Arri to release UHD upgrade for Amira

The software, which will be available to purchase by the end of the year, will allow the Amira to record all ProRes codecs in 3840 x 2160 resolution to in-camera CFast 2.0 cards at up to 60fps.

Arri didn’t indicate how much the “affordable” software would cost but it did say the upgrade will require a sensor calibration.

It said the software is a response to feedback from Amira customers, and that “while widespread adoption of 4K or UHD for broadcast is still a long way off, an increasing number of content owners are becoming concerned that they ought to safeguard the longevity of their programmes by ensuring that they will be suitable for UHD transmission, should that become a standard in the future”.

Arri said the Amira’s sensor had proved its ability to deliver “outstanding image quality”, and that for films an up-sample to 4K can be carried out after visual effects and other post production tasks have been completed at 2K resolution.

The 4K or UHD output from the Amira has been designed to serve fast-paced productions where there may not be the time or resources for such processes.

Arri said the Amira’s UHD output will use the same 1.2x up-sample filter that allows the Alexa’s Open Gate mode to use the camera’s image performance for 4K distribution.

The up-sample to UHD happens in real time and in camera. The Amira’s 14+-stop dynamic range remain unaltered, as does the colorimetry, the Munich-headquartered firm said.

 Amira product manager Markus Duerr added: “Feedback about Amira from all over the world has been overwhelmingly positive and it is clear that the camera is already a great success, being used on an amazing variety of challenging productions.

“Already acclaimed for its phenomenal image quality, ease of use and versatility, the new ProRes UHD output will take these benefits even further, adding value for customers in areas like China, where 4K is a major focus of industry attention.”

Cameras equipped with the new software will be on show at IBC.