When Blackmagic announced the PYXIS 12K, they introduced a camera with a full-frame RGBW 12K sensor in a compact body, combining performance from the URSA Cine line with the nimbleness of a cube-style rig. It has dual CFexpress Type B slots and a USB-C expansion port for external recording. Let’s take a look at which cards are approved to keep up with it.
The PYXIS 12K was released earlier this year (and by reports is getting into the hands of first customers now), and it’s featuring a full-frame 36 x 24mm RGBW sensor with a 12,288 x 8,040 resolution. The camera does up to 60 fps at 12K 2.4:1, 50 fps at 12K 17:9, 45 fps at 12K 16:9, and 40 fps in 12K open gate; it also reaches 112 fps at 8K or 4K in 2.4:1. Blackmagic Design claims that it reaches 16 stops of dynamic range, which is of course something we will try to verify in our Lab Test once we get that camera.
Why card choice matters
Because the data rates required for 12K and high-frame 8K/9K/6K modes are extremely demanding, your choice of CFexpress card isn’t a side detail. It’s a gating factor. Use a weak card, and you’ll either see dropped frames, write errors, or forced bitrate limitations. Use a strong card, and you unleash the sensor’s (and camera’s) full potential.
Recommended CFexpress cards for Blackmagic PYXIS 12K
The following CFexpress cards are recommended for recording 12K 16:9 Blackmagic RAW 8:1 up to 45 fps, and 8K 3:2 (Open Gate) Blackmagic RAW 5:1 up to 60 fps.
It’s curious why there are only some CFExpress B v2.0 cards from some manufacturers (OWC, ProGrade Digital) even though they also have v4.0 cards already – but since Blackmagic apparently tested all of them, we should trust this list.
Angelbird
- AV PRO SE CFexpress B v4 MK2, 512 GB, CFexpress 4.0 Type B
- AV PRO SE CFexpress B v4 MK2, 1 TB, CFexpress 4.0 Type B
- AV PRO SX, 160 GB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B
- AV PRO SX, 330 GB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B
- AV PRO MK2, 1 TB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B
- AV PRO MK2, 4 TB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B
Delkin Devices
- Black VPG 400, 512 GB, CFexpress 4.0 Type B
ExAscend
- Element Pro CFexpress 4.0 Type B (1TB)
Lexar
- Professional Gold Series, 2 TB, CFexpress 4.0 Type B
- Professional Gold Series, 4 TB, CFexpress 4.0 Type B
- Professional Diamond Series VPG 400, 512 GB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B
OWC
- Atlas Ultra, 325GB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B
ProGrade Digital
- Cobalt, 650GB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B
Wise
- PRO CFX4-B1024PM3, 1TB, CFexpress 4.0 Type B
Source: Blackmagic Support, PYXIS 12K recommended CFexpress cards.
Price and availability
The cards above reflect Blackmagic’s official recommended media list for the PYXIS 12K, and prices vary by capacity and retailer. For more information, see their respective websites.
Are you already shooting PYXIS 12K, and which CFexpress cards have been solid for you? Let us know in the comments.