ARRI has just released a Beta version of the ALEXA Mini LF Software Update Package (SUP) 7.0. The main feature of the SUP 7 is expanding the options of shooting Super 35 straight from the Mini LF, by allowing its users more recording formats, when Super 35 is desired. 

Super 35 amplified

According to ARRI, one of the most asked for additions to the Mini LF are the new Super 35 recording formats. Thus, ARRI hopes that with these new formats added on SUP 7.0, the Mini LF will be more flexible than ever and becomes the large-format and Super 35 workhorse for any kind of production. Furthermore, at the same time, two new large-format recording formats added, delivering the large format look with a significantly reduced data rate (HD or UHD recording). Find the details below derived from the SUP 7.0 release notes.

Please note that these S35 recording formats, like their equivalents in the ALEXA Mini, are not Netflix 4K approved.

ARRI

Super 35 Recording Formats

These Super 35 (S35) recording formats allow the use of an ALEXA Mini LF instead of or alongside an ALEXA Mini with identical recording formats. The same workflow can then be used for Mini LF and Mini (except that Apple ProRes has a .mxf file format on Mini LF and a .mov file format on Mini). If all you need is the S35 sensor area, these new formats also have a lower data rate than the LF formats. Please note that these S35 recording formats, like their equivalents in the ALEXA Mini, are not Netflix 4K approved.

MXF/ARRIRAW 3.4K S35 3:2 – 3.4K

Sensor photosites used: 3424 x 2202, recorded file resolution: 3424 x 2202. This format is great for shooting with most S35 lenses. This is the most flexible format for S35 shows and used by many feature films, drama series, and commercials. The maximum frame rate of this Mini LF recording format (60 fps) is twice that of the same recording format on the ALEXA Mini (30 fps).

MXF/Apple ProRes 3.2K S35 16:9 – 3.2K 

Sensor photosites used: 3200 x 1800, recorded file resolution: 3200 x 1800. Very popular for drama series and commercials without a 4K sensor resolution mandate, this format is ideal for shooting with spherical S35 lenses for a 16:9 target deliverable. Using fewer photo-sites than S35 Open Gate reduces the data rate by 76%. Various post workflows are possible: for instance, if cropping to an HD image, this format provides ample extra resolution for resizing, repositioning, rotating, stabilizing, or tracking in post. Alternatively, up-sampling to UHD in the post is easy and delivers great results. The maximum frame rate of this Mini LF recording format (75 fps) is higher than the same recording format on the ALEXA Mini (60 fps).

MXF/Apple ProRes 2.8K S35 4:3 – 2.8K

Sensor photosites used: 2880 x 2160, recorded file resolution: 2880 x 2160. This format is designed for shooting with an anamorphic S35 lens for a target deliverable of 2.39:1 or for shooting with spherical S35 lenses for a target deliverable of 1.85:1 with extra room above and below the image. This is a popular format for the S35 ALEXA cameras and was chosen to be included in Mini LF SUP 7.0 instead of the S35 6:5 as it provides a lot more flexibility for only a slightly increased data rate. The maximum frame rate of this Mini LF recording format (75 fps) is higher than the same recording format on the ALEXA Mini (50 fps). Please note that the recorded file container (border of black pixels around the image) differs in this format in size from the equivalent ALEXA Mini format.

MXF/Apple ProRes 2.8K S35 16:9 – HD

Sensor photosites used: 2880 x 1620, recorded file resolution: 1920 x 1080 (downscaled). This was the first recording format ever released with the ALEXA Classic EV. It allows for shooting with any spherical S35 lens (they all cover the sensor area of 2880 x 1620), with a target deliverable of 16:9 HD (1920 x 1080). This is your format of choice if you want the quickest way to an HD deliverable with a super low data rate and the assurance that the sensor area is covered by any S35 lens. The maximum frame rate of this Mini LF recording format (100 fps) is lower than the same recording format on the ALEXA Mini (200 fps).

New Large Format Recording Formats

The new large-format (LF) recording formats are designed to combine the advantages of the large-format look (by using almost the full width of the large format sensor) with a budget-friendly lower data rate (the image is down-sampled in-camera to UHD or HD).

• Note 1: An LF 2:1 4K Cine format was not included since it is so close to LF Open Gate that you may as well shoot LF Open Gate and crop. An LF 2:1 UHD format was also omitted since it is so close to LF 16:9 that you may as well shoot LF 16:9 and crop.
• Note 2: LF Open Gate UHD is not yet officially approved by Netflix (but in progress), and LF Open Gate HD is not approved.
• Note 3: These formats are slightly less wide than the full sensor width because that results in a better down-sampling factor, which results in better image quality in contrast to using the full sensor width.

MXF/Apple ProRes 4.3K LF 16:9 – UHD

Sensor Area: 4320 x 2430, recorded file: 3840 x 2160 (downscaled). By using almost the entire width of the LF sensor, this format delivers the unique large-format aesthetic. At the same time, in-camera down-sampling to UHD reduces the data rate and avoids cropping and resizing in postproduction when your target deliverable is 16:9 UHD.

MXF/Apple ProRes 4.3K LF 16:9 – HD

Sensor photosites used: 4320 x 2430, recorded file resolution: 1920 x 1080 (downscaled). By using almost the entire width of the LF sensor, this format delivers the unique large-format aesthetic. At the same time, in-camera down-sampling to HD drastically reduces the data rate and avoids cropping and resizing in postproduction when your target deliverable is 16:9 HD.

The release-notes document also publishes an overview table of recording formats in ALEXA Mini LF. Explore it below. The yellow background shows the new format in Mini LF SUP 7.0. Press on the image for full view.

More added features on SUP 7.0

• Expanded recording format names
• Improved MAGNIFICATION monitoring overlay
• Expanded list of default frame lines
• Increased number of frame lines
• User setup file forward/backward compatibility
• Camera Access Protocol (CAP) enhancements
• Improved communication with LBUS devices
• ECS improvements
• Improved logfile exporting
• System stability improvements

Final insights

First, ARRI emphasizes that this Beta version is for evaluation purposes only and not suitable for production. Furthermore, the Software Update Package 7.0 indicates ARRI’s passion for the good & old Super 35 imagery. Also, let’s not forget the forthcoming ALEXA Super 35 4K (to be launched this year). Meanwhile, ALEXA Mini LF shooters are getting more options regarding S35, which can be good enough unless you are shooting for Netflix.