Saturday I attended training for the Alexa Plus at Arri in Burbank through Local 600.
The training was very comprehensive, covering every switch and connector plus discussing every menu item. And that's a lot of menus! We covered things ranging from how to record ArriRaw using the Codex mag to how to field change the cooling fan... the only moving part in the camera.
It was interesting to hear why certain choices were made by the engineers. Many people in the class use the Alexa on a daily basis and it was even more interesting to hear their experiences, feedback and questions.
So what's new with the Plus? More connectors, a built-in position and motion sensor (important for visual efx) and built-in lens data system. But the most obvious difference is the built-in remote control feature so an AC doesn't have to hang a bunch of RC boxes off the camera to remotely pull focus.
Here's a few of the things I learned in the class that aren't on the front page of the brochure:
1. The built-in remote control is designed to be used with the Arri Wireless Remote System and won't work with a Preston.
2. Although the Alexa carries two SxS cards the camera won't "span" the cards. You might as well just have one card in the camera.
3. It uses a whopping 85 watts power in standby... before you start powering accessories.
4. It was designed as a 2K camera even though the sensor is 3K. The sensor is 4x3 and the 3K will come into play only if you're shooting anamorphic.
So, what's the good news? It's simple to use. Record 444 straight to the SxS cards without any out-board recorder and the Pro Res loads straight into your NLE.
More importantly, it makes a great picture, especially in dark with 14 stops of latitude. Why does it have so much more latitude than other cameras? It takes two readings/images of each frame at different exposure levels.
Arri is careful to point out this isn't HDR, which is what the RED does. HDR takes two sequential images which is fine for a still life but when you try to combine two moving images into one frame you get blur and ghosting. The Alexa takes it's two images simultaneously so it is the exact same image, just at two different exposures.
Those are some of the main points. I'll be covering false color and other Alexa tidbits all this week.
http://www.arridigital.com/alexaplus
The training was very comprehensive, covering every switch and connector plus discussing every menu item. And that's a lot of menus! We covered things ranging from how to record ArriRaw using the Codex mag to how to field change the cooling fan... the only moving part in the camera.
It was interesting to hear why certain choices were made by the engineers. Many people in the class use the Alexa on a daily basis and it was even more interesting to hear their experiences, feedback and questions.
So what's new with the Plus? More connectors, a built-in position and motion sensor (important for visual efx) and built-in lens data system. But the most obvious difference is the built-in remote control feature so an AC doesn't have to hang a bunch of RC boxes off the camera to remotely pull focus.
1. The built-in remote control is designed to be used with the Arri Wireless Remote System and won't work with a Preston.
2. Although the Alexa carries two SxS cards the camera won't "span" the cards. You might as well just have one card in the camera.
3. It uses a whopping 85 watts power in standby... before you start powering accessories.
4. It was designed as a 2K camera even though the sensor is 3K. The sensor is 4x3 and the 3K will come into play only if you're shooting anamorphic.
So, what's the good news? It's simple to use. Record 444 straight to the SxS cards without any out-board recorder and the Pro Res loads straight into your NLE.
More importantly, it makes a great picture, especially in dark with 14 stops of latitude. Why does it have so much more latitude than other cameras? It takes two readings/images of each frame at different exposure levels.
Arri is careful to point out this isn't HDR, which is what the RED does. HDR takes two sequential images which is fine for a still life but when you try to combine two moving images into one frame you get blur and ghosting. The Alexa takes it's two images simultaneously so it is the exact same image, just at two different exposures.
Those are some of the main points. I'll be covering false color and other Alexa tidbits all this week.
http://www.arridigital.com/alexaplus
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