Hands on the new BLACKMAGIC PYXIS MONITOR

my Pyxis Monitor arrived on Friday at the local shop I used. Sadly, it wasn't until late in the day so I have to wait until AFTER my shoot on Monday to pick it up, haha. Was hoping to utilize the compactness.
What I'm looking forward to is the small form factor and simplicity of using just a BP-U battery to power everything I need for Grab-N-Go shoots.

I think I'll still use my Cine 7 for larger productions, as I do enjoy the 7" screen a whole lot.

If you can, hook up your cine 7 and the pyxis monitor together and compare the image. Earlier in this thread I described my issue with the monitor and it'd be good to hear from you what your experience is in terms of the image.

The Pyxis monitor (at least my version) does feel less contrasty than the Cine 7. I would also say it is less contrasty than the screen on my 6kFF. The dimming curve is different as well. I can run at like 18-20% indoors on the 6kFF and the Pyxis Monitor needs to be around 45%. It is the same sharpness, but yes, less contrast. It's not totally unusable, as I'm always checking my waveform, but YES, if they could add in a "Contrast" setting on the screen that would be great.

How about this? https://nitze.hk/index.php?route=produc ... uct_id=358

No, those locating pins are too far from the 1/4-20 hole.

I got my monitor yesterday too and I hate the proprietary mount points.

I solved it with a low profile NATO rail and very short M4 screws.

Other than that, I love the monitor.

… I solved it with a low profile NATO rail and very short M4 screws.

Other than that, I love the monitor.

Good to know, Tim.

my Pyxis Monitor arrived on Friday at the local shop I used. Sadly, it wasn't until late in the day so I have to wait until AFTER my shoot on Monday to pick it up, haha. Was hoping to utilize the compactness.
What I'm looking forward to is the small form factor and simplicity of using just a BP-U battery to power everything I need for Grab-N-Go shoots.

I think I'll still use my Cine 7 for larger productions, as I do enjoy the 7" screen a whole lot.

If you can, hook up your cine 7 and the pyxis monitor together and compare the image. Earlier in this thread I described my issue with the monitor and it'd be good to hear from you what your experience is in terms of the image.

The Pyxis monitor (at least my version) does feel less contrasty than the Cine 7. I would also say it is less contrasty than the screen on my 6kFF. The dimming curve is different as well. I can run at like 18-20% indoors on the 6kFF and the Pyxis Monitor needs to be around 45%. It is the same sharpness, but yes, less contrast. It's not totally unusable, as I'm always checking my waveform, but YES, if they could add in a "Contrast" setting on the screen that would be great.

Thanks for checking. This tracks with other findings about the IQ.
I've decided to return the monitor since the whole point of an external monitor is to give a somewhat correct representation of what you're shooting. Metering is ofcourse always best (and always have a light meter nearby) but in this day and age, a monitor should be more correct than what I'm seeing on this screen. But thats my opinion ofcourse.

Good luck shooting out there!

I ended up creating a contrast LUT for the Pyxis USB output. It helps alot. I’ll just keep the display LUT off on the SDI out and use an external monitors built in LUTs when needed.

Has anyone been able to activate false color on the monitor via Function buttons? When i press F1 it turns on false color on the side monitor but not the USB monitor. If I go into the USB menu i can turn on false color but the Function buttons only activate it for the side LCD.

Has anyone been able to activate false color on the monitor via Function buttons? When i press F1 it turns on false color on the side monitor but not the USB monitor. If I go into the USB menu i can turn on false color but the Function buttons only activate it for the side LCD.

You need to enable “usb-c” for the function button in the setup tab.

the whole point of an external monitor is to give a somewhat correct representation of what you're shooting.

That is a matter of opinion.
An expensive external, calibrated monitor should be considered a somewhat correct representation.
The on camera monitor should be considered for framing and possible camera control.
If you have zebras, false colour, waveform and other goodies on the monitor ,then consider yourself lucky.

One would be better served to work with a black and white image.
It is better to find focus and for eye strain.

A monitor is a light source, if you think that you are doing yourself a favour by staring into a light source for long periods of time, think again.

Has anyone been able to activate false color on the monitor via Function buttons? When i press F1 it turns on false color on the side monitor but not the USB monitor. If I go into the USB menu i can turn on false color but the Function buttons only activate it for the side LCD.

You need to enable “usb-c” for the function button in the setup tab.

Got it. Thanks.

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Now that I figured out how to mount it, I love this monitor. They should have offered a 7" version. One single cable for power and video, and it turns on with the Pyxis... Simplicity is all I can say...

FYI, I am using the red XLCS 90' angled locking USBC cable.

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These photos of the rigs are very good. In the almost 13 years of following BMD in this forum, I’m convinced one of the hidden joys of cinematography is the joy of rigging the camera gear, to do just what you personally want, in the most creative way.

These photos of the rigs are very good. In the almost [emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]][emoji[emoji[emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]]]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]]]] years of following BMD in this forum, I’m convinced one of the hidden joys of cinematography is the joy of rigging the camera gear, to do just what you personally want, in the most creative way.

But only if the name of the cage model and rig is appropriate, right Rick?


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Have the Monitor Kits (with the Cable and Mount) started shipping yet?

So I just received a Pyxis monitor and hooked it up... Im puzzled... One of the worst monitors I've ever seen in terms of image (at first glance).

It's suuuuper low contrast. Viewing with Lut looks almost like Log, compared to my calibrated SmallHD Cine 5 ( I mean that Log view on the smallHD is effectively almost the same as Lut view on the pyxis monitor in terms of contrast) . Even the side screen is slightly more correct / more contrast (which is already not the greatest). The SmallHD is a teeny tiny bit too contrasty but is calibrated and was always best reference for me.

Can't seem to find calibration settings anywhere for contrast. Are there others who have the same experience?
For now It seems impossible to use as a reference to judge lighting and color. Only for framing. Maybe I should make a special LUT for this monitor but then it's an issue for the SDI feed, so thinking of returning. Was hoping to use it so the SDI stays free for transmitters and cleaner cable management.

very strange... curious to hear from others about this?

Received mine as well.. I’m super disappointed. If I had chance to test It I wouldn’t have bought it.
To have black being black… you need brightness of the monitor to be at around 23/25%

I know it’s 5x times less expensive than my smallhd… I should have known better.

I'll be honest, I'm not impressed either.
Maybe this first batch was a dud? I found it hard to do a two camera interview today, trying to match with a 6kFF. I was checking my waveforms but man, the screen difference was wild. I kept having to adjust the brightness on the Pyxis and then struggled with what my shadows looked like.

I may hold on to mine to see if they will eventually give some updates to make it jive better with the Pyxis, but man, is it a bit rough in the field.

About 5 weeks to NAB 2025, so let’s hope this is corrected before then or someone is going to have some explaining to do.

I also just did a comparison between the Focus Assist (colored lines) on my 6kff vs Pyxis.
The 6kFF Focus Assist is spectacular. I tend to run it around 55 or 60, depending on how soft my lenses are, but I've never had an issue manually focusing with it.
The Pyxis, however, seems to have its Focus Assist not as sensitive. like, I have to crank it up to around 75 and even then it is barely showing edges. Couple that with the less contrast of the Pyxis Monitor and I was struggling yesterday on a 4 location shoot.

I also just did a comparison between the Focus Assist (colored lines) on my 6kff vs Pyxis.
The 6kFF Focus Assist is spectacular. I tend to run it around 55 or 60, depending on how soft my lenses are, but I've never had an issue manually focusing with it.
The Pyxis, however, seems to have its Focus Assist not as sensitive. like, I have to crank it up to around 75 and even then it is barely showing edges. Couple that with the less contrast of the Pyxis Monitor and I was struggling yesterday on a 4 location shoot.

I tend to bore myself with suggesting working with a monitor that is set to black and white when it comes to focus.
Have you tried that?

I also just did a comparison between the Focus Assist (colored lines) on my 6kff vs Pyxis.
The 6kFF Focus Assist is spectacular. I tend to run it around 55 or 60, depending on how soft my lenses are, but I've never had an issue manually focusing with it.
The Pyxis, however, seems to have its Focus Assist not as sensitive. like, I have to crank it up to around 75 and even then it is barely showing edges. Couple that with the less contrast of the Pyxis Monitor and I was struggling yesterday on a 4 location shoot.

I tend to bore myself with suggesting working with a monitor that is set to black and white when it comes to focus.
Have you tried that?

The Pyxis Monitor doesn't have the ability. I can always use my Cine 7, but was hoping for similar results on the Pyxis Monitor as I get with the 6k FF.

I've done the B&W focus pulling monitor trick before. I spoiled myself a while back by using the Flanders Scientific DM241 to pull focus off of and I didn't even need focus peaking at all. When you have a nice big 24" monitor you can clear as day where focus is. Haha. But we cannot always have that.

Still with the SmallHD 702 I can generally pull without peaking enabled. But it's far better than the Video Assist for example when using focus peaking and other features. So, I'm sure the SmallHD units will still beat the PYXIS Monitor as well.

I do hope some of these issues are resolve through firmware and as well by the time BMD does a 7" PYXIS Monitor.

I definitely tend to use focus peaking and B&W in the EVF when using a viewfinder. That's the perfect place to simply do that trick if pulling manually handheld with the EVF.

I've done the B&W focus pulling monitor trick before. I spoiled myself a while back by using the Flanders Scientific DM241 to pull focus off of and I didn't even need focus peaking at all. When you have a nice big 24" monitor you can clear as day where focus is. Haha. But we cannot always have that.

Still with the SmallHD 702 I can generally pull without peaking enabled. But it's far better than the Video Assist for example when using focus peaking and other features. So, I'm sure the SmallHD units will still beat the PYXIS Monitor as well.

I do hope some of these issues are resolve through firmware and as well by the time BMD does a 7" PYXIS Monitor.

I definitely tend to use focus peaking and B&W in the EVF when using a viewfinder. That's the perfect place to simply do that trick if pulling manually handheld with the EVF.

My 702 Touch as been my go to monitor for 6years now. Atomos, Portkeys, Osee etc .... none is good enough.
Pyxis monitor feels more like an old DSMC2 5inch Red Monitor with low contrast, good for menu navigation etc.
Disappointing as the side panel is very good at that already.

But hey, its a 350$ monitor in USB-C vs a 1600$ 7inch OLED Monitor. It might be good enough for a lot of people.

Would have been nice to have a better monitor that use only one cable, and ovoids SDI Protocol on that camera. I don't want to go the on camera apple dongle usb-c/hdmi route for that.

To me, the Pyxis monitor issues seem to be something that can be solved with a software update.

While I don't expect a $300 monitor to be as good as a $1500 monitor, the ability to control contrast (similar to what Aaron Green did with a LUT) should be table stakes for any monitor. If my $60 Chinese made TV can have a contrast control, why can't the Pyxis Monitor? Making contrast part of the actual monitor configuration and not requiring the use of a custom LUT is the ask for Blackmagic.

I also like the idea of a quick switch to B&W for focusing. Never tried that before, something to play with later this week.

But as I said, all software, hopefully, the Blackmagic software developers are listening.

I also like the idea of a quick switch to B&W for focusing.

I have that on my Portkeys PT6.

One can program one of the touch screen buttons to have peaking without chroma.

well, I plugged in my Pyxis Monitor into my MacBook, just to see what it would look like, and what do you know? all the contrast and clarity is there. I'm so confused. Does the Pyxis USB-C output just need a color space shift or something?

side note: The Pyxis Monitor's touchscreen works with a MacBook. I could easily set it up as a virtual hotkey deck or something, right?

well, I plugged in my Pyxis Monitor into my MacBook, just to see what it would look like, and what do you know? all the contrast and clarity is there. I'm so confused. Does the Pyxis USB-C output just need a color space shift or something?

side note: The Pyxis Monitor's touchscreen works with a MacBook. I could easily set it up as a virtual hotkey deck or something, right?

That’s wild!

Have the Monitor Kits (with the Cable and Mount) started shipping yet?

Curious about this too. The lack of update is maddening!

well, I plugged in my Pyxis Monitor into my MacBook, just to see what it would look like, and what do you know? all the contrast and clarity is there. I'm so confused. Does the Pyxis USB-C output just need a color space shift or something?

side note: The Pyxis Monitor's touchscreen works with a MacBook. I could easily set it up as a virtual hotkey deck or something, right?

BRILLIANT!

Works great with UC12K. Had a contact who has the UC12K get the Pyxis Monitor recently. They have no issues at all. Contrast looks great they told me. They said the image looks fantastic! It beautifully pairs with the URSA Cine 12K where you can use the URSA Cine EVF and the Monitor together due to those extra USB-C Ports.

I suspect this is the Pyxis that is the culprit. The USB-C Display Port is probably in need of a firmware update as that is shifting the black point. That was their theory. They don’t have the Pyxis so couldn’t compare.

So that’s good to hear as I plan on getting the UC12K. Maybe by the time I get it the Pyxis will get a firmware update that resolves this.


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well, I plugged in my Pyxis Monitor into my MacBook, just to see what it would look like, and what do you know? all the contrast and clarity is there. I'm so confused. Does the Pyxis USB-C output just need a color space shift or something?

side note: The Pyxis Monitor's touchscreen works with a MacBook. I could easily set it up as a virtual hotkey deck or something, right?

Yes I agree, I believe the monitor is capable of producing much more contrasty images and deeper blacks. Even when I go into the settings page the black at the very top where the menu icons are is much deeper than anything that comes out from the camera. Even the frame guides are darker than the image produces even if it's a pitch black shot.

I also attached it to my MacBook with the same cable and it produced much better images! Which basically verifies that it is something to do with the PYXIS USB C output. Hopefully this is fixed in a firmware update ASAP so we can actually use this monitor.

I’m certain it is not a hardware issue. Hoping a camera update will be provided soon!

The monitor UI looks perfect and when you preview playback the thumbnails look great! It’s when you hit play or look at the live feed that the contrast is off. Hoping they can address this via firmware.

I’m certain it is not a hardware issue. Hoping a camera update will be provided soon!

Yes I am also 100% sure it is a firmware problem. I had the Shinbo 5" and the PYXIS monitor side by side and the PYXIS monitor was washed out and very low contrast (with grey-like shadows). Then when I connected the Shinob 5" to the USB C (USB C adaptor to HDMI) it was ALSO washed out and low contrast! So that confirms it is the feed coming out of the USB C which isn't accurate and very low contrast.

Let's hope they update this ASAP so we can use this monitor which will make it so much easier to control camera settings with it rigged up.

Any word from Blackmagic on this?

Any word from Blackmagic on this?

They reached out to me and I was able to give them specific feedback. I believe a fix is in motion soon.

At the end of the day, I am attempting to justify being a cheap bastard with an inelegant solution to a simple problem.

I feel your pain.

I have come up with a solution for my Portkeys 5" monitor and monitor cage, using 15mm rod parts and accessories that I have in my kit.

It works well but it does not have anti twist. Not a biggie since I control the tilt via the 15mm rod.
It permits me to tilt the monitor to the desirable angle with one hand.

I can place the monitor to the side or over the camera.
I use a 15mm clamp on the handle, this allows me to place the monitor where it is most useful.

Once I started this quest I just went down the rabbit hole. This can drive one nuts.

I also used a 15mm rod and a cheap 15mm to nato rail clamp (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _nato.html) and whatever I had sitting around my misc camera mounts box for my shoulder rig to add a 15mm rod going the right direction.

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Hi guys,

Any response on possible fix for the calibration issues within the Pyxis monitor?

Best regards

My "Blackmagic Design PYXIS Monitor Kit" with the mount has shipped. It should be here this weekend.

The monitor contrast looks okay to me, once you enable the Display LUT.

The monitor contrast looks okay to me, once you enable the Display LUT.

I think that is the point. You can't individually control the contrast separate from the LUT. You may want the LUT to be set to a custom one and toggle it on/off, but still have a good looking image on the actual Pyxis Monitor.

Since "DillonPearceMedia" hooked the monitor up to his MacBook and the contrast was pretty good, this means either Blackmagic made a conscious decision to make the signal less contrasty for USBC connections or they simply have a bug and when QA'ing the monitor they missed the use-case of Pyxis using Pyxis Monitor with "Display LUT" disabled and always assumed it would be on. In either case this is correctable with a software update.

The monitor contrast looks okay to me, once you enable the Display LUT.

I think that is the point. You can't individually control the contrast separate from the LUT. You may want the LUT to be set to a custom one and toggle it on/off, but still have a good looking image on the actual Pyxis Monitor.

What do you mean by that? The whole idea is that you either view your recordings with the film gamma applied or the lut of your choise. It has been like that since the bmcc 2.5 ( film or video), the difference being you can now create your own lut’s.

Since "DillonPearceMedia" hooked the monitor up to his MacBook and the contrast was pretty good, this means either Blackmagic made a conscious decision to make the signal less contrasty for USBC connections or they simply have a bug

Huh? The macbook probably sends a rec 709 signal (sidecar?) over usb. How does this make sending a default braw/film gamma signal over USB on the camera a bug??

Huh? The macbook probably sends a rec 709 signal (sidecar?) over usb. How does this make sending a default braw/film gamma signal over USB on the camera a bug??

Macbook will send any number of gamma curves, few of them are actually flat. Alt DP isn't dramatically different from any of the newer flavors of HDMI. If the observations are to be believed there's likely an ICC issue between the cam and monitor, maybe even video/data levels issue.

Good Luck

all I know is, it's much easier to focus on my 6kFF than my Pyxis using the same lens.
with Contrast, it helps with focusing, IMO.

It's definitely not something that is intentional as Blackmagic support have been in touch asking about the issue. When I connect my Shinobi monitor to the USB C output (with a USB - HDMI adaptor) the signal comes out very flat and low contrast. I'm not sure if it's an incorrect gamma curve or not but it doesn't match the output on the SDI.

It's definitely not something that is intentional as Blackmagic support have been in touch asking about the issue. When I connect my Shinobi monitor to the USB C output (with a USB - HDMI adaptor) the signal comes out very flat and low contrast. I'm not sure if it's an incorrect gamma curve or not but it doesn't match the output on the SDI.

The screen is an HDR screen. Is the screen on the SDI output an HDR screen? In other words do they have different outputs or does what ever comes after it interpreted it in a diffent way? From the manual: Gen 5 Film to Video Similar to the REC 709 color standard for high definition video, and has a high level of contrast and saturation. You may find this setting useful when using Blackmagic PYXIS 6K alongside other broadcast cameras using the REC 709 color space.

I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the same outcome on different monitors between different camera’s when using no LUT or one LUT that controls all outputs to different monitors. Adam tells us there is a huge difference between the pyxis and the 6k. That’s no doubt the case, but do both use the same LUT? …and is it reasonable expect for it to have the same outcome? I expect the Pyxis to use newer technology so it probably needs a different LUT because of that.

I don’t understand why this would affect the image being different between the SDI output and the USB C output though? The Shinobi output out of the USB C and out of the SDI are totally different. It looks the same low contrast as the PYXIS monitor through the USB C.

It's definitely not something that is intentional as Blackmagic support have been in touch asking about the issue. When I connect my Shinobi monitor to the USB C output (with a USB - HDMI adaptor) the signal comes out very flat and low contrast. I'm not sure if it's an incorrect gamma curve or not but it doesn't match the output on the SDI.

The screen is an HDR screen. Is the screen on the SDI output an HDR screen? In other words do they have different outputs or does what ever comes after it interpreted it in a diffent way? From the manual: Gen 5 Film to Video Similar to the REC 709 color standard for high definition video, and has a high level of contrast and saturation. You may find this setting useful when using Blackmagic PYXIS 6K alongside other broadcast cameras using the REC 709 color space.

I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the same outcome on different monitors between different camera’s when using no LUT or one LUT that controls all outputs to different monitors. Adam tells us there is a huge difference between the pyxis and the 6k. That’s no doubt the case, but do both use the same LUT? …and is it reasonable expect for it to have the same outcome? I expect the Pyxis to use newer technology so it probably needs a different LUT because of that.

I can set my 6k FF and Pyxis right next to each other (same sensor) with the same settings, bmd film to Rec 709 LUT applied on both. The 6k FF monitor looks like a normal Rec 709 image. The Pyxis monitor looks very flat. BM must be adding some sort of incorrect color transform on the USB output.
Troubleshooting seems to show the monitor itself can exhibit higher contrast when plugged into other sources. Also, other monitors can display a low contrast image when plugged into the Pyxis USB-C output.

I don’t think it’s realistic to expect the same outcome on different monitors between different camera’s when using no LUT or one LUT that controls all outputs to different monitors.

You're still missing it. The SDI output and the HDMI (USBC) outputs do not match using the same monitor.

Good Luck

That quote above isnt from me FYI