ARRI unveiled a new lower cost Base model of its ALEXA 35 camera. The company says this will make the ALEXA 35 camera system more accessible for a wider range of production types.
ALEXA 35 Base model
ARRI says that the existing ALEXA 35 camera, with all its software-based features, will now be known as the ALEXA 35 Premium model. The ALEXA 35 Base model has a reduced core feature set that can be upgraded via temporary or permanent licenses. In addition, the camera’s costs are further reduced with the new Codex Compact Drive Express for ProRes recording.
Hardware
The ALEXA 35 Base model is visually identical to the ALEXA 35 Premium model. However, the new camera has a blue jog wheel to make it easier to identify Base cameras at rental houses or on set. Both models also have the same Super 35 sensor. This delivers 17 stops of dynamic range, REVEAL Color Science, and the sought-after ARRI image quality.
Recording features
The ALEXA 35 Base model includes ProRes recording up to 60 fps in 4K 16:9 aspect ratio video and other formats. You also get ARRI Look File (CDL and 3D LUT) support and Enhanced Sensitivity modes up to EI 6400. Also, out of the box, the ALEXA 35 Base model gives you three independent 10-bit monitoring outputs in SDR and HDR color spaces.
Optional licenses
ARRI’s new feature licensing concept means that you can unlock specialist and high-end features on the ALEXA 35 Base model whenever they need them. There are five optional licenses in total and with all installed, the ALEXA 35 Base model has the same specifications as the Premium model.
License details
You can add a license which gives you 120fps higher frame rate recording for slow motion playback. If you need to record in ARRIRAW, you will also need to pay extra for that feature. The third license opens up Open Gate and Anamorphic recording for the full 4.6K sensor area and anamorphic modes. Also, the Pre-record license gives you up to 20 seconds of buffered pre-recording before the record button is pressed. Finally, you need the Look license to access in-camera ARRI Textures, the ARRI Look Library, and Custom Color Management.
License costs
Each of the licenses can be installed for seven days, 30 days, one year or permanently. You can purchase one or more license to meet your specific needs and budget. There is also a temporary or permanent Premium License that combines all five individual licenses in a cost-effective bundle. ARRI says that if you buy this as a permanent option, in total it won’t cost you more than buying the ALEXA 35 Premium model outright. That assumes you haven’t bought any other licenses previously of course.
Codex Compact Drive Express
Alongside the ALEXA 35 Base model, Codex announced its new Compact Drive Express 1TB. This has the has the same write speeds and fps range as the Compact Drive 1TB, but costs around 40% less. However, it will only record ProRes files. The new drive is identifiable by its white ring.
What we think
ARRI’s new ALEXA 35 Base model opens up the camera and the ALEXA look to a wider range of users. The modular licensing approach to add additional features means that you won’t have to pay for the premium features that you don’t need. And, rental houses can reduce their costs, buying in cheaper Base models and upgrading them to Premium models with a license at a later date. ARRI should also be applauded for ensuring that this won’t make the Base model more expensive than buying the Premium camera in the first instance.
Hopefully, the launch of the ALEXA 35 Base model means that more independent productions can access ARRI’s camera range.
