American Cinematographer - April 2013 - 104

New Products & Services

Arri Launches Alexa XT Line
Arri has introduced the Alexa Xtended Technology camera
line, which incorporates new features inspired by feedback from
professional users. The Alexa XT, XT M, XT Plus and XT Studio
cameras will replace all previous models except for the original
Alexa. Owners of existing Alexa cameras will be able to purchase
individual upgrades that deliver most of the features of the XT
configuration.
All Alexa XT models come with the new XR Module, a side
panel that was co-developed with Codex to replace the previous SxS
Module. The result is a smaller, lighter, more affordable and cablefree camera package that records Arriraw, the Alexa’s highest quality image output, inside the camera. The Alexa can now capture
Arriraw at up to 120 fps onto fast and rugged 512 GB Codex XR
Capture Drives.
The In-camera Filter Module IFM-1 allows Alexa CT models
to be rated at the base sensitivity of EI 800 without the need for
external neutral density filters, even in bright sunlight. Filtering
behind the lens rather than in front saves time and reduces weight
and reflections. The precision IRND filters used with the IFM-1 assure
high image quality and perfect color balance at all of the eight available densities, from ND 0.3 to ND 2.4.
For the most effective use of anamorphic lenses, each Alexa
XT is equipped with a 4:3 sensor, the same size and shape as a Super
35mm film frame. An anamorphic de-squeeze license is included
with all XT cameras, as is a high-speed license for filming at up to
120 fps. The 4:3 sensor will also be useful on non-anamorphic
productions as it permits significant reframing of the image in post,
similar to shooting 4-perf 35mm.
All Alexa XT models are equipped with an Arri Lens Data
System lens mount. The LDS reads the position of all lens rings and
writes them into metadata in every format the Alexa can record. LDS
is a built-in feature with more than 40 lens models, including the
Arri/Zeiss Master Anamorphic, Master Prime and LDS Ultra Prime
series, the Master Macro 100 and the Arri/Fujinon Alura Lightweight
104

April 2013

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Zooms. For all other lenses, it is possible to store the lens table inside
the Alexa by using the Lens Data Archive feature.
To provide maximum comfort for the operator, the new
Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB-3 has a much stronger and
more rigid design, partially achieved through the use of two 15mm
lightweight rods. These rods also facilitate rapid changes in camera
support, such as from a tripod to a crane or Steadicam, because
accessories such as lens motors or follow-focus units can be hung
from the rods rather than cluttering the base plate. Additionally, the
Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB-3, which features a fold-out arm
that holds the viewfinder securely in place when moving the
camera, is available as a separate accessory.
Additionally, an even quieter fan has been incorporated into
the Alexa XT models.
For existing Alexas, Arri is offering upgrades that will provide
most of the functionality of the XT cameras. These upgrades include
the XR Module, In-Camera Filter Module IFM-1, Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB-3, Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB-3, XT Fan and
the anamorphic de-squeeze and high-speed licenses.
For additional information, visit www.arri.com.
Codex, Arri Partner for XR Capture Drives
Building on the successful pairing of Arri Alexa cameras with
Codex recorders, Codex and Arri have developed the Xtended
Recording Module for Alexa cameras. Designed to replace the
Alexa’s SxS Module, the XR Module is an affordable side panel that
incorporates Codex recording technology directly into the camera,
facilitating untethered shooting, making the overall camera package
smaller and lighter, and further simplifying Arriraw recording.
The XR Module provides several recording options in a single
package. Arriraw can be recorded at up to 120 fps (1.78:1) onto a
high-performance, 512 GB, 6.7 Gb/s Codex XR Capture Drive,
which contains highly reliable solid-state drive technology in a small
and rugged aluminum housing. Additionally, Apple ProRes or Avid
DNxHD can be recorded to a Capture Drive, making longer recording times possible (up to 2.1 hours of ProRes 4444), or to an SxS Pro
card with an SxS adapter.
The Codex XR Capture Drives are identical in form to the
current Codex Capture Drives and are compatible with the Codex
Vault, Codex Capture Drive Transfer Station and Codex Capture
Drive Dock (USB-3). The small and affordable USB-3 Single Dock
allows quick and safe copying of data onto a laptop; the Dual Dock
can make clones of XR Capture Drives and connect to a Mac Pro via
a high-speed SAS interface for speedy copying, archiving or dailies
creation; and the Codex Vault offers a modular, rugged, all-in-one
solution for fast and easy copying, archiving, reporting or dailies
creation on or near set.
“Codex and Arri have formed a strong partnership over the

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American Cinematographer - April 2013

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