Cameras: News and Updates

ARRI Announces Working ALEXA M and Studio Prototypes

By StudentFilmmakers.com
posted Sep 8, 2011, 10:08

(Amsterdam) - ARRI comes to IBC 2011 with the development of its ALEXA camera system in full swing. The two new models promised at NAB earlier this year - the ALEXA M and ALEXA Studio - are now in an advanced state of readiness, with working prototypes shared between the IBC show floor and high-profile industry leaders.

The ALEXA Studio is the flagship camera of the range; like the ARRICAM Studio, it is equipped with a quiet, adjustable mirror shutter and an optical viewfinder, giving operators a real-time, high resolution, high contrast image with true colors.

Another key feature of the ALEXA Studio is its 4:3 sensor, which makes it the only digital camera (aside from the ARRIFLEX D-21) to boast true anamorphic capability. Anamorphic lenses create a unique look that has been appreciated by directors and cinematographers for over half a century, and cannot be created in post.

The ALEXA M is a flexible solution consisting of a separate camera head and body; it is tailored for action and aerial photography, tight corner shots and 3D productions. Based on cutting edge ARRI technologies, the M model features the same exceptional image quality that has made ALEXA such a worldwide success.

The head and body of the M are connected with a fiber optic cable, which in a hybrid form can also be used for powering the head. The backend provides various recording options, just like the standard ALEXA: images, sound and metadata can be recorded onto SxS PRO cards or external recording devices, offering many different workflows. ALEXA M has a PL mount, works perfectly with all existing 35 mm lenses and is compatible with a wide range of ARRI accessories.

Early prototypes of the ALEXA M are being delivered to James Cameron and Vince Pace, whose world-leading 3D company CAMERON - PACE Group (CPG) announced a partnership with ARRI at NAB 2011. CPG is currently integrating ALEXA M into its new compact 3D rig, which minimizes cabling and offers an optimized, streamlined 3D camera solution. Feedback from this crucial industry partnership will inform the functionality of the final ALEXA M production model, due to go on general sale in early 2012.

Orders for the much anticipated ALEXA Studio will be accepted by ARRI from the first day of IBC, with deliveries beginning in December this year.

Resources:

http://www.arri.com