Blackmagic Design - PYXIS 12K Cinema Camera (Canon EF)

The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K Cinema Camera represents a significant leap forward in digital cinematography, combining a revolutionary full-frame 12K RGBW sensor with the compact, modular design that made the PYXIS 6K a favorite among filmmakers. This professional cinema camera delivers extraordinary image quality, massive creative flexibility, and an accessible price point that makes high-end cinematography available to a broader range of productions.

Featuring the same sensor as the flagship URSA Cine 12K LF, the PYXIS 12K packs 98.8 megapixels of resolution into a lightweight, rugged body machined from aerospace-grade aluminum. Whether you are shooting high-end commercials, independent feature films, documentaries, or music videos, the PYXIS 12K offers the resolution, dynamic range, and color science to meet the demands of professional production environments.

Key Features
Full-Frame 12K RGBW Sensor
At the heart of the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K lies a large-format full-frame sensor measuring 35.64mm x 23.32mm with a native resolution of 12,288 x 8,040 pixels. The innovative RGBW sensor design captures rich, accurate colors and delivers exceptional skin tone reproduction. This sensor is nearly three times larger than a Super 35 sensor, enabling shallow depth of field and true cinematic bokeh.

16 Stops of Dynamic Range
With an impressive 16 stops of dynamic range and dual-native ISO up to 25,600, the PYXIS 12K performs exceptionally well in both bright daylight and low-light conditions. The sensor delivers stunning low-noise images across a wide range of lighting scenarios, from high-contrast exterior shots to dimly lit interior scenes.

Blackmagic RAW Recording
The PYXIS 12K records in Blackmagic RAW, supporting resolutions up to 12K 3:2 Open Gate. Blackmagic RAW is a 12-bit codec that preserves maximum image quality while maintaining manageable file sizes and efficient post-production workflows. The multi-scale sensor allows shooting in 12K, 8K, or 4K at full sensor size, providing flexibility for different delivery requirements.

Flexible Lens Mount Options
The PYXIS 12K is available in three lens mount configurations to accommodate diverse lens ecosystems:

Leica L-Mount: Compatible with the latest full-frame lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma, with support for a wide range of lens adapters

ARRI PL Mount: Designed for professional cinema lenses from Zeiss, ARRI, Cooke, and other premium manufacturers

Locking Canon EF Mount: Allows use of high-quality photographic lenses from DSLRs and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Cameras

All mounts are fixed, ensuring stable, reliable lens connections.

High Frame Rate Capabilities
The PYXIS 12K supports impressive frame rates across multiple resolutions:

12K (3:2 Open Gate): up to 40 fps

12K (2.4:1): up to 60 fps

9K (2.4:1 Super 35): up to 80 fps

8K/4K (2.4:1): up to 112 fps

Project frame rates of 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94, and 60 fps are supported.

Dual CFexpress Media Slots
The camera features dual CFexpress Type B card slots for reliable, high-speed media recording. An integrated USB-C port also enables external recording to SSDs for expanded storage options.

Compact and Modular Design
Machined from precision CNC aerospace aluminum, the PYXIS 12K is lightweight yet exceptionally durable. The compact form factor features multiple 1/4″ and 3/8″ mounting threads on the top and bottom, plus customizable side plates for attaching handles, microphones, SSDs, and other accessories. This modular approach allows filmmakers to build the perfect rig for any production scenario.

4-Inch HDR LCD Touchscreen
A built-in 4-inch HDR touchscreen provides intuitive camera control and monitoring. The interface rotates vertically, making it easier to frame and capture content for social media and vertical delivery formats.

Advanced Connectivity
The PYXIS 12K includes 10G Ethernet with HDBase-T support for high-speed data transfer and remote camera control. Blackmagic Cloud global sync enables seamless collaboration across distributed production teams.

Blackmagic Gen 5 Color Science
The camera leverages Blackmagic’s fifth-generation color science, delivering the same color quality found in the most expensive digital cinema cameras. This ensures accurate color reproduction, natural skin tones, and smooth tonal transitions that grade beautifully in post-production.

Use Cases
High-End Commercial Production
The 12K resolution and 16-stop dynamic range make the PYXIS 12K ideal for commercial work requiring the highest image quality. The ability to reframe and crop in post-production without losing detail provides creative flexibility that saves time and money on set.

Independent Feature Films
With its cinematic image quality, compact form factor, and accessible price point, the PYXIS 12K is an excellent choice for independent filmmakers seeking Hollywood-grade visuals on a modest budget. The camera’s modular design allows for versatile rigging options, from handheld to gimbal to studio configurations.

Documentary Filmmaking
The PYXIS 12K’s low-light performance and dual CFexpress slots make it suitable for documentary work in challenging conditions. The compact body is easy to transport and rig for run-and-gun shooting styles.

Music Videos and Content Creation
High frame rates enable smooth slow-motion capture, while the vertical UI rotation simplifies framing for social media formats. The camera’s resolution also provides ample room for post-production stabilization and reframing.

Aerial and Gimbal Work
The lightweight, compact design makes the PYXIS 12K suitable for drone and gimbal mounting, bringing 12K cinematic quality to aerial cinematography.