Blackmagic
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Revolutionary affordable MFT cinema camera that democratized BRAW filmmaking.
$1,295
Launch priceReleased Sep 2018
Blackmagic
PYXIS 12K
Modular full-frame 12K cinema box camera with 16-stop dynamic range, 12288×8040 RGBW sensor, L-Mount, dual CFexpress slots, and 12G-SDI output.
$5,699
Launch priceReleased Apr 2025
PYXIS 12K is 6.6 years newer.
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Wins
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Wins
PYXIS 12K
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- APocket Cinema Camera 4K has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 800)
- BPYXIS 12K has higher Resolution (98.8 MP vs 18.96 MP)
- BPYXIS 12K has higher Burst (electronic) (60 fps vs 15 fps)
- APocket Cinema Camera 4K has lower Weight (580 g vs 1600 g)
- BPYXIS 12K has higher 4K max frame rate (112 fps vs 60 fps)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to sharePocket Cinema Camera 4K
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
PYXIS 12K
151 × 119 × 106 mm
1600 g (3.53 lb / 56.44 oz)
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is 17mm narrower, 28mm shorter, and 34mm thinner than PYXIS 12K.
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is 1020 g lighter than PYXIS 12K.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm Pocket Cinema Camera 4K · 106mm PYXIS 12K
Sensor size, to scale
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
PYXIS 12K
35.64 × 23.32 mm · Full Frame
831 mm² area
3.7× larger sensor area = shallower depth of field and better low-light performance.
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
✓ more lensesMicro Four Thirds
130+
native lenses available
PYXIS 12K: mount data unavailable
Counts include current first-party and major third-party native autofocus lenses.
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Codecs
Adds H.265, H.264, ProRes
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
ISO min (native)
100 vs 800 — lower is better
Weight
580 g vs 1600 g — lower is better
Eye AF
Only Pocket Cinema Camera 4K supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only Pocket Cinema Camera 4K supports it
Reasons to choose
PYXIS 12K
Codecs
Adds Blackmagic RAW 3:1, Blackmagic RAW 5:1, Blackmagic RAW 8:1…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 151, 119, 106
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B
Resolution
98.8 MP vs 18.96 MP — higher is better
Burst (electronic)
60 fps vs 15 fps — higher is better
4K max frame rate
112 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓AA filter — Both support aa filter
- ✓ISO max (native) — Both 25,600
- ✓Pre-Capture / Pre-Release — Both support pre-capture / pre-release
- ✓Internal RAW video — Both support internal raw video
- ✓Card slots — Both 2
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Pros
- ✓Affordable BRAW
- ✓Great value
- ✓MFT lens options
Cons
- –No stills AF
- –Crop sensor
- –Screen not tilting
PYXIS 12K
Pros
- ✓Full-frame 12288×8040 12K open gate
- ✓16 stops dynamic range
- ✓12K up to 60fps (2.4:1), 8K/4K up to 112fps
- ✓Dual CFexpress Type B + 10Gb Ethernet
- ✓1500-nit 4-inch touchscreen
Cons
- –Box body needs rigging
- –Massive 12K file sizes
- –Requires external power for long shoots
- –Single native ISO 800 (no dual native)
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and PYXIS 12K at major authorized retailers.
Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 4K
Blackmagic PYXIS 12K
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or PYXIS 12K?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K scores 7.5/10 versus 0.5/10 for PYXIS 12K — 580g — compact and travel-friendly.
What's the resolution difference between the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and PYXIS 12K?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is 18.96 MP and PYXIS 12K is 98.8 MP, so the PYXIS 12K captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and PYXIS 12K have in-body image stabilization?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while PYXIS 12K does not have IBIS.
Which shoots faster bursts — the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K or the PYXIS 12K?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K reaches 15 fps electronic. PYXIS 12K reaches 60 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and PYXIS 12K?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K weighs 580 g and PYXIS 12K weighs 1600 g, so the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is 1020 g lighter.
Do the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and PYXIS 12K record 4K video?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K: 4K up to 60p. PYXIS 12K: 4K up to 112p.
Are the Pocket Cinema Camera 4K and PYXIS 12K weather sealed?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K: Yes. PYXIS 12K: No.
How much does each cost?
Pocket Cinema Camera 4K launched at $1,295 and PYXIS 12K at $5,699. The Pocket Cinema Camera 4K is $4,404 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way Pocket Cinema Camera 4K vs PYXIS 12K vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Blackmagic press materials.