Attention, Filmmakers: The Arri Alexa Just Got a Lot Smaller
Like the ARRI AMIRA, the ALEXA Mini can record 4K UHD ProRes images. We’re excited about the fact that it can be operated entirely remotely. The smaller camera will be giving RED some competition in the drone arena.
In announcing the new camera, Arri outlined some of its benefits:
– The ALEXA Mini can be operated in a number of ways: by wireless remote control, as a normal camera with the ARRI MVF-1 multi viewfinder attached, or with an on-board monitor and controlled via the user button interface on the camera body. Light enough to be comfortably held at arm’s length in a hand rig, its compact size and extremely quiet operation also make it ideal for tight shooting conditions.
– The symmetrical design permits filming in any orientation, including upside-down and in portrait mode, while multiple accessory points enable highly creative mounting solutions. In addition, the ALEXA Mini’s interchangeable lens mount can be replaced with any of those designed for the ARRI AMIRA, allowing the use of B4 video and EF mount stills lenses.
– With the ALEXA Mini, no extra time need be spent on set configuring third-party cameras previously required for specialized shots, or on wrangling the image files coming out of them. Multi-camera setups such as 360° plate shots will be made simpler and faster by the external Codex recorder, which can record image streams from up to four ALEXA Minis simultaneously. The camera’s maximum frame rate of 200 fps means it can also be used for stunning slow-motion cinematography, saving further time and money on set by doing away with the need for a separate high-speed camera.
– The ability to use CDLs and 3D LUTs in-camera for on-set color management will also reduce time and money spent in post.
– The ALEXA Mini’s camera body has been designed with new-generation brushless gimbals, multicopters and other specialized rigs in mind. It is compact enough in the lens direction to allow the use of standard PL mount lenses even on lightweight and space-constrained rigs, such as gyro-stabilized aerial systems. The camera’s superb low-light performance makes it perfect for underwater work and dedicated underwater housings are currently being developed by leading manufacturers.
Below you can see the difference in size between the original ALEXA and the ALEXA Mini:
Find out more about the camera and its tech specifications here.
READ MORE: Here Are the Cameras Used By this Year’s Oscar-Nominated Cinematographers
