GEAR
BLACKMAGIC DESIGN PYXIS 12K
For audio, there is a mini-XLR input with phantom power, decent internal mics and preamps. You need an adapter to use full-size XLR mics. Although the camera comes with a battery slot for the popular Sony BP-U fit cells that offer D-Tap output to power accessories, you can rig up a V-Mount battery. The Blackmagic product is very much a modular cinema camera: you need accessories with it, which adds to the overall cost and bulk. Even so, you get a fully customised, full-frame cinema camera that shoots 12K Raw for a very reasonable amount.
monitor. There’s no HDMI one, so for many external monitors you’ll need a USB-C to HDMI adapter, but the dual USB-C outputs mean you can use an EVF and a monitor at the same time. The camera is packed with different connectivity options. You can use Blackmagic’s cloud service, stream to YouTube or Facebook, plug in an Ethernet cable or even attach a webcam via USB-C.
an external SSD. If you spend time in post converting the Raw files, you’re rewarded with footage that is detailed, colour-rich and flexible. You can make huge colour balance alterations and push any grade you like and the results will be incredible. There are lots of gamma settings to choose from when shooting, such as Video for a punchy look, Extended Video for a wider dynamic range and Film for a cinematic feel. LUTs are included or you can load your own. Resolve also offers digital image stabilisation, although there is a small crop. As a real cinema camera made for tripods or gimbals, there is no inbuilt image stabilisation system. In terms of the body, the Pyxis we tried had a Leica L-Mount, as used in Panasonic, Sigma and Leica cameras, but it is also available with either a PL mount or a locking EF mount. The mounts are not interchangeable, so if you use PL or EF lenses your choice is obvious. However, if you get the L-Mount version, then you can buy adapters to use PL or EF glass. Some offer features like built-in ND filters. The Pyxis does not have these built in, so you have to use a matte box with filters or a variable ND to make sure you get the exposure right. There is a four-inch, 1500-nit HDR touchscreen on the camera’s left side used to change settings and navigate menus. It has clear menus and useful tools like false colour and zebras. There’s an array of buttons that change much-used features such as ISO and white-balance, plus quick autoexposure and autofocus buttons that use the slow contrast detection AF system in single-shot mode. The Blackmagic focuses quickly, but sometimes has to hunt before locking on. There’s no continuous AF, so it’s not ideal for fast-moving subjects. With a large screen, useful peaking and a punch-in focus button which zooms in on the central area, manual focusing is where it’s at. Extras, extras! One essential is the five-inch, external monitor to sit on top or to the side. It is just £294/$325 or £443/$495 for a kit with a mount, cables and accessories. Additionally, for £634/$715, you can get a rig with carbon-fibre accessory rods included. For shoulder-mounted work, you need an EVF like the Ursa kit which is £1674/$1865 and transforms it into a genuinely useful camera, although it needs a right-hand grip handle. You can use a USB-C output to power and send the video signal to the external
THE BIG PICTURE You can add a five-inch, 1500-nit touchscreen monitor if accessories block the camera’s inbuilt LCD display
THE VERDICT
Both of Blackmagic’s new Pyxis models are very affordable full- frame cinema cameras that offer incredibly detailed, filmic footage from Raw files. But if you want the highest resolution, the 12K version is a better buy for not too much more money. However, you have to factor in the cost of accessories, ND filters, audio and rigging to make it into a usable camera, which adds to the cost and bulk of the kit. It is a stunning camera, but it doesn’t have internal ND filters, any image stabilisation or a continuous AF system and you have to shoot in Blackmagic Raw files. It’s not a fast-action, run- and-gun machine for everyday documentary and event shooting that requires fast turnaround. It’s a super-detailed cinema camera that’s ideal for well-planned shoots with great light. When matched with an editor who can get the best out of the files
in Resolve, it is capable of results nothing can match at anywhere near this level of affordability.
More information blackmagicdesign.com
HOW IT RATES
Features: 8 Internal Raw but still no ProRes, IS, ND or continuous AF Performance: 9 Raw files are amazing, especially in 12K Handling: 8 Needs lots of accessories to make it work Value for money: 10 Low price for a 12K Raw, full-frame sensor cinema camera OVERALL RATING: 9/10 A full-frame 12K Raw camera at mirrorless money Pros: 12K Raw, real cinema cam, value for money Cons: Poor AF, Raw shooting only
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