Blackmagic Design Debuts PYXIS 12K: A Revolutionary Leap in Digital Filmmaking at NAB 2025
At NAB 2025, Blackmagic Design unveiled its most advanced digital film camera yet: the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K. Building on the modular, rig-friendly PYXIS platform, this cutting-edge camera introduces a powerful new 12K RGBW sensor paired with a wealth of high-end features aimed squarely at professional filmmakers, cinematographers, and content creators pushing the boundaries of image quality and workflow flexibility. With a customizable design, three lens mount options, and cloud-enabled production tools, the PYXIS 12K sets a new benchmark for digital cinema cameras in its class.
Scheduled to hit the market in July 2025 for $4,995, the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K made its debut at the company’s NAB booth (#SL216), where attendees got a firsthand look at its performance and versatility.
A Groundbreaking 12K RGBW Sensor in a Compact Form
At the heart of the new PYXIS 12K is the same remarkable RGBW full-frame sensor found in Blackmagic’s flagship URSA Cine 12K LF. The sensor boasts a native resolution of 12,288 x 8,040, delivering a stunning 12K image with incredible detail, color fidelity, and dynamic range. With a large 36 x 24mm sensor size—nearly three times the area of a Super 35 sensor—the PYXIS 12K provides a cinematic look with shallow depth of field and greater flexibility when using anamorphic lenses.
What sets this sensor apart is its ability to capture up to 16 stops of dynamic range, ensuring detail in both the darkest shadows and brightest highlights. Whether you’re shooting under harsh sunlight or low-light conditions, the PYXIS 12K produces images that are both stunning and usable straight out of the camera. Frame rates are equally impressive, with the ability to shoot up to 40 fps at full 12K resolution, or up to 112 fps in 4K for high-speed sequences.
The open gate 3:2 aspect ratio unlocks creative options in post-production, allowing for reframing and vertical video workflows. Additionally, the camera supports full height 6:5 anamorphic shooting, enabling true cinematic widescreen without cropping—a first at this price point.
Built for Flexibility: Choose Your Mount and Build Your Rig
Understanding the needs of modern productions, Blackmagic has made the PYXIS 12K available in three mount variants: L-Mount, PL, and locking EF. This wide range of compatibility ensures users can leverage their existing lens investments or choose from the latest glass on the market. The L-Mount variant supports lenses from Leica, Panasonic, and Sigma and offers a short flange distance ideal for adapting vintage lenses. The EF mount is perfect for DSLR users looking to bring their photo lenses into the cinema world, while the PL mount supports high-end cinema lenses from brands like ARRI, Zeiss, and Cooke.
The camera body is CNC-machined from aerospace-grade aluminum, providing a rugged yet lightweight structure ideal for demanding environments. With multiple 1/4″ and 3/8″ thread mounts on the top and bottom, along with accessory side plates, PYXIS can be rigged for virtually any production style—from handheld shoots and gimbal work to drone and crane setups. Side plates also accommodate SSDs, microphones, handles, and more, allowing users to tailor their builds for narrative films, documentaries, commercials, or live event work.
Advanced Monitoring and Recording
Unlike many compact cinema cameras that rely heavily on external accessories, the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K integrates a 4-inch HDR touchscreen display with 1500 nits of brightness and full HD resolution. This makes on-set monitoring, framing, and focus pulling a breeze, even under bright sunlight. The monitor includes full camera control and critical overlays, minimizing the need for additional gear in run-and-gun scenarios.
For those who need more flexibility, the optional Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor offers a larger 5-inch HDR touchscreen with the same intuitive interface. Designed with multiple mounting points, this monitor can serve as a high-bright viewfinder or be placed anywhere on set for director or focus puller use. An optional Blackmagic URSA Cine EVF is also available, offering a high-quality OLED viewfinder with a proximity sensor and precision glass optics—perfect for handheld and outdoor use.
Streamlined Recording and Post-Production Workflows
Blackmagic PYXIS 12K is engineered for modern workflows, recording in Blackmagic RAW to preserve image fidelity while also generating H.264 proxy files in real time. These lightweight proxies can be uploaded instantly to Blackmagic Cloud, making it possible for editors anywhere in the world to begin working on footage while the shoot is still underway.
Dual CFexpress card slots support high-speed recording with hot-swapping capabilities, ensuring uninterrupted capture even during long takes. Additionally, a USB-C expansion port allows users to record directly to external SSDs or flash drives, enabling extended recording times and backup workflows. Whether you’re working in 4K, 8K, or full 12K, the camera delivers 12-bit RAW files that are ideal for color grading, VFX, and compositing in DaVinci Resolve.
Built-In Live Streaming and Remote Collaboration
One of the most forward-looking features of the PYXIS 12K is its built-in streaming capabilities. With a hardware-based streaming engine that supports RTMP and SRT protocols, users can broadcast directly to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, and X without needing a separate encoder. Stream status and bitrate are visible in real time through the viewfinder or LCD screen.
For connectivity, the camera includes a 10G Ethernet port and USB-C support for mobile tethering. This means users can stream or upload proxy files via a 4G or 5G smartphone on location—eliminating the need for a dedicated internet connection. Combined with Blackmagic Cloud, this feature allows real-time collaborative workflows that were previously out of reach for many independent filmmakers.
Professional Audio and Connectivity
In keeping with its professional ambitions, PYXIS 12K features a robust set of connections, including 12G-SDI for HDR monitoring, a professional mini XLR input with 48V phantom power, and a locking power connector. Whether you’re working with pro boom mics or wireless audio systems, the camera is ready to deliver pristine audio alongside its world-class visuals.
Battery support is also thoughtfully implemented, with compatibility for high-capacity BP-U series batteries—ensuring long run times during remote shoots without the bulk of external power solutions.
A Vision from Blackmagic Design
“Since the introduction of the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K, we’ve been working hard to make our amazing RGBW sensor from the URSA Cine available to even more customers,” said Grant Petty, CEO of Blackmagic Design. “We have redesigned the electronics and processing to be able to handle the massive sensor, and we think customers are going to love shooting incredible large format images in 4K, 8K, and now 12K. We are really excited to offer this sensor in the flexible PYXIS design that has been so popular with our customers.”
Final Thoughts: A Cinematic Powerhouse for a New Generation
With the PYXIS 12K, Blackmagic Design has once again delivered a camera that disrupts expectations and lowers the barrier to entry for high-end digital cinema production. Priced at just $4,995, it offers capabilities that previously required gear ten times the cost, from large-format 12K capture to real-time cloud collaboration.
From Hollywood productions to indie filmmakers and content creators, the Blackmagic PYXIS 12K promises to become an essential tool for anyone looking to future-proof their work and elevate their storytelling.
