the blackmagic pyxis has one major flaw (hands on reaction)
TLDRThe video reviewer expresses mixed feelings about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, or "Pixus." While acknowledging the camera's good value for its price point, they highlight a significant operational flaw: the fixed side screen that doesn't allow for easy adjustments or shooting without additional accessories. The reviewer, who has been making videos for 15 years, prefers the simplicity and usability of the camera, which they feel the Pixus lacks, especially when compared to other models like the Kodak or the FX series. They also mention the inconvenience of the camera's HDMI output and the need for a top-mounted monitor for better control. Despite these criticisms, they recognize the camera's potential for some users and hope that future generations or accessories will address these issues. The reviewer concludes by stating that usability and simplicity are more important to them than slight differences in image quality.
Takeaways
- 📸 **Static Side Screen**: The Blackmagic Pyxis has a built-in side screen that doesn't move, which is a major usability issue for the reviewer.
- 💰 **Expensive Add-on**: To operate the camera without difficulties, one would need to purchase an additional $1,700 electronic viewfinder (EVF).
- 🔒 **Lack of Ergonomics**: The camera lacks a side panel screen or a top handle with controls, which would make it easier to use on the go.
- 📺 **Bulky Monitors**: Adding an external monitor to the Pyxis makes it bulky, which is inconvenient for the type of shooting the reviewer prefers.
- 📱 **Control Issues**: Even with an external monitor, there's no way to control the camera directly from it, which is a significant drawback.
- 🎥 **Not Ideal for Run-and-Gun**: The Pyxis is not suitable for run-and-gun documentary filmmaking or commercial work due to its design.
- 🔧 **Need for a Top Handle**: The reviewer suggests a top handle accessory with camera control and monitoring would greatly improve the camera's usability.
- 📹 **Comparison to Pocket Cinema**: The reviewer finds the 6K full-frame pocket body to be a more straightforward option without needing additional accessories.
- 📈 **Room for Improvement**: The reviewer believes the Pyxis is a great camera for its price but has specific areas where it could be improved.
- 📉 **Hesitation to Purchase**: Despite the camera's price point, the reviewer is hesitant to buy or review it due to the mentioned issues.
- ⏹️ **Preference for Simplicity**: The reviewer values simplicity and ease of use over slight differences in image quality, advocating for a camera that allows for straightforward operation.
Q & A
What was the initial reaction to the Blackmagic Pyxis when it was first announced?
-The speaker had reservations and a hypothesis that the 6K box camera might not make sense from an operability standpoint, ergonomics, and usability.
What is the main issue with the Blackmagic Pyxis's design according to the speaker?
-The main issue is the fixed side screen that doesn't move and the lack of a side panel screen for easy control and monitoring, which requires an additional $1,700 EVF for better operability.
Why does adding an external monitor to the Pyxis present a problem for the speaker?
-Adding an external monitor is not a preferred solution because it is cumbersome, most external monitors are bulky, and they still do not allow for direct control of the camera from the monitor.
What is the speaker's opinion on the usability of the Pyxis for documentary filmmaking?
-The speaker believes the Pyxis is not suitable for run-and-gun documentary filmmaking or commercial work due to the lack of a conveniently controllable, small monitor on the top.
What alternative camera does the speaker suggest as a better option without needing additional accessories?
-The speaker suggests the 6K Full Frame Pocket Body as a better option that requires no additional accessories to start filming immediately.
What feature does the Pyxis lack that the speaker considers important for the camera's usability?
-The Pyxis lacks an HDMI output, which the speaker considers important for the camera's usability, especially in the $3,000 price market.
What is the speaker's overall opinion on the Blackmagic Pyxis's price point?
-Despite the issues mentioned, the speaker acknowledges that the Pyxis is still a great camera for its price point, but it has room for improvement.
What does the speaker suggest might be the target audience for the Pyxis?
-The speaker suggests that the Pyxis might be aimed at broadcast and corporate users who are conducting interviews and using the camera on a tripod.
What is the speaker's recommendation for the next generation of the Pyxis?
-The speaker hopes that in the next generation or through new accessories, the Pyxis could be improved to be more user-friendly for solo operators.
Why is the speaker not interested in reviewing the Pyxis?
-The speaker's hands-on experience confirmed their initial hesitations, and they do not find the Pyxis to be the simplest and easiest to use, which is their priority for making great work.
What does the speaker value more in a camera: image quality or usability?
-The speaker values usability and simplicity of operation more than slight differences in image quality or the presence of RAW capabilities.
Outlines
📹 Initial Impressions and Concerns with Blackmagic Pixus
The speaker discusses their initial reservations about the Blackmagic Pixus camera, particularly concerning its operability, ergonomics, and usability. They mention a hypothesis from a previous video and express their desire to test the camera to confirm their suspicions. The main issue highlighted is the fixed side screen, which they find impractical for quick adjustments and shooting without additional accessories. They also criticize the lack of a top-mounted monitor and the necessity of purchasing an expensive electronic viewfinder (EVF) for better control and monitoring. The speaker contrasts this with other cameras like the Alexa Mini and FX6/FX9, which offer more user-friendly solutions. They suggest that the Pixus might be more suitable for corporate interviews rather than run-and-gun documentary filmmaking and express their preference for a simpler, more accessible camera for such purposes.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Blackmagic Pyxis
💡Screen on the side
💡External monitor
💡Ergonomics
💡Usability
💡Hypothesis
💡Running gun documentary filmmaking
💡Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K
💡EVF (Electronic Viewfinder)
💡HDMI out
💡Price point
Highlights
The Blackmagic Pyxis has a major flaw in its design, particularly the fixed side screen.
The side screen cannot be moved or flipped out, unlike the Ursa or other cameras with a side panel screen.
To operate the camera without an additional $1,700 EVF, an external monitor is required.
Adding an external monitor is cumbersome and not ideal for quick shooting.
Most external monitors are bulky and do not offer direct control over the camera.
The lack of a top-mounted controllable monitor is a significant usability issue.
The camera is not suitable for run-and-gun documentary filmmaking or commercial work without additional accessories.
The reviewer prefers a camera with a simple and easy-to-use design over minor differences in image quality.
The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K Fullframe is a more user-friendly option for quick filming without additional accessories.
The Pyxis is a great camera for its price point but has room for improvement.
The reviewer suggests that Blackmagic could improve the Pyxis with first-party accessories for better control.
The lack of HDMI output is a downside for many users who prefer HDMI monitors.
The single SDI output is not sufficient for the intended user base of the camera.
The form factor of the Pyxis is an improvement over the Pocket Cinema Camera, but usability is still a concern.
The reviewer does not plan to purchase or review the Pyxis due to its current design limitations.
The camera's usability and simplicity are more important than its price or image quality for the reviewer.
The reviewer prefers to use a camera that offers the most straightforward and easiest operation.
The reviewer is not planning to create more content about the Pyxis and is currently shooting on an iPhone.