Based on feedback from numerous set visits and a continual dialogue with
cinematographers, assistants, DITs, rental and post houses, ARRI have released a
free software update, Software Update Packet (SUP) 10.0, for the ALEXA camera.
ALEXA is designed to be a future-proof system, so the feature set has evolved with
changing shooting practices and needs. It is the re-programmable Field
Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) processors inside ALEXA cameras which have enabled them
to be updated with functionality beyond the original specifications.
Apple ProRes 4444 XQ for ALEXA XT and XR
The new Apple ProRes 4444 XQ codec is an ideal choice for productions which are
shooting for premium image quality, or are looking to take their colour grading to
extremes. This new 12 bit RGB codec supports HD and 2K resolutions as well as 16:9
and 4:3 aspect ratios. Its data rate of 500 Mb/s (at 30 fps 1920 x 1080) is higher
than ProRes 4444’s 330 Mb/s, allowing a lower compression ratio that better
preserves the superior tonal range of ALEXA’s Log C signal.
Open Gate support for ALEXA XT M
The many movies that are already recording in the ARRIRAW Open Gate format with
ALEXA XT, XT Plus and XT Studio cameras are now able to do the same with the
compact ALEXA XT M. Open Gate records the full size of the ALEXA sensor for an easy
4K up-sample or for repositioning, resizing and stabilising in post.
ARRIRAW 4:3 Cropped for ALEXA XT and XR
In order to reach 96 fps when shooting ARRIRAW 4:3 with anamorphic lenses, the
new ARRIRAW 4:3 Cropped mode reduces the width of the recorded image to 1.2:1,
which is all that is needed to record the image produced by a 2x anamorphic lens.
Additional new features for ALEXA classic, XT and XR cameras
180° image rotation – Allows Steadicam rigs to be flipped upside down for low mode
shooting; it also rotates the image for the ARRI Ultra Wide Zoom UWZ 9.5-18/T2.9.
Support for SONY SxS PRO+ memory cards – ALEXAs now support recording ProRes
or DNxHD to 64 GB and 128 GB SxS PRO+ memory cards.
REC OUT = clean MON OUT – More recording modes now support two independent
HD-SDI outputs, allowing a clean Log C signal on REC OUT, while a Rec 709 signal
with overlays and an optional ARRI Look File can be output on MON OUT.
Faster regular/high speed switching – The time it takes ALEXA to switch from regular
(0.75-60 fps) to high speed mode (60-120 fps) has been reduced to about 20
seconds.
Dimmable status information – The status information overlay available on EVF and
MON OUT can now be dimmed for low light scenes.
Monochrome status icons – The rectangular status icons to the left and right of the
image are now monochrome, which is less distracting when colour grading on the set.
Coloured camera index letter – The camera index letter can be assigned one of six
colours, making it easier to identify images from different cameras on monitors.
Lens Squeeze Factor metadata field – This allows the manual entry of a Lens
Squeeze Factor so post software can automatically de-squeeze anamorphic images.
Independent peaking setting for playback – Peaking on the MON OUT and EVF during
playback can be set independently from peaking during recording.
