ARRI has just expanded its groundbreaking ALEXA 35 camera system lineup with the introduction of a new entry-level model, the ALEXA 35 Entry. This latest offering aims to make the industry-leading ALEXA 35 platform accessible to a wider range of filmmakers and production types. By introducing flexible licensing options and cost-effective media solutions, ARRI is addressing the needs of both budget-conscious and high-end professionals. [Just remember that “affordable” ARRI is around $50,000…]. 

ALEXA 35 Premium vs. Entry: Identical Hardware, Scaled Features

The ALEXA 35 Premium, the existing model renowned for its unmatched image quality, has now been complemented by the ALEXA 35 Entry. Despite being offered at a lower price point, the Entry model features the same hardware as the Premium version. Both models boast ARRI’s Super 35 sensor, 17 stops of dynamic range, REVEAL Color Science, and ARRI’s signature image quality. The key difference lies in software capabilities, which can be upgraded via temporary or permanent licenses. To distinguish the Entry model, ARRI has added a blue jog wheel to its design, a small but functional touch for rental house identification.

The Entry model’s core features include:

• ProRes recording up to 60 fps in 4K 16:9 and other formats
• ARRI Look File support (CDL and 3D LUT)
• Enhanced Sensitivity modes up to EI 6400
• Three independent 10-bit monitoring outputs in SDR and HDR color spaces

Flexible Licensing: A Future-Proof Camera System

ARRI introduces five specialized licenses that allow users to customize the ALEXA 35 Entry to their specific needs:

1. 120 fps for higher frame rates
2. ARRIRAW for uncompressed image quality
3. Open Gate/Anamorphic for utilizing the full 4.6K sensor area and anamorphic modes
4. Pre-record for up to 20 seconds of buffered pre-recording
5. Look for in-camera ARRI Textures, the ARRI Look Library, and Custom Color Management

Users can purchase these licenses for durations of seven days, 30 days, one year, or permanently. This flexibility ensures that owner-operators and production companies only pay for what they need, whether it’s for a single project or a long-term upgrade. ARRI has also introduced a Premium License bundle, combining all five individual licenses at a cost-effective rate. If purchased permanently, this bundle brings the Entry model’s capabilities in line with the Premium model without exceeding the Premium’s original cost.

Affordability Meets Performance

To further enhance affordability, ARRI has unveiled the Codex Compact Drive Express 1TB. Designed for ProRes recording, this media option offers the same performance as the standard Compact Drive but at a 40% lower cost. Identified by its white ring, the Compact Drive Express is optimized for the ALEXA 35 Entry and is included in ARRI’s new sales sets.

The ALEXA 35 Entry is available in three package tiers:

• Entry Basic Sets: Lightweight, ready-to-shoot kits priced comparably to the original ALEXA Mini.
• Entry Operator Sets: Ideal for owner-operators and sports productions.
• Entry Production Sets: Tailored for high-end narrative filmmaking, complete with rental house-standard accessories.

ARRI’s Commitment to Long-Term Value

ARRI’s feature licensing builds on its history with the ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras. The ARRI Shop has been revamped with a third-party backend for enhanced usability and expanded payment options, including local currencies, PayPal, Google Pay, Alipay, and Amazon Pay. License purchases are no longer restricted to camera owners, allowing productions to directly invest in upgrades. Explore the whole press release below: 

Making its top-tier ALEXA 35 camera system more accessible for a wider range of users and production types, ARRI introduces a new entry model and flexible licenses. The existing camera, with all its software- based features, will now be known as the ALEXA 35 Premium model, and is joined by the new and lower-priced ALEXA 35 Base model, with a core feature set that can be upgraded via temporary or permanent licenses. Costs are further reduced with the new Codex Compact Drive Express for ProRes recording. In terms of hardware, the ALEXA 35 Base model is identical to the ALEXA 35 Premium model, other than a blue jog wheel that will help identify Base cameras at rental houses. Both models boast the same Super 35 sensor, industry-leading 17 stops of dynamic range, REVEAL Color Science, and ARRI image quality. The core features of the ALEXA 35 Base model include ProRes recording up to 60 fps in 4K 16:9 and other formats, ARRI Look File (CDL and 3D LUT) support, Enhanced Sensitivity modes up to EI 6400, and three independent 10-bit monitoring outputs in SDR and HDR color spaces. While the ALEXA 35 Base model feature set meets the current shooting requirements of many customers, ARRI’s new feature licensing concept makes the camera future-proof because users can unlock specialist and high-end features whenever they need them. Each of the licenses can be installed for seven days, 30 days, one year, or permanently, so owner-operators can activate them for a short-form job, a longer-term project, or a new career direction. The ALEXA 35 Base model will adapt and grow with the customer, giving them a more accessible route to ARRI image quality and also helping them to progress. The five individual licenses are: ‘120 fps’ for higher frame rates; ‘ARRIRAW’ for uncompressed image quality; ‘Open Gate/Anamorphic’ for the full 4.6K sensor area and anamorphic modes; ‘Pre-record’ for up to 20 seconds of buffered pre- recording before the record button is pressed; and ‘Look’ for in-camera ARRI Textures, the ARRI Look Library, and Custom Color Management. With these five licenses installed, a Base model becomes as fully featured as the Premium model. There is also a temporary or permanent Premium License that combines all five individual licenses in a cost-effective bundle. If it is purchased permanently, without any other license having previously been installed, then the customer will have spent no more than the price of a Premium model. ARRI has offered feature licenses since the ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras, but the online ARRI Shop is now much easier to use. A new third-party backend provider has enabled more payment options, including many local currencies as well as PayPal, Google Pay, Alipay, and Amazon Pay. License purchases are no longer restricted to the camera owner, so productions can pay for them as well. The ALEXA 35 Base model is available in a choice of eight sets that all bring accessory savings, grouped within three categories: Base Entry Sets, Base Operator Sets, and Base Production Sets. The Entry Sets offer the most affordable way to acquire a lightweight, ready-to-shoot camera package and put the ALEXA 35 at a price point comparable to the original ALEXA Mini. Owner- operators and sports productions will be drawn to the Operator Sets, while the Production Sets are suited to high-end narrative productions and include accessories that would come as standard from a rental house. Concurrent with the ALEXA 35 Base model release, Codex is announcing its new Compact Drive Express 1TB, which has the same write speeds and fps range as the Compact Drive 1TB, but costs around 40% less. Recording only ProRes and identified by a white ring, the Compact Drive Express is a perfect match for the ALEXA 35 Base model and will be included in ARRI sales sets, making the camera not only more affordable to buy, but also to use. The ALEXA 35 Base model and Premium model sets are available to order now and reflect ARRI’s long-term commitment to the ALEXA 35 system platform, for which further upgrades are already being planned.

ARRI

Dominating the Festival Circuit

The ALEXA 35’s reputation for cinematic excellence has already been solidified. At Sundance 2025, the ALEXA 35 dominated the festival circuit, demonstrating its industry-leading capabilities (read more). Additionally, ARRI’s recent showreel showcases the breathtaking results achievable with the ALEXA 35 (see it here).

Price Estimation and Market Position

Although ARRI has not yet disclosed the price of the ALEXA 35 Entry, industry experts speculate that it could rival the affordability of the original ALEXA Mini, which starts at around $36,000. With the inclusion of flexible licensing and cost-efficient media, ARRI is positioning the ALEXA 35 Entry as a game-changer for independent filmmakers, commercial productions, and even high-end cinematographers looking for a scalable solution. The ALEXA 35 Entry’s introduction underscores ARRI’s commitment to democratizing access to its cutting-edge technology while maintaining the unparalleled image quality for which it’s known. UPDATE: Least expensive set: €49,800 / $49,800 USD. Also check out ARRI’s video below: