the blackmagic pyxis has one major flaw (hands on reaction)
TLDRIn this hands-on review, the creator expresses initial reservations about the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K, particularly regarding its operability and ergonomics. The main issue highlighted is the fixed side screen, which lacks mobility and requires an additional $1,700 electronic viewfinder (EVF) for ease of use. The reviewer finds it inconvenient to add an external monitor for each use and criticizes the lack of a top-mounted control interface. They suggest that the camera is not ideal for run-and-gun documentary filmmaking or commercial work due to its design limitations. Despite these concerns, the reviewer acknowledges the camera's value for its price point and potential for improvement in future generations or with additional accessories. They prefer a simpler and more user-friendly camera for their work, hinting at a preference for the 6K fullframe pocket body over the current model.
Takeaways
- 📸 The Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K (Pixus) has a fixed side screen that the reviewer finds inconvenient for shooting without additional accessories.
- 💰 To use the Pixus effectively for shooting, one would need to purchase an additional $1,700 electronic viewfinder (EVF), which the reviewer appreciates but finds it cumbersome to be a mandatory extra.
- 📺 Most external monitors are bulky, and attaching one to the Pixus detracts from its portability and the reviewer's preferred shooting style.
- 📱 The lack of a top-mounted, flip-out monitor or a built-in control interface on the side screen limits the camera's usability for run-and-gun documentary filmmaking.
- 🔴 The Pixus does not have an HDMI output, which is a preferred feature among users in its price range, relying instead on SDI which is less common for the reviewer's use case.
- 📹 The form factor of the Pixus is considered an improvement over the Pocket Cinema Camera line, but the operational flaws mentioned are significant drawbacks.
- 📦 For those who want to start shooting immediately without additional purchases, the reviewer suggests the 6K full-frame Pocket Cinema Camera body as a more straightforward option.
- 💡 The reviewer is not in a rush to buy or review the Pixus due to the identified issues and prefers to wait for potential future improvements or accessories.
- 📈 The Pixus is still considered a great camera for its price point, but the reviewer has specific suggestions for improvement to enhance its solo operability.
- 🔄 The reviewer hopes that future generations of the Pixus or additional accessories could address the mentioned concerns to make it a more user-friendly camera.
- 📷 Usability and simplicity in filming are more important to the reviewer than slight differences in image quality or format, emphasizing the need for a camera that allows for easy operation and control.
- 📵 The reviewer concludes that they are unlikely to create further content related to the Pixus and currently values simplicity and ease of use in gear over specific features or brands.
Q & A
What was the creator's initial reaction to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The creator had reservations about the camera when it was first announced, particularly due to the fixed side screen and lack of a side panel screen or a flip-out screen like on other cameras.
Why did the creator feel the need to test the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The creator wanted to confirm their hypothesis about the camera's operability, ergonomics, and usability by actually using it, as they felt something was wrong on paper and on the website.
What is the main issue with the side screen on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The main issue is that the side screen is fixed and does not move, which makes it difficult to operate the camera without an external monitor or the additional $1,700 electronic viewfinder (EVF).
What is the creator's opinion on the need for an external monitor with the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The creator finds it inconvenient to have to add an external monitor every time they want to use the camera, as it is not a simple process and most external monitors are bulky.
Why does the creator think the camera is not suitable for run-and-gun documentary filmmaking?
-The creator believes the camera is not suitable for this type of filmmaking because it lacks a small, controllable monitor on the top that can be used to change settings and review playback without tilting the head to the side of the camera.
What does the creator suggest as an ideal solution for the camera's control and monitoring?
-The creator suggests that a first-party solution like an accessory similar to the EVF, which includes camera control and monitoring that can be attached to the top of the camera, would be ideal.
What is the creator's view on the target audience for the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The creator speculates that the camera might be aimed at corporate interview setups or broadcast professionals who use tripods, where the fixed screen and lack of top controls might not be as much of an issue.
Why does the creator prefer the 6K fullframe pocket body over the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The creator prefers the 6K fullframe pocket body because it allows for immediate filming without the need to purchase any additional accessories, making it more user-friendly and straightforward.
What is the creator's final verdict on the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The creator acknowledges that the camera is a great value for its price point but has some specific issues that need to be addressed. They are not interested in reviewing it or buying it at the moment and will hold off until potential improvements or accessories are released.
What alternative camera does the creator consider more user-friendly than the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K?
-The creator considers the $1,700 FX30 to be more user-friendly, despite it not being full-frame, because of its simpler operation and feel.
What does the creator emphasize as the most important factor when choosing a camera for their work?
-The creator emphasizes simplicity and ease of use as the most important factors when choosing a camera, more so than minor differences in image quality or other technical specifications.
Outlines
📹 First Impressions and Ergonomic Concerns with the Blackmagic Pixus
The speaker shares their initial reservations about the Blackmagic Pixus, particularly regarding its built-in side screen that doesn't move. They express concerns about the camera's operability and ergonomics, especially when compared to other models like the Alexa Mini or the FX6/FX9. The speaker also mentions the need to purchase an additional $1,700 electronic viewfinder (EVF) for a better shooting experience, which they find inconvenient. They criticize the lack of a top-mounted, controllable monitor and the reliance on an external monitor for control and review, which they find impractical for quick shooting. The speaker suggests that the Pixus might be more suited for a specific subset of users, like those in corporate settings, rather than for versatile, on-the-go shooting.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Blackmagic Pyxis
💡6K Fullframe
💡Ergonomics
💡External Monitor
💡EVF (Electronic Viewfinder)
💡Usability
💡HDMI Out
💡SDI (Serial Digital Interface)
💡Form Factor
💡Accessories
💡Hands-On Experience
Highlights
The Blackmagic Pyxis has a built-in screen that is fixed on the side and does not move.
The lack of a side panel screen or a top-mounted control like on an Alexa Mini or FX6/FX9 is a concern.
To use the Pyxis without additional purchases, one would need to buy a $1,700 EVF.
Adding an external monitor is cumbersome and most external monitors are bulky.
The camera's design is ergonomically challenging for handheld operation without an additional monitor or EVF.
The speaker has been making videos for 15 years and values the ease of use in cameras.
The Pyxis's side screen could have been designed to flip out like on an Ursa camera.
There is a suggestion for Blackmagic to create a first-party accessory for better control and monitoring.
The camera may be more suited for broadcast or corporate interviews rather than run-and-gun documentary filmmaking.
The speaker prefers a camera with a small, controllable monitor on top for ease of use.
The Pyxis lacks an HDMI out, which is surprising for its price point and target market.
The single SDI output is not as useful for the intended user base of the camera.
The form factor of the Pyxis is generally considered better than the Pocket series.
The speaker would choose the 6K Full Frame Pocket Body for immediate filming without additional accessories.
The speaker has minor nitpicks for the Pyxis and is not in a rush to purchase or review it.
There is hope that future generations or accessories will improve the Pyxis's usability.
The speaker values usability and simplicity in a camera over slight differences in image quality.
The speaker concludes that the Pyxis, despite its price point, is not the simplest or easiest camera to use for their needs.