Arri Launches Large Format Cinema Camera Arri Alexa LF
Arri the most reputed amongst the cinema camera manufaturers have launched the Arri Alexa LF with 4.5K resolution. This is the first time Arri has launched a camera with native sensor resolution of 4k or above for sale. It had previously launched the Arri Alexa 65 which was only for rental for highend Hollywood films.
Larger than Full Frame Sensor:
According to Arri, the new ALEXA LF has the largest sensor of any full-frame cinema camera on the market. Arri has decided to maintain the Alexa family’s “optimal pixel size for highest overall image quality” and launched this camera with a bigger sensor and not in the industry standard S-35 size. The Alexa LF shoots at 4448 x 3096 resolution which can be recorded in full using the LF Open Gate mode. An LF 16:9 mode maximizes lens options while meeting 4K deliverable standards, and an LF 2.39:1 mode combines a cinematic widescreen image with high frame rates up to 150 fps for sensuous slow motion. All sensor modes offer true 800 ASA sensitivity as well as reduced noise, providing the perfect canvas for modern, subtle lighting techniques.
New LPL Lens Mount:
Arri has also launched a new lens mount. It is not often that a manufacturer launches a new sensor mount. Any sensor mount has to be future proof and should be able to use or be compatible with future technologies. So a lot of planning goes into new lens mounts. According to Arri, the new LPL lens mount has been optimized for large-format sensors.
LPL Full Format Lens Mount
A wider diameter and shorter flange focal depth allows the ARRI Signature Prime lenses and all future large-format optics to be small and lightweight, with a fast T-stop and pleasing bokeh—a combination of features that would not be possible within the confines of the PL lens mount. The LPL mount will also be available for other ARRI cameras such as the ALEXA Mini, and is being licensed to third-party lens and camera manufacturers.
New Signature Prime Lenses:
Arri has also launched a range of Signature prime lenses to work with the new Alexa LF camera. The 16 large-format ARRI Signature Prime lenses, range from 12 mm to 280 mm and are fitted with the ARRI LPL mount. While the Signature Primes exemplify state-of-the-art optical precision, they have been designed to render organic, emotionally engaging images, gently softening and texturizing the large format with natural skin tones and creamy bokeh. 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.
The ARRI Signature Prime range is the first cine lens series to feature machined magnesium lens barrels, making the optics incredibly lightweight and robust. They are also the first to incorporate ARRI’s next-generation LDS-2 Lens Data System, with high data rates and absolute encoders for fast initializing. LDS-2 extends the possibilities of lens data and is being licensed to other lens and camera manufacturers.
There are some shows like Netflix who have mandated that the cameras used should be 4K. So earlier Arri cameras were not being used and RED, Panasonic Varicam, Canon C300 etc were being used. With the launch of this Alexa LF camera, more and more producers are going to opt for these and there is likely to be a downward pressure on the other cameras. The second hand market is going to be impacted with the price of many cameras coming down. Hopefully that will provide a new generation of lower budget shooters to increase their production values.
Availability:
The Arri Alexa LF will start shipping at the end of March 2018. The first four Signature Prime Lenses (35mm, 47mm, 75mm, 125mm) will be shipped in June 2018.
Sabyasachi is available for Hire as a DP for shoots any where in India.
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