Hands on the new BLACKMAGIC PYXIS MONITOR

My bad, this forum is a lil chunky on a phone.

Good Luck

Looking forward to a response and a patch from Blackmagic.

I shot an even yesterday with a Pyxis and a 6k FF using a Sigma 24-70mm EF lens.
I tried utilizing the Focus Assist on the Pyxis, the Pyxis Monitor, and the SmallHD Cine 7 I have.

Perhaps it was the lens not being overly sharp, but WOW was it hard to nail focus. I've done manual focus all my life and this was the most difficult time I've had with a camera. I don't know why it is so different compared to the 6k FF. With events you don't have many chances to punch in 2x to check focus, you are just going with the action. Again, it was probably the lens, BUT as soon as I swapped to the 6kFF, just using the built-in screen, it seems easier. Maybe it was psychological?

Either way, I had an easier time with an Ursa Mini Pro G2 on days like these. When I'm shooting production stuff with follow focus or the DJI Focus Pro, the Pyxis really does shine. It works well.

I also hooked it up to my macbook and played around in the display settings.

When I select the "rec709 gamma 2.4" colorspace or "P3 D65 gamma 2.4" for instance, I get the same contrast as the usb-c port on the Pyxis, aka flat image and raised black level.
But when I select "P3 display" for example, I get something very close to a calibrated monitor. The standard BMD DP color space is a bit too saturated but at least it displays black levels correctly.

So it's something to do with the signal from the usb-c for sure. Which is good because a firmware fix/adjustment should be possible.

I select the "rec709 gamma 2.4" colorspace or "P3 D65 gamma 2.4" for instance, I get the same contrast as the usb-c port...

Those sound like Resolve settings. I'm guessing those are BMD ICC profiles? My machine doesn't list these profiles.

But when I select "P3 display" for example...

Most Mac output profiles have tweaks to the gamma curve, color, and white point. The truest SDR output is Color LCD. Display and Display P3 were both close if memory serves. Ironically the ITU-R BT.709-5 is not. For example, one of these has the correct XYZ for D65, the other is a mystery.

Good Luck

icc.jpg (541.74 KiB) Viewed 31978 times

There's new firmware but no contrast fix. Is there one coming?

There's new firmware but no contrast fix. Is there one coming?

This was clearly an URSA Cine Firmware Update. Support for the new 17K. And, some updates to the 12K. Plus PYXIS Monitor support for the 17K. So, I'd say patience as they work on that next update. This was probably a scheduled updated.

Anyone hear any update on this? Someone earlier in the thread gave indication that Blackmagic is aware and working on a fix, but anyone have a timeline?

Wondering about the monitor gamma fix for Pyxis. Any updates from anyone? It’s so annoying. Currently using a contrast lut to compensate but it’s still strange to look at. Where’s the communication on this blackmagic? Usually you’re so good at at least acknowledging issues and giving us info.

Also waiting for an indication on this before buying a monitor. Also do the monitors have their own firmware or how would Blackmagic deliver a fix?

If the Video Assist is any indication, the Pyxis monitor will have its own firmware.

XLCS Designs made a nice little adapter foot for using more universal monitor mounts with the PYXIS monitor (for those who bought the basic kit).

https://www.xlcsdesigns.com/products/mo ... is-monitor


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XLCS Designs made a nice little adapter foot for using more universal monitor mounts with the PYXIS monitor (for those who bought the basic kit).
You might as well make a cage for it.
https://www.xlcsdesigns.com/products/mo ... is-monitor


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

While we're waiting on a fix from Blackmagic I was wondering if someone would care to share their contrast fix LUT or share instructions on how to generate one myself?

Also any have a recommendation for a good screen protector outside of the XLCS one? They are overcharging by quite a bit for a product that costs 5-7 bucks in the smartphone market.

Received the Pyxis monitor today and connected to a laptop to check panel quality since I am still waiting for the Pyxis to arrive. It seems the backlight on my panel is extremely uneven, with a large light leak on the bottom right. I will try to return this for a different unit, but was wondering if other's here experienced similar issues with their monitors?

Why oh why has BMD not implemented trustworthy quality control on a product that will sell like hotcakes designed for complete integration with their finest cameras, the Pyxis tandem and Cine 12K LF?

To be fair, I don’t know if this problem is the consequence of poor QC or mishandling in shipping? If it’s a shipping issue, look at the robustness of the packaging and handling. With cameras that support 16 stops of dynamic range and a host of features, they’re on the yellow brick road, but let’s hope potholes are very rare.

It's a little silly that the camera this monitor works the least accurately with is the Pyxis still. I thought the low contrast image would be a quicker fix than it has been and they still haven't responded to the issue publicly. I have lots of good will for Blackmagic. It would just be great to hear from them that they are working on it. Anyone out there?

Why oh why has BMD not implemented trustworthy quality control on a product that will sell like hotcakes designed for complete integration with their finest cameras, the Pyxis tandem and Cine 12K LF?

To be fair, I don’t know if this problem is the consequence of poor QC or mishandling in shipping?

I doubt this is a shipping issue as both the Pyxis packaging and the box it came in looked perfectly fine and the monitor was well-padded. I wonder what kind of QC they have implemented that something as drastic as that slips by? Or is it part of their low pricing strategy to let these panels through and hope not too many of them get returned? I mean the pricing for the Pyxis monitor base kit is quite insane all competition considered..

It's a little silly that the camera this monitor works the least accurately with is the Pyxis still. I thought the low contrast image would be a quicker fix than it has been and they still haven't responded to the issue publicly. I have lots of good will for Blackmagic. It would just be great to hear from them that they are working on it. Anyone out there?

Yes I agree - would be great to get an acknowledgement that at least they are working on it. Further up someone mentioned that they were in touch with Blackmagic directly and that they are working on a fix. Truth be told the dev team is probably swamped right now - bringing all those promised features from NAB to the pocket and 6KFF line, getting the bugs of their flagships Cine12K and 17K out as fast as possible, so those can be seen as reliable industry work horses, improving PDAF all while managing a constantly changing supply change and having to optimize for new parts, such as the recent CFexpress issue.. They generally seem to be proactive so I'm hoping this will come sooner rather than later.

Sorry double post, please disregard

You can say that again!

Now that I've got my URSA Cine 12K built up I'm looking at PYXIS Monitor. However, I feel like it does exactly what the 5" LCD on camera already do. So I'm hoping that a 7" PYXIS Monitor comes out for IBC. I guess having 7" On Camera Monitors have spoiled me.

Agree, Tim. I really rely on the spacious and detailed Video Assist 12G 7” that feels like it has twice the area of the 5”.

Has Blackmagic officially announced that they're going to update/fix the monitor? One of the draws to the Pyxis is this monitor and I'm worried that when I get it in with my upcoming Pyxis 12K I'm going to be pretty disappointed.

Wondering if anyone has heard any updates on this? I know a few people reached out to Blackmagic directly - did anyone hear back? So strange that this has been going since at least March now. Is Blackmagic waiting to roll this into the next Pyxis firmware update? Since it seems like a camera body issue rather than the monitor?

Wondering if anyone has heard any updates on this? I know a few people reached out to Blackmagic directly - did anyone hear back? So strange that this has been going since at least March now. Is Blackmagic waiting to roll this into the next Pyxis firmware update? Since it seems like a camera body issue rather than the monitor?

I haven’t heard any updates yet from an Australian authorised repair centre that notified blackmagic about it. They replied with this recently “No news as yet sorry.
I checked with an Engineer and although they are limited as to what they can say, they indicated it has definitely not been forgotten about.”

I was searching through DR20's notes to see if they mention camera support for the Pyxis 12k but couldn't find anything.

I plan on NOT using the Pyxis monitor, due to issues I had with contrast and color and the dimming curve was awkward as well. I WILL utilize the viewfinder port for an HDMI out for wireless monitoring, for sure.

I'm using the Blackmagic Pyxis Monitor ..on the Pyxis -> using the XLCS brand cables.

Two Pyxis monitors, neither has the dimming curve issue. But both have very little contrast and I just thought all of the in-camera LUT choices looked like LOG footage. It does look washed out.

Are there any LUTS any of you have found to install, that look more like real world contrast? I wish it looked contrasty without resorting to installing monitor LUTS, but I'm going to test out some LUTS and report back to what both of my BM Pysix Monitors show.

I came from using a Portkeys SDI monitor and really prefer the compactness and the shade cover on this one. And it's just so each to dive into the menus.

Monitor LUTS, that's my task today...

Let us know what you find Gary. Would also be interested in a Monitor LUT as a quick fix until hopefully that long awaited firmware update arrives..

More contrast and a look that's more real life .....they should make us a LUT or fix it directly with firmware.
This really needs immediate attention, there are a lot of loyal customers they need to be sure to make happy.

I will test LUTS today and see what helps me, Paul. If you read what Rick Lang said, looks like Blackmagic is looking into this issue of the monitor of not showing enough contrast. It looks like washed out LOG to me, but I'll install some LUTs into the PYXIS and report back.

This is not encouraging. If the Pyxis monitor is unusable that ruins a big selling point of the camera for me.

It would just be strange, too, as the Pocket 6K Pro monitor was pretty decent.

Or you could follow Rakesh lead and put on an HDMI monitor with the right cable connected to the Pyxis video feed. Of course you lose the ability to control the camera from the Pyxis Monitor.

Personally I’d likely wait until the monitor issue is corrected or one buys and exchanges the Pyxis Monitor until one receives a good copy assuming such things exist.

Or you could follow Rakesh lead and put on an HDMI monitor with the right cable connected to the Pyxis video feed. Of course you lose the ability to control the camera from the Pyxis Monitor.

Personally I’d likely wait until the monitor issue is corrected or one buys and exchanges the Pyxis Monitor until one receives a good copy assuming such things exist.

I tried a usb c to HDMI adaptor and it has the same issue as the PYXIS monitor. The issue is with the output on the USB C.

Dillon, really? No wonder the Pyxis 12K LF hasn’t been released until BMD is sure they have this issue put to rest. I think it’s time for BMD to make a statement providing the details they know and a timeline for resolution.

If they don’t do that? Well it could mean chaos for Pyxis sales as rumours and theories can kill a client base as fear gets the better of people.

If they do open up in a very transparent manner, customers can make informed choices and respect the company’s efforts.

This camera, if all goes well, could be the next BMPCC4K that is possibly their biggest seller but showing signs of age. For those who wish to break the chain of shooting on Sony sensors, the 12K sensor may be their best answer. The Sony sensors are good, but if the best new Sony sensors continue to go into new Sony cameras first, it’s not ideal for BMD. That may be part of the reason why BMD designed their own innovative sensor.

This camera, destined for greatness, if all goes awry, we’ll become a study case on management forgetting the interests of customers in the Harvard business school.

Dillon, really? No wonder the Pyxis 12K LF hasn’t been released until BMD is sure they have this issue put to rest. I think it’s time for BMD to make a statement providing the details they know and a timeline for resolution.

If they don’t do that? Well it could mean chaos for Pyxis sales as rumours and theories can kill a client base as fear gets the better of people.

If they do open up in a very transparent manner, customers can make informed choices and respect the company’s efforts.

This camera, if all goes well, could be the next BMPCC4K that is possibly their biggest seller but showing signs of age. For those who wish to break the chain of shooting on Sony sensors, the 12K sensor may be their best answer. The Sony sensors are good, but if the best new Sony sensors continue to go into new Sony cameras first, it’s not ideal for BMD. That may be part of the reason why BMD designed their own innovative sensor.

This camera, destined for greatness, if all goes awry, we’ll become a study case on management forgetting the interests of customers in the Harvard business school.

Yes I tried it with another monitor from that output with the same issue. Really hoping they can fix it in a firmware as it might just be the wrong gamma setting on that output.

Certainly hope so if it only requires a firmware update. Thanks for that test.

I bought a Gen 1 Video Assist when they first came out and I don’t know how the current ones are, but mine has the same issue. I also got a Pyxis monitor and it indeed does have lifted black levels as well… all these years later and still this issue exists.

I really hope this gets fixed or better yet, we’re given the controls to calibrate it because I currently have my SmallHD on there as well (3 monitors total now) in order to see an accurate image. Not the best solution at all. It really sucks that I have to use my SmallHD. It’s so much easier/nicer having an accurate monitor with camera control.

I really hope this gets fixed soon.

Glad I went with the relatively expensive BMVA12G7 which I use on most shoots; I especially like the full-screen waveforms etc.

Or you could follow Rakesh lead and put on an HDMI monitor with the right cable connected to the Pyxis video feed. Of course you lose the ability to control the camera from the Pyxis Monitor.

Personally I’d likely wait until the monitor issue is corrected or one buys and exchanges the Pyxis Monitor until one receives a good copy assuming such things exist.

I tried a usb c to HDMI adaptor and it has the same issue as the PYXIS monitor. The issue is with the output on the USB C.

I wonder it is a mismatch between Limited and Full / Video vs Data on the color output?