Blackmagic Design has announced a new five-inch HDR touchscreen monitor with full camera control for its PYXIS cinema camera. Although it’s branded with the PYXIS moniker, the new Blackmagic Design PYXIS Monitor also works perfectly with Blackmagic’s URSA Cine camera.
Blackmagic Design PYXIS
Blackmagic Design’s PYXIS 6K cinema camera won our Best Cinema Camera at NAB 2024 earlier this year. The PYXIS features a full-frame 6K sensor with a native resolution of 6048 x 4032. It’s also designed to be easy to rig up for production with its cube-shaped customizable body. The PYXIS records video in standard resolutions and frame rates, including 1080p, DCI 4K and open gate 6K. In addition, you can choose between models with L-Mount, PL or locking EF lens mounts
PYXIS monitor
The Blackmagic PYXIS monitor features a large 5-inch HDR (high dynamic range) LCD display. It’s a 1500 nit high brightness screen, so you can monitor your video easily, even in bright sunlight. However, it’s more than just a simple external monitor. Using the touchscreen, you can control all of the camera’s features, just as if you were using the on-board monitor. In addition, the PYXIS monitor is super easy to set up as it connects to the camera using a single USB-C cable. This single cable supplies video, power and camera control and has locking screws at both ends.
Camera controls
This monitor gives you access to all the PYXIS camera menus and settings. You can even open metadata settings to enter digital slate information and load custom 3D LUTs. There are also three customizable buttons so you can quickly access zebra, focus assist, false color and more. The design of the Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor means you can locate these custom buttons by feel, even when using the monitor from the front. In addition, the monitor has a bright tally light so you can easily see when you are recording, even from a distance.
Machined metal body
The Blackmagic PYXIS monitor has a machined metal design that’s super strong for professional use. It’s also perfectly styled to match the industrial design of the Blackmagic PYXIS cinema camera. With multiple mounting points, you can easily attach the monitor directly to the camera as a large viewfinder, or to any camera rig for easier focusing and framing. It works with any 1/4-inch mounts and supports industry-standard 1/4-inch mount locating pins. In addition, the PYXIS Monitor includes a removable sunshade that also folds up to protect the monitor when not in use or when traveling.
Mounting options
In addition to standard mounting options, Blackmagic Design is releasing a series of precision mounts for using the PYXIS monitor with the PYXIS and URSA Cine cameras. The PYXIS Monitor Kit includes the PYXIS Monitor Mount and the PYXIS EVF Mount. In addition, there’s a PYXIS Monitor EVF Kit. This includes everything from the Monitor Kit. It also adds the URSA Cine handle and EVF mount with carbon fiber rods.
What we think
When Blackmagic Design first announced the PYXIS cinema camera, some people expressed concern about the side placement of the built-in monitor. However, with the announcement of the PYXIS monitor, the company has more than addressed that issue. The new monitor gives you a larger screen and full control as if you were using the onboard monitor. It’s also very configurable so you can position the monitor where best suits your shooting style. In addition, as it connects with a single USB-C cable, it’s easy to position the PYXIS monitor off-camera. This means you can use it remotely, such as when the camera is on a crane, and still have full camera control at your fingertips. Combined with the new Blackmagic PYXIS monitor, our Best at NAB 2024 cinema camera just got a whole lot better.
Pricing and availability
The Blackmagic PYXIS monitor will be available as a standalone option for $295. The PYXIS Monitor Kit will cost $445 and the Monitor EVF kit will retail at $645. Blackmagic Design says that the PYXIS monitor will be available later this year. However, the PYXIS was originally due to ship in June and hasn’t yet hit the shops.
