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
Nikon
Z9
Flagship stacked mirrorless with 45MP, 8K video, and no mechanical shutter.
$5,499
Launch priceReleased Oct 2021
PYXIS 12K is 3.4 years newer.
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Wins
PYXIS 12K
Wins
Z9
2 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BZ9 has lower ISO min (native) (64 vs 800)
- APYXIS 12K has higher Resolution (98.8 MP vs 45.7 MP)
- BZ9 has higher Burst (electronic) (120 fps vs 60 fps)
- BZ9 has lower Weight (1160 g vs 1600 g)
- BZ9 has higher 4K max frame rate (120 fps vs 112 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
Z9
149 × 150 × 91 mm
1160 g (2.56 lb / 40.92 oz)
PYXIS 12K is 31mm shorter than Z9 but it is also 2mm wider and 16mm thicker.
PYXIS 12K is 440 g heavier than Z9.
Depth (front-to-back): 106mm PYXIS 12K · 91mm Z9
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
Z9
149 × 150 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
Z9
149 × 91 mm
Sensor size, to scale
PYXIS 12K
35.64 × 23.32 mm · Full Frame
831 mm² area
Z9
35.9 × 23.9 mm · Full Frame
858 mm² area
Lens ecosystem
Native lens selection
PYXIS 12K: mount data unavailable
Z9
✓ more lensesNikon Z
90+
native lenses available
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
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 45.7 MP — higher is better
AA filter
Only PYXIS 12K supports it
Reasons to choose
Z9
Subject recognition
Adds People, Birds, Dogs…
Codecs
Adds N-RAW, ProRes RAW HQ, ProRes 422 HQ…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 149, 149.5, 90.5
Card types
Adds CFexpress Type B / XQD, CFexpress Type B / XQD
ISO min (native)
64 vs 800 — lower is better
Eye AF
Only Z9 supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only Z9 supports it
Burst (electronic)
120 fps vs 60 fps — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓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
- ✓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)
Z9
Pros
- ✓45MP stacked
- ✓8K 60p internal
- ✓120fps stills
- ✓Pro build
Cons
- –Heavy body
- –Expensive
- –Large files
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the PYXIS 12K and Z9 at major authorized retailers.
Blackmagic PYXIS 12K
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, PYXIS 12K or Z9?
Z9 scores 10.0/10 versus 5.0/10 for PYXIS 12K — 120fps burst — pro-level action capture.
What's the resolution difference between the PYXIS 12K and Z9?
PYXIS 12K is 98.8 MP and Z9 is 45.7 MP, so the PYXIS 12K captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the PYXIS 12K and Z9 have in-body image stabilization?
PYXIS 12K does not have IBIS, while Z9 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization.
Which shoots faster bursts — the PYXIS 12K or the Z9?
PYXIS 12K reaches 60 fps electronic. Z9 reaches 120 fps electronic.
What's the weight difference between the PYXIS 12K and Z9?
PYXIS 12K weighs 1600 g and Z9 weighs 1160 g, so the Z9 is 440 g lighter.
Do the PYXIS 12K and Z9 record 4K video?
PYXIS 12K: 4K up to 112p. Z9: 8K UHD (max), 4K up to 120p.
Are the PYXIS 12K and Z9 weather sealed?
PYXIS 12K: No. Z9: Yes.
How much does each cost?
PYXIS 12K launched at $5,699 and Z9 at $5,499. The Z9 is $200 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way PYXIS 12K vs Z9 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Blackmagic and Nikon press materials.