolution means you can aim and focus shots without the need for an external monitor; however, you'll probably want one as the LCD doesn't expand.
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Blackmagic says the PYXIS features a logical design that puts important functions like ISO, WB, and shutter at your fingertips with a touchscreen and physical controls. A row of 3 customizable function buttons means you don't have to search through a cluttered menu on a small screen to find a command. The controls can even be locked to prevent accidental settings from being changed during a shoot or when the camcorder is out of reach on a mount.
The included drive with the Blackmagic PYXIS is made from the same high-quality aluminum as the camcorder body and features two 1/4″ and one 3/8″ threads, allowing customers to add microphones, boom arms or other accessories. Customers can also attach the included SSD drive, which provides a convenient place to securely attach a USB-C drive for recording or even a mobile phone for use as a recording monitor.
Recording format
The Blackmagic PYXIS camcorder records in Blackmagic RAW to maintain control over detail, exposure and color during post-production. It also records full HD H.264 streams in real time, making it easy to share media around the world in minutes. This means images always maintain resolution and quality for color grading, locks, compositing, re-arranging, stabilization and recording in HD, 4K or 6K. One thing worth noting is that BMD did not mention whether ProRes was an option as they only list Blackmagic RAW as the primary recording mode and H.264.
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Format
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 the creation of a small H.264 archive over the camcorder's original media during recording. This means the small archive can be uploaded to the Blackmagic Cloud in seconds, so their media is available back in the studio in real time. The ability to transfer media directly
The ability to view the DaVinci Resolve media panel while editors are working is revolutionary and has never been possible before. Any editor working anywhere in the world will receive the shots.
Supported Codecs
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW 3:1 bitrate settings,
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW 5:1 bitrate settings,
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW 8:1 bitrate settings,
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW 12:1 bitrate settings,
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW Q0 quality settings,
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW Q1 quality settings,
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW Q3 quality settings,
- Fixed Blackmagic RAW Q5 quality settings,
- H.264 Proxy at 1920 x 1080, 8-bit 4:2:0
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Analyses
- 6048 x 4032 (3:2 Aperture) up to 36 frames per second
- 4832 x 4032 (6:5 Reformat) up to 36 frames per second
- 6048 x 3200 (6K DCI 17:9) up to 48 frames per second
- 6048 x 2520 (6K 2.4:1) up to 60 frames per second
- 4096 x 3072 (Super 35 4:3) up to 50 frames per second
- 4096 x 2160 (4K DCI 17:9) up to 60 frames per second
- 2112 x 1184 (Super 16 16:9) up to 100 frames per second
- 1920 x 1080 (1080 HD 16:9) up to 120 frames per second
Frame rates
Maximum sensor frame rate depends on resolution and selected encoder. Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60 frames per second are supported. Non-standard rates up to 60 frames per second in 6K 2.4:1 and 4K DCI 17:9, 100 frames per second in Super 16 16:9, and 120 frames per second 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 memory drives or SSDs. CFexpress media is more durable and faster than even older media, making it ideal for recording full 12-bit Blackmagic RAW files. Plus, with two slots
CFexpress, you can continue recording because you can swap cards without stopping.
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Storage type
1 x CFexpress Type B
1 x high-speed USB-C expansion port for external media.
Below you can see the data ratios based on shooting at 30fps.
6048 x 4032 (6K 3:2 Aperture)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 370MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 223MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 140MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 94MB/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 (Reformatted 6:5)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 297MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 179MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 112MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 75MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 223 to 445 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 149 to 356 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 100 to 255MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 60 to 149 MB/s
6048 x 3200 (6K DCI 17:9)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 295MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 177MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 111MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 75MB/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 148MB/s
6048 x 2520 (6K 2.4:1)
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 233MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 140MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 88MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 59MB/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 – 192MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 116MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 73MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 49MB/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 – 136MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 82MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 52MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 35MB/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 – 40MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 24MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 16MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 11MB/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
1920x1080
Blackmagic RAW 3:1 – 33MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 5:1 – 20MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 8:1 – 13MB/s
Blackmagic RAW 12:1 – 9 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q0 – 25 to 49 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q1 – 17 to 40MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q3 – 12 to 29 MB/s
Blackmagic RAW Q5 – 8 to 17MB/s
Size & Weight
The camera weighs 1.49 kg.
Cloud Options
When uploading to the Blackmagic Cloud, you can use an Apple or Android phone to connect to the internet via mobile data. Simply
connect your phone to the USB-C port and Blackmagic PYXIS will set up 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 camcorder’s Ethernet port. This allows you to export your media as you shoot, so post-production teams anywhere in the world can start working in real time! Plus, on-set calibration can be done in a calibration room and synced back to DaVinci on set.
Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF
The Blackmagic PYXIS supports the optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF for easy handheld and outdoor shooting. You get a high-quality 1920 x 1080 OLED display with a built-in proximity sensor, 4 glass diopter elements for precision with a wide focus adjustment.
Input/Output (I/O) Ports
The Blackmagic PYXIS features a wide range of connections for audio, monitoring, power and more. The camcorder includes a 12G-SDI output for monitoring with support for HDR and Ultra HD outputs. This means customers can connect an SDI monitor for on-set monitoring, with or without overlays showing critical information and camcorder status. SDI allows for much longer cable lengths than HDMI, making it easier to reach monitors further away on set. The Blackmagic PYXIS also features a built-in 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. Since the stream is built into the camcorder, you can see the stream status and data rate in the viewfinder and LCD.
Analog Audio Inputs
One surprise, always a bit of a surprise, is that the camcorder only has a mini XLR audio input that can be switched between phantom-powered microphone and line-level (up to +14dBu). The second channel is a 3.5mm stereo input. It’s not perfect, but at least you have two channels. With the popularity of products like the RODE Wireless Pro, you can get a small wireless system and use the RODE to mix two channels in the settings. It’s not ideal, but it’s possible.
Battery Selection
The PYXIS 6K uses the popular and fairly economical Sony 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.
- 3:2 gatefold, full-height 6:5 anamorphic and Super 35 for cinematic content creation.
- Choice of models with L-Mount, PL or EF locking lens mount.
- Record at full resolution up to 36 frames per second or 120 frames per second with windowing.
- Built-in 4″ HDR 1500 nit LCD display.
- Record in Blackmagic RAW and full resolution H.264 proxies.
- Very fast dual CFexpress card recording.
- Ability to stream data via Ethernet or mobile data for remote streaming.
- Optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF.
- 12G-SDI features for status overlay monitoring.
- Professional mini XLR input with phantom 48 volt power supply.
- Complete streaming solution for YouTube, Facebook, Twitter and more.
- High capacity batteries in BP-U series.
Availability and Price
The Blackmagic PYXIS 6K will be available in June from Blackmagic Design resellers worldwide, starting at $2,995 USD, excluding customs duties.
Thoughts
This is an exciting release today. The box-style camcorder design is popular, and Blackmagic Design has packed a lot of impressive features into a compact box-style camcorder at an incredibly competitive price. After looking closely at the specs, I noticed that ProRes recording options are not mentioned. This is interesting if internal recording is limited to Blackmagic RAW only. There is also no internal ND filter. These could be deal breakers for some people. However, my impression tells me that this will be a deal breaker and will sell very well. Of course, we will have to see how it performs in practice. It’s great to see Blackmagic being Blackmagic again!
Source: newsshooter
