the blackmagic pyxis has one major flaw (hands on reaction)

patrick 2masso
15 Apr 202405:00

TLDRThe reviewer shares their hands-on experience with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, expressing initial reservations about its design and operability. They criticize the fixed side screen and lack of a top-mounted control interface, which necessitates the purchase of an additional $1,700 electronic viewfinder (EVF) for ease of use. The reviewer also mentions the inconvenience of adding a bulky external monitor and the lack of HDMI output, which is a preferred feature in the camera's price range. Despite these drawbacks, they acknowledge the camera's value for its price and potential for improvement in future generations or with additional accessories. The summary concludes with the reviewer's preference for simplicity and ease of use in a camera, suggesting that they might opt for a different model that meets these criteria more effectively.

Takeaways

  • 📸 The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (Pixus) has a fixed side screen that cannot be moved or flipped out, which is a significant operational flaw.
  • 💰 To use the Pixus without additional accessories, one must purchase a $1,700 external viewfinder (EVF), which is not ideal for a camera aimed at a more budget-conscious market.
  • 🔒 Ergonomics are a concern as the camera lacks a side panel screen or controls, making it difficult to operate without an external monitor.
  • 📺 External monitors, even from Blackmagic, tend to be bulky, which the reviewer finds inconvenient for a camera that should be easy to use.
  • 🚫 The Pixus does not have HDMI out, which is a standard for many in its price range, instead offering SDI which is less relevant to the target audience.
  • 📈 The reviewer prefers the form factor of the Pixus over the previous Pocket Cinema Camera models, but usability issues remain.
  • 🎥 The camera is considered a good value for its price point, but there is room for improvement to make it more user-friendly.
  • 🚧 The reviewer suggests that a first-party accessory that includes camera control and monitoring would be a welcome addition.
  • 📱 The reviewer is not interested in purchasing or reviewing the Pixus due to the identified issues, preferring simpler and more intuitive camera systems.
  • 📹 The reviewer compares the Pixus to other cameras like the FX30 and finds that usability and simplicity are more important than minor differences in image quality.
  • 🔄 The reviewer hopes that future generations of the Pixus or additional accessories will address the current usability issues.
  • 📲 The reviewer is currently shooting on an iPhone, indicating a shift away from traditional camera gear due to the Pixus's shortcomings.

Q & A

  • What was the initial hypothesis of the reviewer about the Blackmagic Pyxis based on its announcement?

    -The reviewer's initial hypothesis was that there might be some issues with the operability, ergonomics, and usability of the Blackmagic Pyxis, particularly regarding its design and functionality.

  • What is the main issue the reviewer has with the side screen of the Pyxis?

    -The main issue is that the side screen is fixed and does not move. It cannot be used for adjusting settings or monitoring without an external monitor, which the reviewer finds inconvenient.

  • How much does the optional EVF for the Pyxis cost?

    -The optional EVF for the Pyxis costs $1,700.

  • What is the reviewer's main concern with using an external monitor for the Pyxis?

    -The reviewer is concerned about the inconvenience of having to add an external monitor every time they want to use the camera, as well as the bulkiness of most external monitors available in the market.

  • What feature does the reviewer wish the Pyxis had instead of the side screen?

    -The reviewer wishes the Pyxis had a removable, top-mounted monitor like the one on the Ursa or a first-party accessory similar to the EVF, which includes camera control and monitoring.

  • What type of camera users does the reviewer believe the Pyxis may be targeting?

    -The reviewer believes the Pyxis may be targeting broadcast and corporate users who conduct interviews and use the camera on a tripod, where the current design limitations may not be as impactful.

  • Which camera does the reviewer prefer over the Pyxis for immediate filming without additional accessories?

    -The reviewer prefers the 6K fullframe pocket body over the Pyxis for immediate filming without needing to buy any accessories.

  • What is the reviewer's main criterion for choosing a camera?

    -The reviewer prioritizes simplicity and ease of use over minor differences in image quality or other technical specifications when choosing a camera.

  • Why does the reviewer mention shooting the video on an iPhone?

    -The reviewer mentions shooting the video on an iPhone to emphasize their belief that in the current landscape of video equipment, simplicity and ease of use are more important than the specific gear used.

  • What does the reviewer suggest for future generations of the Pyxis?

    -The reviewer suggests that future generations of the Pyxis could benefit from added accessories or design improvements that make it easier to use as a solo operator.

Outlines

00:00

📹 Initial Impressions and Concerns with the Blackmagic Pixus

The speaker begins by sharing their initial reservations about the Blackmagic Pixus, expressing concerns about its operability, ergonomics, and usability. They mention a hypothesis from a previous video that was confirmed about the 6K box camera. The main issue highlighted is the fixed side screen, which the speaker finds impractical for quick adjustments and shooting without additional accessories. They also touch upon the need for an external monitor and the impracticality of controlling the camera from such a monitor. The speaker emphasizes their preference for a camera that is easy to pick up and start shooting with, and suggests that the Pixus might not cater to their style of documentary filmmaking or commercial work.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Blackmagic Pyxis

The Blackmagic Pyxis is a camera mentioned in the video. It is the central subject of the review, with the creator expressing concerns about its design and usability. The camera is noted for its lack of a movable screen and the necessity to purchase an additional viewfinder for ease of use, which is a significant point of discussion in the video.

💡6K Fullframe

The term '6K Fullframe' refers to a type of camera sensor size and resolution. In the context of the video, it is used to compare the Blackmagic Pyxis with other cameras. The creator had previously discussed a 6K Fullframe camera in another video, leading to a hypothesis about the Pyxis which is confirmed through hands-on experience.

💡Ergonomics

Ergonomics is the study of designing equipment and devices that fit the human body and its movements comfortably. In the video, the term is used to criticize the Pyxis's design, specifically the fixed side screen that the creator finds impractical for shooting without additional accessories.

💡External Monitor

An external monitor is a separate display device that can be attached to a camera to provide a larger, clearer view of the shot and control over camera settings. The video discusses the inconvenience of having to add an external monitor to the Pyxis to operate it effectively, which goes against the modern trend of pick-up-and-shoot convenience.

💡EVF (Electronic Viewfinder)

An Electronic Viewfinder (EVF) is a device used on cameras to provide a real-time display of what the camera sees, which can also include camera settings. The video mentions a $1,700 EVF as an accessory for the Pyxis that the creator appreciates but criticizes the need to purchase it separately for a seamless shooting experience.

💡HDMI out

HDMI out refers to the output connection that uses the HDMI standard to transmit video and audio data. The video script mentions the lack of an HDMI output on the Pyxis as a downside, as many users in its price range prefer HDMI monitors over the SDI output provided by the camera.

💡Form Factor

Form factor describes the shape, size, and general design of a device. The video contrasts the Pyxis's form factor with that of the Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, suggesting that despite the Pyxis being a 'box' camera, the non-box camera might be more user-friendly for quick shooting without additional accessories.

💡Usability

Usability refers to how easy and intuitive a product is to use. The video focuses on the Pyxis's usability issues, particularly the lack of a swiveling screen and the need for extra accessories to operate the camera comfortably, which the creator sees as a step back from the ease of use expected in modern cameras.

💡Accessories

Accessories are additional components or devices that can be used with a primary product to enhance its functionality. The script discusses the need for purchasing extra accessories with the Pyxis, such as an EVF or an external monitor, which the creator views as a negative aspect due to the added cost and inconvenience.

💡Broadcast Corporate People

This term refers to professionals in the broadcasting or corporate sector who may use cameras for interviews or other professional settings. The video suggests that the Pyxis might be more suited for such users who typically mount the camera on a tripod, rather than for those who require a more portable and flexible shooting style.

💡Solo Operator

A solo operator is a person who manages all aspects of a filming operation by themselves. The video expresses the need for a camera that is easy to control and operate as a solo operator, which the creator feels the Pyxis does not currently offer without additional investment in accessories.

Highlights

The Blackmagic Pyxis has a major flaw in its design that affects operability and usability.

The camera's side screen is fixed and non-removable, which is inconvenient for shooting without additional accessories.

To operate the Pyxis without an external monitor, one must purchase a $1,700 EVF.

Adding an external monitor is cumbersome due to their bulkiness, especially those from Blackmagic.

External monitors do not offer control over the camera, requiring awkward operation.

The reviewer suggests a first-party accessory similar to the EVF with integrated controls and monitoring.

The Pyxis is not suitable for run-and-gun documentary filmmaking or commercial work without additional equipment.

The reviewer prefers a small, controllable monitor on top of the camera for ease of use.

The camera lacks an HDMI out, which is a preferred feature for many in its price range.

The single SDI output is not practical for the intended user base of the camera.

The form factor of the Pyxis is generally liked, but it's not as user-friendly as the 6K fullframe pocket body.

The 6K fullframe pocket body is considered a better option for immediate filming without additional purchases.

The reviewer has minor nitpicks and is not in a rush to buy or review the Pyxis.

The camera is praised for its price point, but there are concerns about its practicality for solo operators.

The reviewer hopes for future generations or accessories to improve the Pyxis's usability.

The camera's image quality is considered subjective and less important than its usability.

The simplicity and ease of use of a camera are more critical factors for the reviewer than minor differences in image quality.

The reviewer is unlikely to create more content about the Pyxis and is currently shooting on an iPhone, indicating a shift in gear preference.