Pyxis 12K

I must confess I haven’t been so excited about a new camera since the announcement of the original URSA Mini 4.6K that brought a tear to my eye announced at NAB2015 and delivered in April 2016. The Pyxis 12K announced at NAB2025 is a statement camera, a hallmark, and it’s going to be a huge success! Maybe mine will arrive before another year!

If they drop a PYXIS 12K then I know what I'm gonna get to be a B-Cam to my UCine12K.

I hope I can sleep tonight because I’ve got an out-of-town shoot Wednesday evening.

All I can say is that I hope it has the same read-reset rolling shutter numbers as the UrsaCine12K and a Super16 crop mode. Looking forward to seeing the price.

All I can say is that I hope it has the same read-reset rolling shutter numbers as the UrsaCine12K and a Super16 crop mode. Looking forward to seeing the price.

I did the math, and if the UCine12K and the PYXIS 12K both got a Super 16 Crop Mode the Resolution would be 4,299 x 2,417 in 16x9 mode. That's plenty of resolution for the 4K standard. And, I've zoomed in on the 12K all the way into that S16 Window and it holds up.

Okay, I have to go to bed. I almost can't sleep I have so much excitement for Friday.

I assume it will be PL/LPL/EF options for mounting, while keeping the 6k Pyxis to L/PL/EF Mount.
Glad I kept my 4x5.65 NDs!

I’m gonna assume $4995.
Given the fact that the I already have the accessories for my L mount, I’ll probably sell my L mount for the P12k.

https://vimeo.com/1072055369/e43ec0f7cb
Here’s something to excite you about the brilliance of the 12K sensor.



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I assume it will be PL/LPL/EF options for mounting, while keeping the 6k Pyxis to L/PL/EF Mount.
Glad I kept my 4x5.65 NDs!

I’m gonna assume $4995.
Given the fact that the I already have the accessories for my L mount, I’ll probably sell my L mount for the P12k.

I mean, the sensor would be the same size so I can't imagine why they'd ditch the L-Mount for the 12K version. You can adapt it to pretty much anything, and it gives low-budget filmmakers a lot more options that way.

I did the math, and if the UCine12K and the PYXIS 12K both got a Super 16 Crop Mode the Resolution would be 4,299 x 2,417 in 16x9 mode...

If it was 4352z2448 for Super16 16:9, that frame is 12.6208x7.0992mm. I’ll put the numbers in my lens spreadsheet tomorrow to make a better guess because I’m not sure they’ll go with 16:9 as it more likely could be 17:9,

Might be guilty of overthinking this as they might just say for Super 16 shoot 4K windowed, 4096x2680 3:2 or 4096x2304 16:9 etc. For Super35 shoot 8K windowed. Makes sense.

I hope they retain the same framing options as the Cine 12K as I still might want to shoot 9K with a Tokina zoom lens.

Will it have Thunderbolt 5 ?

This seems very interesting I must admit. But also a strange choice.. are we sure this is not a late april fools thing?

I'm still having some issues with my Pyxis 6K in terms of CMOS smearing and pretty severe horizontal pattern noise (which moves) even in lower ISOs. I can't shoot a moody interior scene on a cloudy day without seeing noise patterns (on ISO 400). The sensor has some flaws which is a bummer, including the slow read-out speed, or BM still has a serious issue with quality control. Tech is checking my footage but it's not the first time I've had issues with other models in the pocket line.. some were better than others.

I wonder what the drawbacks will be with the Pyxis 12K. They must cut some corners to not kill the URSA 12k body package. Definitely lower performance.

But a cleaner image with more DR and faster read-out so it has less RS ... that would be great. I don't even care about high framerates. Just please give me a good image that doesn't fall apart when shooting an interior on a cloudy day and read-out below 15ms and I'll take it

I'm positive that it will be 14V Power, and that means a cap of 60 FPS just like the cap on the UCine when doing 14V Power. Still I'll take that for a B-Cam. The URSA Cine can be what you need for higher frame rates.

And, considering I just shot something at 168 FPS 8K 16x9 on the UC12K that means that a 60 FPS cap on the PYXIS will not hurt sales of the UCine for those who need those higher frame rates.

This is what I’ve been waiting for.

I’m guessing no internal NDs — bummer but I can live. I really hope they keep the L mount option.

… But a cleaner image with more DR and faster read-out so it has less RS ... that would be great. I don't even care about high framerates. Just please give me a good image that doesn't fall apart when shooting an interior on a cloudy day and read-out below 15ms and I'll take it

TGIF will likely clarify all the sacrifices, but I do expect a much better image. I appreciate the Dual ISO Range on the BMPCC4K but do look forward to no longer having to apply enhanced Noise Reduction in DaVinci Resolve post on 9K footage! I’ve been a laggard still using my Samsung HDTV but would be sweet to see 8K video from Pyxis 12K on a modern OLED set.

You know the saying “be careful what you wish for.” Well I can see lots of future gear upgrades if I was regularly shooting 9K video besides a new zoom lens. Not just a new television but my media storage is strained today—shooting 9K will require me to rethink my TB3 RAID5 storage. It may be time to move up to the Blackmagic Cloud 20 TB RAID5 storage. Yikes. Once again there’s the life lesson that your ‘expensive’ camera can be your least concern!

I will still keep my Pyxis 6k, as having a matching spec'd camera with my 6kFF still makes a great combo.
I'm still curious about the mount. I assume everything will be the same, just the sensor and formats. I can't see an articulating screen or anything like that being added. It will still sell like hotcakes, for sure.

... I assume everything will be the same, just the sensor and formats...

That would be an understandable and welcome outcome, but will that satisfy Grant’s ‘innie’ disruptor?

You know as you get older, you don’t tend to lose your defining personality characteristics; you tend to lean in on them more. So I expect in the details to be revealed Friday, there will be more changes to this new Pyxis.

The suggestion of adding Thunderbolt 5 would be a great example to keep BMD at the forefront of data wrangling. TB5 wasn’t a thing when the original Pyxis was designed so they may have added it in the past year when the spec was better defined. It’s a huge potential boost in transfer capabilities that would attract anyone shooting BRAW up to 60fps in high quality 8K or higher codecs.

Very strange to me.

Will have to be double the price of the Pyxis 6k or that line will be cannibalized.

Cannot have high frame rates or Ursa Cine 12k will be cannibalized.

If neither of these are true, I’m buying one immediately.

https://www.cined.com/content/uploads/2 ... is-12K.jpg

Very strange to me.

Will have to be double the price of the Pyxis 6k or that line will be cannibalized.

Cannot have high frame rates or Ursa Cine 12k will be cannibalized.

If neither of these are true, I’m buying one immediately.

https://www.cined.com/content/uploads/2 ... is-12K.jpg

I think they sold enough Pyxis 6k's to meet their quota, haha. SO many YT people and 'influencers' pushed for it and for many hobbyist, it was a 'no brainer' because of the image quality and the plethora of positive reviews.

That being said, I think if it's $5k it will be enough separation in the market. BMD does a decent long-game of spreading the market of affordable cameras while each offers AMAZING image quality. There's a reason the Pocket OG still holds up.

We have, what a day? I'm going to predict:
- 12k, 3:2 - throttled at 48fps
- 8k/4k, 3:2 throttled at 60fps
- No internal NDs
- Same mounting options, hardware as Pyxis 6k
- Same Connectivity

Que, I don’t believe the cost of Pyxis 12K will be double the cost of Pyxis 6K. I think BMD understands this new camera has the potential to rock the boat the way the BMPCC and BMPCC4K have previously. So with an anticipation of mainstream adoption, ergo high volumes, their existing sensor used for the Cine 12K will cost less to manufacture. Using the Sony Dual ISO Range sensors was a good move for years, but the quality of that is limiting and adoption of the BMD 12K is a no brainer for today.

As for HFR, the smaller box may not handle the highest rates of the Cine 12K, but if Pyxis 12K can manage open gate at 60 fps, that means the lower resolution recordings will get higher rates so I expect at least 120-144 fps.

If you’re stuck with recording 2K or 4K to get the frame rates you desire, believe me, the Superscale 2x Enhanced is amazing and will likely satisfy the need for delivering higher frame rates at 4K or 8K. Doubling once gives good results in post in Resolve.

Since I've been using the 6kFF and Pyxis without internal ND's --and coming from the UMP line-- it is something you get used to. I still highly doubt the Pyxis 12k will have internal NDs, BUT if they are able to implement the rotary system, like in the UMP design, it would be a huge win, IMO. I just can't see Internal NDs with that sensor height in THAT body doable. But I'm no engineer.


oh, and I can see the used price for an Ursa Mini Pro 12k just bottoming out. They are currently under $4k for a used OLPF version, which is a bit wild.

Nice to have, but having 8 or 10 external ND filters gives you a lot more control if you are trying to maintain a consistent look over varying conditions. For instance shooting exteriors, particularly in the golden hour, light can start changing relatively quickly and having one-stop ND variations can be ideal, although somewhat cumbersome, to control your ‘constant’ aperture. I am skeptical about the efficacy of only three ND strengths in a camera.

But I’ve never had the internal option so I do believe it is an important item for many. And it does save the expense of rails and a matte box! At some point in the future, electronic continuous ND controls may dominate and be the best choice.

Price prediction: $4995

I'm positive that it will be 14V Power, and that means a cap of 60 FPS just like the cap on the UCine when doing 14V Power. Still I'll take that for a B-Cam. The URSA Cine can be what you need for higher frame rates.

And, considering I just shot something at 168 FPS 8K 16x9 on the UC12K that means that a 60 FPS cap on the PYXIS will not hurt sales of the UCine for those who need those higher frame rates.

I called 60fps limit in all resolutions with 14v battery a month or so ago but I doubt I get design credit

Will it have internal ND? Makes sense if it does since that was considered a sore miss on the Pyxis 6K. Imagine having a Cine 12k FF sensor and you have to use a vari ND with nasty polarisation kind of defeat the objective of the sensor.

Price prediction: $4995

Okay, I’ll play. Price between $3,995 and $4,495. Maybe an option that includes the Pyxis Monitor Kit which lowers the combined cost $100.

The Ursa Cine 12k LF was design without compromised, a crew cam and catered for the rental market as a low cost alternative to Arri. Blackmagic bread and butter owner base is mostly single operators. If they can get the 12k FF sensor onto a small body for single operators they might stay competitive even without continuous AF, in body stabilisation or global shutter.

Something ain't right, i don't believe that picture of the PYXIS 12k. Only one person out there to take a picture of this banner? Why didn't he zoom in or move closer for a better pic?

Praying for internal NDs, a 9K S35 and 4.5K S16 Recording Modes and a reasonable shipping time

Another couple cents.
Likely the wifi and ability to simultaneously do proxies will be left out as well as all the lens control stuff and extra power solutions. Now maybe that will give enough ability to still do higher frame rates like 240 fps at 4K super-16. And likely even be done with standard 14v v-mount or gold mount. After all the UMP 12K can do that.

I just realized, if the Pyxis 12K follows the same shooting formats as the Cine 12K, we are missing something important I was looking forward to on the Pyxis 6K.

The Pyxis 6K has a Super 35 4:3 ratio. When I combine that with my 1.33x-65 SLR Magic Anamorphot adapter, the result is a 16:9 deliverable. I’d use that. But there’s no corresponding 4:3 aspect ratio capture on the Cine 12K and then possibly not included with the Pyxis 12K. We shall see.

I agree with the direction of Jeffrey’s post. The Pyxis 12K will get the image of the Cine 12K for the most part, but not all of the rich functionality of the Cine 12K camera toolset.

So there will be a clear division between the two cameras with the lighter Pyxis 12K able to gather in those who want the image in a Camera B, but don’t require all the interoperability of the Camera A heavyhitter.

How that translates into the maximum frame rates on CFexpress cards will be interesting. If it doesn’t achieve 60 fps that would be a shame. 48 fps is not going to cut it as a bare minimum would need to be 50 fps.

Here's a better crop.

Good Luck

Pyxis12.jpg (826.56 KiB) Viewed 15874 times

Increased dynamic range in a small form factor. Yes, please!!!

Vast majority of cameras have been stuck in that 12 stop range for years now - which is why I ultimately passed on the Pyxis 6K.

16 stops is marketing spin, but that sensor yields a solid 13 stops @ SNR 2 - even better with some noise reduction.

First camera from BMD that has really excited me since the Pocket 4k.

Increased dynamic range in a small form factor. Yes, please!!!

… First camera from BMD that has really excited me since the Pocket 4k.

Agree, this is the second watershed moment for a high quality budget camera from BMD. I’ve been waiting years for this option while greatly enjoying what I have. I’m amazed at the value of the BMPCC4K now $995 USD and I’m confident I’ll feel the same awe shooting with the Pyxis 12K.

Increased dynamic range in a small form factor. Yes, please!!!

… First camera from BMD that has really excited me since the Pocket 4k.

Agree, this is the second watershed moment for a high quality budget camera from BMD. I’ve been waiting years for this option while greatly enjoying what I have. I’m amazed at the value of the BMPCC4K now $995 USD and I’m confident I’ll feel the same awe shooting with the Pyxis 12K.

Agreed. I think this is a camera that I'll properly invest in with Cage, Battery Plate, Lens Adapters, etc.
The Pyxis 6k is such a tank-y body so I'm looking forward to putting the miles on the Pyxis 12k.

Something ain't right, i don't believe that picture of the PYXIS 12k. Only one person out there to take a picture of this banner? Why didn't he zoom in or move closer for a better pic?

Well Howard is now a famous personality with this article and photo credit from CineD:

https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design ... -nab-2025/

Something ain't right, i don't believe that picture of the PYXIS 12k. Only one person out there to take a picture of this banner? Why didn't he zoom in or move closer for a better pic?

Well Howard is now a famous personality with this article and photo credit from CineD:

https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design ... -nab-2025/

He will never be a new camera tester for BMD

Something ain't right, i don't believe that picture of the PYXIS 12k. Only one person out there to take a picture of this banner? Why didn't he zoom in or move closer for a better pic?

Well Howard is now a famous personality with this article and photo credit from CineD:

https://www.cined.com/blackmagic-design ... -nab-2025/

Yep definitely clear enough, am a believer now

Here's a better crop.

Good Luck

Pyxis12.jpg

Easy to say no internal ND from this picture. But we'll have to see what Blackmagic Announcement states spec wise tomorrow.
I also updated my video from earlier on the scale out to include music. Some good old Peer Gynt.

12k upto 60fps confirmed
https://iili.io/35WIo2s.jpg

And this gives Timbutt a shoutout:

And this gives Timbutt a shoutout:

Oh yeah. Michael and I have been chatting on Instagram DM about the UC12K. Like me he's still waiting on a back ordered B Mount Battery Plate. I shared with him an early look at the Scaling Video I released today. So shared the picture Howard shared on the Forums here with him as well.

12K up to 60FPS is unreal. I wonder what 8K open gate will be. This is the most excited I've been since the Pocket 4K.

12k upto 60fps confirmed
https://iili.io/35WIo2s.jpg

Holy guacamole!! 12k 60fps?!? I hope it can do it with the 14.4v battery. I looked at the Cine 12K, but it was just too gigantic and heavy, and also too power-hungry for me. I already have a dozen 14.4v V-mount and several bp-u batteries from my FX6, and I don’t wanna invest in 28 V batteries.

My guess is that there will be an option to go with either 28VDC or 14VDC. I would hope I can mount my 250 Wh V-lock 14VDC to the Pyxis 12K. But if not, I’m still buying this camera as soon as I can budget the expense. Wish it was tomorrow but has to be the day after tomorrow.

Yep this is it

Yep this is it

Folks, please stop pasting this same picture over and over and over again...

Yep this is it

Folks, please stop pasting this same picture over and over and over again...

Why not?

12K up to 60FPS is unreal. I wonder what 8K open gate will be. This is the most excited I've been since the Pocket 4K.

Based on the letter spacing it looks like the the 8K FPS is 3 digits.

This actually may seriously put dent on price of Alexa Mini (both LF and s35), especially used market.