In the fast-paced world of filmmaking and photography, the right gear can make or break your workflow. That’s why at XLCS Designs, we are excited to introduce two new cages for the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K , a meticulously crafted rigging solution designed specifically for the PYXIS camera.
Think of this cage as an insurance policy as well as a means to rig your camera. Precision machined from one solid piece of 6061 Grade Aluminum, the cage is both more robust and unique in build when compared to typical Top/Bottom/Side Plate “cage” systems from other manufacturers.
XLCS Designs Full Metal Jacket
Dubbed the Full Metal Jacket, this cage is specially designed for the L-Mount version of the PYXIS. The addition of the front “face plate” serves to further protect your camera, while also giving you more options for locking various lens adapters to the cage itself.
The cage is designed to mimic the surface and mount placement of the Blackmagic PYXIS Camera itself--meaning proprietary Blackmagic accessories can mount easily to the cage; including the Blackmagic Top Handle, EVF and LCD Screen. At only 670g (23.6 oz) the Full Metal Jacket cage for Blackmagic PYXIS 6K is also lighter than many other systems--while still offering significantly more protection and mounting options.
XLCS Designs Hollow Point
Meet the Hollow Point, this cage includes most of the same features as the Full Metal Jacket - however the faceplate is removed to allow for the PL or EF mount of the PYXIS to pass through. The Hollow Point can accommodate all models of the PYXIS (EF/PL/L Mount), and you're still able to use the Universal Adapter Lock if you decide to load an L-Mount into this cage.
Additionally, our USBC Cable Lock for the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K can be used on the face of the cage if you opt to use a standard, non-locking cable with your PYXIS. The Blackmagic PYXIS proprietary EVF/Monitor USBC Locking Cable is also compatible with this cage.
Incredibly, you can even mount 15mm rods to the front and back of the cages giving you the standard 60mm spacing needed for standard 15mm rod accessories. This means you can add battery plates and follow focuses directly to the cage without the need for an additional 15mm rail mount. This feature is especially important if you wish to power your PYXIS with external power.
The XLCS Blackmagic PYXIS Cages Feature:
- 300+ threaded mounting points (incl. 32x 3/8”-16 w/Arri spacing)
- 2x built-in Nato rails for mounting side handles
- 1x built-in Rosette mount
- 3x built-in cold shoe mounts
- 2x Universal Adapter Lock mounting location*
- 1x Adapter Specific Lock mounting location*
- Locking Body Cap (L-Mount Only)
- LCD Screen Cover/Hood mount options*
- Direct-to-Cage 15mm Rod mount options*
- Backplate mounting options*
- LCD Tempered Glass Screen Protector options*
Building a perfect rig is not just about adding accessories but about enhancing your efficiency and improving the quality of your work. The cage is designed to mimic the surface and mount placement of the Blackmagic PYXIS Camera itself–meaning proprietary Blackmagic accessories can mount easily to the cage; including the Blackmagic Top Handle, EVF and LCD Screen.
PYXIS Camera Introduction
The Blackmagic PYXIS is a high-end digital film camera designed to deliver exceptional image quality and versatility. With its full frame 36 x 24mm 6K sensor and wide dynamic range, this camera is perfect for feature film, television programming, and documentaries. The Blackmagic PYXIS is specifically designed to provide a cinematic look and feel, making it an excellent choice for filmmakers and videographers. Whether you’re shooting a blockbuster feature film or an intimate documentary, the Blackmagic PYXIS ensures that your footage will have the professional quality and depth that audiences expect.
Camera Body and Image Quality
The Blackmagic PYXIS camera body is made from precision CNC machined aerospace aluminum, making it lightweight yet strong. This robust construction ensures durability while maintaining a compact design that is easy to handle. The camera features multiple mounting points and accessory side plates, allowing for maximum customizability to suit any shooting scenario. The full frame sensor provides 13 stops of dynamic range and dual native ISO up to 25,600, ensuring great images in all lighting conditions. Additionally, the camera includes a built-in optical low pass filter to reduce moiré and aliasing, and supports a range of lens adapters, including L-Mount, EF, and PL-Mount, giving you the flexibility to use a variety of lenses to achieve your desired look.
Cage System and Accessories
The XLCS PYXIS cage system is designed to provide a secure and stable mounting point for accessories, enhancing the camera’s versatility. The top plate is compatible with the SHAPE Pro Top Handle L-Shape with ARRI Standard Thread, offering a reliable grip and additional mounting options. The 15mm LWS rod system provides a secure and stable mounting point for accessories such as follow focuses, matte boxes, and more. The cage system is also compatible with other accessories, such as extension arms and various lens adapters, making it an excellent choice for filmmakers and videographers who need a customizable and adaptable setup. With the Blackmagic PYXIS cage system, you can build the perfect rig for any shooting situation.
Recording and Storage
The Blackmagic PYXIS records in Blackmagic RAW to preserve control of detail, exposure, and color during post-production, ensuring the highest quality footage. The camera also records HD H.264 proxies in real-time, making it easy to share media around the world in minutes. With two built-in CFexpress card recorders and a USB-C expansion port, you can record directly to external flash media disks or an SSD, providing ample storage options for extended shoots. The Blackmagic PYXIS also supports recording to internal storage, allowing for browsing and syncing media files to other users globally, streamlining your workflow and ensuring that your footage is always accessible.
Connectivity and Streaming
The Blackmagic PYXIS features a built-in hardware streaming engine that supports RTMP and SRT streaming to YouTube, Facebook, X, and more. This allows you to connect to the internet via Ethernet or a 4G or 5G phone and stream live from film sets, providing real-time updates to your audience. You can see the stream status and data rate in the viewfinder and the LCD, ensuring that your stream is always running smoothly. The camera also features a built-in SRT and RTMP live streaming engine, making it easy to stream to a Blackmagic ATEM Streaming Bridge, which is an H.264 decoder that converts the video stream back to video. This comprehensive connectivity and streaming capability makes the Blackmagic PYXIS an ideal choice for live broadcasting and remote production.
Ready to upgrade your setup? Check out both the Full Metal Jacket and Hollow Point cages from XLCS Designs to transform the way you work with your camera!