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Arri Alexa LF - 4K finally
  • bannedindvbannedindv

    New 4K Alexa with Full Frame ~36x24 Sensor

    image

    At the BSC Expo in London, Arri (www.arri.com) unveiled a new large-format camera system. Based on a large-format 4K version of the Alexa sensor, the system comprises the Alexa LF camera, Arri Signature Prime lenses, LPL lens mount, and PL-to-LPL adapter. It is also compatible with existing lenses, accessories and workflows.

    Featuring a sensor slightly bigger than full frame, Alexa LF records native 4K with Arri’s best overall image quality. Filmmakers can explore a large-format aesthetic while retaining the sensor’s natural colorimetry, pleasing skin tones and proven suitability for HDR and WCG workflows. Versatile recording formats, including efficient ProRes and uncompressed, unencrypted ArriRaw up to 150fps, provide total flexibility.

    “The larger Alexa LF sensor has the same optimal pixel size as other Alexas, resulting in a 4,448 x 3,096 image,” says Marc Shipman-Mueller, Arri product manager for camera systems. “This doesn’t just add definition, it creates a whole new look — one that is truly immersive, with a three-dimensional feel. The various recording formats and sensor modes make this look available to all productions and satisfy any possible deliverable requirement.”

    Accompanying the Alexa LF camera are 16 large-format Arri Signature Prime lenses, ranging from 12mm to 280mm and fitted with the Arri LPL mount. While the Signature Primes exemplify state-of-the-art optical precision, they render organic, emotionally engaging images, gently softening and texturizing the large format. A fast T-stop of T1.8 facilitates shallow depth of field and the smooth focus fall-off gives subjects heightened presence in the frame.

    Optimized for large-format sensors, the new LPL lens mount has a wider diameter and shorter flange focal depth, allowing the Signature Primes and all future large-format lenses to be small and lightweight, with a fast T-stop and pleasing bokeh—a combination of features that would not be possible with the PL lens mount. The LPL mount will also be available for other cameras and is being licensed to third-party lens and camera manufacturers.

    Although the camera, lens mount, and lenses are new, full compatibility with existing PL mount lenses and Alexa accessories is a cornerstone of the system's design. A PL-to-LPL adapter offers backwards compatibility with all PL mount lenses, whether Super 35 or full frame.

    The first Alexa LF cameras will be shipped at the end of March 2018. The initial set of four Signature Prime lenses (35mm, 47mm, 75mm, and 125mm) will be shipped in early June 2018. The remaining lenses will be available over the course of the year.

    https://www.arri.com/largeformat/

    [Image and PR added by VK]

  • 13 Replies sorted by
  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @bannedindv

    What do you think about adding photo and more info?

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    Some prices for reference (not that Alexa prices are private thing like in crime gang!)

    • Alexa LF Basic Set is around $9900 and includes only EVF, LPL to PL adapter plus few small things.
    • Alexa Pro Sets have more stuff like media and cost from $110000 to $115000.
    • Lenses are in average $25000 for one.
  • fotosiamofotosiamo

    This is super exciting and I can't wait to have this come in to some of the rental houses we have in Los Angeles, especially Panavision Woodland Hills!

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    image

    If you look at sensors you will see major issue coming from current market state and complexity.

    Alexa had been forced to use two sensors tightly aligned (and I guess also with some software compensation).

    Also all FPGA stuff had been doubled from original Alexa, as each part service their own sensor.

    sa1728.jpg
    680 x 571 - 68K
  • fotosiamofotosiamo

    Yes, but that's what they've done with the Alexa 65 with its 3 Alev sensors stitched together, as well. Of course, the LF would be more "mainstream" but I trust ARRI to get it right more than other companies.

  • endotoxicendotoxic

    As always profit first. At least develop a new one!!

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    @endotoxic

    It has very little to do with profits.

    It is called properly as - not enough socialization. For given complexity Alexa is too small.

    Btw same thing (in lesser extent) can be seen for all large camera companies.

  • fotosiamofotosiamo

    Wait, what do you mean "not enough socialization" and that "for given complexity Alexa is too small."

    Also, @endotoxic, what do you mean "at least develop a new one"? A new sensor? The 7 years old Alev III sensor is still state of the art and more than capable for filming today. I'm sure they're working on the next successor, but they're not in a hurry to jump the gun by any means. The Alexa LF will surely be a success just as the Alexa Mini has been.

  • Vitaliy_KiselevVitaliy_Kiselev

    Wait, what do you mean "not enough socialization" and that "for given complexity Alexa is too small."

    I mean socialization of production. For example due to this almost all firms had been forced to move to Sony sensors.

    Alexa is tiny firms initially made for making simple film based cameras. Such small firms will have constantly widening price disadvantage for their product compared to larger integrated firms.

  • MikeLinnMikeLinn

  • sammysammy

    Is ALEV-III sensor only sold to arri ? Or anyone can buy it ?

  • jleojleo

    Looks like custom designed for Arri by ON Semiconductor. It doesn't appear on their product page,

    “ON Semiconductor designed the ALEV III CMOS Image Sensor specifically for ARRI – utilizing our state-of-the-art imaging technology that resulted in a sensor design featuring a 14-bit true dynamic range in combination with 8 Mpixel resolution at 120 full frames per second,” said Mr. Klosterboer. “Working collaboratively with the team at ARRI, we successfully delivered a remarkable product that combines excellent noise performance with high image resolution and increased frame rate to enable precise slow motion image capture. Our congratulations go out to ARRI for their Emmy award.”

    https://www.onsemi.com/PowerSolutions/newsItem.do?article=2878

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