With the availability of the new ALEXA Mini LF SUP 7.1, this would be a smart opportunity to overview and elaborate on what the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF has to offer to large format shooters, as well as S35 enthusiasts for various deliverables (TV, theaters, features, and commercials).
ARRI ALEXA Mini LF SUP 7: S35 amplified
The Mini LF SUP 7.0 offered many new formats dedicated to Super 35 shooters and their demands. ARRI wants the Mini LF to utilize its large sensor in order to produce adaptive S35 options for productions that do not necessarily need all that large real estate of the sensor. That’s logical for many reasons. For instance, there’re TV productions and projects that aim for S35 imagery. Thus, smaller file size can be a big difference here, since it facilitates workflow.
SUP 7.1 for large format 2X anamorphic imagery
ARRI ALEXA Mini LF SUP 7.1 that was officially released a few days ago, leverages the potential of the ALEV III for 2X anamorphic shooting. The new recording format 2.8K LF 1:1 – 2.8K is available in ARRIRAW and Apple ProRes and is tailor-made for shooting with 2x anamorphic lenses for a target deliverable of 2:1, fulfilling 4K UHD mandates.
Mini LF: The flavors and their usages
Now it’s time, to sum up, all the new recording formats (SUP 7.0 and 7.1) by elaborating on their goals through ARRI’s eye.
2.8K LF 1:1 -2.8K
This format was designed for shooting with 2X anamorphic lenses for target deliverable of 2:1, fulfilling 4K UHD mandates. This format is available in ARRIRAW and Apple ProRes.
- Sensor photosites: 2880X2880
- Recorded file pixels: 2880X2880
- Maximum frame rate: 60FPS
Usage: To get the stunning 2X anamorphic look (by using 2X anamorphic lenses) with the large format characteristics.
This format was designed for shooting with 2X anamorphic lenses for target deliverable of 2:1, fulfilling 4K UHD mandates.
ARRI
MXF/ARRIRAW 3.4K S35 3:2-3.4K
According to ARRI, this is the most flexible format for feature films, drama series, and commercials in Super 35. This format is covered by most S35 lenses and has enough resolution for many post-production workflows.
- Sensor photosites: 3424X2202
- Recorded file pixels: 3424X2202
- Maximum frame rates: 60FPS
Usage: High-end S35 projects (commercials, TV series, and feature films).
The most flexible format for feature films, drama series, and commercials in Super 35.
ARRI
MXF/ARRIRAW 3.2K S35 16:9-3.2K
Very popular for drama series and commercials. This format is ideal for shooting with spherical S35 lenses for a 16:9 targeted deliverable.
- Sensor photosites: 3200X1800
- Recording file pixels: 3200X1800
- Maximum frame rate: 75FPS
Usage: The same as the previous format, but when a 16:9 ratio is desirable. Furthermore, you’ll get more FPS when shooting this format.
This format is ideal for shooting with spherical S35 lenses for a 16:9 targeted deliverable.
ARRI
MXF/Apple ProRes 2.8K S35 4:3-2.8K
Designed for shooting with Anamorphic S35 lenses 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.
- Sensor photosites: 2880X2160
- Recorded file pixels: 2880X2160
- Maximum frame rate: 75
Usage: Either spherical or anamorphic, it’s a great format for utilizing S35 glass, and still remains high resolution that can be upscaled to 4K. Also, HFR is still possible.
Either spherical or anamorphic, it’s a great format for utilizing S35 glass.
MXF/Apple ProRes 2.8K S35 16:9-HD
ARRI states that this is the 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 glass. The format was established with the ALEXA Classic EV in 2010 and is still very popular.
- Sensor photosites: 2880X1620
- Recorded file pixels: 1920X1080
- Maximum frame rate: 100FPS
Usage: HD applications. HFR is optional.
The format was established with the ALEXA Classic EV in 2010 and is still very popular.
ARRI
MXF/Apple ProRes 4.3K LF 16:9-UDH
By using almost the entire width of the LF sensor, this format delivers the unique large-format look with a drastically reduced budget-friendly lower data rate, since down-sampling to your target deliverable 16:9 UDH is done in-camera. ARRI adds that this format is also Netflix-approved.
- Sensor photosites: 4320X2430
- Recorded file pixels: 3840X2160
- Maximum frame rate: 48FPS
Usage: Getting the large format look with a reduced data rate.
This format delivers the unique large-format look with a drastically reduced budget-friendly lower data rate since down-sampling to your target deliverable 16:9 UDH is done in-camera.
ARRI
MXF/Apple ProRes 4.3K LF 16:9-HD
The same as above, but this time the recorded file pixels are reduced even further, to 16:9 HD.
- Sensor photosites: 4320X2430
- Reduced file pixels: 1920X1080
- Maximum frame rate: 75FPS
Usage: Getting the large format look into Full HD applications.
Shooting large format without eating memory
ARRI training and certification
It’s very intriguing to explore all those formats and possibilities in the digital age. Basically, the camera has a sensor, and the utilization rate of that sensor, depends on the goal (artistic and business) of the camera manufacturer, derived from the market’s demand. Firmware updates can boost specs by enhancing and expanding shooting options as ARRI does. Moreover, the camera operators must know those possibilities in order to utilize them correctly according to production requests. Obviously, it’s not enough just to change the setting, but to be well familiar with the correct shooting style, paired lenses, and more. For instance, the Mini LF allows you to enjoy the two worlds (large format and Super 35). Thus, when operating a camera like the Mini LF, you should own a sharp knowledge of the ARRI camera system, and the large format camera system. For those who are eager to get well educated about the ecosystem, ARRI offers certified courses. Those courses are very technical, with a lot of details, and require some dedication. For those who are interested, here’re ARRI’s main courses:
- ARRI Certified Training for Camera Systems (Read our review)
- ARRI Certified Online Training for Large-Format Camera System (Read our review)
We’ve reviewed both courses, so feel free to read our reviews before taking them.
Final thoughts
It’s nice seeing how the utilized sensor’s real estate can be manipulated due to production’s demand. Also, SUP 7.0 teaches us that ARRI believes in the S35 format as a traditional format that should be preserved. This leads us to the question, when will the forthcoming ALEXA S35 4K will be released?
Product List
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- ARRI ALEXA Mini LF
- ARRI ALEXA Mini Body with 4:3 and ARRIRAW
- ARRI Certified Online Training for Large-Format Camera System
- ARRI Certified Training for Camera Systems
