Blackmagic PYXIS 6K Autofocus Introduced via New Test Build – Face Detection, Object Tracking, and Resizable Focus Box

Firmware Update

by Nino LeitnerMarch 20^th, 2026

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Blackmagic Design has brought phase-detection autofocus (PDAF) to the PYXIS 6K, fulfilling a widely anticipated feature request. Available now as test build v10.0.3, the update adds continuous AF, face detection, object tracking, and linear focus support for compatible L-Mount lenses, alongside a fix for the headphone jack startup hang that affected some users.

The move was expected. When Blackmagic Design introduced PDAF to the Cinema Camera 6K during NAB 2025, Craig Heffernan confirmed to CineD that the PYXIS 6K was next in line, as both cameras share the same full-frame 6K Bayer sensor. That promise has now been delivered, and initial community feedback suggests the implementation is already quite capable, even in this early test stage.

What the update includes

Test build v10.0.3 brings several autofocus-related features to the PYXIS 6K. PDAF is now active on both L-Mount and EF-mount versions of the camera, with support for single AF (AF-S), continuous AF (AF-C), face detection, and object tracking. Users can also resize the focus box in continuous and object tracking modes, giving more granular control over what the camera locks onto.

Linear focus is supported on the PYXIS 6K for compatible L-Mount lenses with focus-by-wire motors. This feature linearizes the focus throw, making it possible to use follow focus systems with repeatable end stops, a significant benefit for operators who want the precision of manual focus pulling with electronic lenses. Blackmagic’s Kristian Lam confirmed on the official forum thread that this is an L-Mount-specific feature and will be grayed out on EF-mount bodies in future updates to avoid confusion.

Face detection works by automatically locking onto a detected face once the user first taps the region on the touchscreen. In object tracking mode, the camera follows whatever the user selects, maintaining focus even as the subject moves within the frame or the camera is repositioned.

The update also fixes an issue where the camera would hang on startup when headphones were plugged in, a bug that had been affecting PYXIS 6K users since the Camera 10.0 firmware.

How it performs in practice

We tested the new PDAF ourselves, using both a Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 DG DN and a SIRUI Astra 50mm on the PYXIS 6K L-Mount. In continuous mode with default settings (linear focus on, transition speed set to three), the autofocus locks onto subjects quickly and handles transitions between foreground and background smoothly. Placing a hand in front of the camera causes the AF to briefly grab the hand before snapping back to the face once the obstruction is removed.

Face detection proved reliable in good lighting conditions, maintaining a lock even while walking toward and away from the camera at distances up to roughly 7-8 meters (about 20 feet). The system occasionally lost the subject for a brief moment when turning around and walking back, but re-acquired focus quickly. Object tracking worked well for static and slow-moving subjects, though it showed some limitations when tracking a person walking at greater distances, which is expected behavior for a PDAF system at this stage of development.

The transition speed control, adjustable on page 11 of the camera’s settings menu, makes a noticeable difference. Speed one felt sluggish for most practical use, while speed three offered a good balance between smoothness and responsiveness.

EF mount: works, but with caveats

The PYXIS 6K EF mount is also supported, though Blackmagic Design notes that testing has been limited. Kristian Lam recommended that EF users experiment with different transition speed settings, as EF lenses appear to be more sensitive than native L-Mount optics.

Early community reports from the Blackmagic Forum paint a mixed picture for EF. Canon EF 16-35mm f/2.8, EF 24-70mm f/2.8 II, EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS II, and Canon 24-105mm f/4 all reportedly work well via the Sigma MC-21 adapter, albeit with some audible motor noise. The Canon 24-105mm f/4 also performed well on the native EF-mount PYXIS, with face detection described as “superb” by one user.

Results with adapted Sigma Art primes were more inconsistent. The older Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG Art (Canon EF version) was described as unusable by one user, while the newer Sigma 35mm f/1.4 DG DN (native L-Mount) worked without issues for another. The Sigma 85mm f/1.4 Art (EF) struggled with face detection in less-than-ideal conditions, while its DG DN counterpart performed well. This underscores the importance of using native L-Mount glass, or at least the DG DN versions of Sigma lenses, for the most reliable results.

The Meike 35mm f/1.8 Pro was reported as working flawlessly across all AF modes, including face and object tracking.

Known issues in the test build

As with any pre-release firmware, there are bugs to be aware of. Multiple users reported camera freezes when pressing the physical play button after recording to CFexpress. In some cases, the freeze required a full power cycle to resolve. One user also noted that the REST API autofocus command does not appear to work with this build, likely requiring an API update to support the new focusing capabilities.

Blackmagic Design has set up a Google Form for users to report lens compatibility issues and is requesting diagnostic logs from anyone experiencing crashes via the Camera Setup Utility.

What about the PYXIS 12K?

The question on many users’ minds is whether PDAF will eventually come to the PYXIS 12K. As we reported from our NAB 2025 interview with Craig Heffernan, the 12K model uses a fundamentally different RGBW sensor technology compared to the 6K’s Bayer sensor, which means implementing phase-detection AF requires significantly more engineering work. There has been no official confirmation that the 12K sensor contains PDAF pixels, and forum users have been requesting clarity from Blackmagic on this point. For now, PDAF remains exclusive to the 6K sensor platform.

Why this matters for PYXIS 6K owners

The addition of PDAF transforms the PYXIS 6K’s versatility as a production tool. The camera’s box-style form factor already made it a popular choice for gimbal work, multi-camera interview setups, and remote operation via the Blackmagic Camera app. Adding reliable autofocus to that equation means solo shooters can confidently use the PYXIS 6K as a second camera that maintains focus independently, or as a primary camera on a gimbal without needing a dedicated focus puller.

Combined with the camera’s existing feature set, including Blackmagic RAW recording, dual CFexpress slots, 12G-SDI output, and the recently added 10-minute pre-record and 4-channel audio from Camera 10.0, the PYXIS 6K is becoming an increasingly complete package at its $2,995 starting price.

The test build v10.0.3 is available for download from Blackmagic Design’s Sharefile service via the official forum thread. Users will need to enter their name and email to access the download. The build works on both PYXIS 6K and Cinema Camera 6K bodies. Blackmagic asks that users link to the forum thread rather than sharing the direct download link, to help centralize feedback.

Have you installed the new PDAF test build on your PYXIS 6K? How does the autofocus perform with your lens setup, and what AF mode are you finding most useful for your workflow? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!

Featured image credit: Screenshot from Florent Piovesan / Of Two Lands YouTube channel, video embedded above