Blackmagic Design has announced a recall of all Blackmagic PYXIS 12K cameras manufactured before serial number 14221337, offering affected customers a free sensor board upgrade or replacement camera.
The move follows internal testing that identified potential image artifacts under certain shooting conditions on a small percentage of units.
According to Blackmagic Design, approximately 10% of early PYXIS 12K cameras may exhibit image artifacts when pushing specific camera settings.
Image Credit: Blackmagic Design
The issue has been traced to a tolerance variation in an electronic component used on the original sensor board design.
While not always visible in everyday shooting scenarios, the artifacts can appear during demanding workflows common in high end cinematography and VFX driven productions.
Complicating matters further, some customers who initially reported the issue received replacement units from the same early production batch through resellers.
These replacement cameras were also affected, leading Blackmagic Design to conclude that any PYXIS 12K camera shipped before serial number 14221337 could not be guaranteed to perform at optimal specifications.
As a result, the company decided to recall all units from that production range.
Revision B Sensor Board Improves Performance Across All Cameras
To resolve the issue, Blackmagic Design redesigned the PYXIS 12K sensor board.
The updated hardware, referred to as Revision B, eliminates the tolerance issue entirely.
Every camera that has been serviced by Blackmagic Design in recent months has already received this updated sensor board automatically.
While only a minority of cameras showed visible artifacts, Blackmagic reports that internal measurements show measurable improvements across all upgraded units.
This means that even cameras that did not exhibit obvious image issues benefit from the Revision B sensor board, delivering improved consistency, image integrity, and performance when pushing the sensor to its limits.
The PYXIS 12K was designed to bring the full quality, resolution, and dynamic range of Blackmagic Design’s 12K sensor to a more accessible price point.
It uses the same sensor found in the URSA Cine 12K, making sensor performance a critical aspect for cinematographers relying on extreme resolution, high dynamic range, and robust color science.
Which Cameras Are Already Updated
All PYXIS 12K cameras manufactured in the last few months already include the Revision B sensor board.
Additionally, many earlier units were held at the factory and upgraded prior to shipment. Customers who have had their cameras serviced recently may also already have the new board installed.
Blackmagic Design recommends contacting their support team to confirm whether a specific camera has already been upgraded, even if it falls below the affected serial number range.
Free Upgrade or Replacement Available for Three Years
Customers who own a Blackmagic PYXIS 12K with a serial number lower than 14221337 are eligible for a free Revision B sensor board upgrade or a replacement camera. The company states that whichever option is fastest will be offered.
There is no urgency required. Blackmagic Design will keep the upgrade program open for three years, allowing owners to schedule the update at a convenient time without disrupting ongoing productions.
Availability and Support
The free sensor board upgrade or replacement camera is available immediately through Blackmagic Design sales offices worldwide.
Customers are advised to contact their local Blackmagic Design support team to arrange service and confirm eligibility.
Support contact details can be found on Blackmagic Design’s official website.
[source: Blackmagic Design]
Order Links:
- Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Cinema Camera (B&H)
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