ALEXA XT Studio Features

Optical Viewfinder
An optical viewfinder offers the most comfortable, accurate and efficient operating experience by showing a bright and sharp full color image through the taking lens. Since they exhibit no motion blur, judging focus during movement is easy, which can save hours of aggravation and re-takes.

With electronic viewfinders, the image from the imaging sensor always needs processing before it can be displayed in the viewfinder, resulting in a delay that is under one frame with the ARRI electronic viewfinder EVF-1 and that can be up to multiple frames with other electronic viewfinders. A delay of multiple frames can be especially confusing when shooting music videos or remotely operating on a crane.

Optical viewfinders show natural motion portrayal, accurate color fidelity and proper white balance, i.e. that of the scene. Operators see exactly what is happening as it happens and experience less eye fatigue. Cinematographers appreciate the ability to judge lighting through the viewfinder and to work with the camera even when it is powered down since choosing lenses, blocking, setting up shots, pre-lighting or rehearsing before the camera is powered up can save precious time on the set. For those situations, where the image is simply too dark for the optical viewfinder to see, the ALEXA XT Studio can be quickly equipped with the ARRI electronic viewfinder EVF-1.

 

Rotating Mirror Shutter
A mirror shutter is a mirror, located at an angle in front of the sensor, that continuously rotates. Half the time it reflects light up into the optical viewfinder and the other half it lets light fall onto the sensor. Thereby the mirror shutter makes the optical viewfinder possible and determines the exposure. The advantage of a mirror shutter is two-fold: on the one hand it does not exhibit the rolling shutter artifact of electronic shutters, and on the other it provides a natural motion portrayal that is exactly as it was with film cameras.

Motorized ND Filter
A sealed sliding mechanism places either an optical clear or an ND 1.3 filter (4.3 stops) behind the mirror shutter in front of the sensor. The ND 1.3 ensures a bright image in the optical viewfinder while only attenuating the light hitting the sensor.

Built-in Remote Control Features
With its built-in radio and lens motor electronics, the ALEXA XT Studio makes working on the set faster and more efficient. Plug the ARRI lens motors directly into the camera, turn on the wireless hand unit (like the WCU-4) and off you go. Integrating the wireless and lens control infrastructure into the camera not only saves time, but also weight, as a setup with an ALEXA XT and an external motor control box would be more cumbersome to cable and heavier in sum. Compatibility with the ARRI hand units, like the WCU-4, as well as with the cmotion hand units makes this a supremely flexible tool.

ALEXA XT Family Features

Record it all: Open Gate sensor mode
Using the full ALEXA sensor area, Open Gate mode is great for VFX shows, up-sampling to 4K, image repositioning, resizing, rotating or stabilizing. While some use it as their main recording format, others shoot in 16:9 or 4:3 and only certain scenes in Open Gate.

True anamorphic with 4:3 sensor mode
For the most effective use of anamorphic lenses, each ALEXA XT model is equipped with an Open Gate sensor of the same size and shape as a Super 35 mm film frame, a feature only found on ALEXA digital cameras. The 4:3 sensor mode is crucial for delivering the unique and cinematic widescreen look that can trace its origins back to the CinemaScope films of the 1950s. It is a look that has long been appreciated by cinematographers, directors and the viewing public. For convenient viewing of anamorphic images an anamorphic de-squeeze license is included with all ALEXA XT cameras.

In the images below, the sensor area used for shooting with anamorphic lenses is shown. Since an anamorphic lens squeezes the CinemaScope 2.39:1 image by a factor of 2, it needs a sensor area with a 1.195:1 aspect ratio. Film (orange) and the ALEXA sensor (blue) are tall enough to easily accommodate this, as can be seen in the left image. Since film and the ALEXA sensor have almost exactly the same dimensions, they exhibit the same angle of view for anamorphic lenses, which will be welcome news for cinematographers. Cutting the required 1.195:1 aspect ratio out of a 16:9 sensor (right image) results in a significantly smaller sensor area (grey area), which means fewer photosites and a different angle of view than what cinematographers are used to.

Space for VFX markers in 4:3 sensor mode
The 4:3 sensor is also useful for productions shooting with spherical lenses, as it permits the placement of tracking markers above and below the image, a shooting method popular with VFX heavy feature films. Alternatively, the extra room can be used for reframing in post, similar to shooting 4-perforation 35 mm.

Faster, lighter and more affordable ARRIRAW
All ALEXA XT cameras come with the new XR Module (Xtended Recording), a side panel that was co-developed with Codex to replace the previous SxS Module. The XR Module allows in-camera recording of uncompressed and unencrypted ARRIRAW, ALEXA’s highest quality image output, all the way up to 120 fps in full image quality. This not only makes for a smaller, lighter and more affordable camera package, it also simplifies setup and operation while avoiding unnecessary cabling.

ALEXA XT cameras record ARRIRAW onto exceptionally fast and rugged 512 GB XR Capture Drives, including advanced and time-saving features such as capturing the ASC Color Decision Lists (CDL) and a checksum for each frame into metadata. Once removed from the camera, the XR Capture Drive offers a number of different paths into post for every budget and time schedule demand, using the proven Codex workflow.

Powerful and Unique ProRes & DNxHD Options
As an alternative to ARRIRAW it is also possible to capture ProRes or DNxHD in-camera. ALEXA XT cameras provide two unique ProRes recording features: ProRes 4444 XQ, the highest quality ProRes codec, and ProRes 3.2K, the ideal recording resolution for an up-sample to 4K UHD or for extra room to resize, reframe, rotate or stabilize a 2K or HD image. Additionally, the XR Capture Drives allow for significantly longer recording times and faster speeds: ProRes 4444 can be recorded for a total time of 107 minutes (at 24 fps) and can be recorded as fast as 120 fps.
Recording onto SxS PRO or SxS PRO+ cards is also possible: with the SxS Adapter ProRes or DNxHD can be recorded to a single SxS PRO or SxS PRO+ card, thus protecting the inventory of existing cards. And with the CFast 2.0 Adapter it is possible to record onto CFast 2.0 cards, the same medium used by AMIRA, the new documentary style camera.

A high speed license for filming at up to 120 fps in 16:9 and 96 fps in 4:3 is included with all ALEXA XT cameras.

As an extra feature, the black protective top cover of the XR Module can be replaced with red, green, blue, yellow or white top covers to identify A, B, C, D, E and F camera units.

More efficient VFX through lens metadata
Lens metadata is invaluable for efficient working on the set and for a speedy VFX post workflow, which is why all ALEXA XT models are equipped with an LDS lens mount and why all ALEXA XT models insert a plethora of metadata into all recording and output formats.

On the set, streaming lens metadata is used for an overlay in the ALEXA display, viewfinder or MON OUT image. In addition, it is used by the Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4 for an easy to use graphical lens display. At the same time, the HD-SDI image carries streaming lens metadata (as raw encoder pulses and as interpreted lens data) which can be displayed on some monitors or used for real-time virtual set applications.

Compositing in post is greatly sped up through the use of lens metadata carried inside the ARRIRAW, ProRes or DNxHD files. The lens metadata allows to automatically match the computer graphic images to the images taken with the real lens, a process that used to take a long time of manual tweaking. In the example below, a new car was inserted through computer graphics (right image) into an image that originally contained a stunt car (left image). The lens metadata was used to exactly duplicate focus, depth of field, perspective and minor distortions introduced by the real lens.

Over 42 ARRI lens models have LDS built-in, including the ARR/Zeiss Master Anamorphics, ARRI/Zeiss Master Primes, ARRI/Zeiss Master Macro 100, ARRI/Zeiss LDS Ultra Primes, ARRI Ultra Wide Zoom UWZ 9.5 – 18, ARRI/Zeiss Master Zoom 16.5-110, ARRI/Fujinon Alura Lightweight Zoom 15.5-45 and ARRI/Fujinon Alura Lightweight Zoom 30-80. The ARRI LDS also includes support for the Cooke /i system. For all other lenses it is possible to gather lens metadata by using an ARRI lens motor and a lens table stored in the camera (Lens Data Archive).

Safely carry CDL color correction metadata into post
An increasing number of productions are setting up on-set color correction systems so the cinematographer can create and monitor a pre-grade of the footage. When shooting ARRIRAW, the resulting ASC CDL (American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List) can be automatically transferred to ALEXA XT cameras and stored as metadata for fast and convenient retrieval in post.

Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB-3
The Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 can be used on the ALEXA Studio instead of the Optical Viewfinder OVF-1 with the use of an adapter. To provide maximum comfort for the operator, the Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB-3 is strong and rigid, which has been achieved through a complete re-design of the previous model and the use of two 15 mm lightweight rods. These rods also facilitate rapid changes in camera support, i.e. from a tripod to a crane or Steadicam, since accessories such as lens motors or follow focus units can be hung from them rather than cluttering up the base plate. A special anodizing process is used on all moving parts for a very hard yet low-friction surface and a bubble level allows for speedy leveling of the camera.

 

Available as a separate accessory is the Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB-3, with a sturdy design and a fold-out arm that holds the viewfinder securely in place when moving the camera.

Super Silent ALEXA XT Fan
ALEXA cameras are already among the quietest digital cameras, but an even quieter fan has become available and ARRI has incorporated this new fan into the ALEXA XT models, providing an extra safety margin in very quiet or hot environments. The new fan can be identified by an orange dot on top.

 

ALEXA Classic and ALEXA XT Family Features

Best Overall Image Quality
A great looking image consists of many parts: the absence of artifacts, high dynamic range, sharp and natural rendering, high sensitivity, low noise and natural color reproduction. All ALEXA cameras provide the best overall image quality with the least amount of fuss.

To render images with a film-like, organic look, all components of the ALEXA imaging chain are proprietary high performance custom designs: the optical low pass filter, the CMOS sensor, the electronics hardware imaging engine and the image processing software.

 

The ALEXA sensor provides high dynamic range images through an unequalled exposure latitude of more than 14 stops (as measured with the ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart) with special consideration given to highlight treatment. Creating a good looking roll-off in the highlights is probably one of the most difficult tasks for any sensor designer and we have spent enormous resources at insuring exceptional highlight handling. ALEXA’s wide exposure latitude translates into a ‘thick’ digital negative; there is more detail information in the highlights and in the dark areas than any of the current display technologies can disclose. This means tremendous flexibility when color grading and makes ALEXA images future-proof for high dynamic range (HDR) display technologies.

Click here to see an illustration of ALEXA’s exposure latitude

Because of ALEXA’s great overall image quality, its images can be easily up or down-sampled for spectacular HD, 2K, 4K UHD or 4K Cine deliverables.

Click here to see an illustration of ALEXA’s exposure latitude 

ALEXA’s high sensitivity and its ability to retain definition even when extremely under or overexposed make it very easy to work with. ALEXA’s unique color processing was developed by the same ARRI color scientists that have been working on the ARRILASER and ARRISCAN; thus they are intimately familiar with both film and digital color science. ALEXA renders natural colors, great looking skin tones and shows great color separation while also showing a fantastic ability to resolve mixed color temperature sources.

Efficient and Versatile Workflows
ALEXA represents the most efficient and versatile method to capture and then transport images, audio and metadata through the production process. This is achieved with a multitude of in-camera recording options, support for the native codecs of the most popular non-linear editors, complete rich metadata, integrated color management and a pre-recording option. So, disregarding if you want to shoot a low budget TV series or Martin Scorsese’s next big Hollywood feature, you can configure an ALEXA for the task at hand. This is also great for rentals, who can use the same product for many different customer demands.

Simple and Safe Operation
We know what it is like to try to change frame rate and shutter angle 12.11.14 in the morning in the rain after a long night shoot. We know that a camera needs to be very simple to operate, and everything about its design must ensure that you get a good image, no matter what. The ALEXA user interface has been specifically developed to be easy to learn and quick to operate. The same interface is used on all ALEXAs, with the same menu, buttons, etc., so there is no learning curve when using another model ALEXA. The hardware of the camera is designed for the best and most ergonomic use on the set, including the built-in shoulder cut-out, large number of accessories like the Low Mode Support LMS-3, the Remote Control Unit RCU-4 or the Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4, down to little details like differently shaped extrusions (eyebrows) above some buttons so the operator can feel the button’s position even from the other side of the camera or when shooting in low light.

 

ALEXA cameras are part of a long heritage of cameras from ARRI, and we are very familiar with the sometimes horrid conditions our cameras have to endure in the field. So ALEXAs are built rugged and reliable with a sealed electronics compartment, a unique cooling system and the most stable lens/sensor mount that German engineering could devise.

The camera’s electronics are housed in a sealed compartment in the center of the body. The heat generated by the sensor and the electronics is transported via heat pipes to a radiator located in a ventilation shaft at the back of the camera. A single, slow running silent fan cools the radiator. If need be, the fan can be easily exchanged. This system ensures effective, active cooling of the sensor and processing boards even in the hottest climates. At the same time it protects the electronics, thereby rendering the camera splash and dust proof.

To further improve the legendary stability of the ARRI lens mount, ALEXA is equipped with a novel lens and sensor mount design. The stainless steel lens mount is attached to a stainless steel distance barrel, which itself is attached to the sensor mount, which also holds the sensor board. The whole unit is then attached to the camera body. By creating a fixed link between lens and sensor (all the orange parts in the second drawing), a super stable flange focal depth is ensured – even if strong mechanical influences are applied to the lens mount, such as when a heavy zoom lens is not properly supported. Using stainless steel ensures minimum material expansion or contraction during temperature changes.

In order to protect against the vagaries of production, ALEXA will continuously close the file it is recording. In case of a power failure, your data is protected and the media will contain a readable, uncorrupted file. If a metadata file is damaged, on the next reboot ALEXA will look at the actually recorded frames and reconstruct the metadata accordingly so you can continue to record on that media; we call that ‘self-healing metadata’.

Open, future-proof architecture
The ALEXA system is based on an open architecture, with many industry-standard interfaces and compatibility with third party products. This provides more choice to the filmmaker and ensures that best-of-class components can be used. To protect customers’ investment in ALEXA, a plethora of affordable hardware and software upgrades have been promised and delivered, continually expanding the feature set.

Four major components are specifically designed to allow an easy upgrade and to add new features in order to extend its useful life.

• First, taking into account the rapid rate of change in storage technologies, the in-camera recording module on the left side of the camera is removable, featuring an SxS Module for ALEXA Classic cameras (which can be upgraded to an XR Module) or an XR Module for ALEXA XT cameras.
• Second, the camera control electronics on the right side can be replaced with an upgrade such as the Plus panel, for wireless camera and lens remote control.
• Third, the Exchangeable Lens Mount (ELM) allows the use of PL, PL LDS or Panavision lenses, further extending creative options.
• And finally, ALEXA’s processors are based on FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays), a technology that permits the camera’s feature set to be completely re-programmed. Thus ALEXAs can be quickly and easily upgraded with our free-of-charge Software Upgrade Packets (SUPs) and licenses available for purchase. Past SUPs have added exciting features like ProRes 2K, ProRes 4:3, pre-recording, self-healing metadata, compatibility with new gear (like the WCU-4, the Ultra Wide Zoom UWZ 9.5 – 18 or SxS PRO+ cards) and advances in image quality like greatly improved debayering algorithms. Licenses are available to upgrade ALEXAs with high speed, anamorphic de-squeeze or the Avid DNxHD codecs.
  This great compatibility coupled with ALEXA’s hardware and software modularity allowed us to keep ALEXA cameras relevant, which translates into a long and reliable product cycle.

ALEXA Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1
This viewfinder was specifically designed to meet the needs of professional camera operators by offering an extremely low latency image display, high image quality, accurate color reproduction and a number of features inherited from our optical viewfinders, including a peripheral viewing area we call ‘Surround View’. It can be used on the ALEXA Studio instead of the Optical Viewfinder OVF-1 with the use of an adapter.

 

It is critical to the camera operator that the action in the viewfinder can be seen at almost at the same time as the action in front of the camera. The extremely fast image display of the EVF-1 has been made possible through the creation of a proprietary high speed connection between the viewfinder and the camera, as well as a shared image processing architecture that maximizes the processing power of both camera and viewfinder.
The ALEXA EVF-1 is unique and uniquely suited for work on the set with its image delay of under one frame.

A stable, accurate and high quality image is important for the camera operator. The EVF-1 image exhibits high resolution, high contrast, low distortion and an evenly illuminated viewing area. All this has been made possible through a state-of-the-art F-LCOS (Ferroelectric Liquid Crystal On Silicon) micro display with 1280 x 768 pixel resolution, a high screen refresh rate and an ARRI optical design that employs the highest quality coated glass elements. Reliable contrast and color reproduction at all temperatures are assured through careful thermal stabilization of both the F-LCOS display and the ARRI custom LED light engine.

The EVF-1 has not only been developed to provide the best possible image, but is also specifically designed to fit the ergonomic needs of the operator. Even when using a matte box on a short prime lens, the compact dimensions of the finder guarantee that the eyepiece can be adjusted to a comfortable position for shoulder operation. The small, self-contained unit is easily mounted in different positions: on the left side for handheld, on the right side when the set is tight or further back through a telescoping extension for use with a geared head.

Straightforward operation is assured through a plethora of assistive displays in the viewfinder (and on the MON OUT as well), including: preset and custom frame lines, user rectangles, surround view, camera status, false color exposure check, peaking focus check, compare stored image with live image, RETURN IN video and an optional anamorphic de-squeeze (license key required on some ALEXA Classic cameras). A number of ergonomically placed buttons allow convenient access to frequently used functions such as zoom and false color exposure check. The viewfinder’s settings, as well as the basic camera settings, can be changed by the operator directly on the EVF-1.

Showing their heritage, ALEXA and the EVF-1 have been designed to provide some features that previously have only been available through optical viewfinders. Most important for the operator is the fact that the camera’s sensor is slightly oversized to provide an extra area around the primary image in the viewfinder (Surround View). This allows lighting stands, microphones, etc. to be spotted before ruining the shot. Additionally, the size of the image in the EVF-1 has been chosen to equal that of the image in the optical viewfinders of ARRI’s film cameras.

 

 

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