ARRI came to IBC 2011 with the two new ALEXA models that were promised at NAB earlier this year 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 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 contrast image with true colors. This enables them to judge focus more accurately and respond more organically to the action and performances in front of them. For maximum flexibility, operators can switch to the ALEXA EVF-1 electronic viewfinder should they so choose.
With its 4:3 Super 35 sensor, the Studio is the ideal partner for anamorphic lenses, which create a unique look that has been appreciated by directors and cinematographers for over half a century. The Studio comes equipped with anamorphic de-squeeze and 120 fps high speed licenses, and can be ordered from the first day of IBC, with deliveries beginning in December this year.
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 sensor, image processing, build quality, efficient workflows and exceptional image quality that have 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. Weighing less than 3 kg, the compact front end offers multiple mounting points and versatile maneuverability. Meanwhile the body 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.
All of the initial 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. This crucial industry collaboration will see the first ALEXA Ms used exclusively on 3D CPG productions, with the resulting feedback informing the functionality of ARRI’s final ALEXA M production model, due to go on general sale in early 2012.
See ARRI for more information.