ARRI’s release of the ALEXA 35 Xtreme is a significant step forward for filmmakers, especially those working in high-speed cinematography. While the ALEXA 35 has already established itself as a top contender in the cinema camera market, the Xtreme version builds on this success by offering a set of new features that aim to meet the growing demands of the film industry. However, as much as this is a leap forward, the Xtreme upgrade brings with it questions about its place in an ever-changing industry and whether it truly delivers what filmmakers need.

A Leap in Speed: 660 fps and Beyond

The ALEXA 35 Xtreme’s ability to shoot at up to 660 fps marks a huge step up for ARRI, addressing a longstanding need in high-speed filmmaking. Historically, filmmakers shooting high-speed sequences needed a separate camera for those moments, which complicated production workflows and added unnecessary costs. With the Xtreme, ARRI has streamlined this process by offering a single camera that can deliver high-speed footage while seamlessly integrating with regular frame rate shots in post-production. But here’s where things get a little more nuanced. While 660 fps is a welcome upgrade, some may argue that ARRI’s decision to push this limit could be seen as addressing a niche market rather than the mainstream filmmaking community. Many filmmakers may not need such high frame rates, and it raises the question: Is this feature pushing the boundaries of creative expression, or is it simply a checkbox for the “extreme” filmmaking trend? Nonetheless, the ability to shoot at up to 660 fps without sacrificing image quality is undeniably impressive. At frame rates up to 330 fps, the Xtreme retains its full 17 stops of dynamic range, no small feat for high-speed cinematography. For filmmakers who need that extra speed without losing cinematic depth, this is a welcome feature.

ARRICORE Codec: More Efficient, But is It Enough?

The introduction of the ARRICORE codec is another major change in the ALEXA 35 Xtreme. The codec is designed to reduce data rates while maintaining high-quality footage, which could alleviate some of the storage headaches filmmakers often face when dealing with high-resolution video. The fact that ARRICORE allows filmmakers to adjust key settings like white balance, tint, and sensitivity during post-production is a great touch. It ensures that decisions made in-camera don’t lock filmmakers into a specific look. That flexibility is crucial for those who want more control over their final product. However, ARRI’s transition to this new codec raises questions about its relevance in an already competitive market. Companies like Blackmagic and RED have introduced competitive solutions at lower price points, and the need for ARRI to push for better data management and lower file sizes is certainly a smart move. But is it enough to justify the camera’s price? That remains a point of contention, particularly when the ALEXA 35’s high-end features have not always been easily accessible for smaller productions. ARRI continues to make great strides, but for some, it may still feel like their cutting-edge technology is priced out of reach.

Pre-Recording Times: A Game Changer for Documentaries

A feature that deserves praise is the extended pre-recording times. Documentary filmmakers and others working in unpredictable environments will find this particularly useful. The ALEXA 35 Xtreme offers up to 30 seconds of pre-recording in 4.6K resolution at 24 fps, and up to five minutes in HD resolution. This is a huge improvement over the ALEXA 35, which had a more limited buffer time. Pre-recording is invaluable for capturing moments that might otherwise be missed, especially in situations where timing is everything. It’s a welcome addition for filmmakers who often deal with the unpredictable nature of their subject matter. But while this feature is a significant improvement, it also begs the question: why was this not a standard feature from the start? It’s an important tool for capturing those “fly-on-the-wall” moments in documentaries, yet it’s one that should have been integrated into the original ALEXA 35 model. Nevertheless, the Xtreme’s improved pre-recording capabilities provide a much-needed solution, ensuring filmmakers no longer have to rely on limited pre-roll footage.

Power Efficiency and Connectivity: Practical Enhancements

ARRI also made improvements to power efficiency in the ALEXA 35 Xtreme, with a 10% reduction in power consumption compared to the ALEXA 35. This increase in battery life is helpful for long days on set and ensures that filmmakers won’t be scrambling for a charger during critical moments. In addition, the ALEXA 35 Xtreme includes enhanced wireless connectivity, supporting WiFi 5 GHz, mesh network roaming, and auto-reconnect features. These improvements make the camera easier to integrate into modern production workflows, where connectivity to external devices like the ARRI Camera Companion App is essential for smooth operations. While these are useful improvements, there’s an underlying question of whether ARRI has done enough to address some of the more basic issues filmmakers have had with past models, such as the price-to-feature ratio. Yes, these features make the camera more convenient to use, but for many in the industry, these are features they expect from any high-end cinema camera. When it comes to price, ARRI has been a premium player in the market for years, but there’s growing competition from other manufacturers offering similar functionalities at a lower cost.

The ALEXA 35: Building on a Legacy

The ALEXA 35 Xtreme is part of a broader strategy to evolve the ALEXA series and keep it relevant in an industry where filmmakers’ needs are constantly changing. As we discussed in our earlier article, ARRI ALEXA 35 Xtreme: Could It Be Coming Tomorrow?, we speculated about what ARRI might offer in the next iteration of the ALEXA 35. The Xtreme is indeed a direct response to that demand for more high-speed, flexible features, and it’s clear that ARRI is aiming to satisfy filmmakers who are pushing for more advanced tools. The Massive ALEXA 35 Inventory Now Available Through ARRI CPO speaks to the camera’s continuing popularity, especially with those who are looking to invest in used or refurbished units at more accessible prices. This is a smart move by ARRI, offering a more affordable option for independent filmmakers and smaller productions that want to tap into the ALEXA ecosystem without breaking the bank. Furthermore, the ALEXA 35 Xtreme aligns with ARRI’s strategic goals as outlined in ARRI’s Strategic Shift: Innovating for the Future of Media & Entertainment. ARRI continues to innovate by focusing on the needs of the professional cinematographer, but there’s a balancing act between offering top-tier technology and making it financially viable for smaller studios and independent filmmakers.

Pricing for the ALEXA 35 Xtreme

As expected with any ARRI product, the pricing for the ALEXA 35 Xtreme is positioned at the high end of the market. The ARRI ALEXA 35 Xtreme Base Entry Set is priced at $54,590, which includes all the essentials to get started with the camera. This is the most affordable version, but it’s still a significant investment for many filmmakers. For those already using the ALEXA 35, ARRI is offering an upgrade to the ALEXA 35 Xtreme for €15,900. This allows existing users to retain any licenses they already own, which is a practical move for ARRI to keep its established user base engaged without forcing them into an entirely new system. Now let’s explore some footage: 

Conclusion: A Step Forward, but at What Cost?

The ALEXA 35 Xtreme represents a significant leap forward in terms of speed and flexibility, with impressive features like the ability to shoot at 660 fps and improved pre-recording times. These additions are undoubtedly valuable for filmmakers, especially those in high-speed cinematography or documentary work. However, ARRI continues to position itself in the premium segment of the market, and whether these advancements justify the cost is something filmmakers will have to assess for themselves. For those with the budget and the need for high-performance tools, the ALEXA 35 Xtreme certainly delivers. But for others, the increasing competition from more affordable options might make them reconsider whether ARRI’s premium pricing is truly reflective of the camera’s value in today’s market.