Hands on the new BLACKMAGIC PYXIS MONITOR

Hey everyone,

I just got my hands on the new Blackmagic Pyxis Monitor!

In this video I want to share with you my first impressions of the monitor, especially around the design itself, the ergonomics, how it feels on the camera and also why I am personally very excited by this new item.

I will also discuss battery life and how what I think about using outside for the first time.

Hope you enjoy this video and that it is useful!

Let me know if you have any questions .

Cheers,
Flo

Great video! I have a question for Blackmagic. Does the basic monitor only package come with a usb cable? I’ve gotten mixed messages on this. Thanks!

[Kristian Lam]

Yes, it can be broken down into 3 basic configurations/ SKUs.

1. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor - Monitor + Sunshade

2. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount

3. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor EVF Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + long locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount + URSA EVF mount with carbon fiber rods

Yes, it can be broken down into 3 basic configurations/ SKUs.

1. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor - Monitor + Sunshade

2. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount

3. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor EVF Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + long locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount + URSA EVF mount with carbon fiber rods

What kind of cables do we get? Angled-to-straight or angled-to-angled (like the one shown in the Pyxis Monitor launch video on Blackmagic YouTube channel)?

Yes, it can be broken down into 3 basic configurations/ SKUs.

1. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor - Monitor + Sunshade

2. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount

3. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor EVF Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + long locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount + URSA EVF mount with carbon fiber rods

Do you know if the long and short cables will be available separately?

Yes, it can be broken down into 3 basic configurations/ SKUs.

1. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor - Monitor + Sunshade

2. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount

3. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor EVF Kit - Monitor + Sunshade + short locking USB-C cable + long locking USB-C cable + monitor mount + EVF Mount + URSA EVF mount with carbon fiber rods

Do you know if the long and short cables will be available separately?

Well, I guess it doesn't matter now. Went to order a screen protector for the 4" Pyxis LCD this morning from XLCSdesigns.com, and they now have locking 90' USB cables available in different lengths. So this may help people on the fence about buying the Blackmagic Pyxis monitor on its own vs the bundle just to get a locking 90' cable if you already have a setup for a 3rd party monitor and just want to swap out your screen and not the entire mount/handle setup if your handle won't fit the Pyxis monitor bundle's dovetail mount setup.

https://www.xlcsdesigns.com/products/py ... cable-usbc

The Blackmagic Pyxis Monitor looks really impressive. Thanks for sharing the details. I’m curious, how’s the visibility of the screen in bright outdoor conditions? Does it hold up well without the sunshade?

The Blackmagic Pyxis Monitor looks really impressive. Thanks for sharing the details. I’m curious, how’s the visibility of the screen in bright outdoor conditions? Does it hold up well without the sunshade?

Thanks mate!
It's really good outside, even around some snow! The sunshade definitely helps in super super bright conditions but it works very well on its own too and if you have used the 6K Pro or 6K FF you can get a pretty good idea. I never felt I needed to use a hood on the 6Ks but I think I will leave this one on for the Pyxis since its super light and protects the screen too .

Good approach for a best practice to minimize reflections from the environment.

The Blackmagic Pyxis Monitor looks really impressive. Thanks for sharing the details. I’m curious, how’s the visibility of the screen in bright outdoor conditions? Does it hold up well without the sunshade?

Thanks mate!
It's really good outside, even around some snow! The sunshade definitely helps in super super bright conditions but it works very well on its own too and if you have used the 6K Pro or 6K FF you can get a pretty good idea. I never felt I needed to use a hood on the 6Ks but I think I will leave this one on for the Pyxis since its super light and protects the screen too .

Thanks for the info! Good to know it works well even in bright conditions. I think I’ll keep the sunshade on for extra protection as well. Appreciate the feedback

It would really be great if this monitor could be used with the BMCC 6K.

I noticed that Sweetwater says shipping Feb 2025. Is that accurate?

I noticed that Sweetwater says shipping Feb 2025. Is that accurate?

Let’s hope! I decided I’m not shooting Hollywood movies and giant branded content, and I’m sticking with the Pyxis / 6k FF combo for two-camera interviews and more grab-n-go shoots AND more riggable work.

I think the Pyxis monitor will serve me well while keeping things light and tidy.

… I decided I’m not shooting Hollywood movies…and I’m sticking with the Pyxis / 6k FF combo for two-camera…
I think the Pyxis monitor will serve me well while keeping things light and tidy.

Ditto, but if I ever get the chance to shoot a narrative film, with a camera and lens budget, I’d want to shoot with the Cine 12K.

For everything else I shoot, having that dual ISO range sensor is very appealing.

any updates on release date? It would make travel SOOO much easier.

Second, I would also like to know what the holdup is with this monitor. When is it actually shipping?

[Kristian Lam]

Hi,

The base configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor, shipped out last week from the factory. The other 2 configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit and PYXIS Monitor EVF kit, might be another couple of weeks.

Hi,

The base configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor, shipped out last week from the factory. The other 2 configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit and PYXIS Monitor EVF kit, might be another couple of weeks.

Thanks Kristian. Will the USB-C Viewfinder Cable be sold separately? I don't see those for sale anywhere.

Good news!

That is some good news.

Hi,

The base configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor, shipped out last week from the factory. The other 2 configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit and PYXIS Monitor EVF kit, might be another couple of weeks.

I am still waiting for any US vendor to have them in stock.

Where can I buy the locking USB cable separately?

Adorama says April

[Kristian Lam]

They are definitely on route so that Apr date will most likely be brought forward once they receive them.

They are definitely on route so that Apr date will most likely be brought forward once they receive them.

That seems to work perfectly for when I plan to get the UC12K. I do want to add the PYXIS Monitor to that set up down the road. Although, I wouldn't mind a 7" version for the UC12K. (Hint, hint)

Hi,

The base configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor, shipped out last week from the factory. The other 2 configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit and PYXIS Monitor EVF kit, might be another couple of weeks.

I am still waiting for any US vendor to have them in stock.

Where can I buy the locking USB cable separately?

Hi Tim. XLCS Designs has Monitor and evf cables available in their store in a few different variations. Link below. Hope this helps.

https://www.xlcsdesigns.com/products/py ... cable-usbc


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

They are definitely on route so that Apr date will most likely be brought forward once they receive them.

Can you let us know cable length limits and requirements?

Hi,

The base configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor, shipped out last week from the factory. The other 2 configuration, Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Kit and PYXIS Monitor EVF kit, might be another couple of weeks.

I am still waiting for any US vendor to have them in stock.

Where can I buy the locking USB cable separately?

Hi Tim. XLCS Designs has Monitor and evf cables available in their store in a few different variations. Link below. Hope this helps.

https://www.xlcsdesigns.com/products/py ... cable-usbc

That is exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!

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?

Make sure that when you apply the LUT it affects the EVF in the setup page (or some other page, can’t remember which)
You are using this with a Pyxis, right?

Make sure that when you apply the LUT it affects the EVF in the setup page (or some other page, can’t remember which)
You are using this with a Pyxis, right?

It does. I can toggle LUT on/off separately on LCD, SDI and USB-C.
On Pyxis yes.

It's really hard to show this on photo but here you can kind of see how to top (smallHD) is in Log, and bottom (pyxis) is with Lut. It looks like a more saturated Log image (left part of the frame shows it a bit) ;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1bVC9MW ... sp=sharing

It's more obvious IRL. The contrast difference is very minimal.

Both log;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/18m-Vo9 ... sp=sharing

Both Lut;
https://drive.google.com/file/d/1AaEKcV ... sp=sharing

I matched brightness levels of both monitors (tried different combinations as well.. always same outcome).

I just checked some shots in Resolve to see if the SmallHD was off. But it's almost a perfect match. So the Pyxis monitor is effectively very flat. Ill send it to BM support as well to see what they say.

Fascinating considering the Pocket 6K Pro monitor was the worst. Overly bright and not reflective of the image at all. The highlights always look clipped and the image always looks over exposed despite false color saying otherwise. Then you get it into the computer and it is anything but over exposed. So, I always considered the Pocket 6K Pro to have the worst monitor from Blackmagic.

Yet, I'd rather take flat profile over the terribly overexposed image displayed on monitor. I know it's not a conciliation as you want a more accurate image. But just be thankful it's not as bad as the terrible Pocket 6K Pro monitor. I always pair a SmallHD 702 Bright with the P6KPro in order to more accurately portray the image to clientele.

I hope Blackmagic fixes this for you. I plan on getting the URSA Cine this year and hope the on camera monitor there is much better. I'd love a 7" PYXIS Monitor that I could pair with the URSA Cine, but hope that it has a great looking image to work with that phenomenal camera.

I know it’s not ideal but you could create a LUT that adds a bit of contrast.

I mean...

On the one hand, yes, the image quality on display here is less than ideal. On the other hand, it's a $300 monitor; compromises were going to have to be made somewhere. Would be great if BMD was able to tweak it or expose some calibration settings, but I wouldn't hold my breath.

Let’s see what Stefan finds out when BMD takes a look. It’s difficult to judge the quality of your exposure at a glance with a very flat image. Easier when the Extended Video LUT is applied to the screen image.

Not sure if creating a special LUT works if the monitor (or more so the signal) isn't capable of showing proper contrast. Plus it'll create issues for the SDI output to calibrated monitors (direct or via transmitter).

And yes it is a very cheap monitor. But I've seen other monitors in this price range and cheaper that are able to provide a somewhat correct image. I have an old busted 5" swit monitor that cost about 180 back in the day, which displays better contrast and color closer to the actual image (as seen in resolve). This is over SDI though.

I'm not sure if they can somehow tweak the signal over the USB-C or something. Or maybe they can add a contrast calibration option via firmware but also not sure. I'm not technically knowledgeable about this. It is capable of deeper blacks since the letterbox when shooting 2.40 is darker than "true black" in the signal (lens cap on).

I'm not trying to **** on this product btw. I have loads of respect for BM and what they do. It's just unfortunate that this screen is quite "unusable" as a reference monitor for lighting/color as it is now.

Hopefully tech support can provide more info. And If anyone else experiences the same, would be good to know.

Have you tried various USB cables? Maybe the one you are using is just crap. Also, this sounds very much like an isolated problem. I know many people who have already used the monitor and not had this issue whatsoever. They have all reported stunning images that are true to what they are opening later in resolve so I have a feeling you have a bad unit and this doesn’t really reflect on the quality of the monitor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Have you tried various USB cables? Maybe the one you are using is just crap. Also, this sounds very much like an isolated problem. I know many people who have already used the monitor and not had this issue whatsoever. They have all reported stunning images that are true to what they are opening later in resolve so I have a feeling you have a bad unit and this doesn’t really reflect on the quality of the monitor.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes I tried every cable I had lying around, various types, thickness, budget, etc. Only difference is that some don't send image, only power. But the 8 or 9 that do work all had the same signal in terms of contrast. So the cables are not the problem. Waiting on an answer from tech in the meantime.

I just received my monitor (cheapest configuration, just monitor, no cables or mounts) and am already running into an issue. I had hoped to mount this to my camera cage using an articulating arm with nato rails attached to cage and monitor.

So this is the deal for mounting options to the monitor:
1x ARRI Anti-Twist 1/4"-20 (Bottom)
1x ARRI Anti-Twist 1/4"-20 (Right)
2x M4 Female (Bottom)
2x M4 Female (Right)

I can't find ANY 1/4"-20 ARRI nato rails. 3/8"-16 ARRI anti-twist is much more common.
M4 screws seem to not have enough bite to hold the rail to the monitor.

I was hoping to mount the monitor in such a way it would not twist off one screw, but BM appears to have made this monitor to be securely mounted using their proprietary equipment only.

I'm open to suggestions.

I just received my monitor (cheapest configuration, just monitor, no cables or mounts) and am already running into an issue. I had hoped to mount this to my camera cage using an articulating arm with nato rails attached to cage and monitor.

So this is the deal for mounting options to the monitor:
1x ARRI Anti-Twist 1/4"-20 (Bottom)
1x ARRI Anti-Twist 1/4"-20 (Right)
2x M4 Female (Bottom)
2x M4 Female (Right)

I can't find ANY 1/4"-20 ARRI nato rails. 3/8"-16 ARRI anti-twist is much more common.
M4 screws seem to not have enough bite to hold the rail to the monitor.

I was hoping to mount the monitor in such a way it would not twist off one screw, but BM appears to have made this monitor to be securely mounted using their proprietary equipment only.

I'm open to suggestions.

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

I looked at this on Amazon. What concerns me is there it says:

Removable Locating Pins: The locating pins can be removed by hex spanner if your rig doesn’t feature a 1/4” locating hole; Please note that the locating pins standard is neither the 1/4" ARRI locating hole standard nor the SmallHD standard"

I am trying to visualize your thinking.
AS a starting point, have you considered using a monitor mount with Arri pins.

https://www.smallrig.com/search?wd=moni ... type=input

Rethink the way this could work.
Are you looking to find a way that is cost effective?

Would something like this work?

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... g_arm.html

Mid49 has kits but they are pricy.


Check out our Compatibility Chart Here.
Works with ARRI Camera Control Monitor CCM-1
Works with Blackmagic Design PYXIS Monitor
Works with recent SmallHD monitors like Indie 5, Ultra 5, Ultra 7, Cine 5
Works with DSMC3 RED Touch

https://www.mid49.com/products/twist-mo ... o-15mm-rod

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.

Those are obvious solutions, which are probably less complicated than I'm making this out to be. Basically I'm trying to DIY a frugal alternative to the $645 monitor/EVF kit that blackmagic is selling. I thought with an articulating arm mounted to the left side of the camera (attached via a cage) I can get maximum versatility of positioning the monitor in any direction.

I purchased this one way back when I pre-ordered the camera: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _with.html

But now as I browse BH I wonder if, instead, I should've gotten this one:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... black.html

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

Those are obvious solutions, which are probably less complicated than I'm making this out to be. Basically I'm trying to DIY a frugal alternative to the $645 monitor/EVF kit that blackmagic is selling. I thought with an articulating arm mounted to the left side of the camera (attached via a cage) I can get maximum versatility of positioning the monitor in any direction.

I purchased this one way back when I pre-ordered the camera: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... _with.html

But now as I browse BH I wonder if, instead, I should've gotten this one:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/ ... black.html

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

I recently got a Mofage TALOS arm that has a nice dampening effect. It is a bit heavy, or solid, but it feels nice to loosen just a little, making an adjustment, and then tighten it all back up --all with just one hand.

Those are obvious solutions, which are probably less complicated than I'm making this out to be. Basically I'm trying to DIY a frugal alternative to the $645 monitor/EVF kit that blackmagic is selling. I thought with an articulating arm mounted to the left side of the camera (attached via a cage) I can get maximum versatility of positioning the monitor in any direction.

I use the Tilta arm (1/4"-20 version) to mount an Atomos Ninja V to my tripod facing the model, so she can see the recording, it moves with the head on my Ulanzi TT48 VideoFast HD. It's also obviously my external recorder, I use a caged Viltrox DC3X for myself (great monitor btw, unbeatable for the price). These Tilta arms are excellent. I had a full Falcam system which was alright, but the F22 mounts would always loosen up. Switched over to Tilta and much happier with that ecosystem - their engineering is really solid and customer service has been great. Only downside is compatibility with other brands' products is hit or miss.

Planning to upgrade my home/studio setup from a rigged A6700 to UCine 12k later this year so absorbing as much about the BMD products here in the meantime. That upgrade will be a massive jump in quality, storage requirements, weight, and size! Also want to get a Ronin 4D for travel videos as it's a compact if not light system that doesn't need a tripod or gimble.

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.

I have the Cine 5 and agree the Pyxis monitor is noticeably less contrasty than the Cine, but I wouldn't say it's like looking at a log profile. The pyxis monitor also looks more magenta while the SmallHD looks more green

I do prefer the ability to make setting adjustments from this monitor, and the one cable solution.

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.

BMD should have made a 7" monitor version.