Rent ARRI ALEXA MINI LF
Large format sensor in an ALEXA Mini body
With the new ALEXA Mini LF, ARRI seems to have created the perfect combination between large format image sensor and compact body. The company aims to make it a perfect second camera, next to the larger ALEXA LF, offering the same look.
The ARRI large format sensor size is 36.70 x 25.54 mm, which is slightly larger than full frame and offers a maximum resolution of 4.5K (4448 x 3096). According to ARRI, the sensor stands out for its natural colorimetry, its pleasant skin tones, low noise and capacity for high dynamic range (HDR) workflows and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) color ranges.
ARRI ALEXA MINI LF –
- With ISO Sensitivity: 800
- Sensor size: LF (4448 x 3096)
- Sensor format: 4: 3/16: 9/6: 5 / Open Gate
- Sensor resolution: 13.7 Mpix
- Target mount: LPL (also PL using adapter)
- Max. framerate: 90fps
- Latitude: 14 stops
- Video outputs: 2x SDI
- Recording format: ARRIRAW, ProRes
- RAW: Internal
- Power: 10.5-34vcc
- Consumption: 65 W
- Weight (body): 2.7 kg
3 sensor modes
Like the Sony VENICE independent aspect ratio sensor, the ALEXA Mini LF sensor has the ability to be used in three different sensor modes. All features, resolutions and frame rates will be available from launch.
Open door LF – 36.70 x 25.54 mm with (4448 x 3096) @ 44.71mm image circle. It offers the optimum pixel size of the ALEXA family for the best image quality results in a 4448 x 3096 image
LF 16: 9 – 31.68 x 1782 mm with (3840 x 2160) at 36.35 mm image circle Maximize lens options while meeting 4K delivery standards. Max 60fps – 20mm Ultra prime will cover for example. Also available as internal scale at HD at 90 fps
LF 2.39: 1 – 36.70 x 15.31 mm with (4448 x 1856 photo sites) @ 39.76 mm image circle. It combines a cinematic widescreen image with high frame rates of up to 60 fps.
All sensor modes offer a true sensitivity of 800 ASA, as well as noise reduction. EI values are between 160-3200.
As for ergonomics (compared to the ALEXA Mini), it has some additional connectors, which include regulated 12V and 24V accessory power supply, a new 6-pin audio connector, built-in microphones and enhanced WiFi. Six user buttons now occupy the operating side of the camera, and both the camera and the viewfinder each have their own lock button. They have also simplified user access to the recording media, and VF and TC connectors.
ARRI knows that their cameras are used in various climatic conditions (sometimes very difficult) and that is why they were built to last. The new ALEXA Mini LF has a sturdy carbon body and can be used within a wide temperature range, from -20 ° C to + 45 ° C (-4 ° F to + 113 ° F). In addition, all ALEXA Mini LFs are subjected to a rigorous test of strength before leaving the ARRI factory, and then receive attention at ARRI’s global service centers.
The ALEXA Mini LF has the same dimensions as the ALEXA Mini, except for the media compartment on the left side of the camera. According to ARRI, its current prototypes weigh 2.6 kg (5.7 pounds) for the camera body with LPL lens mount and 800 g (1.7 pounds) for the MVF-2 viewfinder.
The ALEXA Mini LF allows internal recording of MXF / ARRIRAW or MXF / Apple ProRes in a variety of formats and aspect ratios. When it comes to media, it is the first camera that uses the new Codex Compact Drive recording units. The SSDs are accompanied by a USB-C compact drive reader that can be used without additional software or licenses on Mac or Windows computers. In addition, a compact unit adapter can be used on any base that accepts SXR capture units, making the download speed potentially twice as fast.
ARRI knows that their cameras are used in various climatic conditions (sometimes very difficult) and that is why they were built to last. The new ALEXA Mini LF has a sturdy carbon body and can be used within a wide temperature range, from -20 ° C to + 45 ° C (-4 ° F to + 113 ° F). In addition, all ALEXA Mini LFs are subjected to a rigorous test of strength before leaving the ARRI factory, and then receive attention at ARRI’s global service centers.
Codex High Density Encoding (HDE) is a new lossless coding technology to reduce the size of ARRIRAW files by approximately 40% during download or later in the workflow. This reduces storage costs and transfer times, while accelerating workflows. HDE technology is free to use with Codex Capture or Compact Drives, openly and quickly.
Lens options for large format ARRI cameras
Optimized for large format lenses, the LPL lens mount installed in the ALEXA LF and ALEXA Mini LF cameras accepts ARRI Signature Primes, ARRI Rental DNA LF and 65 format optics, and third-party LPL lenses. The PL-a-LPL adapter, which is securely attached to the LPL lens holder without tools, offers compatibility with all PL-mount lenses, whether Super 35 or full-frame. The metadata of the LDS-2 or / i lens can be accessed through the LPL support, and LDS-1 or / i through the PL-a-LPL adapter. The ARRI frame and lens line lighting tool, available in the Learning and Help / Tools section of the ARRI website, illustrates how much of the large format sensor is covered by a given lens.
Other manufacturers, such as Panavision and Vantage, offer patented lens frames for ALEXA LF and ALEXA Mini LF cameras, to support their own lens ranges. Therefore, cinematographers have an almost unlimited lens option when shooting with large-format ARRI cameras
