ARRI ALEXA 35 Xtreme Unveiled – Up to 660fps and New ARRICORE Codec

ARRI simply introduced a significant improve to its industry-standard ALEXA 35, focusing on high-speed cinematography, a brand new codec and higher pre-recording choices: The ARRI ALEXA 35 Xtreme. Let’s dive in. ARRI has formally introduced the ALEXA 35 Xtreme, a considerable improve to the broadly adopted ALEXA 35 that guarantees to reshape high-speed cinematography workflows. The brand new digicam system delivers body charges as much as 660fps whereas introducing ARRICORE, a next-generation codec designed to scale back information charges with out compromising picture high quality.Sensor Overdrive mode: as much as 660fps at 11 stops of dynamic rangeThe headline characteristic of the ALEXA 35 Xtreme is its spectacular high-speed capabilities. The digicam can obtain body charges as much as 330fps whereas sustaining the total claimed 17 stops of dynamic vary which have made the ALEXA sequence a cinematographer favourite – in our famend Lab Exams, the ALEXA 35 got here certainly out on prime with a measured 16.3 stops of dynamic vary (Databases hyperlink) at SNR=1. For even larger body charges, a brand new “Sensor Overdrive” mode pushes efficiency to 660fps, albeit with diminished dynamic vary of 11 stops. (We’ll attempt to get our arms on the ALEXA 35 Xtreme as quickly as attainable to check the brand new modes at larger body charges as effectively.)This represents a major leap from the usual ALEXA 35’s capabilities and positions the Xtreme as a possible game-changer for productions requiring high-speed footage: Like ARRI intends, this eliminates the necessity for secondary high-speed cameras like a Phantom Flex on most shoots, which may velocity up taking pictures schedules and cut back rental prices for productions.The improved efficiency comes courtesy of a robust new essential processor geared up with extra and quicker on-board reminiscence, which additionally allowed ARRI to introduce a extra environment friendly codec.ARRI examined the ALEXA 35 Xtreme in varied taking pictures situations with DPs, one in all them at Lake Garda on a foiling boat. Picture credit score: ARRIARRICORE Codec: ARRIRAW efficiency at smaller file sizesAlongside the {hardware} upgrades, ARRI is introducing ARRICORE, a brand new RGB codec that the corporate positions as delivering “distinctive picture high quality at a extra accessible price by lowering information charges.” The codec maintains post-production flexibility by maintaining sensitivity, white stability, and tint changes unbaked, preserving the workflow benefits that skilled colorists rely on. So principally it retains the benefits from ARRIRAW whereas saving numerous space for storing, as a result of extra environment friendly onboard compression can occur in realtime in-camera because of the quicker processing capabilities.ARRI emphasizes that ARRICORE maintains compatibility with present ALEXA 35 workflows, together with help for ARRI Look File ALF4, ARRI Textures, metadata dealing with, MXF wrapper, and audio processing. The corporate additionally states that the majority third-party instruments supporting present ALEXA 35 codecs will work with ARRICORE, and we have been instructed that lots of these producers are at the moment adjusting their instruments. ARRICORE datarates are considerably decrease than ARRIRAW’s datarates. Credit score: ARRI, used with permissionNotably, ARRICORE is launching in beta, suggesting ARRI is taking a collaborative strategy to growth by incorporating person suggestions in the course of the refinement course of.It’s additionally noteworthy that ARRICORE is simply accessible within the ALEXA 35 Xtreme and no different ARRI digicam, since no different digicam has the required onboard processing functionality at the moment. Codecs the ALEXA 35 Xtreme can report in. Credit score: ARRI, used with permissionExtended pre-recording capabilitiesThe ALEXA 35 Xtreme dramatically extends pre-recording occasions, providing as much as 30 seconds when taking pictures 24fps Apple ProRes 4444 in 4.6K Open Gate decision, or a considerable 5 minutes when recording 24fps Apple ProRes 422 HQ in HD. ARRI believes these are the longest pre-recording occasions accessible in any cinema digicam. This enhancement addresses a vital want in documentary filmmaking and spontaneous seize situations the place lacking the start of an motion might be expensive or unimaginable to recreate, most notably wildlife, the place RED has a powerful foothold for precisely that cause (mixed with the sensor crops that associate with larger body charges with RED cameras). And since the Sensor Overdrive mode allows seize speeds of as much as 660fps at a S16 sensor crop, the Xtreme turns into an much more attention-grabbing proposition for high-end wildlife filmmaking. Overview of the pre-recording capabilities in varied codecs and resolutions. Credit score: ARRI, used with permissionALEXA 35 Xtreme makes use of 10% much less energy, will get 5GHz WiFi, retains similar compact housingBeyond the headline options, ARRI has carried out a number of sensible enhancements. The Xtreme gives 10% higher energy effectivity in comparison with the ALEXA 35, whereas enhancing wi-fi connectivity by way of WiFi 5GHz band compatibility, mesh community roaming, and automated reconnection to identified networks.Crucially for present ALEXA 35 customers, the Xtreme maintains the identical compact housing and all mechanical interfaces, guaranteeing compatibility with ARRI’s in depth accent ecosystem. This contains lens mounts, brackets, the Audio Extension Module AEM-1, Energy Distribution Module PDM-1, and varied storage options together with CODEX drives.Similar physique, solely the marginally longer antennas for 5GHz WiFI functionality give it away that that is an ALEXA 35 Xtreme. Picture credit score: ARRISame worth as ALEXA 35, improve pathARRI has structured the ALEXA 35 Xtreme providing round Base and Premium license tiers, however will cost the identical as for the ALEXA 35 up till now, which will probably be discontinued. For present ALEXA 35 house owners,ARRI gives an improve path priced at €15,900 to transform ALEXA 35 Base, Premium, or Stay cameras to Xtreme specification.The improve service will probably be accessible by way of chosen ARRI Service Facilities beginning August 2025, with present licenses preserved in the course of the conversion course of. The improve includes a substitute of the mom board with the brand new processor and reminiscence in addition to an additional processing acceleration board, and can take 3-7 days in accordance our info, and might be executed by any one in all ARRI’s 5 service facilities world wide. This strategy demonstrates ARRI’s dedication to defending buyer investments whereas offering a transparent path to enhanced capabilities.Our tackle the ARRI ALEXA 35 Xtreme announcementThe ALEXA 35 Xtreme announcement comes at a time when high-speed cinematography is more and more demanded throughout varied manufacturing sorts, from conventional narrative filmmaking to industrial and documentary work. By integrating high-speed capabilities into their mainstream digicam system, ARRI is probably eliminating the necessity for specialised high-speed rental gear in lots of situations.At a cut-off date the place high-end filmmaking is de facto hurting world wide, with a lot of budgets beneath strain, ARRI units an announcement by introducing a newly upgraded and considerably extra succesful model of a reasonably latest digicam with out elevating the worth – one thing I’d have anticipated in “increase occasions” of movie manufacturing. Whereas the 660fps functionality is spectacular on paper, the diminished dynamic vary in Sensor Overdrive mode could restrict its applicability in difficult lighting circumstances the place the ALEXA sequence sometimes excels, however I believe with some coaching, even DPs who aren’t used to shoot excessive velocity and not using a Phantom Flex operator will get their head round the truth that excessive frame-rate filmmaking at all times comes with some picture tradeoffs. In brief, it’s higher to have this functionality inside your A-cam, clearly. Will the ALEXA 35 Xtreme achieve a troublesome market?The ALEXA 35 Xtreme is a major improve to the unique ALEXA 35, which has undoubtedly been an especially profitable digicam, in the event you take a look at the quantity of high-end award-winning options shot with it. By specializing in high-speed capabilities and information effectivity whereas sustaining ecosystem compatibility, ARRI is responding on to person suggestions and market calls for. The improve price appears cheap contemplating what might be gained, so I’m assured numerous rental homes will leap on the alternative for a few of their ALEXA 35 stock, even throughout these troublesome occasions for the {industry}. As with all main digicam announcement, the actual check will come when the gear reaches productions and undergoes rigorous discipline testing. The success of ARRICORE will largely rely on its precise efficiency in post-production workflows and its adoption by the broader ecosystem of post-production instruments.We sit up for conducting our complete lab check of the ALEXA 35 Xtreme as soon as evaluation models grow to be accessible. Keep tuned. What’s your tackle the ALEXA 35 Xtreme? Tell us within the feedback beneath.