Following the rather impressive implementation of the phase detection autofocus function in the PYXIS 6K as well as the Blackmagic Cinema Camera 6K, the next camera in the Blackmagic universe is now up: the Blackmagic PYXIS with its powerful 12K RGBW sensor.
We find Blackmagic's AF development for the 12K RGBW sensor—the same sensor found in Blackmagic's flagship cinema camera, the Ursa Cine—quite remarkable, because we previously believed that there are no phase detection pixels on the 12K RGBW sensor. However, Blackmagic itself explicitly mentions "PDAF Support for PYXIS 12K".
So either the 12K RGBW sensor does possess phase detection after all, or Blackmagic is using "PDAF" as a general synonym for autofocus. Should the 12K RGBW sensor lack phase detection, Blackmagic would be developing an autofocus based purely on object recognition and tracking algorithms, which in our view would be a remarkable achievement.
Yet regardless of whether it uses phase detection or is purely object-based: Our 
practical test of the PYXIS 6K's AF functions has shown the remarkably high level at which Blackmagic's AF development operates right out of the gate, and how much a reliable autofocus expands the camera's field of application—indeed, it makes you feel like you are holding a new camera in your hands—which is a very welcome development, especially for solo shooters.
One important side note for all PYXIS 12K users: Since the L-mount protocol is fully available to Blackmagic, the Blackmagic team expects the best AF performance with the L-mount variant of the PYXIS 12K—although the new AF will also be available for the EF variant.
Anyone who wants to take an even closer look at the PYXIS 12K and its impressive, high-resolution sensor will find our practical test of the PYXIS 12K here and our sensor test of the PYXIS 12K here.
