ARRI simply introduced a significant improve to its industry-standard ALEXA 35, concentrating 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 extensively 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 cut back knowledge charges with out compromising picture high quality.
Sensor Overdrive mode: as much as 660fps at 11 stops of dynamic vary
The headline function of the ALEXA 35 Xtreme is its spectacular high-speed capabilities. The digicam can obtain body charges as much as 330fps whereas sustaining the complete 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 high with a measured 16.3 stops of dynamic vary (Databases hyperlink) at SNR=1. For even increased body charges, a brand new “Sensor Overdrive” mode pushes efficiency to 660fps, albeit with decreased dynamic vary of 11 stops. (We’ll attempt to get our palms on the ALEXA 35 Xtreme as quickly as attainable to check the brand new modes at increased 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 might pace up capturing schedules and cut back rental prices for productions.
The improved efficiency comes courtesy of a robust new principal processor outfitted with extra and sooner on-board reminiscence, which additionally allowed ARRI to introduce a extra environment friendly codec.
The decrease dynamic vary in Sensor Overdrive mode of the ALEXA 35 Xtreme signifies that the “candy spot” for capturing needs to be EI 1600 and 3200 for many functions. The native ISO in that mode can be outlined as 1600 as a substitute of ISO 800 in regular capturing mode. Credit score: ARRI, used with permissionFrame charges out there with ALEXA 35 Xtreme in comparison with the “traditional” ALEXA 35 mannequin – each in customary and “Sensor Overdrive” modes. Credit score: ARRI, used with permission
ARRICORE Codec: ARRIRAW efficiency at smaller file sizes
Alongside 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 decreasing knowledge charges.” The codec maintains post-production flexibility by holding sensitivity, white stability, and tint changes unbaked, preserving the workflow benefits that skilled colorists rely upon. So principally it retains the benefits from ARRIRAW whereas saving lots of cupboard space, as a result of extra environment friendly onboard compression can occur in realtime in-camera because of the sooner processing capabilities.
ARRI emphasizes that ARRICORE maintains compatibility with current 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 informed that lots of these producers are presently adjusting their instruments.
ARRICORE datarates are considerably decrease than ARRIRAW’s datarates. Credit score: ARRI, used with permission
Notably, ARRICORE is launching in beta, suggesting ARRI is taking a collaborative strategy to growth by incorporating person suggestions through the refinement course of.
ARRI examined the ALEXA 35 Xtreme in numerous capturing situations with DPs, one in every of them at Lake Garda on a foiling boat. Picture credit score: ARRI
It’s additionally noteworthy that ARRICORE is simply out there within the ALEXA 35 Xtreme and no different ARRI digicam, since no different digicam has the required onboard processing functionality presently.
Codecs the ALEXA 35 Xtreme can report in. Credit score: ARRI, used with permission
Prolonged pre-recording capabilities
The ALEXA 35 Xtreme dramatically extends pre-recording occasions, providing as much as 30 seconds when capturing 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 out there in any cinema digicam.
This enhancement addresses a important want in documentary filmmaking and spontaneous seize situations the place lacking the start of an motion might be pricey or inconceivable to recreate, most notably wildlife, the place RED has a powerful foothold for precisely that cause (mixed with the sensor crops that associate with increased 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 numerous codecs and resolutions. Credit score: ARRI, used with permission
ALEXA 35 Xtreme makes use of 10% much less energy, will get 5GHz WiFi, retains similar compact housing
Past the headline options, ARRI has carried out a number of sensible enhancements. The Xtreme presents 10% higher energy effectivity in comparison with the ALEXA 35, whereas enhancing wi-fi connectivity via WiFi 5GHz band compatibility, mesh community roaming, and computerized reconnection to identified networks.
Crucially for current ALEXA 35 customers, the Xtreme maintains the identical compact housing and all mechanical interfaces, guaranteeing compatibility with ARRI’s in depth accent ecosystem. This consists of lens mounts, brackets, the Audio Extension Module AEM-1, Energy Distribution Module PDM-1, and numerous storage options together with CODEX drives.
Identical physique, solely the marginally longer antennas for 5GHz WiFI functionality give it away that that is an ALEXA 35 Xtreme. Picture credit score: ARRI
Identical value as ALEXA 35, improve path
ARRI 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 might be discontinued. For current ALEXA 35 house owners,ARRI presents an improve path priced at €15,900 to transform ALEXA 35 Base, Premium, or Reside cameras to Xtreme specification.
New processor and reminiscence that makes the ALEXA 35 “Xtreme”. Credit score: ARRI, used with permission
The improve service might be out there via chosen ARRI Service Facilities beginning August 2025, with current licenses preserved through the conversion course of. The improve includes a alternative 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 every of ARRI’s 5 service facilities all over the world. 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 announcement
The ALEXA 35 Xtreme announcement comes at a time when high-speed cinematography is more and more demanded throughout numerous manufacturing sorts, from conventional narrative filmmaking to business 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 actually hurting all over the world, with a number 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 might have anticipated in “increase occasions” of movie manufacturing.
Whereas the 660fps functionality is spectacular on paper, the decreased dynamic vary in Sensor Overdrive mode might restrict its applicability in difficult lighting situations the place the ALEXA sequence sometimes excels, however I feel with some coaching, even DPs who aren’t used to shoot excessive pace 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. Briefly, it’s higher to have this functionality inside your A-cam, clearly.
Will the ALEXA 35 Xtreme reach a tricky market?
The ALEXA 35 Xtreme is a major improve to the unique ALEXA 35, which has undoubtedly been a particularly profitable digicam, for those who have a look at the quantity of high-end award-winning options shot with it. By specializing in high-speed capabilities and knowledge 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 lots of rental homes will soar on the alternative for a few of their ALEXA 35 stock, even throughout these tough occasions for the {industry}.
As with every main digicam announcement, the true take a look at will come when the gear reaches productions and undergoes rigorous area testing. The success of ARRICORE will largely rely upon its precise efficiency in post-production workflows and its adoption by the broader ecosystem of post-production instruments.
We stay up for conducting our complete lab take a look at of the ALEXA 35 Xtreme as soon as overview models develop into out there. Keep tuned.
What’s your tackle the ALEXA 35 Xtreme? Tell us within the feedback beneath.
