ARRI announces new versions of its cameras

ARRI has unveiled upcoming updates to its cameras at NAB.

Alexa

For the Alexa Classic, those with the XR module and the XT, the company has released the SUP (Software Update Package) 11.1.1 update.

This is a maintenance update with no new features but some additional support for hardware components, such as the EMIP300 radio module or a display for the right side.

The company has said that cameras manufactured from now on will come with this version installed, and that for existing cameras it is possible to download the software. They have also warned that the latter is not mandatory and that it should be noted that once installed it is not possible to go back.

Alexa SXT

New recording formats have been added to the Alexa SXT, providing even greater versatility and enabling these cameras to reach up to 14 different modes to achieve the best conditions depending on the project. The new modes are:

• ProRes 2K and 4K Cine Anamorphic

• Open Gate ProRes 3.4K

• ARRIRAW 3.2K

In addition, the outputs have been enhanced with four independent monitoring outputs, each with its own settings for image processing, viewing, status information, peaking and false color. They also allow HDR monitoring on set.

Other new features include a new slot for larger and faster SXR disks, but which is backwards compatible as well. Finally, the interface now allows faster frame rate changes and there is a new web remote control.

Amira

With SUP 4.0 comes the ProRes S16 HD recording mode, which takes a Super 16 size from the sensor and scales it to 16:9 in HD in any ProRes family codec. Although this image is 15.1mm, slightly larger than the traditional Super 16 (14.5mm), virtually all lenses designed for Super 16 cover this recording mode without the need for vignetting.

The multi-camera mode (available since SUP 3.0) has been improved and now allows remote control of multiple Amira parameters via a standard RCP (Remote Control Panel).

Other new products include:

• Possibility of daisy-chaining the CCP-1 (Camera Control Panel) with the viewfinder.

• Viewfinder zoom positions selectable via LCD panel buttons.

• The SDI output has ARRI metadata embedded.

• Improvements to the Transvideo monitor, with playback control and recording start and stop.