Advanced Camera System Offers Highest Dynamic Range and ProRes Capture

After much anticipation, ARRI is pleased to unveil
ALEXA – the first model in a new generation of digital cameras for feature,
television, commercial, documentary, music video production and more.
Compact, ergonomic and lightweight on one hand, robust with ARRI’s legendary
reliability on the other, ALEXA’s new Super 35 format sensor delivers amazing
images with a base sensitivity of EI 800, low noise and an unsurpassed dynamic
range of 13.5 stops. ARRI Imaging Technology (AIT) captures organic, film-like
images unlike any digital camera, with natural color rendition and pleasing skin
tones.
The unique Dual Gain Architecture (DGA) design of ALEXA’s CMOS sensor
ensures the same wide exposure latitude across a range of sensitivity from EI
200 to EI 1600. This creates opportunities in post-production, where it is easier
and faster to get the most out of the rich, captured images. Good detail in both
highlight and shadow areas as well as a very low noise level help the colorist to
reduce time, effort and thus, cost in grading. ALEXA’s excellent signal to noise ratio
and clean color separation are particularly effective for greenscreen and VFX
work.

The ALEXA system represents the most versatile and quickest workflow from the
set, through post to distribution. This is achieved through ALEXA’s efficient Direct
to Edit workflow with a multitude of output options, complete metadata and
integrated color management. ALEXA is unique in that it can simultaneously
record Apple QuickTime/ProRes files, output uncompressed HD video and
uncompressed ARRIRAW data.

Completely new to ARRI cameras is the ability to record QuickTime files
containing Apple ProRes encoded images onto on-board SxS memory cards.
ALEXA’s internal recorder encodes ProRes 422 (HQ) or ProRes 444 images,
along with audio, metadata and Final Cut Pro (FCP) XML files. These files load
directly into FCP for editing, coloring and finishing work. Furthermore, the
extremely high quality of Apple’s ProRes 422 (HQ) and ProRes 4444 codecs
means that the edited result can be immediately distributed.
Two HD-SDI connectors supporting 1.5G dual link or two 3G signals c

an
alternatively be used to output 4:2:2 or 4:4:4 uncompressed HD signals in
addition to an ARRIRAW T-link signal. These different signals can be output to
certified third party on-board recorders including those from S.two, Codex and
Keisoku Giken. Through ALEXA’s Direct to Edit capabilities, the
QuickTime/ProRes off-line editing proxy is created directly in camera, carrying
the exact same images, audio, timecode and metadata as the on-line HD or
ARRIRAW material. ARRIRAW is the only way to access the full potential of
ALEXA’s sensor which has color and dynamic range capabilities far beyond
standard HD. ARRI’s own ARRIRAW Image Converter (ARC) provides image
reconstruction features for the Windows, LINUX and Mac OS platforms.

The Super 35 format CMOS Bayer sensor exhibits cinematic, shallow depth of
field and allows the use of all 35mm PL mount lenses. The sensor’s 3.5K pixel
count delivers an optimum in image sharpness, sensitivity and latitude for HD
(1920 X 1080) and 2K DI workflows. Additionally, the ALEXA viewfinder was
specifically designed to meet the needs of camera operators by offering an
extremely fast image display, high image quality, accurate color reproduction and
a number of features inherited from our optical viewfinders, including overscan.

To protect the investment in ALEXA and to expand the filmmaker’s options when
shooting, three major components of the camera are specifically designed to
allow an easy upgrade path. First, taking into account the rapid rate of change in
storage technologies, the module that holds the memory cards is removable.
Should another recording technology prove more desirable in the future, this
module can be easily replaced with other storage modules. Second, the camera
electronics, which comprise the whole right side of the camera, can also be
removed and replaced by upgraded electronics with advanced features. Last, but
not least, the Exchangeable Lens Mount (ELM) system allows the use of PL as
well as Panavision, Canon or Nikon lenses.

The ALEXA camera is available in June, pricing starts at 45,000 Euros.

For more information: www.arridigital.com.