Blackmagic Design has announced a recall affecting Blackmagic PYXIS 12K cameras manufactured before serial number 14221337. The purpose of the recall is a free sensor board upgrade (or a replacement camera, whichever is fastest) to ensure all owners receive the best possible performance from the 12K sensor.

What’s happening (and why the recall was issued)

Blackmagic reports that on approximately 10% of cameras, users can encounter image artifacts when pushing certain settings. The cause is a tolerance variation in an electronic component used on the camera’s sensor board.

There’s also a compounding issue: some customers who experienced artifacts had their cameras replaced by resellers with units from the same affected batch (pre-14221337), meaning replacement cameras could exhibit the same behavior. Because of this, Blackmagic states they cannot be confident in any camera shipped before serial number 14221337—and has chosen to recall them.

The fix: Revision B sensor board

Blackmagic has redesigned the sensor board to address the tolerance-related issue. The updated hardware is the Revision B sensor board. According to Blackmagic, every camera that has been sent to support offices for repair has been automatically upgraded to this new board.

Even though only a smaller percentage of cameras show the artifacts visually, Blackmagic says months of upgrade experience has shown measurable improvements on every camera after installing Revision B. In short: this isn’t only about fixing worst-case units— it’s about ensuring every qualifying PYXIS 12K can perform at its best.

What this means for PYXIS 12K owners

How the upgrade is being handled

Blackmagic is offering two paths, based on what’s fastest for you: send your camera in for the Revision B sensor board upgrade, or receive a replacement camera. To get started, contact any Blackmagic Design sales office and they will arrange the return logistics.

It’s also worth noting that some pre-14221337 cameras were held back at the factory and upgraded before shipping, and others were upgraded during recent service. If you’re unsure, Blackmagic recommends checking with support to confirm whether your unit already has Revision B.

Bottom line

The PYXIS 12K was designed to give cinematographers access to the quality, resolution, and dynamic range of Blackmagic’s 12K sensor at a lower cost— the same sensor family used in the URSA Cine 12K. This recall is Blackmagic’s way of ensuring every eligible camera delivers that promise with the updated Revision B sensor board.

Note: Information summarized from Blackmagic Design’s recall notice. Always confirm your exact model/serial details with the official support team before shipping equipment.