ARRI introduces the Alexa 35, a 4K Super 35 camera with an all-new sensor

The Alexa family grows with the launch of the Alexa 35, a 4K Super 35 camera using the first new sensor by ARRI in 12 years.

The new Alexa 35 boasts 17 stops of dynamic range (exposure latitude), ahead of other digital cinema camera models. Having an additional one and a half stops in the highlights and one stop in the shadows compared to previous Alexa models will allow the full contrast range of each lens to be exploited, as ARRI points out. This will increase flexibility in post-production and provide a better source for HDR projects.

With low noise and sensitivity settings ranging from 160 to 6400, the Alexa 35 is defined as a “high ISO” camera. Beyond the basic settings, the new camera features an optional enhanced sensitivity mode that can be applied to settings between 2560 and 6400, producing an “even cleaner image in low light”.

In parallel, the Alexa 35 is notable for featuring Reveal Color Science technology, a set of new image processing steps used by the ARRI solution internally and also available through the leading third-party post production tools available for ARRIRAW processing. Other features include an improved layer removal algorithm for cleaner compositing, a new colour engine for more accurate colour reproduction, a new wide gamut colour space for faster grading, new LogC4 encoding to contain increased dynamic range, and new LogC4 LUTs (look-up tables) for higher colour fidelity.

The new Reveal Color Science technology becomes compatible with other ARRI cameras such as the Alexa LF or Mini LF, meaning the new Alexa 35 can be combined with other models in a single set and share LogC4 LUTs in post.

Texture simulation

Featuring a native 4K Super 35 4:3 sensor, the Alexa 35 can be used with a vast global inventory of existing lenses (modern and vintage, anamorphic and spherical, Super 35 and large format). In this way, as ARRI points out, filmmakers who want to shoot with the Alexa 35 and who have to comply with 4K mandates can aspire to an “immeasurably wider” range of lenses.

To further this image customisation, ARRI has released Textures, a new feature that allows cinematographers to fundamentally alter the way the camera records images, if they wish. Until now, Alexa cameras have been pre-programmed with a default texture that determines the amount and character of grain in the image, and the amount of contrast at different levels of detail, perceived by the viewer as sharpness. The ALEXA 35 offers the option to choose from a menu of ARRI textures, similar to selecting a film.

Versatility and accessories

The Alexa 35 packs the features and processing power of a “bigger” Alexa into a mini-sized body. Similarly, ARRI’s camera has been designed so that teams can “intuitively” familiarise themselves with the camera’s simple menu structure; support for 1TB and 2TB Codex compact drives; and the MVF-2 viewfinder, now with HDR.

Continuing in this line of accessibility, the Alexa 35 features a new display on its left side that gives access to the Advanced Color Match function, pre-recording capability and a number of ease-of-use enhancements, such as additional user buttons. In parallel, a total of 19 recording formats, incorporating efficient in-camera down-sampling and anamorphic de-squeezing, allow productions to optimise data rate, resolution and other parameters to suit their individual needs. Mixed reality and virtual reality productions will also benefit from the camera’s ability to record lens metadata in all common standards and stream metadata in real-time to ARRI’sLive Link Metadata Plug-in for Unreal Engine.

Naturally, ARRI has created a wide range of bespoke accessories for the Alexa 35, which extend the camera’s capabilities and ensure maximum speed and versatility on set. Electronic accessories offer additional power outputs or extended audio functions, while a complete new set of mechanical support elements offer flexible options for “any shooting situation”, scaling quickly and easily from a small, lightweight setup to a full production configuration.

Temperature resistant, splash and dust proof, and designed with future hardware and software upgrades in mind, the Alexa 35 aims for “robust and reliable service on set, a long product cycle and a secure return on investment,” as ARRI underlines.