In a surprising turn of events, the price of the highly anticipated Blackmagic PYXIS 12K cinema camera has skyrocketed from the initial $4,995 to a staggering $6,595 in the United States—an eye-watering 32% increase. This sudden hike can be attributed to new reciprocal tariffs on imported goods imposed by the U.S. government.

Just two days after the announcement, Blackmagic Design’s CEO Grant Petty confirmed during a livestream that the camera, regardless of lens mount choice, would retail for $4,995. However, the manufacturer's website now reflects the new price, leaving many potential buyers in shock.

Impact on Consumers

The ripple effects of these tariffs don't stop with the PYXIS 12K. As communicated on the company’s official Facebook page, Blackmagic Design indicated that the price hikes will impact most of their products sold within the U.S. This is part of a broader pattern of price increases across various industries due to the tariffs, while items like DaVinci Resolve and Blackmagic Cloud remain unaffected.

As industry experts weigh in, it's worth noting that while European prices for the PYXIS 12K remain stable at €4,855 plus VAT, American consumers face significantly higher costs. Similarly, the PYXIS Pro Handle is priced at €999 in Europe, compared to $1,185 in the U.S., which had started at $895.

What Does This Mean for Future Purchases?

As consumers grapple with these shifts, many are left wondering: Should they pre-order the camera now or hold off for potential future price adjustments? Although the primary effects of these tariffs will be felt immediately, the long-term consequences remain unclear. It’s likely that price increases will extend not only to imported items but also to domestically assembled products that rely heavily on foreign parts.

The key question that remains unanswered is the longevity of these tariffs. The current political climate, rife with unpredictability, suggests that we may enter a period of ‘turbulence’ in terms of pricing for technology products.

As the NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) show approaches, we plan to address these concerns directly with representatives from Blackmagic Design and gather more insights into the broader implications of these tariffs on the filmmaking community.

Stay tuned—we'll keep you updated as this story develops and inform you about other potential price changes across the market!