Blackmagic Design has announced a recall of some PYXIS 12K cinema cameras. This is to resolve an issue with horizontal banding reported by some users.
What led to the recall?
Blackmagic Design announced its PYXIS 12K camera at NAB 2025 and began shipping towards the end of last year. The camera has received positive reviews and been popular with video makers since its release. However, some users reported issues with horizontal banding in the image in certain circumstances. Initially, Blackmagic Design said it was carrying out a sensor recalibration on affected models. Now the company has announced a recall of cameras from the first batches released to resolve the issue.
What’s the fault?
Blackmagic Design has been investigating the image issues since they were first reported. In the press release announcing the recall, the company explained that, “We have found that on approximately 10% of cameras, there can be image artifacts when pushing some of the camera settings. This is caused by a tolerance variation in an electronic component used on the sensor board”. In addition, Blackmagic Design explained that it has “redesigned the sensor board on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K to fix this problem. This new sensor board is Revision B.”
Does my camera need to be repaired?
Blackmagic Design says that any PYXIS 12K cameras that were manufactured before serial number 14221337 require the sensor board upgrade. Newer cameras have the Revision B sensor board installed as standard. The situation is slightly complicated by the fact that some owners were given replacement cameras by resellers from the same pre serial number 14221337 batch. That’s why the Blackmagic Design has chosen to recall all cameras.
How do I get my camera repaired?
If you have a PYXIS 12K camera earlier than serial number 14221337, you can get the Revision B sensor board upgrade for free. You simply need to contact one of Blackmagic Design’s sales offices. The company will then arrange the sensor board upgrade or send you a replacement camera, whichever is fastest.
Plus, Blackmagic Design says that it will keep this offer running for 3 years so you get your camera repaired at a time to suit you.
Blackmagic Design’s full frame 12K sensor delivers up to 16 stops of dynamic range in 12K, 8K or 4K, all without cropping. It was a miracle of engineering that the company fitted the sensor into the smaller PYXIS body. Therefore, it was a disappointment to users when the image issues were first reported. However, problems can occur with any products. The measure of a company is how it responds to those issues. In this case, Blackmagic Design deserves respect for the steps it has taken to identify and then resolve the situation. It’s also good that the company is offering the upgrade for three years. Additionally, the offer of a repair or a new camera means you won’t be out of action too long. If you have a PYXIS 12K you should check the serial number and take action accordingly. We have reproduced the full recall notice below.
Blackmagic Design’s full press release
Fremont, CA, USA – Friday, February 6, 2026 – Today we announced the recall of all Blackmagic PYXIS 12K cameras that were manufactured before serial number 14221337 for a free sensor board upgrade. We have found that on approximately 10% of cameras, there can be image artifacts when pushing some of the camera settings. This is caused by a tolerance variation in an electronic component used on the sensor board.
There is also an additional problem where some customers who experienced this issue had their cameras replaced by resellers from same pre serial number 14221337 batch. These cameras also exhibit the same problem. This means we cannot be confident in any camera that shipped before serial number 14221337 and have decided to recall them.
We have redesigned the sensor board on Blackmagic PYXIS 12K to fix this problem. This new sensor board is Revision B.
Every camera that has been sent to our support offices for repair has had this sensor board upgraded automatically. While only a small percentage of cameras show these artifacts visually, our experience of upgrading cameras over the last few months has shown measurable improvements on every camera.
This means every camera can be improved by doing this upgrade to the Revision B sensor board. The Blackmagic PYXIS 12K was purposefully designed to let cinematographers experience the quality, resolution, and dynamic range of the Blackmagic 12K sensor at a lower cost. It’s the same sensor used on the URSA Cine 12K. It’s an amazing sensor, and we want everyone to get the best performance out of it.
All cameras built over the last few months already include the Revision B sensor board. If your camera has been returned for service in the last few months, then you should also have had the sensor board upgraded automatically. However, it’s a good idea to check with us to confirm that.
Additionally, quite a few cameras before serial number 14221337 were held back in the factory and upgraded with the Revision B sensor board prior to shipment. Please check with our support office to find out if your camera has already been upgraded.
Customers who have a Blackmagic PYXIS 12K camera before serial number 14221337 can get this free Revision B sensor board upgrade. Simply contact any of our sales offices, and we can arrange to get the camera back for a sensor board upgrade. Or a replacement camera. Whatever is fastest. There’s no rush, as we will keep this offer running for 3 years so everyone has time to arrange this upgrade when it is convenient for them.
Availability and Price
A sensor board upgrade, or replacement camera, for Blackmagic PYXIS 12K cameras before serial number 14221337 is available immediately free of charge from Blackmagic Design sales offices.
Contact Your Local Blackmagic Design Office
Contact details for your Blackmagic Design sales office support team are available at www.blackmagicdesign.com/support
