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
Insta360
X5
Flagship 360° action camera with dual 1/1.28-inch sensors, 8K 30fps 360° video, 4K 60fps single-lens mode, 15m waterproofing, and AI-powered PureVideo.
$550
Launch priceReleased Apr 2025
Released within a month of each other.
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Wins
PYXIS 12K
Wins
X5
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BX5 has lower ISO min (native) (100 vs 800)
- BX5 has lower Weight (200 g vs 1600 g)
- APYXIS 12K has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- APYXIS 12K has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
- APYXIS 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 sharePYXIS 12K
151 × 119 × 106 mm
1600 g (3.53 lb / 56.44 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
X5
46 × 125 × 38 mm
200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)
PYXIS 12K is 6mm shorter than X5 but it is also 105mm wider and 68mm thicker.
PYXIS 12K is 1400 g heavier than X5.
Depth (front-to-back): 106mm PYXIS 12K · 38mm X5
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
PYXIS 12K
151 × 119 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X5
46 × 125 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
PYXIS 12K
151 × 106 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X5
46 × 38 mm
Sensor size, to scale
PYXIS 12K
35.64 × 23.32 mm · Full Frame
831 mm² area
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
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
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AA filter
Only PYXIS 12K supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only PYXIS 12K supports it
Internal RAW video
Only PYXIS 12K supports it
Card slots
2 vs 1 — higher is better
Reasons to choose
X5
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, Horizon Lock 360°, Active HDR…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 124.5, 38.2
Card types
Adds microSD
ISO min (native)
100 vs 800 — lower is better
Weight
200 g vs 1600 g — lower is better
Weather sealing
Only X5 supports it
Wi-Fi
Only X5 supports it
Both cameras share
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
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)
X5
Pros
- ✓Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors (2× larger than X4)
- ✓8K 30fps 360° and 5.7K 60fps
- ✓4K 60fps single-lens action mode
- ✓15m waterproof without case
- ✓72MP 360° photos
Cons
- –Premium price vs X4
- –8K workflow is storage-heavy
- –Fixed lenses (not user-swappable in field)
- –Editing 360° footage takes time
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the PYXIS 12K and X5 at major authorized retailers.
Blackmagic PYXIS 12K
Insta360 X5
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for travel, PYXIS 12K or X5?
X5 scores 5.0/10 versus 0.5/10 for PYXIS 12K — 200g — ultralight for all-day carry.
What's the resolution difference between the PYXIS 12K and X5?
PYXIS 12K is 98.8 MP and X5 is 72 MP, so the PYXIS 12K captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the PYXIS 12K and X5?
PYXIS 12K does not have IBIS, while X5 uses FlowState 6-axis (electronic).
What's the weight difference between the PYXIS 12K and X5?
PYXIS 12K weighs 1600 g and X5 weighs 200 g, so the X5 is 1400 g lighter.
Do the PYXIS 12K and X5 record 4K video?
PYXIS 12K: 4K up to 112p. X5: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the PYXIS 12K and X5 weather sealed?
PYXIS 12K: No. X5: Yes.
How much does each cost?
PYXIS 12K launched at $5,699 and X5 at $550. The X5 is $5,149 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way PYXIS 12K vs X5 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Blackmagic and Insta360 press materials.