Blackmagic Design launches $295 Blackmagic PYXIS monitor

The new Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor is a versatile 5-inch HDR touchscreen monitor with full camera control for the Blackmagic PYXIS.

The Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor is an adjustable high brightness monitor designed for the Blackmagic PYXIS camera. So far so good, but the company is keen to point out that it’s more than just a simple external monitor. Because they’ve developed it in house they’ve been able to build it as a powerful extension of the camera with a touchscreen so customers can control all of the camera’s features. 

That means users can access all the Blackmagic PYXIS menus and settings from the monitor. They can even open metadata settings and enter digital slate information, or load custom 3D LUTs for a true high end cinema workflow.

Multiple mounting points make it easy to attach directly to the camera and work it as a large viewfinder, or to any camera rig for easier focusing and framing. It works with any 1/4″ mounts and supports industry standard 1/4″ mount locating pins. This gives it a lot of flexibility; you can use it as a viewfinder or as an assist station for the on-set crew in any location that the single USB-C cable connection can reach. When mounted, customers can even rotate it 180º and use it as a presenter monitor.

It features a 1500 nit high brightness screen and a removable sunshade that also folds up to protect the monitor when not in use or when traveling.

When recording, the monitor has a bright tally light that’s easy to see from a distance. Plus, there are three customizable buttons for quick access to zebra, focus assist, false color, and more. The design also allows customers to locate these custom buttons by feel, even when using the monitor from the front.

Given that the two cameras were designed sat the same time, it’s no surprise to learn that the monitor also ‘works perfectly’ with the Blackmagic URSA Cine.

It's not available just yet, though it will be demoed at IBC. And, as the headline above states, it’s going to be available from $295 or equivalent when it releases by the end of the year, which looks like it is going to be a lot of monitor for the money.

“Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor is more than just an external monitor, it’s an extension of the camera with full camera control that you can place almost anywhere,” said Grant Petty, Blackmagic Design CEO. “We want a camera that’s as riggable as the Blackmagic PYXIS to have really flexible high end accessories. Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor is perfectly integrated into the design of the camera, but also works well with our high end Blackmagic URSA Cine cameras. We think customers are going to love how flexible the Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor is and we can’t wait to see how our they use it!”

Blackmagic PYXIS Monitor Key Features

• 5″ HDR touchscreen monitor with full camera control.
• Multiple mounting points on top and bottom.
• All video, power and camera control via a single USB-C connection
• Removable sunshade for improved visibility
• Built in tally light
• 3 user assignable buttons for quick access to functions.
• Built in accelerometer for image orientation
• Available as monitor only ($295), monitor with PYXIS Monitor Mount, or monitor with EVF mount (both of which versions bump the price up).