Blackmagic Design’s PYXIS 6K has been a very popular budget cinema camera. However, with the new Pro Handle and Pro Grip, you can transform your PYXIS into a run-and-gun camera for broadcast and documentary work.
PYXIS Pro Handle
Blackmagic Design’s PYXIS Pro Handle attaches to the top of your PYXIS camera and connects via a single USB-C cable with locking screws. It features an integrated viewfinder with a high-quality HD OLED display. The viewfinder also includes a built-in proximity sensor and a four-element glass diopter. This gives you a wide -4 to +4 focus adjustment to compensate for glasses wearers. There’s even a built-in digital focus chart so you can ensure perfect viewfinder focus. In addition, the viewfinder displays important status information such as frame guides. The viewfinder pivots up and down so you can comfortably shoot from high or low positions as well.
Stereo microphone
The PYXIS Pro Handle incorporates a high-quality stereo microphone with an ultra-low noise floor. In combination with the audio connections on the camera, this microphone means that you can record separate audio tracks without an external mixer. The top of the Pro Handle also features a tally light, customizable function buttons, and a record start/stop button. In addition, it features an assignable zoom rocker so you can control compatible zoom lenses. The handle offers two 1/4″ thread mounts for attaching accessories such as video lights or wireless receivers as well.
PYXIS Pro Grip
Blackmagic Design’s PYXIS Pro Grip adds a video-style side grip for broadcast production to the side of your PYXIS. It connects to the camera’s USB-C port or to the USB-C loop port on the Blackmagic PYXIS Pro Handle if attached. The Pro Grip also incorporates an adjustable hand strap for secure and comfortable shooting and adds a record start/stop button under your thumb. In addition, like the Pro Handle, it gives you a customizable zoom rocker for controlling compatible zoom lenses.
Broadcast and television news
Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO, said, “Blackmagic PYXIS has been well received, but we’ve wanted to make it an even better camera for broadcast and television news. These new accessories push Blackmagic PYXIS way beyond what a traditional broadcast camera can do. When combined with Blackmagic Cloud, customers can be out on a job and have footage arriving back at the studio in real time. We can’t wait to see more digital film quality in the broadcast environment!”
What we think
Since the arrival of DSLR video with the Canon 5D Mark II, independent filmmakers have moved away from the traditional camcorder form factor. However, Sony and Canon still produce a range of professional camcorders that are used for television news and documentary work. The Blackmagic Design Pro Handle and Pro Grip give you all the benefits of a camcorder with the image quality of a cinema camera. Blackmagic’s BRAW files are easy to color grade and flexible in post-production, which is great for run and gun shooting. In addition, the PYXIS 12K is soon to be released, giving you even greater resolution and dynamic range. The Blackmagic Design Pro Handle and Pro Grip aren’t for everyone, but will be the perfect solutions for some filmmakers.
Availability
The Blackmagic PYXIS Pro Handle and Blackmagic PYXIS Pro Grip will be available in July 2025. Depending on tariffs, the Blackmagic PYXIS Pro Handle should be priced at $895 and the Blackmagic PYXIS Pro Grip at $119.
