SUP 9.0 update for ARRI Alexa

ARRI has announced SUP (Software Update Packet) 9.0 for its entire line of Alexa cameras. In addition to numerous user interface enhancements, the new software version adds several new features including more recording capabilities and encoding options, as well as expanded support for accessories.

As you may know, ARRI cameras can use the Apple ProRes codec for video recording (not RAW). Now, the maximum frame rate has been increased over the highest quality codec of this family, ProRes 4444, being able to reach up to 120fps in 16:9 HD mode. This option requires the XT cameras or the use of the XR Module in the Alexa Classic, with recording on XR capture discs or CFast 2.0 cards.

In response to users working on nature documentaries, the company has decided to incorporate the “pre-recording” function in ProRes for all cameras. With this recording mode activated, when the REC button is pressed for the first time, the camera starts storing information (images, audio and metadata) in a temporary ring buffer. A second press will save everything in this memory and the camera will start recording from this point, allowing you to capture completely unpredictable moments.

Thanks to the development in collaboration with Avid, from now on all cameras with a DNxHD license will be able to record in DNxHD 444, allowing better color correction and finishing results to be achieved. These clips can reach up to 30fps on 32GB SxS Pro cards and up to 60fps on 64GB cards, XR disks or CFast 2.0 cards.

The new Open Gate mode (only available on Alexa XT) makes it possible to capture the entire sensor area in ARRIRAW. Although 16:9 and 4:3 modes will remain the recording standard, the new feature can come in handy in certain cases such as wide-angle shots, image repositioning, rescaling, rotating or stabilizing, 3.4K VFX work or 4K upscaling.

With SUP 9.0 all Alexa XT and Alexa Classic cameras will be able to use the new adapter to record on CFast 2.0 cards, which provide high recording speeds up to 12ofps in ProRes 4444.

File security has also been enhanced through a detector for clips with incomplete metadata (which could be generated if the camera is suddenly turned off, due to a power failure for example), capable of comparing with the frames already recorded and reconstructing the damaged file.

Among the new supports we find the Cooke/i protocol as a part of the ARRI LDS (Lens Data System), already present in the Alexa XT/XR and now extended to the Alexa Classic with a PL-LDS mount. This system allows us to read and record the metadata coming from the lens for more efficient work both on set and in post-production. In addition, integration with WCU-4 (Wireless Compact Unit) has been improved and the new Alura Extenders 2x and 1.4x have been supported.

And finally, as always when an update arrives, ARRI has decided to improve the user interface with new indicators (including “Small center dot” or “Audio disabled” for all cameras, and “ND filter on/off” for the ALEXA Studio) and an improved display of EVF-1 and MON OUT in 4:3 mode. A “Phase” user button has also been added to synchronize the camera’s phase to an external source, such as a CRT monitor or projector.

If you are interested in learning more about ARRI cameras, don’t hesitate to take a look at our Digital Cinema Camera Course.