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!
It frustrating to see that people are even complaining about this... people want a box camera - they get one... complain about the position of the screen so now they have to use a monitor... Why ask for a box then?? 🤣🤣If it was on the top that would be even worse because then with a top handle you cant even use the screen lol.
@@TavianOrd Usually it's people who don't understand that cameras are tools... and theres different tools for different jobs. I remember when they released the Pana BGH1... "it has no screen" "it doesn't have this" "it doesn't have that" for it's purpose... just like the new BM they're absolutely amazing! I can't see anyone rigging one of these out for shoulder mounting or run and gun.... but for a small production in a studio or on set these seem amazing... ESPECIALLY FOR $3k...
@@TavianOrdlol , no? Have you ever used a komodo? I run a Raptor style top handle across the top of my Komodo and can access the screen and adjust everything easily. You are dead wrong. Also yes sure we rig out the box cam , but this is a solo operator price , this will be used in very small crews where you probably dont have a first Ac to look at the side screen and yes you DO RIG IT OUT W A MONITOR , still for camera control and settings a second screen that you can ACTUALLY SEE makes a lot of sense now doesn’t it?
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
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!
@@StephenFord There is no written law about it. It was typically done that way, prior to wireless, because most camera operators are right handed, so typically stand on the left; however, in the past people just wired up a second monitor on the right side for the 1st AC. Now most just use wireless as it's more convenient. The point is if one had a left handed camera op then with the Pyxis the 1st AC could, in theory, work on the left without needing to rig up a monitor. Isn't that part of the point of a box style camera, rig it to fit if needed and don't if not.
@@billyoung9538 Industry standard is having the 1st AC monitor on the right, and still for reasons. Really can't understand why to defend this bad design mentioning left handed AC.
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!"
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.
Pyxis is a waste of money with no prores or higher frame rates or extra stops of dynamic range this camera is obsolete before it hits the market BM needs to learn..... pocket 6k full frame is 1500 now
@@lj123900 you still on this? Regardless of how you feel it’s a good camera for those wanting the pocket series in box form and with full frame. It’s either for you or it’s not. But it’s not a waste of money for those that can utilize it. Move on and get over it.
@@earnieboy54 doesnt change the fact its a waste of time to make this without introducing higher frame rates which BM has had an issue with for years besides their 12K camera its riduculous using the same image sensor for 3K when the pocket is 1500 now its not gonna sell that well. No one buys a camera spefically just for Form factor unless its for gimbal work
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
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.
“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.
on top of that once you get used to the camera you can press every button without looking at the camera cause you know where all the buttons are lol people also forget they can rent the camera to see if they like the workflow before just straight up hating it
Good luck to change settings on the menu having the screen at few cm from your face, or even on a gimbal. Do you seriously believe this is a good operational design?
@@twowheelslife5611 do you change your settings mid shoot ? While recording? lol and on a gimbal most gimbals the arms are definitely not obscuring that part of the camera
@@twowheelslife5611 If you’re comfortable pulling focus with a hybrid flippy screen and don’t bother with rigging a shooting monitor, then I suppose the Pyxis menu approach seems foreign and wasteful. But for many of us it’s a typical operational design and not an issue. If you’re working from your shoulder, it’s by and large a better setup than the Ursa (the screen is always visible instead of folded into the camera) and much better than the Pockets or most hybrids. Add the Tilta Rig and it will be close to ideal. Other configurations won’t be an issue for me. And when you consider that to add a flip out screen that size to this particular camera will add width to the camera body when folded in, will add expense, will leave the camera seriously unbalanced when folded out, it would be a nightmare folded out on a gimbal, etc. I think they did the right thing. It’s also very important to consider how the forward USB-C port will change things once third parties have a chance to respond. We will end up with a host of small and very light camera monitors able to self-power off that port. That’s not today, but I doubt it will take more 6 months for second tier equipment makers to come up with just what’s needed for flexible monitoring. I also tend to think BM themselves will come out with an option within a year.
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.
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?
Yeah absolutely, The smaller flange distance of that mount gives you almost unlimited options to adapt lenses to. With the L-Mount version, you could not only adapt EF or PL lenses but old vintage medium format lenses, or photography M-Mount lenses. As long as someone has made an L-Mount adapter for the type of lens you want to adapt it's possible.
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.
@@AllTheBeef Good idea but I do not believe so, the 12K mounts are a different design and far more expensive, plus there is an LPL mount and no L for mount for the 12K. The page clearly showed a different mount shape with L, PL and EF options, that were all cheaper than than 12K. I suspect the option got pulled for either product strategy or QC reasons. Given that the body is designed for rigging, some one will create a locking PL mount that reinforces to L Mount and allows for rear ND filters anyway.
I remember when the fx3 was announced everyone was saying “we already have the a7s why would I want this?”, now everybody loves that camera. Now with the Pyxis everyone is saying “we already have the bmcc, why would I want this?” I am seeing a pattern
Nice review! To further the monitor discussion, NOBODY changes settings DURING a shot. So I don't understand the fixed monitor issue. It's the same as the Venice & to argue the irrational complaints further, The Mini LF doesn't even have a side screen . This Pyxis is going to make filmmaking even more affordable all while looking sexier than the Fx6... for the people who have been waiting, it's here!
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.
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.
Shouldn't that also mean that you can use something like a shinobi with it, using a USB-C to HDMI cable? If all it is is a display port, shouldn't you be able to get just about any monitor to work with it, sans menu control.
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?
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.
@@booneh It’s clearly not designed to “compete” with mirrorless hybrids in terms of crank on a lens and start shooting. But for the money you’re getting a very capable camera, and I have to imagine that most buyers will already have the parts and pieces lying around to fill out a rig. But as a compact “run and gun” camera for stand up interviews, some forms of documentary filming, shoulder work of various kinds including some news gathering, the form factor is perfectly usable and in some scenarios it’s great. Plus if you choose L-mount and get a set of lenses like the NiSi Athenas, ND isn’t an issue either. The drop in filter systems available these days are very capable and with more color fidelity than what is found on the 6K Pro. And I suspect it won’t take too long for lightweight monitors to become available which can run off the USB-C port up front. My guess is you have an enough juice there to run some of the 15” USB-C laptop companion monitors available now on Amazon, and certainly they will be able to come up with 5” and 7” top mount monitors before very long. Maybe even by the time the camera gets formally released in June.
@@waveland Yeah, sorry, that was my point as well. It could be a “run-and-gun single-operator” camera with just a few accessories. But a lot of TH-camrs are complaining that they want that functionality “out of the box” and then comparing it to cameras that cost five times more. It’s a bit ridiculous.
@@booneh No question. Especially when you can get a FeelWorld SDI capable monitor for less than $250.00 these days. Though there’s bound to be a few on camera monitors which will run entirely off the USB-C port. For that matter (question just crossed my mind) can an iPhone accept an external display port signal? I need to look that up.
I pretty much agree about everything. Just one thing: you say the power input is the same as all other BM cameras since the Pocket 4K, but it actually seems like a Lemo 0B, not a Weipu like the pockets, am I right? This is also an extremely welcome news, because the Weipu connector is really annoyingly fragile. Lemo is industry standard and reliable and BM is using it for the first time to power one of its cameras, finally. Speaking about the side monitor, it totally makes sense for me, I just hope it won't be a problem for a shoulder rig configuration. Regarding the Ursa Cine, though, I have some more doubts. I think having a big monitor that covers the AC side is totally useless for many reasons. First, this camera is basically aimed to owners operators who can't afford an Arri. Therefore, realistically, only a very small amount of them will use Cooke protocol to display focus distance or calculate depth of field. A set of those lenses costs like 10 times this camera. Of course one can rent, but it won't be so common, I bet. Moreover, having a monitor covering a side of a camera makes it much more fragile. I don't want a monitor, I want a sturdy side that will not break if somebody bumps on it with a tool, and that I can customize with cheese plates. Even an optional power distribution module with some more lemo ports would have been welcome. If an AC wants to have a monitor he/she will use a 7", not a small 5", rigging it where it is the best for the situation with some magic arm as everybody have been doing forever. Or, more commonly will go wireless both for video and focus, so, another good reason not to have a monitor on the side of the camera. I don't get it really. It could have saved some money and made this camera accessible to more people.
What do you mean 'they finally did it and made a box style camera?' They had already made 2 years ago w the micro cinema and studio lines. Their new G2 just came out as well.
Community was asking for a Pocket 6k Pro with a box design. But instead we got a slimmed down Ursa mini pro. But without ND, Flip out screen, and only 1 xlr. Blackmagic has Design in their name. But Design has been their biggest problem from the start. Like who designs a camera body for handheld shooting when there's no IS or AF. The Pocket 6k needs to be on a tripod or a gimbal. The design is not suited for either. The Komodo is a box camera that's 10x10x10cm (4 x 4 x 4"). More powerful in a smaller package. Great for rigging and gimbal work. The PYXIS is 4.17 x 4.69 x 5.94" / 10.59 x 11.91 x 15.09 cm, which makes it about 50%-60% larger than the Komodo. The ZCAM is 4.81 x 3.91 x 3.6" / 122.25 x 99.25 x 91.2 mm, which is slightly smaller than the Komodo. The Panasonic Lumix BS1H is 3.7 x 3.7 x 3.1" / 9.3 x 9.3 x 7.8 cm, which is even smaller. The PYXIS has a lot of great features. But the Design is the problem once again for Blackmagic. And I'm the owner of a Pocket 4k, Pocket 6k pro and Ursa mini pro 4.6k. I even had the OG URSA 4K before selling it. The design has always been the thing that makes these cameras awkward to use. The Micro Studio 4K might be their best designed camera so far.
Pyxis is a waste of money with no prores or higher frame rates or extra stops of dynamic range this camera is obsolete before it hits the market BM needs to learn..... pocket 6k full frame is 1500 now
Thank you for the amazing review. I think this camera is fantastic and it would be a little more fantastic if you could down sample to a 4K open gate image and save some memory card space lol
Shooting with cameras like the C500 Mark II has just raised my expectations for cheaper cameras lmao. I become disappointed at any missing feature. This is practically a BMD version of the C5002 minus the built-in NDs and the higher DR, but I've become very attached to those two things, so I really have no reason to buy the PYXIS over simply keeping my Pocket 4K for personal use.
Tried explaining this to some of the mirrorless photography style camera shooters and well many resorted to nasty insults… 😂 Look ‘box’ style cameras are for ‘cinematographers’ who plan on building out the rig for shooting with a team. That’s all.
I wonder if the USB-C can be paired with a USB-C to HDMI adapter and work that way, personally I don't mind the SDI but the HDMI is easier and no brainer basically, No need to worry if you plug in the cables in the right order or you'll fry your port, in a fast passed scenario, the HDMI is easier.
The only problem i see with the side screen is that once you're recording, you won't be able to know when it randomly stopped recording as all blackmagic cameras do from time to time.
Think it looks pretty nice. The I/O seems very limited, potentially Panasonic BG cameras a better fit for some use-cases. Not having a HDMI is a bit annoying, all my old crappy HDMI gear. For a multicam conference shoot these could be very nice. As for open gate, I guess this could be part of the anamorphic revolution. If we continue realizing camera sensors optimized for anamorphics and anamorphic goes down in price, eventually it just makes sense to anamorphic… with the new camera body designs and Sony releasing FF global shutter, it feels like there is a bit of new life in the market.
It took a lot of saving up for lol, I've been using it since it launched. By the time you buy lidar autofocus, gimbal that can carry a cinema payload, viewfinder, rig, battery, and build out your system price is in the same ballpark. The difference is the Ronin takes me 30 seconds to set up one set. Gimbals have to be the largest Time sink on set for a DP in my experience. I'm looking at this from the perspective somebody uses their gear to make money and charges by the hour, not a prosumer social media camera.
the side monitor being a problem is such a nit picking argument. I have to consattantly move my V-Lock out out of the way to even look at my P4K screen...
@@Miniaminism judging by the set being the pyxis demo set and the plaque on the side mentioning CFexpress which only the pyxis has, not the ursa cine. im pretty confident that this is the pyxis, i dont think Brandon would pull one on us
@@verebellus I know, but I'm cautious cause I rented the 6K FF that shares "same sensor and processing" and the rolling shutter is very much present. I doubt they fixed it as its a limitation of the sensor readout speed.
@@Miniaminism in an interview they did say that the internals are specifically made for this camera and body. so i think the rolling shutter might be better. anyway, using gyro data fixes it just about completely
@@verebellus We will see, but max frame rate is a good indication of the sensor readout speed. So I will not hope for a better RS on this camera. As far as gyro data, it's a FIX to a problem, something that will still bother clients on set, production company editors that will force them to fix it, and to do it inside Resolve. It's ok for a owner operator / creator who do their own edit, no so if you hand of footage.
Thing is, if this was a design 'for an indie film maker to rig out exactly the way they want', why have a display there at all? If it's going to be rigged with an external monitor for the op or 1AC, then do what they did with the micro cinema camera and let us do the rest. It just leaves all that space on the side kind of redundant at best, or actually useless at worst. The only use I can see is as a B-Camera that's off-angle in an interview, but even then, without any monitor tilt/swing adjustment, the viewing angles of the display make it a dead in the water idea. But all that said, its a decent gen1 effort. If a little 'thought through by engineers instead of operators'. I'll be waiting for the inevitable version with their newer RGBW sensor, an internal ND array and either an URSA flip-out monitor or just no monitor at all. Happy to pay more for it too.
I think the design is too bloated because of the screen. It's way too big for having essentially the guts of a BMPCC 6k. They should have ditched the inbuild screen to make it way smaller and shipped it with a stripped down Video Assist that could navigate the menus when connected (could use that front USB-C port). With all the box camera options out there now that are much more compact, with autofocus, I'm not sure the slight color science and codec advantage is enough to overlook the poor ergonomics. If I were doing gimbal work, I would take a Panasonic Lumix BS1H and a video assist any day over the Pyxis, and I would still get my Blackmagic Raw, and that camera has been out for several years now. Maybe for shoulder rigging the pyxis would be good, but I feel like they really missed the ball on this one. Their new Cine 12K however, now that is indeed ground breaking and incredible.
Its simple that i am not buying any camera that does not have dual recording. All cameras above $2000 are highly capable now and for me most important features are Dual recording, a good screen, reliable auto focus. I would always prefer bmpcc 4k or 6k over this as this does not offer much apart from box style. This is not innovative from blackmagic but just a lazy body upgrade.
Agreed. The Pyxis wasn't made for run-n-gun users. If they want a flip-out screen and HDMI, they should buy a handycam. Even if the 4" screen flipped-out, I wouldn't use it. I'll be using the EVF and the 7" external. There's no need for built-in NDs, as most cinematographers already have screw-on NDs or a Matte Box with NDs. The people complaining about the side screen and no built-in NDs are just painting themselves as handycam hobbyists not cinematographers making films.
tons of these so-called 'cinematographer' youtubers are just overhyping on this camera. basically it's just a 'rehoused' 6k full-frame cinema pocket with SDI port. that's it nothing more special. i can bet, they'll come out with 'pro' version with internal NDs, just like what they did with their 'Pro' cinema pocket. so why bother with this version when you know after a year or so, the 'Pro' version will come out.
No offense but I am tired of so many TH-camrs trying to tell experienced camera operators and DP’s what to accept from a professional cinema camera. Many of us have been awaiting such a camera since the BMCC 2.5 was released. The problem expressed with this camera hold weight and in my opinion I believe most of you are paid or looking for favor from BMB to mislead younger lesser experienced camera user into buying this camera who will do so and then after 6 months realize it was not the camera for them. Stop the CAP!
Yet another unbelievably bland review more concerned with treading a non confrontational path so as to stay open to sponsors and freebies to demo and review than identifying this camera as possibly the worst designed camera in a long line of terribly designed cameras from bm. As engineers bm technology is fantastic but as camera designers they suck. No one asked for this camera. Literally every design decision that had to be made with a box modular design in mind bm got wrong. The list is literally endless. Bar 12G sdi this camera is an exemplar of people making bad design decisions primarily because they literally have no idea how to design a camera. Bm are engineers from broadcast and everything they do regarding switchers and broadcast equipment is exemplary. Da vinci is feature packed and priced democratically but so much of the design is an iterative suck it and see as if designed by people learning on the job. Worse is the bland uncritical deluge of youtube reviewers who simply will not call a spade a spade. The issue with the screen is that it doesn’t flip out. They have provided a fully articulated one on the new 12k??? Somehow bm have listened to their own hype about how easy it is to navigate their menu ui and so they have prioritised that as if that is sufficient. The red or arri menus make more sense for filmmakers. They could have transferred that menu to an app and i am sure that is what they will do given their iphone app already in existence and the usb c ports. Sure obvious but not a pro solution. In fact the camera wreaks of a design that avoids pro solutions. As for the endless comments in support of this camera none of them make the slightest logical sense and we are again inundated with amateur or ignorant comments and a complete lack of experience of professional filmmaking. Using the bm iphone app will be more satisfying than using this camera. Why? Because apple know how to design a product and a camera and a screen. Those influencers that know better avoid the camera for fear of saying anything offensive. Just take the c300iii or c200 or the fx6?? Or an arri. Its not difficult to see that a basic box like design or more importantly anything that isnt a dslr that has spent too much time pumping iron, would have worked. Detachable monitor like the fx6 canon c line would have been so so so simple. If i hate it so much why should i care. Because bad ideas persist just as bad design does and given the size and influence of bm on the market and especially an adoption of da vinci then everything they do matters. Just some honesty and less hype bs wouldn’t be such a bad thing either.
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!
and it's $3000.... that's literally a steal
It frustrating to see that people are even complaining about this... people want a box camera - they get one... complain about the position of the screen so now they have to use a monitor... Why ask for a box then?? 🤣🤣If it was on the top that would be even worse because then with a top handle you cant even use the screen lol.
@@TavianOrd Usually it's people who don't understand that cameras are tools... and theres different tools for different jobs. I remember when they released the Pana BGH1... "it has no screen" "it doesn't have this" "it doesn't have that" for it's purpose... just like the new BM they're absolutely amazing!
I can't see anyone rigging one of these out for shoulder mounting or run and gun.... but for a small production in a studio or on set these seem amazing... ESPECIALLY FOR $3k...
the side display makes sense in a crew setting... on the right for the AC
@@TavianOrdlol , no? Have you ever used a komodo? I run a Raptor style top handle across the top of my Komodo and can access the screen and adjust everything easily. You are dead wrong.
Also yes sure we rig out the box cam , but this is a solo operator price , this will be used in very small crews where you probably dont have a first Ac to look at the side screen and yes you DO RIG IT OUT W A MONITOR , still for camera control and settings a second screen that you can ACTUALLY SEE makes a lot of sense now doesn’t it?
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
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!
AC displays are typically to work on the right side of the op thooooo
It's on the wrong side for ACs.
@@StephenFord There is no written law about it. It was typically done that way, prior to wireless, because most camera operators are right handed, so typically stand on the left; however, in the past people just wired up a second monitor on the right side for the 1st AC. Now most just use wireless as it's more convenient. The point is if one had a left handed camera op then with the Pyxis the 1st AC could, in theory, work on the left without needing to rig up a monitor. Isn't that part of the point of a box style camera, rig it to fit if needed and don't if not.
@@billyoung9538 Industry standard is having the 1st AC monitor on the right, and still for reasons. Really can't understand why to defend this bad design mentioning left handed AC.
The AC will have hard time pulling focus looking at the side screen with the camera operator blocking the view.
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!"
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.
Finally a review that’s not overhyping the camera while not being stupidly demeaning. Straight facts
Pyxis is a waste of money with no prores or higher frame rates or extra stops of dynamic range this camera is obsolete before it hits the market BM needs to learn..... pocket 6k full frame is 1500 now
@@lj123900 you still on this? Regardless of how you feel it’s a good camera for those wanting the pocket series in box form and with full frame. It’s either for you or it’s not. But it’s not a waste of money for those that can utilize it. Move on and get over it.
@@earnieboy54 doesnt change the fact its a waste of time to make this without introducing higher frame rates which BM has had an issue with for years besides their 12K camera its riduculous using the same image sensor for 3K when the pocket is 1500 now its not gonna sell that well. No one buys a camera spefically just for Form factor unless its for gimbal work
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”
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
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.
“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.
on top of that once you get used to the camera you can press every button without looking at the camera cause you know where all the buttons are lol people also forget they can rent the camera to see if they like the workflow before just straight up hating it
Good luck to change settings on the menu having the screen at few cm from your face, or even on a gimbal. Do you seriously believe this is a good operational design?
@@twowheelslife5611 do you change your settings mid shoot ? While recording? lol and on a gimbal most gimbals the arms are definitely not obscuring that part of the camera
@@luucamNY You never had the need to change your setting fastly? Man it's clearly a design flaw what's the point to defend it?
@@twowheelslife5611 If you’re comfortable pulling focus with a hybrid flippy screen and don’t bother with rigging a shooting monitor, then I suppose the Pyxis menu approach seems foreign and wasteful. But for many of us it’s a typical operational design and not an issue. If you’re working from your shoulder, it’s by and large a better setup than the Ursa (the screen is always visible instead of folded into the camera) and much better than the Pockets or most hybrids. Add the Tilta Rig and it will be close to ideal. Other configurations won’t be an issue for me. And when you consider that to add a flip out screen that size to this particular camera will add width to the camera body when folded in, will add expense, will leave the camera seriously unbalanced when folded out, it would be a nightmare folded out on a gimbal, etc. I think they did the right thing. It’s also very important to consider how the forward USB-C port will change things once third parties have a chance to respond. We will end up with a host of small and very light camera monitors able to self-power off that port. That’s not today, but I doubt it will take more 6 months for second tier equipment makers to come up with just what’s needed for flexible monitoring. I also tend to think BM themselves will come out with an option within a year.
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.
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?
Yeah absolutely, The smaller flange distance of that mount gives you almost unlimited options to adapt lenses to. With the L-Mount version, you could not only adapt EF or PL lenses but old vintage medium format lenses, or photography M-Mount lenses. As long as someone has made an L-Mount adapter for the type of lens you want to adapt it's possible.
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
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.
They may have accidentally listed the 12k lens mount accessories on the pyxis page.
@@AllTheBeef Good idea but I do not believe so, the 12K mounts are a different design and far more expensive, plus there is an LPL mount and no L for mount for the 12K. The page clearly showed a different mount shape with L, PL and EF options, that were all cheaper than than 12K. I suspect the option got pulled for either product strategy or QC reasons. Given that the body is designed for rigging, some one will create a locking PL mount that reinforces to L Mount and allows for rear ND filters anyway.
I remember when the fx3 was announced everyone was saying “we already have the a7s why would I want this?”, now everybody loves that camera.
Now with the Pyxis everyone is saying “we already have the bmcc, why would I want this?” I am seeing a pattern
You mentioned your worst Vegas hotel stay. I’m curious what hotel you stayed at.
Me too
Great analysis of this. Appreciate the simplicity and straightforward approach.
Nice review! To further the monitor discussion, NOBODY changes settings DURING a shot. So I don't understand the fixed monitor issue. It's the same as the Venice & to argue the irrational complaints further, The Mini LF doesn't even have a side screen . This Pyxis is going to make filmmaking even more affordable all while looking sexier than the Fx6... for the people who have been waiting, it's here!
No LANC input is my main issue with this box style camera. That's an important feature in a camera like this IMO
Agreed on the L mount. Hard to imagine that not being the overwhelmingly best seller.
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.
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.
Shouldn't that also mean that you can use something like a shinobi with it, using a USB-C to HDMI cable? If all it is is a display port, shouldn't you be able to get just about any monitor to work with it, sans menu control.
Most level headed preview feedback, yet! All other TH-camrs angry responses are just ridiculous.
I hear talk about the front USB-C being DisplayPort
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?
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.
Simply put: this camera is not for run-and-gun single-operator use.
As a shoulder camera? What’s not to love as a solo operator?
Not out of the box, at least.
@@booneh It’s clearly not designed to “compete” with mirrorless hybrids in terms of crank on a lens and start shooting. But for the money you’re getting a very capable camera, and I have to imagine that most buyers will already have the parts and pieces lying around to fill out a rig. But as a compact “run and gun” camera for stand up interviews, some forms of documentary filming, shoulder work of various kinds including some news gathering, the form factor is perfectly usable and in some scenarios it’s great. Plus if you choose L-mount and get a set of lenses like the NiSi Athenas, ND isn’t an issue either. The drop in filter systems available these days are very capable and with more color fidelity than what is found on the 6K Pro. And I suspect it won’t take too long for lightweight monitors to become available which can run off the USB-C port up front. My guess is you have an enough juice there to run some of the 15” USB-C laptop companion monitors available now on Amazon, and certainly they will be able to come up with 5” and 7” top mount monitors before very long. Maybe even by the time the camera gets formally released in June.
@@waveland Yeah, sorry, that was my point as well. It could be a “run-and-gun single-operator” camera with just a few accessories. But a lot of TH-camrs are complaining that they want that functionality “out of the box” and then comparing it to cameras that cost five times more. It’s a bit ridiculous.
@@booneh No question. Especially when you can get a FeelWorld SDI capable monitor for less than $250.00 these days. Though there’s bound to be a few on camera monitors which will run entirely off the USB-C port. For that matter (question just crossed my mind) can an iPhone accept an external display port signal? I need to look that up.
A very measured response video. Good job.👍🏼
6:08 , yes it can be used rfor another monitor🤤 You were correct!
it was awesome running into you at the booth there! Then got to meet Gerald Undone not 10 mins later haha
Thank you Brandon. Can you record using CFExpress Type B and SSD simultaneously with Pyxis 6K? As a real time backup.
I pretty much agree about everything.
Just one thing: you say the power input is the same as all other BM cameras since the Pocket 4K, but it actually seems like a Lemo 0B, not a Weipu like the pockets, am I right? This is also an extremely welcome news, because the Weipu connector is really annoyingly fragile. Lemo is industry standard and reliable and BM is using it for the first time to power one of its cameras, finally.
Speaking about the side monitor, it totally makes sense for me, I just hope it won't be a problem for a shoulder rig configuration.
Regarding the Ursa Cine, though, I have some more doubts. I think having a big monitor that covers the AC side is totally useless for many reasons. First, this camera is basically aimed to owners operators who can't afford an Arri. Therefore, realistically, only a very small amount of them will use Cooke protocol to display focus distance or calculate depth of field. A set of those lenses costs like 10 times this camera. Of course one can rent, but it won't be so common, I bet. Moreover, having a monitor covering a side of a camera makes it much more fragile. I don't want a monitor, I want a sturdy side that will not break if somebody bumps on it with a tool, and that I can customize with cheese plates. Even an optional power distribution module with some more lemo ports would have been welcome. If an AC wants to have a monitor he/she will use a 7", not a small 5", rigging it where it is the best for the situation with some magic arm as everybody have been doing forever. Or, more commonly will go wireless both for video and focus, so, another good reason not to have a monitor on the side of the camera. I don't get it really. It could have saved some money and made this camera accessible to more people.
What do you mean 'they finally did it and made a box style camera?' They had already made 2 years ago w the micro cinema and studio lines. Their new G2 just came out as well.
Community was asking for a Pocket 6k Pro with a box design. But instead we got a slimmed down Ursa mini pro. But without ND, Flip out screen, and only 1 xlr. Blackmagic has Design in their name. But Design has been their biggest problem from the start. Like who designs a camera body for handheld shooting when there's no IS or AF. The Pocket 6k needs to be on a tripod or a gimbal. The design is not suited for either. The Komodo is a box camera that's 10x10x10cm (4 x 4 x 4"). More powerful in a smaller package. Great for rigging and gimbal work. The PYXIS is 4.17 x 4.69 x 5.94" / 10.59 x 11.91 x 15.09 cm, which makes it about 50%-60% larger than the Komodo. The ZCAM is 4.81 x 3.91 x 3.6" / 122.25 x 99.25 x 91.2 mm, which is slightly smaller than the Komodo. The Panasonic Lumix BS1H is 3.7 x 3.7 x 3.1" / 9.3 x 9.3 x 7.8 cm, which is even smaller. The PYXIS has a lot of great features. But the Design is the problem once again for Blackmagic. And I'm the owner of a Pocket 4k, Pocket 6k pro and Ursa mini pro 4.6k. I even had the OG URSA 4K before selling it. The design has always been the thing that makes these cameras awkward to use. The Micro Studio 4K might be their best designed camera so far.
Pyxis is a waste of money with no prores or higher frame rates or extra stops of dynamic range this camera is obsolete before it hits the market BM needs to learn..... pocket 6k full frame is 1500 now
So where will the vmount battery go?
Thank you for the amazing review. I think this camera is fantastic and it would be a little more fantastic if you could down sample to a 4K open gate image and save some memory card space lol
Shooting with cameras like the C500 Mark II has just raised my expectations for cheaper cameras lmao. I become disappointed at any missing feature. This is practically a BMD version of the C5002 minus the built-in NDs and the higher DR, but I've become very attached to those two things, so I really have no reason to buy the PYXIS over simply keeping my Pocket 4K for personal use.
whats the name that lens 75-180 at 0:06 sec ?
It's the Laowa ranger zoom
Tried explaining this to some of the mirrorless photography style camera shooters and well many resorted to nasty insults… 😂 Look ‘box’ style cameras are for ‘cinematographers’ who plan on building out the rig for shooting with a team.
That’s all.
I have to agree that new Proart aio looks really nice
I wonder if the USB-C can be paired with a USB-C to HDMI adapter and work that way, personally I don't mind the SDI but the HDMI is easier and no brainer basically, No need to worry if you plug in the cables in the right order or you'll fry your port, in a fast passed scenario, the HDMI is easier.
The only problem i see with the side screen is that once you're recording, you won't be able to know when it randomly stopped recording as all blackmagic cameras do from time to time.
Think it looks pretty nice. The I/O seems very limited, potentially Panasonic BG cameras a better fit for some use-cases. Not having a HDMI is a bit annoying, all my old crappy HDMI gear. For a multicam conference shoot these could be very nice. As for open gate, I guess this could be part of the anamorphic revolution. If we continue realizing camera sensors optimized for anamorphics and anamorphic goes down in price, eventually it just makes sense to anamorphic… with the new camera body designs and Sony releasing FF global shutter, it feels like there is a bit of new life in the market.
The solution to the side monitor, a mirror on a rod 😉
Great video Brandon Lee! Make many more video please
Does have internal nd filters?
No it doesn't
Another camera that makes me happy I bought the Ronin 4D
Happy your pockets are that deep😂
It took a lot of saving up for lol, I've been using it since it launched.
By the time you buy lidar autofocus, gimbal that can carry a cinema payload, viewfinder, rig, battery, and build out your system price is in the same ballpark. The difference is the Ronin takes me 30 seconds to set up one set.
Gimbals have to be the largest Time sink on set for a DP in my experience. I'm looking at this from the perspective somebody uses their gear to make money and charges by the hour, not a prosumer social media camera.
the side monitor being a problem is such a nit picking argument. I have to consattantly move my V-Lock out out of the way to even look at my P4K screen...
6:20 theres just about no rolling shutter jello here, thats impressive
We don't know if its Pyxis or the URSA Cine, beware
@@Miniaminism judging by the set being the pyxis demo set and the plaque on the side mentioning CFexpress which only the pyxis has, not the ursa cine. im pretty confident that this is the pyxis, i dont think Brandon would pull one on us
@@verebellus I know, but I'm cautious cause I rented the 6K FF that shares "same sensor and processing" and the rolling shutter is very much present. I doubt they fixed it as its a limitation of the sensor readout speed.
@@Miniaminism in an interview they did say that the internals are specifically made for this camera and body. so i think the rolling shutter might be better. anyway, using gyro data fixes it just about completely
@@verebellus We will see, but max frame rate is a good indication of the sensor readout speed. So I will not hope for a better RS on this camera. As far as gyro data, it's a FIX to a problem, something that will still bother clients on set, production company editors that will force them to fix it, and to do it inside Resolve.
It's ok for a owner operator / creator who do their own edit, no so if you hand of footage.
Thing is, if this was a design 'for an indie film maker to rig out exactly the way they want', why have a display there at all? If it's going to be rigged with an external monitor for the op or 1AC, then do what they did with the micro cinema camera and let us do the rest. It just leaves all that space on the side kind of redundant at best, or actually useless at worst. The only use I can see is as a B-Camera that's off-angle in an interview, but even then, without any monitor tilt/swing adjustment, the viewing angles of the display make it a dead in the water idea. But all that said, its a decent gen1 effort. If a little 'thought through by engineers instead of operators'. I'll be waiting for the inevitable version with their newer RGBW sensor, an internal ND array and either an URSA flip-out monitor or just no monitor at all. Happy to pay more for it too.
if from heavy u can still balance the top handle and have better balance,,,
new brandon y lee video pog
There is only a single SDI out port so the lack of a useful built-in monitor is a huge shortcoming
That is NOT the same 12V connector as the pockets. It’s Lemo. Completely different and should be more robust.
I think the design is too bloated because of the screen. It's way too big for having essentially the guts of a BMPCC 6k. They should have ditched the inbuild screen to make it way smaller and shipped it with a stripped down Video Assist that could navigate the menus when connected (could use that front USB-C port). With all the box camera options out there now that are much more compact, with autofocus, I'm not sure the slight color science and codec advantage is enough to overlook the poor ergonomics. If I were doing gimbal work, I would take a Panasonic Lumix BS1H and a video assist any day over the Pyxis, and I would still get my Blackmagic Raw, and that camera has been out for several years now. Maybe for shoulder rigging the pyxis would be good, but I feel like they really missed the ball on this one. Their new Cine 12K however, now that is indeed ground breaking and incredible.
This episode has pretty bad audio. What happened?
Its simple that i am not buying any camera that does not have dual recording. All cameras above $2000 are highly capable now and for me most important features are Dual recording, a good screen, reliable auto focus. I would always prefer bmpcc 4k or 6k over this as this does not offer much apart from box style. This is not innovative from blackmagic but just a lazy body upgrade.
Agreed. The Pyxis wasn't made for run-n-gun users. If they want a flip-out screen and HDMI, they should buy a handycam. Even if the 4" screen flipped-out, I wouldn't use it. I'll be using the EVF and the 7" external. There's no need for built-in NDs, as most cinematographers already have screw-on NDs or a Matte Box with NDs. The people complaining about the side screen and no built-in NDs are just painting themselves as handycam hobbyists not cinematographers making films.
tons of these so-called 'cinematographer' youtubers are just overhyping on this camera. basically it's just a 'rehoused' 6k full-frame cinema pocket with SDI port. that's it nothing more special. i can bet, they'll come out with 'pro' version with internal NDs, just like what they did with their 'Pro' cinema pocket. so why bother with this version when you know after a year or so, the 'Pro' version will come out.
I stayed at the Howard Johnson by Wyndham...
Look it up...bet mine was worse...lmao
Maudie Extension
No apple pores
Clark Brian Brown Mary Walker Sharon
Mana CAMERA SURYA😢
No offense but I am tired of so many TH-camrs trying to tell experienced camera operators and DP’s what to accept from a professional cinema camera. Many of us have been awaiting such a camera since the BMCC 2.5 was released. The problem expressed with this camera hold weight and in my opinion I believe most of you are paid or looking for favor from BMB to mislead younger lesser experienced camera user into buying this camera who will do so and then after 6 months realize it was not the camera for them. Stop the CAP!
Spotted activate windows @2:50 🙃
It’s dumb. Period.
Why on EARTH do you have a 3rd party stopwatch app? IT HAS AD's
Not sure I can trust you on anything ever again, Brandon
Yet another unbelievably bland review more concerned with treading a non confrontational path so as to stay open to sponsors and freebies to demo and review than identifying this camera as possibly the worst designed camera in a long line of terribly designed cameras from bm. As engineers bm technology is fantastic but as camera designers they suck. No one asked for this camera. Literally every design decision that had to be made with a box modular design in mind bm got wrong. The list is literally endless. Bar 12G sdi this camera is an exemplar of people making bad design decisions primarily because they literally have no idea how to design a camera. Bm are engineers from broadcast and everything they do regarding switchers and broadcast equipment is exemplary. Da vinci is feature packed and priced democratically but so much of the design is an iterative suck it and see as if designed by people learning on the job. Worse is the bland uncritical deluge of youtube reviewers who simply will not call a spade a spade. The issue with the screen is that it doesn’t flip out. They have provided a fully articulated one on the new 12k??? Somehow bm have listened to their own hype about how easy it is to navigate their menu ui and so they have prioritised that as if that is sufficient. The red or arri menus make more sense for filmmakers. They could have transferred that menu to an app and i am sure that is what they will do given their iphone app already in existence and the usb c ports. Sure obvious but not a pro solution. In fact the camera wreaks of a design that avoids pro solutions. As for the endless comments in support of this camera none of them make the slightest logical sense and we are again inundated with amateur or ignorant comments and a complete lack of experience of professional filmmaking. Using the bm iphone app will be more satisfying than using this camera. Why? Because apple know how to design a product and a camera and a screen. Those influencers that know better avoid the camera for fear of saying anything offensive. Just take the c300iii or c200 or the fx6?? Or an arri. Its not difficult to see that a basic box like design or more importantly anything that isnt a dslr that has spent too much time pumping iron, would have worked. Detachable monitor like the fx6 canon c line would have been so so so simple. If i hate it so much why should i care. Because bad ideas persist just as bad design does and given the size and influence of bm on the market and especially an adoption of da vinci then everything they do matters. Just some honesty and less hype bs wouldn’t be such a bad thing either.