The wait is over as Arri unveils large-format 4K version of the Alexa
Arri used the BSC Expo show in London today to reveal the Alexa LF camera, which is the first Alexa to be built around a large-format 4K version of the Alexa sensor.
A 4K Alexa is something many DoPs have long been waiting for. Arri’s unveiling of the camera will come as a relief to cinematographers wanting to shoot Netflix original programmes on the Alexa. Netflix requires for all its original productions to be shot on true 4K cameras, which excludes all previous variations of the popular Alexa camera.
“Filmmakers can explore a large-format aesthetic while retaining the sensor’s natural colourimetry, pleasing skin tones and proven suitability for HDR workflows.”
The Alexa LF camera features what Arri says is “a sensor slightly bigger than full frame”. It records native 4K with “Arri’s best overall image quality,” it says. “Filmmakers can explore a large-format aesthetic while retaining the sensor’s natural colourimetry, pleasing skin tones and proven suitability for HDR workflows.”
It can record in ProRes or uncompressed Arriraw up to 150 fps.
The large-format 4K sensor “doesn’t just add definition, it creates a whole new look — one that is truly immersive, with a three-dimensional feel,” says Marc Shipman-Mueller, Arri product manager for camera systems. “The various recording formats and sensor modes make this look available to all productions and satisfies any possible deliverable requirement.”
Large-format lenses
“Skin tones are rendered beautifully, while all the detail of landscapes can be captured.”
As well as the Alexa LF camera, Arri has also revealed 16 large-format Arri Signature Prime lenses, ranging from 12 mm to 280 mm and fitted with the Arri LPL mount, as fitted on the Alexa LF camera.
“The Arri Signature Prime lenses are incredibly lightweight and robust, due to the magnesium lens barrels,” explains Thorsten Meywald, Arri product manager for optical systems. “Skin tones are rendered beautifully, while all the detail of landscapes can be captured. Our focus was on the emotional impact of images, creating unique and pleasing bokeh both in the foreground and background.”
A PL-to-LPL adapter is available for the Alexa LF camera, providing backwards compatibility with all PL mount lenses, whether Super 35 or full frame. The adapter attaches to the LPL lens mount without tools, enabling crews to rapidly switch between PL and LPL lenses on set.
Arri says the first Alexa LF cameras will be shipped at the end of March 2018, with pricing starting off at €74,000 (£65,000).
The initial set of four Signature Prime lenses (35 mm, 47 mm, 75 mm, and 125 mm) will be shipped in early June 2018. The remaining lenses will be available later in the year.
For more information about Arri’s large format camera and lenses, click here.
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