The camera experienced three instances of locking up, either turning off or displaying a black screen during or after recording, despite using approved media and being in a cool environment.
Blackmagic support suggested a potential hardware issue, possibly related to overheating or a loud fan, or a media issue, though the speaker's testing ruled out the latter.
The support team advised returning the camera to B&H within the 30-day window for a faster resolution than an RMA.
A crucial lesson learned from pre-ordering was to select "ship all items together" to avoid return window issues with accessories.
The speaker spent over $7,500 on the camera and accessories, with many accessories now non-returnable.
He is contemplating whether to repurchase the Pyxis 12K, invest in a set of lenses, or save up for a more professional camera like an Arri Alexa Mini.
Despite his personal issues, he clarifies this is not a general slam against the Pyxis 12K, acknowledging he may have received a defective unit.
The speaker highlights his positive experience with Blackmagic's customer support.
He chose to call support after failing to find solutions online.
He was connected with Byron, a support agent, within five minutes.
Byron diagnosed the issue as likely a hardware problem, potentially related to overheating or a malfunctioning fan.
This aligns with the speaker's prior observation about the camera's loud fan noise.
The Fan Noise Section from My First Impression Video [03:10]
The speaker revisits his first impressions of the Pyxis 12K's fan noise, suggesting it might be connected to the current issues.
He previously noted how loud the fan was, often requiring him to turn off the camera during recordings to avoid noise interference.
A comparison video snippet highlights the Pyxis 12K's loud fan versus the quieter Pyxis 6K.
Speaker demonstrating the Blackmagic Pyxis 6K camera for fan noise comparison
[
00:03:25
]
Despite concerns about clicking or ticking, the fan simply seemed to be constantly loud.
Byron also mentioned media issues as a possibility if unapproved cards are used.
The speaker confirmed he was using an approved OWC Type B Atlas card and performed health checks, ruling out media as the cause since short clips failed while hour-long clips completed without issues.
The camera locked up in a 68°F room, suggesting overheating due to ambient temperature was unlikely.
Blackmagic Support, Possible Issues & RMA Times [04:43]
The speaker discusses the options provided by Blackmagic support.
Blackmagic offered an RMA process, estimating a 10-business-day turnaround for repair, though this could vary without a physical diagnosis.
Byron suggested that if still within the return window, returning to the retailer (B&H) for an exchange or refund and purchasing a new unit would be faster.
B&H could ship a new camera to his location in Ohio within two days.
The speaker shares a significant lesson learned regarding pre-orders and accessories.
He advises selecting "ship all items together" when pre-ordering cameras and accessories.
He chose "ship items as fast as you can," leading to his accessories arriving months before the camera.
While the camera is within the 30-day return window, his accessories are not.
He spent $7,513.63 on the Pyxis and various accessories:
Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K Cinema Camera
Online retailer listing for the Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K Cinema Camera
[
00:05:49
]
OWC 1TB Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B Memory Card
Online retailer listing for the OWC 1TB Atlas CFexpress 4.0 Type B Memory Card
[
00:05:51
]
Tilta Camera Cage Pro Kit
Online retailer listing for the Tilta Camera Cage Pro Kit for Blackmagic PYXIS
[
00:05:54
]
DZOFILM Octopus Adapter (PL to L)
Online retailer listing for the DZOFILM Octopus Adapter (PL to L)
[
00:05:56
]
XLCS Locking EVF Cable
Online retailer listing for the XLCS Locking EVF Cable for Blackmagic Pyxis
[
00:05:58
]
Blackmagic Design PYXIS Monitor
Online retailer listing for the Blackmagic Design PYXIS Monitor
[
00:05:59
]
The only accessory he will keep is the Sennheiser MKE 400 microphone, which he purchased separately based on viewer recommendations, praising its quality over the camera's internal microphones.
Online retailer listing for the Sennheiser MKE 400 Mobile Kit
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00:06:03
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So... Another Pyxis 12K, or Something Else? [06:25]
The speaker is currently undecided on his next steps.
He has initiated the return process for the Pyxis 12K.
Options include waiting to acquire another Pyxis 12K, selling the non-returnable accessories to fund a different camera, or investing further in lenses.
He aims to complete his set of Arles lenses, believing lenses offer more longevity than camera bodies.
He considered a Lumix camera for its open gate capabilities, which he needed for a current project, but has already started that project on his Sony cameras due to the Pyxis return.
He also ponders saving for a used Arri Alexa Mini for long-term filmmaking goals, noting their reliability despite high hours.
eBay listing for a used ARRI Alexa Mini kit
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00:07:09
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Close-up of the ARRI Alexa Mini listing showing 7,559 recorded hours
[
00:07:14
]
Not A Slam Against the Pyxis 12K, If You Want One - Get One [07:26]
The speaker concludes by clarifying his stance on the Pyxis 12K.
He emphasizes that his experience is with a defective unit and is not meant to deter others from purchasing the camera.
He feels "burned" by the process, especially after the long wait, tariff payment, and non-returnable accessories.
He acknowledges that these issues can be part of the experience when pre-ordering new technology.
