XLCS Designs Single-Piece Cage for Blackmagic PYXIS 6K Released

Camera Cage

by Nick TaylorToday

One of the hottest new cameras to be released this year at NAB 2024 was the Blackmagic Design PYXIS 6K – a long-awaited “box” style camera hearkening back to Blackmagic Design’s roots. The impressive camera boasts a full-frame sensor, 6K resolution, and incredible dynamic range- but limited attachment points for accessories that you’re sure to want. Seeing a problem, XLCS Designs now offers a pretty cool solution, in what they call the “Full Metal Jacket.” Let’s see what sets this cage apart from others on the market.

For those who want more freedom

As mentioned above, Blackmagic Design created the PYXIS camera with limited flexibility in terms of accessory mounting points. The desire of the Australian-based company would be for the owner to invest in BMD accessories such as the URSA Cine Handle, PYXIS Monitor, and URSA Cine EVF (Electronic View Finder), just to name a few.

Built specifically for the L-Mount Blackmagic PYXIS 6K, XLCS Designs’ new cage brings 300+ threaded mounting holes, NATO rails, a rosette mount, cold shoes, and 15mm rod support points. The single-piece machined aluminum build protects against drops or knocks from gear like C-stands while keeping all ports accessible and compatible with BMD accessories. This setup allows comprehensive customization options without sacrificing cable access or accessory compatibility. It’s a thing of beauty for those who value their $3k purchase.

Here are some specs on the XLCS Full Metal Jacket:

• 300+ threaded mounting points (incl. 32x 3/8″-16 w/Arri spacing)
• 2x built-in Nato rails for mounting side handles
• 1x built-in Rosette mount
• 3x built-in cold shoe mounts
• 2x Universal Adapter Lock mounting location*
• 1x Adapter Specific Lock mounting location*
• LCD Screen Cover/Hood mount options*
• Direct-to-Cage 15mm Rod mount options*
• Backplate mounting options*
  
  *Basic purchase includes cage and mounting hardware only–other accessories pictured are optional add-ons.

Is it overkill?

For those thinking that a 670g (23.6oz) chunk of aluminum is a little much, XLCS also offers a lighter 600g (21.3oz) version dubbed the Hollow Point. Bonus points to those of you who noted both names are borrowed from ammunition terminology.

While the Hollow Point is lighter in weight, it still offers the same mounting possibilities as the Full Metal Jacket. According to XLCS’s website, the Hollow Point offers 300+ threaded mounting points (incl. 32x 3/8″-16 w/Arri spacing), 2x built-in NATO rails for mounting side handles, 1x built-in Rosette mount, 3x built-in cold shoe mounts, 1x Universal Adapter Lock mounting location, LCD Screen Cover/Hood mount options, Direct-to-Cage 15mm Rod mount options and Backplate mounting options – exactly the same numbers offered by the bigger brother. Really, the only difference is the face plate that serves to protect your camera and lens, as well as offer additional mounting points for accessories.

The added benefit to the Hollow Point is that it can be used by any BMD PYXIS 6K, regardless of which mount you may have. The PYXIS comes in L/EF/PL Mount options, so you can choose this cage to hold any of those cameras, as the lens mounts are not interchangeable.

Price and availability

Both cages are available for pre-order at the price of $349.99 and are expected to ship on November 1st. You can find all the information you need on the XLCS Designs website.

We’d love to hear your thoughts on these XLCS cages. Do you like one over the other? Would you want one if you own a PYXIS? Why or why not? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!