In a major announcement that’s already turning heads across the film and broadcast industry, Australian innovator Blackmagic Design has lifted the curtain on its latest cinematic powerhouse — the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K. The new model is being touted as a revolutionary digital film camera, offering professional filmmakers access to a full-frame 12K RGBW sensor at a price point that significantly undercuts much of the competition.
Set to hit shelves in July 2025 at A$8,169, the PYXIS 12K is poised to make large-format digital cinematography more accessible than ever before.
With support for industry-standard lens mounts (EF, PL, and L-Mount), a compact modular body milled from aerospace aluminum, and real-time Blackmagic Cloud media syncing capabilities, the PYXIS 12K is being positioned as a do-it-all solution for high-end film, broadcast, commercial, and even drone-based production.
A Sensor That Redefines Resolution
At the heart of the PYXIS 12K lies a 36 x 24mm full-frame RGBW sensor, boasting a staggering 12288 x 8040 resolution — an image size that not only dwarfs Super 35 sensors, but even surpasses many existing full-frame offerings. This sensor, previously seen in the URSA Cine 12K LF, brings 16 stops of dynamic range, excellent low-light performance, and a flexible multi-scale shooting mode that allows for native recording in 12K, 8K, and 4K — all from the full sensor readout.
In practical terms, this gives filmmakers enormous flexibility in post-production. Whether cropping, reframing, stabilizing, or applying VFX, the sensor’s detail retention at high resolutions makes it ideal for projects destined for cinema screens or immersive installations.
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Even more impressively, the PYXIS 12K offers true 3:2 open gate and uncropped 6:5 anamorphic support — features usually reserved for significantly more expensive cinema cameras. Frame rates go up to 112 fps in 4K, enabling slow-motion capture at stunning clarity.
Modular Design Meets Rugged Portability
The PYXIS 12K maintains the highly customizable and compact form factor that defined its 6K predecessor. With multiple mounting points, interchangeable side plates, and support for drones, gimbals, cranes, and handheld rigs, it’s a camera designed to adapt to virtually any shooting environment.
The body is precision-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, balancing strength and lightness. Side plates — including a standard aluminum mount and an SSD plate — allow filmmakers to mount microphones, wireless transmitters, USB-C drives, and even mobile phones for cloud streaming or data offloading.
“The idea behind PYXIS was always to create a camera platform that can go from a drone to a dolly in seconds,” said Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design. “We wanted to make something that’s powerful but flexible — something that meets the demands of modern production without breaking the bank.”
Lens Mount Flexibility for Every Production
One of the most appealing features of the new PYXIS is its interchangeable lens mount system. Customers can choose between L-Mount, PL, or locking EF mounts, ensuring compatibility with an expansive range of glass — from classic cinema primes to modern full-frame photo lenses.
The L-Mount model, in particular, opens the door to lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma, while also supporting adapters for even wider compatibility. For filmmakers already invested in Canon EF glass or vintage optics, the EF mount option ensures seamless integration. Meanwhile, professionals working with high-end cinema optics from ARRI, Zeiss, or Cooke will appreciate the PL mount variant’s rugged build and secure locking mechanism.
Real-Time Cloud Collaboration with Blackmagic Cloud
Perhaps the most forward-thinking aspect of the PYXIS 12K is its deep integration with Blackmagic Cloud — a system that enables real-time collaboration between set and post-production teams across the globe.
Thanks to dual CFexpress card recorders, USB-C expansion ports, and built-in 10G Ethernet, the PYXIS can simultaneously record high-resolution Blackmagic RAW files while also creating real-time H.264 proxies. These proxies can be uploaded to Blackmagic Cloud via wired internet or mobile data tethering, allowing editors using DaVinci Resolve to begin assembling and grading scenes within minutes of capture — no matter where they are in the world.
This feature dramatically reduces turnaround times for news, commercials, and streaming content, potentially transforming post-production workflows in high-paced environments.
Monitoring, Streaming, and Power — All in One Package
Monitoring is handled through a built-in 4-inch HDR touchscreen, offering full HD resolution and 1500 nit brightness — perfect for reviewing footage in bright outdoor conditions. For situations where the built-in screen is obscured or insufficient, users can opt for the Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor, a versatile 5-inch HDR external touchscreen that mimics all camera controls and overlays.
For handheld and outdoor cinematography, the camera supports the URSA Cine EVF, which includes a high-resolution OLED display with an integrated proximity sensor and glass diopter for precise focus and framing.
The PYXIS also features a 12G-SDI output, professional mini XLR inputs with 48V phantom power, and built-in support for RTMP and SRT streaming protocols — enabling filmmakers to broadcast live to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X without additional hardware.
Power comes courtesy of BP-U series batteries, further enhancing the PYXIS’s appeal to existing users in the Sony broadcast ecosystem.
A Major Leap for Independent Filmmakers
While its specs may rival those of cinema cameras costing upwards of A$40,000, the PYXIS 12K’s A$8,169 price point puts it within reach of indie filmmakers, content creators, and even high-end YouTubers.
“This is a cinema-grade tool disguised as a YouTuber’s dream,” said cinematographer Alex Tanaka, who previewed the PYXIS during early testing. “The color science, the dynamic range, the cloud sync — it’s changing the rules for everyone from Netflix shows to no-budget docos.”
By delivering a product that offers 12K RAW capture, multi-format lens compatibility, real-time proxy generation, and cloud syncing, Blackmagic Design has once again positioned itself as a disruptor in a market historically dominated by just a few players.
Conclusion
The Blackmagic PYXIS 12K represents not just an evolution in camera technology, but a reshaping of what’s possible at a mid-tier price point. From studio sets to solo documentary shoots, this camera offers unparalleled creative freedom, advanced connectivity, and the kind of imaging power that — until now — remained the domain of six-figure systems.
With an expected launch in July 2025, anticipation is already building ahead of NAB Show demonstrations, where Blackmagic’s booth (#SL216) is expected to draw crowds of curious professionals and tech enthusiasts alike.
As the PYXIS 12K begins its rollout, one thing is clear: the future of cinematic storytelling just got a whole lot sharper.
