Pixii Plus

Pixii+ (Model A2572)

The Pixii+ (Model A2572) represents the maturation of the APS-C platform. Released in late 2023, it looks identical to its predecessors but features a completely overhauled computational core. The proprietary 32-bit architecture of older models was replaced with a robust 64-bit Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A55 processor. This upgrade was not just about speed; it allowed the camera to process images with complex algorithms previously impossible, such as the "Native Monochrome" mode, which computes true black-and-white files from the color sensor by bypassing the demosaicing step.

The "Plus" moniker also brought improvements to the rangefinder optical assembly. It features a "High-Index" glass formulation that increases the clarity and contrast of the rangefinder patch, making manual focusing easier in difficult lighting. The viewfinder LED overlay was also brightened and sharpened.

Connectivity, the hallmark of the Pixii system, saw a major leap with the inclusion of Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac). This allows DNG files to be transferred to a smartphone up to 3x faster than on the Model A1571, making the "screen-less" workflow far more practical for professional use. The Pixii+ also introduced a new magnetic eyepiece mount, allowing for diopter correction lenses to be snapped on easily—a feature highly requested by eyeglass wearers.

History

The Pixii+ served as the technological bridge between the early startup phase and the full-frame era.

The 64-Bit Revolution (2023) While the Model A1571 (2021) had excellent image quality, its interface and boot times could still feel sluggish. The Pixii+ solved this by integrating mobile-grade processing power. This 64-bit architecture effectively "future-proofed" the camera, allowing it to run the same advanced firmware as the later Pixii Max. It demonstrated Pixii's commitment to software longevity, as even older bodies could theoretically be upgraded to this mainboard [1].

Monochrome from Color One of the Pixii+'s defining features (enabled by its new processor) is the ability to shoot Native Monochrome DNGs. Unlike other cameras that simply desaturate a JPEG, the Pixii+ uses a patent-pending algorithm to read the raw luminosity values of the sensor pixels before color interpolation. This results in black-and-white files with finer noise grain and higher perceived sharpness, effectively giving users "two cameras in one" (Color and Monochrom) [2].

Legacy The Pixii+ remains the ultimate APS-C choice for rangefinder shooters who prefer the 1.5x crop factor (e.g., turning a compact 28mm lens into a 40mm equivalent). It sits alongside the Pixii Max in the current lineup as the more affordable, crop-sensor alternative.

Sources

• [1] Pixii SAS. The Pixii+ Upgrade. https://pixii.fr/pixii-plus
• [2] DPReview. Pixii+ Review: The 64-bit Rangefinder. https://www.dpreview.com
• [3] Macfilos. Review: Pixii+ Model A2572. https://www.macfilos.com
• [4] 35mmc. Pixii+ Review – Speed and Connectivity. https://www.35mmc.com
• [5] Hamish Gill. The Monochrom Mode on Pixii+. https://www.35mmc.com