Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K Cinema Camera (Leica L)

Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K L Mount Overview

Key Features

• Large-Format Full-Frame 12K Sensor
• 16 Stops of Dynamic Range
• Blackmagic RAW up to 12K 3:2 Open Gate
• Built-In Optical Low-Pass Filter
• Two CFexpress Card Slots, USB-C Port
• Compact Form with Switchable Side Plates
• 4" HDR LCD Touchscreen
• 10GbE Ethernet Port, 10GBASE-T Support
• HFR Button & Three Assignable Shortcuts
• Mini-XLR & 3.5mm Audio Inputs

The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K Cinema Box Camera combines a full-frame 12K RGBW sensor that captures rich colors and accurate skin tones with the compact, versatile design of the PYXIS 6K camera. It features a native, active Leica L lens mount, a 36 x 24mm sensor, a wide 16-stop dynamic range, and customizable side plates.

Post-14221337 Serial Number

NOTE: This camera is from the post-14221337 serial number batch. It is not affected by the Blackmagic Design recall regarding image artifacts on select PYXIS 12K cameras with earlier serial numbers.

Firmware Update 10.0

• Blackmagic Camera firmware update 10.0 adds multiple functions to help improve your content capture. New features include:A pre-record function.
• A 0% option in frame guide opacity settings.
• New Camera Control REST API commands.
• Support for inhibiting proxy recording.
• Support for 4-channel audio recording.
• Support for mono headphone monitoring.

Large-Format Digital Film Sensor

The PYXIS 12K's massive 24 x 36mm full-frame RGBW sensor boasts a native 12,288 x 8040 resolution, letting you create shallow depth of field or use anamorphic lenses without cropping for a truly cinematic look. A 16-stop dynamic range with dual-native ISO up to 25,600 ensures low-noise imagery in all lighting conditions.

Flexible Film Formats

Work in a variety of film formats and aspect ratios without sacrificing quality, thanks to the large sensor. You can also work in true 6:5 anamorphic without needing to crop for widescreen cinematics. Use a Super 35-sized window to create an instant close-up version of your open-gate shot.

Multiple Resolutions and Frame Rates

Shoot in standard video resolutions and frame rates from HD to 12K using the PYXIS 12K, with the ability to capture in 12K, 8K, or 4K at the full sensor size. Available resolutions include up to 40 fps at 12,288 x 8040 3:2 open gate, 60 fps at 12,288 x 5112 2.4:1, and 112 fps at 8192 x 3408 8K. There's even an HFR (high framerate) button for quickly switching to your rate without having to access the menu.

HDR Imagery and Dual-Native ISO

The wide 16-stop dynamic range preserves more detail in both the lightest and darkest areas of your image. Set the exposure for an indoor scene while retaining details in the bright outdoor light coming through a window. Optimized for ISO 800, the PYXIS 12K offers ISOs of 200 to 3200 and a maximum ISO 25,600, minimizing grain and noise in your images while maintaining the full dynamic range of the sensor.

Optional Pro Handle and Pro Grip

Use the new Pro Handle and/or Pro Grip to transform your PYXIS 12K into an ENG-style camera for fast, run-and-gun capture. The Pro Handle features an OLED, daylight-visible HD viewfinder, a zoom rocker with recording run/stop, and a stereo microphone. The Pro Grip also provides a zoom rocker with run/stop plus a handgrip for secure handheld capture.

Customizable Rigging

Crafted from lightweight yet robust aerospace-grade aluminum, the easy-to-rig PYXIS 12K features multiple 1/4"-20 and 3/8"-16 threads for mounting it on a gimbal, crane, or drone. It also has a range of side plates designed for attaching handgrips, SSD recorders, microphones, and more. It includes a side plate with one 3/8"-16 and two 1/4"-20 threads, and an SSD plate with an optional rosette plate with additional threads available separately.

LCD Monitor and Onboard Controls

• Use the built-in 4" LCD touchscreen to monitor and review your shots on set. This full HD-resolution, HDR-compatible screen lets you frame and focus without requiring an additional external unit. A maximum brightness of 1500 cd/m² ensures visibility even in bright sunlit conditions. On-screen overlays show status and recording parameters, histograms, levels, frame guides, and 3D LUTS, among other tools.
• Onboard controls allow you to toggle functions like ISO, white balance, and shutter with ease. A scroll wheel makes quick adjustments, and three customizable function buttons can tailor your workflow to your preference. The controls can be locked to avoid accidental pressing during shooting.

Post-Production-Friendly Formats

The PYXIS 12K records in Blackmagic RAW, preserving detail, exposure, and color control during post-production. It can also record H.264 proxy files in real time for easy sharing. Blackmagic RAW works with Apple Metal, CUDA, and OpenCL, and its media files work on all operating systems.

Multiple Recording Options

Two built-in CFExpress Type-B card slots and a USB-C expansion port allow you to record directly to external flash media disks or SSDs. The high speed of CFexpress cards lets you capture an hour plus in 6K on a single 256GB card.

Live Syncing to Blackmagic Cloud

• News and live event content creators will appreciate the ability to shoot and edit in near real-time using Blackmagic Cloud and the PYXIS 12K's proxy files.
• Users anywhere in the world can upload proxy footage and have their editors start working on scenes almost instantly.

Built-In Streaming

Live stream directly from the PYXIS 12K on set to a secondary location via SRT and RTMP protocols. Compatible platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X can support signals from the PYXIS 12K for live event production. To share content internally, use an ATEM Streaming Bridge for a wireless link back to the studio.

Expansive Connectivity

• The front of the PYXIS 12K boasts a USB-C port for the Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF and a mini 3-pin XLR analog audio input with +48V Phantom power for microphone integration.
• The back of the PYXIS 12K has a headphone monitoring jack and an additional 3.5mm microphone input. Use the USB-C port at the back of the camera to connect to recording devices or mobile data. A 12G-SDI output integrates a secondary monitor.
• A Reference/Timecode input port syncs your sources. 
• Use the fast RJ45 10 GbE Ethernet port supporting up to 10GBASE-T to upload footage to Blackmagic Cloud or control the camera remotely.
• Power the PYXIS 12K using the locking 2-pin DC power connector or the Sony BP-U battery plate.
• Download the Blackmagic Camera Control app for wireless Bluetooth control from up to 30' away.

Minimum System Requirements

• macOS:macOS 14.0 Sonoma or later.
• macOS 15.0 Sequoia or later.
• Mac with Apple Silicon or Intel-based CPU.
• 8GB of system memory.

Windows OS:

• Windows 10 64-bit or later.
• Windows 11 64-bit or later.