Color Science and Image Quality
Blackmagic has a reputation for its superb color science, and the Pyxis 6K is no exception. The full-frame sensor works in tandem with Blackmagic RAW (BRAW) to deliver vivid colors and natural skin tones with minimal post-production work. This makes the Pyxis ideal for productions that require quick turnarounds or a streamlined post-production process. Combined with DaVinci Resolve Studio, which comes included with the camera, users can easily tweak colors and contrast to achieve a polished, cinematic look
Frame Rates and Slow Motion
For productions that need flexibility in frame rates, the Pyxis 6K delivers. The camera can shoot 6K at up to 36fps, 48fps in 6K 17:9, and 60fps in 4K, offering enough versatility for anything from high-paced action scenes to slow-motion moments that demand attention. Additionally, the 120fps in Full HD ensures that you can capture fast motion in stunning clarity
Handling and Usability
One of the key advantages of the Pyxis 6K is its modular design. The camera’s box-style form factor is compact and lightweight (around 1.49 Kg), allowing it to be easily rigged for different types of shoots—whether handheld, mounted on a gimbal, or even used with drones. This flexibility is complemented by its robust aluminum body, making it durable enough for more demanding shooting environments.
However, one area to consider is its manual focus preference. The Pyxis 6K lacks the advanced autofocus systems found in some other cameras, instead focusing on a cinema-style workflow where manual focus is often preferred. This setup makes it more suited to professional videographers who are comfortable with manual control
Audio and Connectivity
For audio, the Pyxis 6K includes 3.5mm mic and headphone ports and built-in microphones, but users often benefit from adding external audio equipment for higher quality sound capture. In terms of connectivity, the Pyxis is equipped with 12G-SDI, USB-C, and Ethernet ports, allowing for a wide range of accessories and external storage options. While it lacks an HDMI port, this can be easily resolved with a USB-C-to-HDMI adapter!
Dynamic Range and Low Light Performance
The Pyxis 6K offers 13 stops of dynamic range, providing exceptional detail in both highlights and shadows. This wide range allows filmmakers to capture rich, cinematic visuals even in challenging lighting conditions, making it ideal for high-contrast environments or scenes with both bright and dark areas.
A key feature of the Pyxis 6K is its dual native ISO settings at 400 (low base ISO) and 3200 (high base ISO). The camera automatically switches between these two ISO levels based on the lighting conditions, ensuring the best possible image quality with minimal noise. When the ISO reaches around 1250, the camera transitions from the lower native ISO to the higher one, reducing grain and enhancing image clarity in darker environments.
This dual native ISO setup allows the Pyxis 6K to excel in both bright daylight and low-light scenarios, making it a versatile option for a variety of shooting conditions. Filmmakers can confidently capture clean footage even when shooting in underlit environments or during night scenes, without having to worry about excessive noise or loss of detail