Blackmagic PYXIS: Don't Overthink This Camera

In today's video I give my first hands-on impressions on the brand-new Blackmagic PYXIS camera

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MUSIC
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Count Me In - Molife

Music From Epidemic Sound

[Lupopunto]

A box style camera is also meant to be used when built out with a crew or on a crane, or jib, or drone, so the side display makes perfect sense. The Ursa Mini is meant to be their shoulder mounted, documentary style cam and the Pockets are the handhelds. These comments about the screen being a pain to use are missing the point. Great video!

[LoFiAxolotl]

For $3000 it really doesn't need to be groundbreaking... just halfway decent it's an excellent price and for smaller productions, content creators and indie creators it seems like an amazing option! Especially since it's finally an affordable camera with a good mount that has good timecode input, CFExpress, 12V and everything good that come with black magic... This is on par if not better (since you can actually rig it) to an R5c for 66% of the price... and the L-Mount Lenses from Panasonic are absolutely incredibly optimised for Video work which is a huge advantage compared to being stuck in terrible Mounts like the RF or E Mount

[TotalRADandMORE]

The side screen is a dream for camera assistants!
"if you want optimal dynamic range you'll be setting your iso for the day and changing your exposure in other ways" It took me SO LONG to wrap my head around this on my switch to Red. But I get it now and never want to go back. I LOVE that EVF tho, omg it's so nice and USBC?? Brilliant!

[StephenHildreth]

I feel like you hit it perfectly, being hands with the camera instead of just reacting to videos on the internet is a huge difference. I found myself going back to their booth at least a half dozen times because I wanted to play with it more. I definitely wanna spend some more time with it. (This is coming from someone who has been S1H user since that camera's launch and who has owned an EVA in the past... Basically, Blackmagic is giving me more of what I'm interested in from a camera than what Panasonic is at this point.) As a quick side note, it was really nice meeting you very briefly on the floor... even if I led with "You work for LTT!"

[najeefilms]

Looking at people complaining about this camera. Then I go on their page and their work is crap is hilarious to me. People always go on and on about the camera and lens. But never have great content to create. Sometimes I hate the consumer videographer space.

[earnieboy]

Finally a review that’s not overhyping the camera while not being stupidly demeaning. Straight facts

[justinwilliams]

I really appreciated this sensible, non-hyperbolic review. Very insightful and levelheaded. I think the tech/creator YT community has gotten a little overwhelming catastrophizing cameras & new products for clicks. This made this channel an easy follow for me

[waveland]

“Not for run and gun…” I can’t wrap my head around this complaint. If you’re doing run and gun from your shoulder, all the controls are right there next to your ear. Try a Tilta Lightweight Shoulder Rig. That will be a perfect pairing. On sticks? Um, once you have your settings dialed in all you need is start stop which is now a big red button on the side. Or add a Bluetooth monitor like a Portkeys and you’ll have all the control you need right in front of you. Not a big deal. Handheld? I put my camera down to change settings. Turn 90 degrees counter-clockwise, lean the camera over a bit, done. Gimbal? The most accessible angle to the camera is on that side. I don’t think folks have thought this through very much. And yes, the USB-C display port opens up all kinds of possibilities for future add-ons from BM and third parties. In fact, I bet there’s a laptop companion monitor on the market right now which will run off this port. I haven’t had time to check the power delivery and such, but it’s a standard port. Lots of possibilities there going forward.

[zakforsman]

I'm mostly excited about adding the DJI Focus Pro to this. With the rosette attachment, it almost seems purpose built for it. I can imagine shooting with it tucked under my right shoulder, holding it with the DJI grip, and then just tilting it on its side to quickly change settings. Of course an articulating screen would be welcomed, but the more I think about it, it perfectly suits my style of shooting for documentaries. And the Mofage Poco PL mount with VND will be a lot better than BMD's implementation of NDs.

[sbtsound]

Thank you, a simple review that doesn’t feel like you were paid to say “THIS IS THE MOST AMAZING CAMERA BM HAS EVER MADE”

[collinausbury]

Great analysis of this. Appreciate the simplicity and straightforward approach.

[AllThingsFilm]

I was really taken aback by the negative response directed towards the PYXIS, like its side screen. Which as you pointed out, most camera operators will add an external monitor to its rigging anyway. The fact that it has the power of many higher end cameras, yet comes in at $3K seems to have been completely ignored by many.

I already have an Atomos Shinobi monitor and a 7-inch monitor. I also already have a base plate designed for a two rod system, enabling me to rig out pretty much any camera I attach to it including a v-mount plate. So, I wouldn't need much else except lenses to start using the PYXIS. I'm not certain I will pick up the PYXIS, as I've been looking at other solutions. But, I think the PYXIS is a great choice for the price.

[PeterDrage]

What was interesting was that Blackmagic’s UK web site had listed the 3 mounts as accessories to purchase at £209 and £259 for PL. They were up for just over 24 hours and then taken down.

[PyxisCinema]

6:08, yes it can be used rfor another monitor🤤 You were correct!

[CaleMcCollough]

I may think about using this camera for an anamorphic lens. 13 stops of dynamic range may work well with dream-like movie sequences, and you really do want to use 6K for that anamorphic de-squeeze, but also too you get a different yet still good look with 4K de-squeeze.

[kinoromantic]

Hey Brandon having already the URSA mini I opted for BMPCC6K pro in 2024 because usable screen and built in NDs come such a long way in any camera

[calebrice]

At 3:43, you mention opting for the L mount over EF and PL. I've only ever used EF, RF, and PL lenses myself, but am looking into getting and building out a Pyxis. What specifically makes you want to go for the L mount over EF/PL, in terms of versatility? Is there really that many more options for adapting PL/EF lenses to L?

[NathanPorter]

I was at NAB and the rep I talked with said the USB is displayport over USB so it definitely could be used with any other manufacturer if they wanted to make something.

[abones]

I've seen many claim that the power connector for the PYXIS camera is the same of previous BM Cinema Cameras. Furthermore on the BH listing for the Blackmagic Design 12V Power Supply for Pocket Cinema Camera 4K (30W) claims to have compatibility with the PYXIS. Although I have noticed that based on photos and videos of the PYXIS the locking lug on the PYXIS is in-line with the pins whereas previous connectors, the Pocket 4K for example, the locking lug is perpendicular to the pins. Furthermore I've noticed that the end of the older cinema camera power adapter cord is female, but the power input on the PYXIS itself is female too. Does this mean the PYXIS will have a new power connector type?

[bartekpodkowa]

The only thing stopping me from getting one for my shoulder rig and gimbal setups at this point is the lack internal ND's. The Pocket 6K Pro spoiled me, I guess! Ideally they'd also release a new version of the Video Assist - one that can connect via USB-C and control the camera.