The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K (Amazon, B&H) is a step into a new form factor. For most intents and purposes, it’s so similar to the Cinema Camera 6K (Amazon, B&H), that in our comparison we preferred the latter:
This article will look at some of the important quirks and features of the Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K you should be aware of.
RAW and only RAW
The most important thing you need to be aware of regarding the PYXIS 6K is you only get Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) (other than H.264 in 1080p 8-bit 4:2:0 for proxies). You can’t record in any other codec.
Here’s the complete table for Blackmagic RAW:
| Resolution | Frame Rates^ | Data Rate 3:1* | Data Rate 12:1* |
| 6048 x 4032 (1:5:1) | 24 to 36 fps | 370 MB/s | 94 MB/s |
| 6048 x 3200 (17:9) | 24 to 48 fps | 295 MB/s | 75 MB/s |
| 6048 x 2520 (2.4:1) | 24 to 60 fps | 233 MB/s | 59 MB/s |
| 4832 x 4032 (anamorphic 6:5) | 24 to 36 fps | 297 MB/s | 75 MB/s |
| 4096 x 3072 (Super 35 4:3) | 24 to 50 fps | 192 MB/s | 49 MB/s |
| 4096 x 2160 (17:9) | 24 to 60 fps | 136 MB/s | 35 MB/s |
| 2112 x 1184 (Super 16 16:9) | 24 to 100 fps | 40 MB/s | 11 MB/s |
| 1920 x 1080 (16:9) | 24 to 120 fps | 33 MB/s | 9 MB/s |
^Frame rates are 23.98, 24, 25, 29.97, 30, 50, 59.94 and 60 fps.
Key takeaways
- 6K open gate file sizes are going to be huge, unless you use a lower compression ratio.
- The resolution is slightly lower than the Pocket Pro model. The frame rates in 4K are also lower.
- There is no more Prores or any other codec.
- There is a sensor crop in 4K and lower resolution modes, similar to other Blackmagic Design cameras.
Memory cards
The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K (Amazon, B&H) supports two kinds of memory cards:
- CFexpress Type B x2
- SSD via USB-C
On first glance you’d think having two CFexpress Type B slots means you can record simultaneously to both cards. But that’s not true.
The second Type B slot is for relay style continuous recording only. You can only record to one card at a time. When that fills up, the second card can take over.
There is no recording limit for SSDs and the file format is exFAT for Windows/Mac and HFS+ for Mac. The SSD needs to be formatted in a computer, and not on camera.
You cannot record to two kinds of media at the same time. Now that the costs of CFexpress Type B cards are falling, I would completely avoid SSDs via USB-C.
Watch this for more information (this also applies to the PYXIS 6K):
Rolling Shutter Performance
The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K (Amazon, B&H) has a rolling shutter of about 20ms, because it is the same sensor as found on the Cinema Camera 6K.
That’s a terrible performance for a modern camera.
Are the lens mounts interchangeable by users?
No. The lens mounts are fixed and cannot be swapped once purchased.
What is the resolution for live streaming?
The resolution for live streaming is restricted to 1080p.
What format should I choose for the best image quality on the Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K?
This is how I would shoot:
- 6K or anamorphic versions only (For 16:9, I’d pick DCI over Open Gate)
- Blackmagic RAW 3:1
- Film gamma, with Extended Video LUT for monitoring.
- Record to CFexpress Type B cards
- Edit and grade in Davinci Resolve Studio version 18.5 or higher. Stabilize shots with gyro data.
Does the PL mount support /i lens data or Arri LDS lens data?
The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K (Amazon, B&H) PL version supports /i data but it does not support LDS.
ND Filters
The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K (Amazon, B&H) doesn’t have internal ND filters.
Image Stabilization
There is no internal image stabilization. You’re restricted to what the lenses are capable of doing, if they are supplied the adequate power.
However, a built-in motion sensor records pan, tilt and roll data. Once you calibrate your camera, this data can be read by Davinci Resolve to stabilize shots.
Can it autofocus?
Yes, but only single touch AF. There is no continuous AF, so forget about all the goodness of Canon’s dual pixel AF or Sony’s tracking AF.
The camera does have a focus peaking function for manual focus.
Frame guides
Blackmagic OS has frame guides. These are the options available:
- 4:3
- 2.39:1
- 2.35:1
- 2.4:1
- 1.85:1
- 9:16 for social media
You can toggle the opacity as well. I wish they had custom frame guides.
Notes on the LCD display
The 4″ 1920 x 1080 LCD is a touchscreen that is fixed on the side of the camera. It does not flip or swivel.
It’s about 1500 nits, which is similar to recent Pocket cameras.
Audio
The camera has the following audio jacks:
- 2 x mini XLR analog switchable between mic with phantom power support and line level (up to +14dBu). 48V.
- 1 x 3.5mm stereo jack. Can also be used for Timecode input (LTC).
- 1 x 3.5mm headphone jack.
- The camera also has dual onboard microphones for scratch audio.
You can buy mini XLR to XLR adapters here.
You can switch between the two input options and monitor volume via the LCD. You can also record from both jacks to separate channels.
There are audio levels and you can adjust the volume. No other controls exist.
New BP-U battery and runtime
The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K (Amazon, B&H) supports a new BP-U battery type.
On a 98Wh battery you get about three hours of operation. However, look at the image above. 98Wh batteries are long and will extend out of your camera. Don’t forget to take that into consideration. You’d be better of with 48Wh batteries which should give you about 1.5 hours.
If you need a cage, I would highly recommend a universal cage. This one (Amazon, B&H). If you know of any more quirks and features, please let me know in the comments below.