Blackmagic Design Recalls Select PYXIS 12K Cameras

It’s never fun, but it’s necessary. Cameras aren’t cars, so luckily, it’s not a safety issue. But with many filmmakers and videographers relying on cameras for their jobs, it can affect their livelihood. So, if you’re a current Blackmagic PYXIS 12K owner, you’re going to want to look into this.

Blackmagic Design has announced a recall of all Blackmagic PYXIS 12K cameras that were manufactured before serial number 14221337. These PYXIS 12K models are set to get a free sensor upgrade. Here’s what you need to know about this recall and, if you’re affected, how to get it started asap.

Blackmagic PYXIS 12K Camera Recall

Again, this is never fun news to report, and it certainly isn’t fun for the teams working to make them happen. But this stuff does happen, and catching it as early as possible is ideal. It’s also notable as it’s something that sounds like it should be a firmware update, but it’s likely more severe than that.

The issue that these PYXIS 12K cameras face (which Blackmagic reports has been found on approximately 10% of the cameras out in the wild) is that there can be image artifacts when pushing some of the camera settings.

Blackmagic further reports that this can be caused by a tolerance variation in an electronic component used on the sensor board, hence the need for an upgrade. It also sounds like there is an additional problem where some customers who experienced this issue had their cameras replaced by resellers from the same pre-serial number 14221337 batch.

These cameras can also exhibit the same problem, which is why the company cannot be confident in any camera that shipped before serial number 14221337 and has decided to recall them.

How to Recall if Affected

The first option for any affected customers is to get a new sensor board called Revision B. To follow through with this option, simply contact any of Blackmagic's sales offices, and the company can arrange to get the camera back for a sensor board upgrade.

Blackmagic might just send you a replacement camera, depending on which option might be faster. The company also mentions that it will keep this offer running for 3 years, so everyone has time to arrange this upgrade when it is convenient for them.

If you think you’re affected, you can find out more from your local Blackmagic sales office or by going to the company’s website here.