Onsemi: “We developed the customized high-end CMOS sensor for ARRI’s ALEXA 35 camera”
Onsemi: “We developed the customized high-end CMOS sensor for ARRI’s ALEXA 35 camera”

Onsemi: “We developed the customized high-end CMOS sensor for ARRI’s ALEXA 35 camera”

2022-09-14
3 mins read

Onsemi has just released a press release regarding the new sensor of the ARRI ALEXA 35. Onsemi declares that it has developed the new ALEV 4 sensor. Onsemi has been developing these magnificent ARRI sensors for more than 22 years, starting with the ARRIFLEX D-20, and continuing with the ALEXA 35. 

ARRI: “There Will Never be a Large Format Version of the ALEV 4”
ARRI ALEXA 35: The ALEV 4 sensor

ALEV 4 was developed by Onsemi

Onsemi, the American semiconductor supplier company, today announced it developed the customized high-end CMOS sensor for ARRI’s ALEXA 35 camera. As stated by Onsemi: “The camera (ARRI ALEXA 35) uses the ALEV 4 Super 35 4.6K CMOS image sensor from onsemi to deliver a resolution of 4608×3164 pixels (14.6 Mpixel) with a 6.075 um pitch featuring RGB color filters and a maximum frame rate of 120fps. The sensor features onsemi’s latest technology for optimizing pixel response, High Dynamic Range techniques (HDR) and the improvement of pixel uniformity while reading out at high speeds; techniques deployed in mainstream onsemi sensors as well”.

The ARRI ALEXA 35. Image: CVP
The ARRI ALEXA 35. Image: CVP

The  ALEXA 35 uses the ALEV 4 Super 35 4.6K CMOS image sensor from onsemi to deliver a resolution of 4608×3164 pixels (14.6 Mpixel) with a 6.075 um pitch featuring RGB color filters and a maximum frame rate of 120fps.

Onsemi

ARRI & Onsemi: 22 years of partnership

“Developing the image sensors for the ALEXA 35 camera with ARRI shows our ability to develop high-end sensors that are low cost and high quality while maximizing performance”, said Ross Jatou, senior vice president and general manager of ISG at onsemi. “22 years of working closely with ARRI demonstrates our commitment and skillset to deliver image sensors for the high-end digital cinematography and machine vision markets”. In 2017, the ARRI ALEXA camera system with onsemi’s CMOS sensor was recognized with a Scientific and Engineering Award from the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences and an Engineering Emmy from the Television Academy. Now, this tradition and strong partnership continue with full strength.

ALEXA 35 - ALEV 4 Super 35 sensor.
ALEXA 35 – ALEV 4 Super 35 sensor.

The ALEV 4 features onsemi’s latest technology for optimizing pixel response, High Dynamic Range techniques (HDR) and the improvement of pixel uniformity while reading out at high speeds; techniques deployed in mainstream onsemi sensors as well.

Onsemi

From ARRIFLEX D-20 to ALEXA 35

“All digital ARRI cameras—starting with the first ARRIFLEX D-20 in 2005, followed by the first ALEXA delivered in June 2010 up to the ALEXA 35 introduced this year—are based on CMOS sensors jointly developed with onsemi,” said Walter Trauninger, managing director and head of business unit Camera Systems at ARRI. “The close collaboration between the two companies is the foundation for ARRI’s ability to provide the best overall image quality to filmmakers. This kind of long-term commitment is an absolute exception in an ever-changing semiconductor market and is invaluable to ARRI.” Furthermore, as stated by Onsemi: “The ARRI ALEXA 35 camera elevates digital cinematography to new heights, building on the evolution of the ALEXA family over the last decade-plus. During the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival in 2022, 30 of the 49 films that premiered at the festival, including Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” used a camera from ARRI’s ALEXA family, all powered by onsemi’s customized CMOS image sensors”.

Cannes 2022- Camera Chart
Cannes 2022- Camera Chart – When you see an ALEXA – there’s Onsemi behind it.

During the 75th annual Cannes Film Festival in 2022, 30 of the 49 films that premiered at the festival, including Palme d’Or winner “Triangle of Sadness,” used a camera from ARRI’s ALEXA family, all powered by onsemi’s customized CMOS image sensors.

Onsemi

“Sensors for high-end cinematography”

Furthermore, Onsemi elaborates and says: “This latest collaboration between the two companies is another example of onsemi’s strength in developing sensors for high-end cinematography that elevate image quality. This unique high-resolution, large-pixel image sensor with optimized readout techniques result in a 4.6K image, 17-stops of dynamic range at 120 frames per second, producing images with unprecedented quality. The extended Dynamic Range enables higher detail in a high contrast scene in a single frame, resulting in an extraordinary image and color experience”.

The ALEXA 35 paired with Xelmus lens. Picture: Brook Willard Instagram
The ALEXA 35 is paired with a Xelmus lens. Picture: Brook Willard Instagram

Summary

This partnership which leads to a perfect business synergy between the two companies — ARRI and Onsemi, seems to continue with full strength. From the ARRIFLEX D-20 to ALEXA 35, Onsemi and ARRI are developing and defining the industry standards for high-end imagery. The acclaimed ALEV 3, and the newly announced ALEV 4, are no less than masterpieces in engineering that help to create fine art on our beloved big screen. Is ALEV 5 in the oven?

Get the best gift for filmmakers!

  • Y.M.CINEMA 65 – Stainless steel art piece of 65mm motion picture camera

Yossy is a filmmaker who specializes mainly in action sports cinematography. Yossy also lectures about the art of independent filmmaking in leading educational institutes, academic programs, and festivals, and his independent films have garnered international awards and recognition.
Yossy is the founder of Y.M.Cinema Magazine.

3 Comments

  1. I created a decent number of video campaigns for OnSemi and I used to tell them every time that if they wanted to barter for an Alexa sensor instead of a check that I would find a way to cram it into my VariCam… They never went for it…

  2. On the other hand the sensors used by RED dot com is made by smurfs with magic dust from unicorns.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

Do Full-Frame PTZ Cameras Have A Place in Filmmaking?
Previous Story

Do Full-Frame PTZ Cameras Have A Place in Filmmaking?

Devotion: RED Komodo Replaces the VENICE in the Aerial Dogfights Sequences
Next Story

Devotion: RED Komodo Replaces the VENICE in the Aerial Dogfight Sequences

Latest from News

Go toTop

Don't Miss

RED. The End?

RED. The End?

As you may have heard, Nikon acquired 100% of the outstanding membership interests of RED.com. This is a move nobody has anticipated. In
Dune Part Two: Five Interesting Cinematography Facts

Dune Part Two: Five Interesting Cinematography Facts

ARRI Rental, the company that has extensively supported the moviemaking masterpiece, Dune Part Two, released an educating article regarding the cinematography behind the