Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K vs Sony Cinema Line FX30
Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K
Sony Cinema Line FX30
What Buyers Say
Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K
The Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K Cinema Camera (ARRI PL) has received positive feedback from early users, who report no major issues with the camera's performance, particularly praising its excellent dynamic range and highlight recovery. However, some minor firmware quirks have been noted, and the Q&A reveals several limitations such as the lack of built-in ND filters, top handle, EVF, and compatibility with certain lenses. Overall, the camera is well-regarded for its image quality and usability, especially when paired with the optional monitor.
Pros
- Excellent dynamic range
- Great highlight recovery
- Flawless camera performance
- Easy single-cable connection to monitor
- Good for run-and-gun style
Cons
- No built-in ND filters
- No top handle included
- No EVF included
- Minor firmware quirks
- Limited lens compatibility (no RF mount)
Sony Cinema Line FX30
The Sony FX30 is overwhelmingly praised as a top-tier cinema camera for its price, delivering superb image quality, excellent autofocus, and robust features like dual base ISO and XLR audio. Users highlight its value as a beginner-friendly yet professional-grade tool, with many noting it rivals more expensive models like the FX3. Minor criticisms include the lack of a viewfinder, a complicated menu system, and some software quirks, but these are largely overshadowed by its performance and versatility.
Pros
- Superb image quality
- Excellent autofocus
- Great value for price
- Dual base ISO
- XLR audio handle
Cons
- No viewfinder
- Complicated menu system
- Rolling shutter could be better
- No shutter angle option
- No open gate mode
Scores
Specifications
| Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K | Sony Cinema Line FX30 | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | ||
| Type | CMOS | Exmor R CMOS |
| Size | full-frame | aps-c |
| Megapixels | 98.80000305175781 MP★ | 26 MP |
| ISO Range | 800 | 100★ |
| Processor | — | BIONZ XR |
| Autofocus | ||
| AF Points | No data | |
| AF Type | — | Fast Hybrid AF (phase-detection AF / contrast-detection AF) |
| Eye AF | — | ✓★ |
| Animal AF | — | ✓★ |
| Subject Detection | — | ✓★ |
| Shooting | ||
| Burst (Mechanical) | 112 fps | 120 fps★ |
| Burst (Electronic) | — | 120 fps★ |
| Max Shutter | — | 1/8000 |
| Electronic Shutter | ✓ | ✓ |
| Video | ||
| Max Resolution | 8K★ | 4K |
| 4K FPS | 60 fps | 120 fps★ |
| 1080p FPS | 60 fps | 240 fps★ |
| 10-bit | — | ✓★ |
| Log Profile | — | ✓★ |
| RAW Video | ✓ | ✓ |
| Codec | Blackmagic RAW | H.264, H.265 |
| Display & EVF | ||
| Screen Size | 4"★ | 3" |
| Touchscreen | ✓ | ✓ |
| Articulating | ✗ | ✓★ |
| EVF Resolution | — | 2.4M dots★ |
| Build | ||
| Weather Sealed | — | ✓★ |
| Weight | 1.60 kg | 0.65 kg★ |
| Battery Life | — | 570 shots★ |
| Connectivity | ||
| Wi-Fi | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| USB | USB-C★ | USB Type-C |
| HDMI | — | HDMI Type-A |
| Hot Shoe | ✗ | ✓★ |
Pros & Cons
Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K
- Strong video (98th percentile)98th %ile
- Strong sensor (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong burst (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Strong connectivity (75th percentile)
- Below average affordability (9th percentile)9th %ile
- Below average social proof (22nd percentile)
Sony Cinema Line FX30
- Strong burst (100th percentile)100th %ile
- Strong af (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong battery (97th percentile)97th %ile
- Strong connectivity (96th percentile)96th %ile
- Below average affordability (17th percentile)17th %ile
Pricing
Blackmagic Design PYXIS 12K
No current pricing available
Sony Cinema Line FX30
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 10 of 10 usage categories and 18 of 33 specs.
