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Arri Alexa XT

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1. 2 ST b o 9 9 1 EE oo oo mm eee lt AML tal NY ME E Optical Center EJ CCS 6 6 id a S 1 Y Y 30 30mm 10 40 ER o 15mm 148 1 18 015mm 4 6 3 5mm deep 0 39 1 58 8 z ALEXA Plus Length Width Height Weight Body SxS Module 332 mm 12 95 175 mm 6 89 158 mm 6 22 7 0 kg 15 4 Ib Body SxS Module Camera Center Handle CCH 1 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 e 8 8 4 kg 18 9 le ALEXA Plus ARRI CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Camera Left Camera Back Image Plane Optical Center
2. 40 mm M4 4 mm deep 1 58 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep F RR 1 e E E gio Sal Eb 2 ES Qo x E 9 ES EE m E amp c 3 i in s 55 8 EE E Optical Center E RUN hr ERR re Hl RU es A d 3C L34 4 4 is 4 e 2 n 1 ET EE o E ER Eis Toll je ae i z Ee N Sr SEMEN 3 s vf g tan J ae N 3mm 0 12 41 5mm 23 mm 1 63 0 91 PALME 58 1 mm 38 5 mm 2 29 1 52 PM Paes 55 mm 247 88 8 35 t 180 mm 7 09 183 e p 230 9 06 264 mm 10 39 gt 322 1 mm 12 68 gt ALEXA Studio CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice Camera Right Camera Front Image Plane Optical Center UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 265 E L
3. 1 1 24 3 66 2 mm 602 2 61 2 37 gt lt 1 19 4 0 76 1 1 i Y E Ea IN 4H Optical Center E E T ER u 8 1 1 T J 1 1 1 1 ALEXA Length Width Height Weight ALEXA M Head 212 mm 8 35 129 mm 5 08 149 mm 5 87 2 9 kg 6 39 Ib ALEXA M Backend 323 mm 12 72 153 mm 6 02 158 mm 6 22 5 5 kg 12 Ib ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA M CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Head Top Head Bottom Image Plane Image Plane 33 mm 33 mm 1 37 1 3 36 mm 36 mm 1 42 1 42 56 mm M4 4 mm deep 56 mm M4 4 mm deep 22 22 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep MS Optical Center M4 4 mm deep M4 4 mm deep 53 mm 53 mm 2 09 2 09 0 ALEXA CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Head with Cage Right Head with Cage Top
4. fe a 1 E i E 1 amp ARRS i i L a E 5 M3 6 mm deep E 5 8 E 99 8 EK oo iss 10 0 39 M6 3 5 mm ALEXA with XR Module ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Camera Top Image Plane siam 9 05 46 7 mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 1 84 1 1 1 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 68 mm 2 68 239 mm max 9 41 max Camera Bottom Image Plane UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep oval hole 7 mm 0 022 wide and 8 mm long 4 5 mm deep 120 mm 4 72 81 6 mm 3 21 TETTE 27 5 mm 1 08 7 79 198 mm ALEXA with XR Module ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Camera Top Image Plane Camera Top 331 mm 12 64 40 mm 1 58 gt 40 mm 1 58 183 mm 721 M
5. 4 mm deep 158 UNC 3185 16 10 mm deep ry 1 e E E Ss 2 EG Qo na ER Fn Et Ey El C E j 3 55 Optical Center Y E E Y Vex 5 aia ae Ts hk REA Np orm eae ee icc Es 5 5 d ay E Tu Aj ecl S amp D 22 g 7 Ex 1 on 9 Y Y 3mm 0 12 a 41 5 mm 23 mm 1 63 0 91 os 58 1 mm 38 5 mm 2 29 1 52 55 mm 217 88 8 35 rM 180 mm 7 09 ls 183 mm En 230 9 06 264 mm 10 39 322 1 mm 12 68 ALEXA Studio with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice Camera Right Camera Front Image Plane Optical Center UNC 3 816 10 mm deep 1 265 mm EY 10 43 m 76 2 59 4 112 156 3 i ae 2 34 4 41 al 6 14 a Ek T i 77 1 Eu 1 25 c PN J Y 1 2 x7 0
6. 46 9 Connectors 47 9 1 BAT suena yet 49 9 2 2 nen in ee dai a eis 50 9 3 RETJSYNC IN Ae Bs Be oe eee ee eke 50 9 4 MON OUT chap SE 50 9 5 AR e e D Reh e Sate 50 9 6 ETHERNET 51 9 7 EVE Dese 51 9 8 AUDIO ING Sie eae t ant eife ee 51 9 9 aaa pie Rett el nth aah 52 9 10 AT 52 9 11 TG isis ti tain 52 9 12 AUDIO JOU T oti e et 52 9 13 SD Card 53 9 14 SxS Slots eite diee dts 54 9 15 XR Xtended Recording Module eese 56 10 Lens Mounting 60 10 1 Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 1 LDS 60 10 2 Lens SuppoTt Ra 61 11 Camera Controls 63 11 1 Main COMTO ie She ene ue 64 v Displayes nee Ee eR oan 64 111 2 Screen B ttons co enenatis 64 11 1 3 HOME Sree a e 65 11 1 3 1 Eists and User Lists nuances 68 11 1 3 2 Gan iA 70 11 1 3 3 AUDIQ uiu UIS 75 11 1 3 4 SHUT TER eU ele 78 11 1 3 Blois tue bb iu 78 11 1 3 6 COLOR err irr iterare ore 80 Contents I EAR 85 AT 4 F nction BUttons nes de edet tne 87 11 51 41 EOS
7. 46 SAU TE Rit imeem oie tae 78 Side Camera Handle 1 42 Specific Safety 5 26 Status Info 151 Storage and 28 Studio Camera 193 5 5 Module 5 ini pc RED 133 Slots iocis dne ie eR 54 Syncing the Sensors of Two Cameras 119 155 Syncing the Settings of Two Cameras 120 156 ii iit e emptori oue 118 System Time Date 121 T De E set as 52 88 Test eee 120 TIMECODE OPTIONS sse 89 Tripod and Remote 36 U USER cea ts 95 USER BITS aes NS 90 User 0 126 Using 44 2 0 2 4 1 153 V Viewfinder 38 Viewfinder CAM 2 2422274 131 Viewfinder EVF menu 130 Viewfinder Mounting Bracket 39 V Lock 32 W Warning and Error Messages 254 eee 85 We
8. 252 A 4 Warning and Error Messages 254 Dimensions Weights and Menu Structure Trees 262 Disclaimer Disclaimer Before using the products described in this manual be sure to read and understand all respective instruction The ARRI ALEXA is only available to commercial customers The customer grants by utilization that the ARRI ALEXA or other components of the system are deployed for commercial use Otherwise the customer has the obligation to contact ARRI preceding the utilization While ARRI endeavors to enhance the quality reliability and safety of their products customers agree and acknowledge that the possibility of defects thereof cannot be eliminated entirely To minimize risk of damage to property or injury including death to persons arising from defects in the products customers must incorporate sufficient safety measures in their work with the system and have to heed the stated canonic use ARRI or its subsidiaries do not assume any responsibility for incurred losses due to improper handling or configuration of the camera or other system components due to sensor contamination occurrence of dead or defective pixels defective signal connections or incompatibilities with third party recording devices ARRI assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document The information is subject to change without not
9. What Signal Level Color White clipping 100 99 Just below white clipping 99 97 One stop over medium gray Caucasian skin 56 52 18 medium gray 42 38 Just above black clipping 4 0 2 5 Black clipping 2 5 0 0 Figure 74 False Color Encoding 11 1 5 3 Project Sensor mode Select to set which sensor mode is active 4 3 or 16 9 Note Only on ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio ALEXA M ALEXA XT ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA XT M and ALEXA XT Studio 116 Camera Controls Rec resolution Codec Project fps Camera index Next reel count Production info Select to set the current recording resolution Links to MENU gt Recording gt Internal Note Not shown on ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus as resolution is fixed to HD Select to set the current recording codec Links to MENU Recording Internal Note When internal recording is switched off the currently active REC OUT format is shown Select to set the timebase of the time code which determines how many frames the time code counts per second and the frame rate of clips recorded internally during playback Select to set the camera indentifier Identifies the individual camera unit in clips and is reflected in clip names recorded internally Select to set the reel number assigned to the next new media used for internal recording The ALEXA automatically advances the reel number every time new media is forma
10. 207 16 5 ASS MOG pm 209 16 6 Licensed 8 210 16 7 Lens Data 211 17 ALEXA XT models 212 17 1 In Camera Filter Module 1 213 17 1 1 Safety instructions for in camera filtration 214 17 1 1 1 Maximum lens mounting depth 214 17 1 1 2 Basic 216 17 1 1 3 Required shimming and maximum lens mounting depth217 17 1 1 4 Available IFM 1 and FSND Filter Sets 217 17 1 2 Preparing Internal 217 17 1 2 1 FSND Filter Set Basic for ALEXA 218 17 1 2 2 IFM 1 Set for ALEXA 4 218 17 1 3 Shimming the lens 222 17 1 4 Mounting in camera 227 17 4 5 Filter cl ansing niet eene 231 17 1 6 FSND Filter Set 232 17 1 7 FSND Filter Set Full for ALEXA 233 Contents VII 18 ALEXA Fiber Remote Option 234 19 Remote Control Unit RCU 4 235 20 Index 237 Appendix 241 A 1 Appendicite e tt a oe 242 A 2 Connector Pin 247 amp
11. 109 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 37 ETHERNET Ae ots 51 MEI eee 51 EVF 1 Controls eseina innia 129 Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications 25 50 External 145 External SWAG aise fette tete 119 F False Color 252 False 115 Ears i1 tee 122 Fibre Connection 207 Filter cleansing 2 231 Firmware Software Update Packets SUPs 123 FIPS ue AG 70 105 136 137 138 148 Frame grabs a dee tree 125 Frame 114 148 FSND Filter Set Basic for ALEXA 218 FSND Filter Set Completion 232 FSND Filter Set Full for ALEXA XT 233 Function 87 G General 28 General Safety 25 Gold Mount 33 H FANG Units Libre rans 166 High Speed 148 HOME Screen sie m Re 65 IFM 1 Set for ALEXA Classic 218 In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 213 233 238 Index INEQ iin 91 Po
12. e REC OUT REC OUT gt INTERNAL Select the INTERNAL submenu to adjust parameters for internal recording Codec ProRes 4444 Resolution HD 1920x1080 Quick format Capture Drive gt Mode Select for recording options e e ProRes DNxHD requires license key on ALEXAs with XR module available again in a later SUP version ARRIRAW only available on ALEXAs with XR module With recording off power consumption is reduced by 15 W Switching recording on or switching between recording modes takes approximately 20 seconds Codec Select to set the codec Not available in High e full range of Apple ProRes codecs Speed mode e two types of Avid DNxHD codecs requires license key on ALEXAs with XR module available again in a later SUP version HS codec Select to set the codec for High Speed Only available in mode High Speed mode e full range of Apple ProRes codecs Main Controls 103 except ProRes 4444 e two types of Avid DNxHD codecs requires license key on ALEXAs with XR module available again in a later SUP version Resolution Select to set the resolution HD 1920x1080 2K 2048x1152 in 16 9 mode Note In 4 3 mode resolution is fixed at 2K 2048x1536 Note DNxHD codecs are only available in HD 1920x1080 resolution Note In ARRIRAW mode resolution is not available Note ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus are limited to HD resolution hence this entry is not shown Q
13. 241 242 ARRI Look Files een 82 AUDI icis ect eet aree tete Ets 75 AUDIO IN eee 51 AUDIO OUT roro eee eve reete e eee etg s 52 Available IFM 1 and FSND Filter Sets 217 B Basic precaultions sene 216 t ges 49 BAT GOnn CtOb ce ts 30 Bridge Plate adapter 1 44 Bridge Plates 12 13 43 C Gamera REIN 63 Camera 36 2 0 6 206 CDL Server Connection 84 Center Camera Handle CCH 1 41 Cine Style Batteries 31 COLOR es 80 28 Connector Pin 247 GONNMECIOFS a Pu em en tie Bee 47 D Dimensions Weights and Menu Structure Trees 262 8 DISpl8y u nested e peris 64 Display 121 E El etn 78 Electromagnetic Interference 28 Electronic Mirror 183 Electronic Viewfinder
14. 4 Accurately insert the IFM 1 Bottom Ring 1 into the PL mount 2 The square red nut must be in the 6 o clock position and face camera outwards with the two smaller red pins taking the 10 30 and 1 30 positions 222 ALEXA XT models 17 1 3 5 Screw the IFM 1 Reflex Tube into the PL mount using your fingers Do not touch the delicate sensor glass 6 Tighten the IFM 1 Reflex Tube with the two shorter noses 1 of the wrench 1 with its inscription facing camera inwards see detailed section 7 Insert the IFM Shim see next chapter CAUTION Risk of damage and injury from insufficient distance between lens contact face and Bottom Ring The distance between lens contact face and Bottom Ring must be at least 27 5 mm with an unshimmed PL mount or 27 68 mm with a shimmed PL mount respectively to prevent collision of filter and lens Otherwise even PL mount lenses with a nominal mounting depth of equal or less than 31 50 mm might damage internal filters and the camera Shards from broken filter glass might cause injury Shimming the lens mount In camera filtration will change your flange focal depth Therefore all internal filters require a properly shimmed lens mount see Chapter Safety instructions for in camera filtration on page 214 Note Use only the original shim IFM Shim when filtering with IFM 1 To compensate for the change in flange focal depth due to the
15. INFO Sensor fps 24 000 fps Project fps 24 fps REC OUT frame rate 24 fps MON OUT frame rate 24 fps SxS CARD 1 max fps current 60 fps SxS CARD 2 max fps current 60 fps SYSTEM FPS INFO Figure 66 FPS Info screen with SxS module Main Controls 95 LIVE INFO VERSION EMEDIA INFO Sensor fps 24 000 fps Project fps 24 fps REC OUT frame rate 24 fps MON OUT frame rate 24 fps Media max fps current 60 fps Lal Figure 67 FPS Info screen with XR module 11 1 4 3 USER Press the USER button to open the USER BUTTONS screen There are six assignable user buttons Buttons 1 2 and 3 are shared with User Buttons 1 2 and 3 in the operator controls Press the jogwheel to see a complete list of user button options Figure 68 USER BUTTONS screen Assign functions to the buttons by using the jogwheel Figure 69 Edit User Button assignment 96 Camera Controls The following table lists all available functions and if they can be assigned to user buttons 1 3 identical for on screen and buttons on camera left side 4 6 or both Name None MON OUT surround MON OUT gamma MON OUT look MON OUT frame lines MON OUT status info MON OUT false color MON OUT peaking MON anam desqueeze Frame lines color Return in active Toggle SxS Color bars EVF surround EVF gamma Description button has no function toggles surround view of the MON OUT on or o
16. Requirements for dual recording The SxS PRO cards must be of the same capacity e When reloading or changing reels both cards must be formatted e The SxS PRO cards must have identical file structure Recording 145 12 1 2 Follow the procedures for normal recording to a single SxS PRO card but manage the SxS cards as a set Download and back up one card and keep the other card as an additional backup External recording In addition to internal recording the ALEXA can also output uncompressed HD and unprocessed ARRIRAW data to external recorders over the REC OUT Choose the preferred output format based on the following basic guidelines e 422 1 5G use for television applications that require only color correction and high speed capture above 30 fps e 444 1 5G Use for high quality television applications that require color correction and visual effects work such as pulling mattes and for cinema applications e ARRIRAW Use for high quality cinema applications destined for multi format distribution 422 1 5G YCbCr 422 is a format in which color is sub sampled meaning that the camera native RGB image is transformed to a YCbCr color space Y represents luminance while Cb and Cr are color difference signals Cb and Cr are sampled with only half the horizontal resolution as the human eye is less sensitive to color resolution than to luminance resolution 422 is a good balance of lower bandwidth in trans
17. 155 12 5 Syncing the Settings of Two 156 12 6 Sensor modes 16 9 and 4 3 158 13 ALEXA Plus 161 13 1 Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS 162 13 2 R di System dad eed eet n nb 163 13 3 Wireless Remote 0 164 13 3 T LenS MOTOELS ated a teen 164 13 3 2 Hand Units cis Rhoncus 166 Contents 13 4 Lens Data Display 167 13 5 Plus Camera Controls 80 idat 168 14 ALEXA Plus 4 3 174 15 ALEXA Studio 177 15 1 ALEXA Studio 178 15 2 182 15 2 1 Electronic Mirror 183 15 2 2 Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS 183 15 2 3 Optical 2 184 15 2 4 ND Filter rar Re NE rne AERE eH M ere 192 15 3 Studio Camera Controls essen 193 15 4 4 3 196 15 5 Licensed 198 16 ALEXA M 199 16 1 ALEXA M Irriages eene eee 200 16 2 ALEXA M Camera sse 205 Ju MH 206 16 3 ALEXA M Camera 206 16 4 Fibre Connection
18. card Note This erases all data present on the SD card Main Controls 123 Prepare SD Select to create or complete the required folder card structure on the SD card without erasing any data present on the SD card Firmware Software Update Packets SUPs To keep the ALEXA up to date with new features the camera firmware can be updated by the user Download the latest Software Update Packet SUP from http www arri com camera digital_cameras and be sure to read the included instructions Please note that from version 8 0 on Software Update Packets SUPs for ALEXA Classic cameras with the SxS Module are different from SUPs for ALEXA XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras that have been upgraded with the XR Module SUPs for ALEXA Classic cameras with the SxS Module will be called SUP X Y ALEXA Classic SUPs for ALEXA XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras that have been upgraded with the XR Module will be called SUP X Y ALEXA XT XR Note ARRI discourages downgrading cameras to lower SUP versions Be sure to carefully read the release notes of the currently installed SUP to find out if downgrading is possible and ask your ARRI service center if in doubt To update the camera to a new SUP 1 Copy the new SUP into the Firmware folder an SD card formatted in the ALEXA 2 Load the SD card into the camera 3 Inthe System menu select Firmware 4 Select Select update file 5 Select the new SUP from the list on
19. 1920x1080 1920x1080 Sampling Structure 4 2 2 4 4 4 Color Mode YCbCr YCbCr YCbCr RGB Possible Frame Rates fps 23 976 24 25 29 97 30 48 50 59 94 60 48 50 59 94 60 23 976 24 25 29 97 30 108 Camera Controls 444 1 1920x1080 4 4 4 RGB 23 976 24 3G SL 25 29 97 30 444 2 1920x1080 4 44 RGB 48 50 59 94 3G DL 60 ARRIRAW 2 2880x1620 Bayer Bayer 23 976 24 1 5G DL 25 29 97 30 ARRIRAW 1 2880x1620 Bayer Bayer 23 976 24 3G SL 25 29 97 30 ARRIRAW 2 2880x1620 Bayer Bayer 48 50 59 94 3G DL 60 MON 1 1920x1080 4 2 2 YCbCr 23 976 24 OUT 25 29 97 30 clone Proprietary signal format as no SMPTE standard supports RGB 444 with frame rates higher than 30 fps Only supported by some recorders RAW sensor image is transmitted wrapped as 1920x1080 RGBA This signal can only be recorded with ARRIRAW T Link certified recorders Some recorders only support certain types of ARRIRAW T Link When in High Speed mode REC OUT is always set to MON OUT clone 30 60 fps recording with ALEXA over HD SDI Unlike the ARRIFLEX D 21 which used a proprietary mode for recording frame rates between 30 60 fps the ALEXA complies with the SMPTE 372M standard for image transmission in 422 1 5G DL and 3G SL formats This means that images are split into fields and every field is transmitted over one link The second field of every image is transmitted over the othe
20. E eX 49 eMe oo FRB T 4 HY lm g Optical Center ER 0 2 1 1 1 lt gt i Y 10 mm 0 39 6 3 5 1 ALEXA Studio Length Width Height Weight Body XR Module 364 mm 14 33 183 6 mm 7 23 163 mm 6 42 8 3 kg 18 3 Ib Bady Xit Module 402 mm 15 9 268 mm 10 55 241 mm 9 49 10 5 kg 23 1 Ib Camera Center Handle CCH 1 Optical Viewfinder OVF 1 ALEXA Studio with XR Module ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Camera Left Image Plane 138 mm 5 43 i I UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 0 9 22 8 mm 134 mm 5 28 10 mm M6 3 5 mm deep 0 39 Camera Back Optical Center UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 156 mm 6 14 h ES EE EB N M3 6 mm deep i C Y 64 9 71 9 2 56 2 83 1 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA Studio with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Camera Bottom Camera Top Image Plane SPTAR Imag
21. 11 1 4 5 Press the DONE button to save the new name Aa SET NAME lt BBcDEFGHIJKLMNOP QRSTUVWX YZ 123456789 0 l ERASE CLEAR ALL gt DONE Figure 59 WB SET NAME screen Note Default white balance values cannot be renamed Function Buttons The main controls feature the following function buttons ON OFF LOCK GRAB WRS PLAY Press once to switch the camera on Press and hold for 5 seconds to switch off the camera A countdown will be displayed on the HOME screen If the button is released before the countdown has elapsed the camera does not switch off Press to start and stop internal recording and send start and stop record signals over the REC OUT to an external recording device Press and hold for 3 seconds to lock or unlock the main camera controls and function buttons The recessed function buttons USER REC and ON OFF cannot be locked and remain available A lock symbol on the HOME screen indicates that the lock is engaged Press to take a still frame and write it to the SD card The write process is indicated by a flashing camera icon followed by a flashing SD card icon on the HOME screen When writing is finished a new still frame can be taken Press to open the TIMECODE screen Press to open the Wireless Remote System screen Available on ALEXA Plus ALEXA Studio and ALEXA M only Press to open the playback screen and activate playback on MON OUT and EVF When the pl
22. 7 1 7 2 7 3 7 4 7 5 7 5 1 7 5 2 7 6 7 6 1 7 6 2 Power 4 4 404 0 eve Mains Unit NG 12 26 0 4000 4 0 Cine Style Onboard V Lock Batteries uua atus he tithe ne Gold Mount Power QutpU lts rediere er ne eR e tees Powering 12 V Accessories sssssseseeeeeenee Powering 24 V Accessories 8 Camera Support 8 1 8 2 8 3 8 3 1 8 3 2 Minimum Equipment Recommended For Operation Tripod and Remote Electronic Viewfinder 7 00 Viewfinder Viewfinder Mounting Bracket 12 14 21 25 25 25 26 28 28 28 28 30 30 30 31 31 32 32 33 35 35 35 Contents 8 4 Center Camera Handle 1 41 8 5 Side Camera Handle 5 1 2444400 42 8 6 Bridge Plates BP 12 BP 13 sse 43 8 7 Bridge Plate adapter 1 44 8 8 Wedge Adapter WA 1 and Quick Release Plate OR HD 1 45 8 9 Leveling 7 45 8 10
23. Settings sync Off ETH master ETH slave Test signal gt gt Color bar On Off Enable test tone On Off Test tone level 0 dB fs 9 dB fs 18 dB fs Display beeper gt gt Display button brightness 0 8 Button brightness Off Low Medium High Run beeper mode Off Start Stop Start Stop System time date gt gt set date time timezone and daylight saving time an gt gt Fan mode Regular Rec low D card gt gt Format prepare SD card amp Prepare SD card Firmware Select update file gt gt amp Licensed features gt gt install delete licenses save hardware info ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License XT ALEXA XT all models only PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALEXA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only SUP 8 1 MENU LDS ALEXA XT M M see Lens Data for PLUS STUDIO FRAME GRABS menu File format Jpeg Tiff Dpx Ari load grab D Options Compare Options gt gt Compare mode Toggle Interleave Active on EVF On Off Active on MON OUT On Off Grabbed images inherit REC OUT settings Ari only possible when REC QUT ARRI RAW USER SETUPS menu Save current setup Load setup Factory reset USER USER BUTTON ASSIGNMENT None None MON OUT surround MON OUT gamma MON OUT look MON OUT frame lines MON OUT status info MON OUT surround MON OUT gamma MON OUT look MO
24. When the camera is set to ARRIRAW recording an XR Capture Drive is initialized as a Codex volume which offers 455 GB of storage space This allows for 47 minutes of 16 9 ARRIRAW recording at 24 fps or 9 minutes of ARRIRAW at 120 fps The file system is read only for computers When the camera is set to ProRes 2K HD or DNxHD recording it uses one SSD in the XR Capture Drive and initializes it as a UDF volume This offers 229 GB of storage space which equals over 100 minutes of 16 9 ProRes 4444 in 2K or three hours of ProRes 422 HO at 24 fps The file system is read only for computers SxS Pro cards can only be used for ProRes 2K HD or DNxHD recording These cards are always initialized with the UDF file system and have to be formatted in the XR Module with the SxS Adapter 12 1 1 3 Internal Recording Formats ALEXA footage can be captured as QuickTime movies using an Apple ProRes codec as files using an Avid DNxHD codecs or with an XR Module as unencrypted and uncompressed ARRIRAW file sequences Recording 135 Notes Recording in Avid DNxHD requires a license key and is not available on ALEXAs with XR module with SUP 8 0 It will be available again in a later SUP version Recording ARRIRAW internally requires the XR Module and does not work with SxS PRO cards ProRes ALEXA has been the first camera offering internal ready to edit QuickTime ProRes HD recording to SxS PRO cards With SUP 7 0 all cameras received a
25. e TX6 torx screwdriver 224 ALEXA XT models To shim the mount 1 Remove lens or lid 1 from the PL lens mount and turn the lens lock into position CLOSED 2 2 Unscrew only with a TX6 torx screwdriver the four accessible torx screws 1 that hold the lens lock the other two torx screws are still hidden by lock position CLOSED In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 225 3 Turn the lens lock into position OPEN 2 to unhide and unscrew the other two torx screws 1 4 Remove the lens lock 1 from the PL mount Keep all installed shims if any carefully in place 2 226 ALEXA XT models 5 Accurately place the IFM Shim with its inscription always facing camera outwards 2 onto the PL mount The shim s screw holes must line up exactly with the mount s thread holes and the index pin 3 6 Fasten the lens lock still in position OPEN 2 back to the PL mount use two of the six torx screws 1 hand tight In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 227 7 Turn the lens lock into Position CLOSED 2 and fasten the other four torx screws hand tight 1 Check if all screws and the shim fit correctly 8 Before mounting a lens always check its mounting depth see Chapters Safety instructions for in camera filtration on page 214 and Maximum lens mounting depth on page 214 17 1 4 Mounting in camera filters Internal filters are very delicate Be
26. ES 5 58 od 281 uw 4 t EZ ne ES E io e 97 ie eel Est for 15 mm RODS RES e oT E 8 t Y M4 4 mm deep Y 90 5 mm 16 mm 44 5 mm 3 56 0 63 1 75 Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA M with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Head with HEAD PLATE 2 Top Head with HEAD PLATE 2 Right Image Plane 3mm Image Plane 0 12 36 74 5 mm 1 42 2 93 66 mm M4 4 mm deep 85 mm UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 3 35 for 15 mm RODS 2nd 15 mm RODS Adapter optional M6 3 5mm deep E no E o o DON nd 4d d4 t R 4HP amp J9 LH 4dgB Bees p t t Optical Center 0 5 E E to an o s M4 4 mm deep 49 5 mm 1 95 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA M with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Head with Handle Top Head with Handle Right Image Plane Image Plane 12 1 mm 10 5 mm 0 48 0 41 73 4 mm 50 8 mm 2 89 210 lt n i 50 2 mm 1 98 75 6 mm M4 4 mm deep 2 98 3 8 16 10 mm deep un 3 8 16 10 mm deep ES nwo Ee Es 5 1 6 85 ees sed We tte bee eR ese
27. FPS INFO VERSION Info Cam serial The serial number of the camera no Cam ID Translation of the camera serial number to Base36 with an additional prefix for 3D applications Firmware Version number of the currently installed camera Software Update Packet SUP EVF serial The serial number of the Electronic Viewfinder no EVF 1 attached to the camera EVF Version number of the Electronic Viewfinder EVF firmware 1 firmware LIVE INFO VERSION Mig Cam serial no 2010 Cam ID 1JL Firmware 8 0 22900 EVF serial no 16 EVF firmware 1 27 SYSTEM FPS INFO Figure 62 VERSION info screen MEDIA Info Int Rec Current mode for internal recording Mode Status Current status of internal media Free Free storage space displayed as a percentage capacity Max fps Maximum frame rate with current codec current Main Controls Media size Total available storage space on media LIVE INFO eevee MEDIA INFO Int Rec Mode ProRes 4444 SxS 1 SxS 2 Status Stby Stby Free capacity 100 80 Max fps current 60 fps 60 fps Media size 60 06B 60 0GB SYSTEM FPS INFO Figure 63 MEDIA INFO screen with SxS module LIVE INFO Masses ll MEDIA INFO Int Rec Mode ARRIRAW Status Stby Free capacity 100 Max fps current 60 fps Media size 470 0GB SYSTEM FPS INFO Figure 64 MEDIA INFO screen with XR module SYSTEM Info Time Date Current date and time To set the date and time press t
28. Peaking False color Anamorphic left pixel e psf Progressive segmented Images first split into fields which are then transmitted line by line from left to right Select to set Surround view on the MON OUT On or Off When set to on the additional pixels outside the recorded image area on the ALEXA s ALEV III sensor are displayed allowing the operator to see outside the recorded image and keep unwanted objects such as microphone booms out of the shot To view only the recorded image set Surround view to off Select to set frame lines surround mask center mark and status info overlays to On or Off on the MON OUT Select to set peaking on the MON OUT to On or Off and the strength of peaking to low medium or high Select to activate the false color display on the MON OUT The false color display is an exposure tool that overlays the image with color coding to highlight areas with significant luminance values Select to set Anamorphic desqueeze to 1 3x 2 0x desqueeze and 2 0xmag only available if a license for anamorphic desqueeze is active in the camera The desqueeze corrects the image for 1 3x and 2 0x anamorphic lenses With 2 0x lenses the user can choose between viewing the full sensor image 2 0x or only the relevant image area 2 0xmag where left and right sides of the MON OUT image outside the 2 39 aspect area are cropped Only available if a license for anamorphic desqueeze is active in t
29. and is only currently supported by certain recorders ARRIRAW 1 5G DL ARRIRAW is the proprietary raw data generated by ARRI cameras Raw data is the sensor image data before it is converted to RGB images The ALEXA has a single sensor with a Bayer pattern color filter array meaning that every pixel has only one channel of color information With normal HD images the missing color channel information is calculated from the adjacent pixels in the camera With raw data this calculation is delayed until after the recording to save bandwidth and creative options Shooting ARRIRAW allows many decisions on how to convert the images to be made in post production ALEXA ARRIRAW specs e Bayer pattern color coding e 12 bit log luminance coding e No white balance applied e No exposure index applied e Full sensor resolution 2880x1620 ARRIRAW is transmitted to the recorder via ARRIRAW T Link using standard HD SDI dual link cables with proprietary encoding The HD SDI signal complies with the SMPTE 372M standard An ARRIRAW T Link certified recorder must be used for recording ARRIRAW Certified recorders are available from Codex Convergent Design and S Two among others For more information visit http www arri com alexa arriraw Recording 147 12 1 3 ARRIRAW 3G SL The ARRIRAW 3G SL signal format uses a single HD SDI signal that complies with the SMPTE 425M standard It is similar to ARRIRAW 1 5G DL but uses only o
30. e Mask 50 Mask 100 Select to set the Center mark to Off Small Dot Medium Dot or Cross to aid in image framing Select to set Status info to On or Off When set to On camera shooting parameters are displayed across the top of the EVF 1 s image outside the active image area and camera status information is displayed across the bottom of the EVF 1 s image outside the active image area Select to set the electronic horizon level to On or Off Only available on ALEXA Plus ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio ALEXA M ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA XT M ALEXA XT Studio and ALEXA HD Plus Overlay showing LDS lens info Only available on ALEXA Plus ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio ALEXA M ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA XT M ALEXA XT Studio and ALEXA HD Plus Valid for SUP 8 1 ALEXA XT XR but not SUP 8 0 ALEXA Classic MON OUT The MON OUT is a 422 1 5G single link HD SDI output The output range is fixed at legal range Frame rate Scan format Select to set the MON OUT frame rate to 23 976 24 25 29 97 or 30 fps The frame rate should if possible match the sensor frame rate to avoid dropped frames or duplicate frames on the output which would result in jittery images during camera movement or when image subjects are moving Select to set the type of scan e Progessive Images are transmitted line by line from left to right starting at the top 112 Camera Controls Surround view Frame lines status info
31. only the 16 9 center area of the image sensor is read out If recording is set to ARRIRAW only available for ALEXAs with XR module 4 3 High Speed is available Recording Internal recording is only possible with ProRes codecs in 2K 2048x1536 resolution and ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with XR module External recording is only possible in ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with SxS module except ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus and with recorders that support ARRIRAW 4 3 176 ALEXA Plus 4 3 Monitoring For monitoring the 4 3 image is downscaled to 960 x 720 pixels for the EVF and 1440 x 1080 for the MON OUT Only horizontal surround view is available in 4 3 mode The image is not rescaled for surround view but horizontally extended The non active area of the EVF and MON OUT is filled with black pillarboxed Anamorphic desqueeze Both 1 3x and 2x anamorphic desqueeze is available in 4 3 mode 1 3x anamorphic desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 720 for the EVF and 1920 x 1080 for the MON OUT while 2x desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 480 for the EVF and 1920 x 720 for the MON OUT For the optical viewfinder anamorphic desqueeze can be achieved by flipping an anamorphic element into the optical path By default the OVF has an optical element for 2x desqueeze Elements for 1 3x desqueeze are also available Plus Camera Controls 177 15 ALEXA Studio The ALEXA Studio extends the features of an ALEXA Plus 4 3 by e
32. with XR Capture Drives 3 Only for ALEXA XT ALEXA XT M and ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA XT Studio has its own motorized ND filter solution ProRes 2K 16 9 and ARRIRAW output are not available on ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus DNxHD recording not possible with XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras with the XR Module upgrade as of SUP 8 0 ALEXA XT XR planned for SUP 9 0 ALEXA XT XR DNxHD is possible with ALEXA Classic cameras with SUP 7 x and SUP 8 x ALEXA Classic About This Manual A Layout of the ALEXA The following images show the ALEXA Classic with SxS module Figure 1 ALEXA right Figure 3 ALEXA top 22 Layout of the ALEXA Figure 4 ALEXA bottom Figure 5 ALEXA front Figure 6 ALEXA back About This Manual 23 The following images show the ALEXA Classic upgraded with the XR module Figure 7 ALEXA right Figure 8 ALEXA left 24 Layout of the ALEXA Figure 9 ALEXA top Figure 10 ALEXA bottom Figure 11 ALEXA front Figure 12 ALEXA back Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications 25 5 5 1 5 2 Safety Guidelines Any violation of these safety instructions or non observance of personal care could cause serious injuries including death to users and affiliates and damage to the equipment or other obj
33. 0 Document revision history SUP ID drawing release date revision 2 1 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 FG5445 29th Nov 2010 3 0 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 K7741 11th Feb 2011 3 1 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 7776 04th Apr 2011 3 1 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 C 7781 07th Apr 2011 4 0 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 D 7817 Obth Jul 2011 4 0 1 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 7845 24th Aug 2011 5 0 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 F 7874 16th Nov 2011 5 0 5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 G 7890 19th Dec 2011 5 1 5 0 5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 H 8005 26th Jan 2011 5 1 About This Manual 13 5 1 6 1 7 0 7 0 1 7 1 8 0 8 0 8 0 8 1 K5 72550 0 K5 72550 0 K5 72550 0 K5 72550 0 K5 72550 0 K5 72550 0 K5 72550 0 2031 00 00 00 99 1 2031 00 00 00 99 2031 00 00 00 99 2031 00 00 00 99 L 2031 00 00 00 99 M 2031 00 00 00 99 N 2031 00 00 00 99 10000073 01 K8021 K8071 K8128 K8169 K8189 K8223 K8257 K08304 12th Feb 2012 14th May 2012 5th Nov 2012 14th Jan 2013 30th Jan 2013 22nd April 2013 18th June 2013 17th July 2013 Introduction to the ALEXA Introduction to the ALEXA ARRI ALEXA is an extraordinary 35mm format digital camera system designed for motion pictures and television consisting of eleven cameras and an extensive range of primes zooms accessories and recording solutions Combining innovative digital technology with 95 years of ARRI history and exp
34. 1080 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1152 1920 x 1080 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1152 1920 x 1080 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1152 1920 x 1080 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1152 1920 x 1080 Color Coding 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 10 bit YCbCr 12 bit RGB 12 bit RGB 12 bit RGB Without alpha channel 444 only Data Rate 24 fps 60 Mbit s 45 Mbit s 40 Mbit s 130 Mbit s 100 Mbit s 90 Mbit s 190 Mbit s 140 Mbit s 125 Mbit s 280 Mbit s 210 Mbit s 185 Mbit s 425 Mbit s 320 Mbit s 280 Mbit s Recording time on 64 GB SxS PRO 24 fps 139 min 186 min 211 min 61 min 82 min 93 min 43 min 57 min 65 min 28 min 38 min 43 min 19 min 25 min 29 min Recording time on XR Capture Drive 24 fps 513 min 687 min 780 min 228 min 305 min 347 min 158 min 211 min 241 min 105 min 140 min 160 min 70 min 93 min 107 min Apple ProRes is a variable bit rate codec meaning that the available recording time is subject to the image content The number given in the table is the MINIMUM available recording time for a 32 GB card When image content is easily compressed without loss of image quality the available recording time may exceed the number given in the table Also note t
35. 5 kg 12 Ib 5 8 kg 12 8 Ib Exchangeable lens mount with PL mount LA PL 2 installed 0 750 60 000 fps 60 000 120 000 fps in High Speed mode 0 75 48 000 fps in 4 3 mode Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 Connector Pin Outs Appendix 247 A 2 Connector Pin Outs Note The drawings of the connectors are not to scale BAT GND 2 24V 3 BAT COM 1 GND 2 24V AUX 3 R S 248 Appendix Connector Pin Outs GND 2 12V AUX 1 GND 2 LTC IN 3 ASCII 4 TUNE OUT 5 LTC OUT Connector Pin Outs Appendix 249 EXT 1 RS422 TXD 2 RS232 TXD 3 CAN1 L 4 CAN1 H 5 CAN2 L 6 CAN2 H 7 24V AUX 8 RS232 RXD 9 RS422 RXD 10 RS422 RXD 11 RS422 TXD 12 GND 13 TTL IN1 14 TTL IN2 15 24V AUX 16 GND 250 Appendix Connector Pin Outs ETHERNET 13 1 1 2 MX 1N 3 MX 2P 4 MX 2N 5 MX 3P 6 MX 3N 7 MX 4P 8 MX 4N 9 GND 10 24V ETH AUDIO IN o 9 L3 o 1 AGND 2 L IN Connector Pin Outs Appendix 251 3 L IN 4 R IN 5 R IN AUDIO OUT 252 Appendix False Color Display A 3 False Color Display The false color display is a tool to check correct exposure It can be activated in the EVF and the MON OUT image When active the image is turned into a greyscale image with important luminance ranges shown in signal colors Note that the false color tool is only suitable for checking exposure and
36. ALEXA M ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA XT ALEXA XT Studio and ALEXA HD Plus only False color Select to open the FALSE COLOR INDEX screen index which has a reference chart explaining the false color coding for EVF and MON OUT Electronic Viewfinder Rotate image Off Smooth mode Off Surround view On Frame lines status info gt Peaking Off gt 110 Camera Controls Brightness Rotate image Smooth mode Surround view Frame lines status info Peaking Anamorphic desqueeze Zoom position Select to adjust the brightness of the EVF When mounting the EVF to the right side of the camera the image can be flipped to orient the image correctly in the viewfinder Affects only the EVF image MON OUT and recording images are not rotated Select to set Smooth mode On or Off With smooth mode on the EVF image shutters less when panning Note Smooth mode is only possible with frame rates up to 30 fps and shutter angles of 180 0 or less Select to set Surround view on the EVF 1 On or Off When set to on the additional pixels outside the recorded image area on the ALEXA s ALEV III sensor are displayed allowing the operator to see outside the recorded image and keep unwanted objects such as microphone booms out of the shot To view only the recorded image set Surround view to off Select to set frame lines surround mask center mark and status info overlays to On or Off in the EVF Select to set pea
37. DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License XT ALEXA XT all models only PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALEXA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only SUP 8 1 ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER EVF 1 CAM FPS set sensor speed 0 75 fps 60fps 120fps 24fps SHUTTER set shutter angle 5 0 358 0 172 89 in High Speed Mode 5 0 356 0 S set exposure index 160ASA 3200ASA 800ASA WB set white balance 2000K 11000K Auto WB 5600K and CC SHIFT EVF menu Brightness 0 5 Rotate Image On Off Smooth Mode On Off Surround View On Off Surround Mask Black line Color Line Mask 25 50 75 Status Info On Off Frame Lines On Off Select Frame Lines 1 choose from list Select Frame Lines 2 choose from list Center Mark Off Medium dot Small dot Cross User Rectangles Off Rect 1 Rect 2 Rect 182 Edit User Rectangles only when User Rectangles active Frame Lines Color Red Green Blue Yellow Black White Frame Lines Intensity 1 4 MIR RO R CO XT STUDIO VI EW switch to VIEW mode operator sees an image press VEW GATE for spinning mirror G AT E switch to GATE mode sensor amp all video outs see an image press GATE VIEW spinning mirror ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALE
38. Drive towards camera front until the lock engages 3 Close the door When the camera is in ARRIRAW mode it automatically loads the XR Capture Drive when the door has been closed see Explanation of LED States below If closing the door is not possible e g because it has been damaged loading an XR Capture Drive can also be triggered by pressing and holding the eject button for about five seconds Loading an XR Capture Drive in ARRIRAW mode normally only takes a few seconds In certain situations however it may take up to 30 seconds especially when an XR Capture Drive has been removed previously without unloading it properly Note Do not put any labels or adhesive tape on the back of an XR Capture Drive the side facing the camera body The XR Capture Drive must have full contact to the camera body to ensure proper heat conduction To insert an SxS adapter 1 Insert the SxS adapter into the media slot with the contacts facing the front of the camera and the aperture facing out away from the camera body 2 Push the securing levers on top and bottom of the adapter and push it towards camera front until the lock engages To load an SxS PRO card 1 Insert the SxS PRO card into the SxS adapter with the contacts facing the front of the camera and the label facing out away from the camera body 2 Push the card in against the spring until the lock engages 3 Close the door Note Do not force any media into the slot
39. Image Plane 12 1 mm 0 48 73 4 mm 50 8 mm 2 89 2 0 gt j x n E m EO E nwo Ee Es N nv 5 sh AARP 10 5 mm 0 41 3 8 16 10 deep Head with Handle Top Image Plane 50 2 mm 1 98 75 6 mm M4 4 mm deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 2 98 Optical Center M4 4 mm deep ALEXA M CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice Head Rear View Optical Center 126 4 mm 4 98 66 2 1 2 61 60 2 134 91 mm 2 91 1 9 37 Optical fibre connector p e e 29 4 mm 3 41 mm 1 36 1 0487 n n Er E at E n ES Es ES 9 Optical Center ALEXA M ARRI CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Backend Right Backend Front Optical Center Optical fibre connector 126 8 mm 4 99 Acn 157 8 6 21 98 0 39 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA M CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Backend Bottom Backend Top Image Plane
40. Note The SP 3 can only be used with a BP 12 and 19 mm rods or with 15 mm rods and a Wedge Adapter WA 1 and Quick Release Plate OR HD 1 When using the BPA 1 with a BP 5 BP 8 the bridge plate has to be removed prior to attaching the SP 3 Figure 28 SP 3 shoulder pad Figure 29 SP 3 below camera Shoulder Pad SP 3 47 9 Connectors Camera back Figure 30 Connectors at back From top to bottom MON OUT RET SYNC IN EXT REC OUT 1 REC OUT 2 BAT ETHERNET Camera right 5 an 5 AUDIO IN Figure 31 Connectors on right side From left to right top to bottom 2x RS 24 V out AUDIO OUT TC 12V out AUDIO IN SD CARD camera bottom 48 Connectors Camera left For ALEXAs with SxS module Figure 32 SxS module BAT 49 For ALEXAs with XR module Figure 33 XR module Camera front Figure 34 Camera front EVF connector 9 1 BAT The BAT connector can be used to power the camera from an external power source with cables 205 and 295 50 Connectors 9 2 9 3 9 4 9 5 It is located at the back of the camera on the camera right side REC OUT 1 2 The REC OUT consists of two BNC connectors capable of carrying 1920x1080 1 5G or 3G HD SDI signals with frame rates from 23 976 to 60 fps according to SMPTE standards 274M 292M 372M and 425M Level B RGB 444 at frame rates of 48 50 5
41. Optical viewfinder Brand new construction from ARRI featuring optical anamorphic desqueeze diopter correction image flip camera left right positioning and horizontal distance adjustment e Electronic mirror shutter The electronic mirror shutter can be adjusted in a range of 11 2 to 180 0 degrees When in use it completely removes rolling shutter effects of the sensor e Built in motorized ND filter The ND filter has a density of 1 3 2 4 3 stops and can be moved in and out of the optical path with the push of a button It is located between the mirror shutter and the image sensor so the optical viewfinder image is not affected by the filter and stays bright 178 ALEXA Studio 15 1 ALEXA Studio Images The following images show the ALEXA Studio with SxS module Figure 90 ALEXA Studio right Figure 91 ALEXA Studio left ALEXA Studio Images 179 Figure 94 ALEXA Studio front 180 ALEXA Studio Figure 95 ALEXA Studio back ALEXA Studio Images 181 The following images show the ALEXA Studio with XR module Figure 98 ALEXA Studio top 182 ALEXA Studio Figure 99 ALEXA Studio bottom Figure 100 ALEXA Studio front Figure 101 ALEXA Studio back 15 2 Optics Optics 183 15 2 1 15 2 2 Electronic Mirror Shutter The electronic mirr
42. Output range REC OUT fps sets sensor fps Select to set which bit range of the full 10 bit range 0 1023 is used to transmit image data e Legal Uses values 64 940 for RGB and Y signals and values 64 960 for CbCr signals This complies with SMPTE 274M 8 7 e Extended uses values 4 1019 which results in about 10 more steps This complies with SMPTE 274M 8 12 called undershoot overshoot Note Check which mode your recorder supports If you set the camera to extended but your recorder only supports legal you will end up with clipped images If set to On the sensor will always follow the REC OUT frame rate setting This ensures no frames are dropped on the output Note Both REC OUT and MON OUT carry a flag in their data stream to signal an external recorder that the camera has started or stopped recording internally When internal recording is switched off the REC button will only send the flag to trigger the external recorder it will not start or stop internal recording Additionally the Vari flag marks duplicate images in the HD SDI stream A recorder that supports the Vari flag can detect these frames and discard them This ensures that no duplicate frames are recorded if HD SDI is set to a higher frame rate than the sensor HD SDI formats and corresponding frame rates Format Link s Used 422 1 1 5G SL 422 2 1 5G DL 422 1 3G SL 444 2 1 5G DL Image Raster 1920x1080 1920x1080
43. Press the SHUTTER button on the HOME screen to get to the SHUTTER ANGLE screen 2 Press the ADD button on the SHUTTER ANGLE screen to get to the SHUTTER ANGLE ADD screen 3 Press the MAX button on the SHUTTER ANGLE ADD screen and confirm by pressing the jogwheel twice The maximum available shutter angle is now a part of the shutter list and can be set by pressing the jogwheel When the mirror shutter is on the camera redirects the user to the SHUTTER ANGLE screen after setting the sensor frame rate where the shutter angle can be adjusted as desired To cancel this action press the HOME button 4 3 Mode In 4 3 mode the camera captures images from a vertically extended sensor area The used area is 23 76 x 17 82mm in size which translates to 2880 x 2160 sensor photo sites Note The sensors of standard ALEXA and ALEXA Plus cameras can only be operated in 16 9 mode To change the sensor mode In the System menu select Sensor 2 Select Sensor mode The current sensor mode is indicated on the top line on the SENSOR screen 3 Press the jogwheel to select 16 9 or 4 3 sensor mode 4 3 Mode 4 Press the LOAD buttons simultaneously to load the new sensor mode Loading the new sensor mode takes approximately 30 seconds including a mandatory camera reboot A progress bar indicates the sensor mode loading progress Sensor temperature Standard Mirror image horizontal Off Load 4 3 sensor mode Tak
44. Setups 3 Select Load setup SETUPS SD CARD DefaultSetup1 4 Use the jogwheel to select the desired setup in the list and press the jogwheel to load the setup 5 Press the PROJECT button to validate your project settings Note User setups work only in the SUP version they are created in After a SUP update a new user setup must be created and saved A recommended procedure for working with user setups is as follows 1 Before shooting perform a factory reset to restore factory default settings 2 Save a user setup named Reset or similar This will be used instead of performing the ALEXA s factory reset 3 Adjust the camera s shooting parameters and settings and load the desired frame lines and ARRI Look Files 128 Camera Controls 11 2 4 Save another user setup with a descriptive name such as Show Title A Cam 5 reset the camera to the default settings without losing the frame lines or ARRI Look Files load the Reset user setup User setups can be used to ensure that cameras on multi camera shoots have matching settings or to transfer a show s setup onto daily cameras to ensure they carry the same shooting specifications User setups can also be created for regular speed and high speed modes eliminating the need to change settings individually after switching modes For example to switch from regular speed mode to high speed mode the user can simply load the high speed mode
45. This Class A device meets all the requirements of the Canadian interference causing equipment regulation Cet appareil num rique de la Class A respecte toutes les exigences du R glement sur le mat rial brouilleur du Canada Condensation Condensation 29 When moving the camera from a cool to a warm location or when the camera is used in a damp environment condensation may form inside the lens port on the sensor cover glass between the sensor and the sensor cover glass and on internal or external electrical connections Operating the camera while condensation is present may result in personal injury or damage to the equipment Condensation on the optical components may have a visible effect on the output images To reduce the risk of condensation Find a warmer storage location Attach the ARRI air drying cartridge silica bottle to the PL Mount of the camera during storage Note Do NOT leave the air drying cartridge attached to the PL Mount during transportation of the camera If camera needs to be stored in a place that is considerably cooler than the location where it will be used consider keeping the camera powered from a mains unit in addition to using the air drying cartridge In ambient temperatures above 30 C 86 F and or humidity above 60 always attach the air drying cartridge to the PL Mount of the camera when not in use This not only applies to storage but also to shooting breaks and
46. Unity max OPTIONS AUDIO IN gt OPTIONS gt gt Record On Off Channel 1 2 level Manual Unity Channel 1 2 source L R in Soundroll Tape edit name SHUTTER 5 0 358 0 172 89 in highspeed mode 5 0 356 0 add delete value see calculated exposure time M R RO R ALEXA XT STUDIO STUDIO On Off 1 60 SA 3200ASA 800ASA N D LTER 9 XT STUDIO STUDIO On Off BACK amp JOGWHEEL press BACK while turning the jogwheel to change the display brightness ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License XT ALEXA XT all models only PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALEXA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only SUP 8 1 choose delete load look from SD ARRI LCC look loaded by default CDL CONF set ip adress CDL On Off EVF Look ON OFF for REC 709 MON OUT Look ON OFF for REC 709 INTERNAL REC OUT Look ON OFF for REC 709 E COLOR gt GAMMA gt gt INTERNAL 709 LOG RAW REC OUT 709 LOG MON OUT REC 709 LOG EVF REC 709 LOG C 2000K 11000K Auto WB 5600K and CC SHIFT add rename delete value MENU RECORDING menu Mode Off ProRes ARRIRAW Codec ARRIRAW ProRes 422 Proxy 422 LT 422 ProRes 422 HQ 4444 Resolution HD 1920x1080 2K 2048x1152 1536 X 3 Quick format SxS Card Capture D
47. cameras 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 ALEXA XT configuration In the following the features that are common to all ALEXA XT models are listed XR Module All ALEXA XT models include the XR Xtended Recording module which provides longer recording times and in camera ARRIRAW recording onto XR Capture Drives For more details please refer to Section XR Xtended Recording on page 56 4 3 Mode All ALEXA XT models support the 4 3 sensor mode as described in Section Sensor modes 16 9 4 3 on page 158 Licenses All ALEXA XT models include the following licenses e Anamorphic desqueeze e High speed LDS PL Mount All ALEXA XT models are equipped with an LDS capable PL mount for ubiquitous lens metadata For more details please refer to Section Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS on page 162 In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 213 17 1 Viewfinder mounting Never satisfied with good enough ARRI engineers have scrutinized the ALEXA viewfinder bracket and come up with a stronger more rigid design Two 15 mm lightweight rods are used by the new Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB 3 creating extra sturdiness and allowing the use of accessories such as lens motors follow focus units or matte boxes Attaching such accessories to the viewfinder bracket removes clutter from
48. complete and powerful digital production system ever built Exceptional Image Quality e Film like organic look e Wide exposure latitude e 14 stops over the entire El range as measured with the ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart Extended clean highlights Extremely low noise floor e High sensitivity Base El 800 Adjustable from El 160 to El 3200 e ARRI color science Natural color reproduction especially for skin tones Excellent color separation Holds up extremely well when over or underexposed e Sharp natural images for HD 2K or 4K deliverables Introduction to the ALEXA All ALEXA cameras provide the best looking digital image with the least amount of fuss This is made possible by a unique imaging chain consisting of a high end optical low pass filter a custom made CMOS sensor with Dual Gain Architecture DGA and custom electronics and processing software These components are carefully crafted by ARRI so that together they produce images with the organic look and feel of film The sensor provides unequalled exposure latitude of 14 stops over the entire El range with special consideration given to a gentle highlight treatment Creating a good looking roll off in the highlights is probably one of the most difficult tasks for any camera designer and we have spent enormous resources at insuring ALEXA s outstanding performance in the critical area between almost overexposed and fully overexposed ALEXA s high sensiti
49. eee ees Optical Center ee Eum AREIS M4 4 mm deep ALEXA M with XR Module ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Head Rear View Optical Center 126 4 mm 4 98 662mm 2 61 60 2 134 91 mm 2 91 1 9 37 Optical fibre connector 29 4 3 41mm 146 0 13 1 4 4 E See zc E i 9 5 E ES T Optical Center ALEXA M with XR Module ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Backend Right Backend Front Optical Center Optical fibre connector EC Acn 157 8 mm 6 21 9 8 mm 0 39 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA M with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Backend Top Backend Bottom Image Plane 40 mm
50. engravement to adjust the brightness of the FRAMEGLOW At its lowest brightness setting the FRAMEGLOW is switched off e The FRAMEGLOW color is set in the camera menu under MENU gt Monitoring gt Frame lines Frame lines color Figure 109 FRAMEGLOW buttons Changing the FRAMEGLOW mask The ground glass used for the optical viewfinder should be combined with a matching frameglow mask To change the frameglow mask e Loosen the 3mm allen screw next to the level bubble e Remove the level bubble element e Grab the glow mask with a Hirschmann clamp at the forceps hole and pull it out of the glow mask frame e Check that both the new glow mask and the glow mask frame are clean e Carefully push the new glow mask into the glow mask frame e Make sure the glow mask is inserted completely Optics 189 Place the bubble element on top of the FRAMEGLOW module and tighten the 3mm allen screw Turn on the FRAMEGLOW and check that ground glass and glow mask are correctly aligned Figure 110 Glow mask slot Anamorphic Desqueeze Turn the wheel on top of the OVF ball element to swing the anamorphic desqueeze element into the optical path Note By default the anamorphic element is for 2x anamorphic lenses It can be changed to an element for 1 3x anamorphic lenses Image Flip Press the button next to the image flip symbol Turn the knob next to the image flip symbol until the image is fully flipped To undo t
51. factory reset Press both buttons LOAD LOAD Note Switching from 16 9 to 4 3 and vice versa always includes a factory reset Frame rate The maximum sensor frame rate in 4 3 is 48 fps 4 3 and Highspeed Mode It is possible to switch from 4 3 to High Speed mode and vice versa If recording is set to ProRes only the 16 9 center area of the image sensor is read out If recording is set to ARRIRAW only available for ALEXAs with XR module 4 3 High Speed is available Recording Internal recording is only possible with ProRes codecs in 2K 2048x1536 resolution and ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with XR module External recording is only possible in ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with SxS module except ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus and with recorders that support ARRIRAW 4 3 160 Operation of the Camera Monitoring For monitoring the 4 3 image is downscaled to 960 x 720 pixels for the EVF and 1440 x 1080 for the MON OUT Only horizontal surround view is available in 4 3 mode The image is not rescaled for surround view but horizontally extended The non active area of the EVF and MON OUT is filled with black pillarboxed Anamorphic desqueeze Both 1 3x and 2x anamorphic desqueeze is available in 4 3 mode 1 3x anamorphic desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 720 for the EVF and 1920 x 1080 for the MON OUT while 2x desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 480 for the EVF and 1920 x 720 for the MON OUT For the
52. in the SxS module and the SxS PRO card could be damaged Note Do not force the SxS door closed if the SxS PRO card is not fully inserted and the lock engaged SxS Slots 55 To release an SxS card e Push the SxS PRO in until the lock disengages taking care to prevent the card from dropping out of the SxS slot SxS PRO cards do not have to be mounted or unmounted they can be inserted or removed whenever the camera is not recording to the SxS module If a card is removed during recording only the last second of the current clip will be lost All clips on the card will remain accessible and the card will remain fully functional Note If the recording process is interrupted by power loss or card removal transfer all the data from the SxS PRO card and format it before using it again To toggle between SxS slots e With the SxS door open press the metal card select button located between the SxS slots The active SxS slot is indicated by the LED in the SxS window Explanation of SxS LED States Each card has an LED that signals the SxS PRO card s state to the user LED state Card state Off No card present Card is unreadable e g wrong file system Card is inactive Solid green Card is selected and ready Solid red Card is accessed read write DO NOT REMOVE THE CARD Note Only Sony SxS PRO cards can be used with ALEXA Sony SxS 1 cards are not supported Connectors 9 15 XR Xtended Recordi
53. lenses e Built in ND filter option 3 internal filter holder reduces weight reflections and hassle 8full spectrum neutral density FSND filters available from ND 0 3 to ND 2 4 neutral color balance at all densities anti reflective multi coating maintains high contrast precision polishing preserves image sharpness e Included anamorphic de squeeze and high speed licenses e Built in Lens Data System LDS 20 Introduction to the ALEXA more efficient on set and in post Lens Data Archive LDA for use with non LDS lenses e Integrated CDL capture stores ASC Color Decision List in ARRIRAW metadata e Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB 3 improved operating comfort and flexibility strong and rigid construction special hard low friction anodizing on all moving parts 15 mm lightweight rods hold viewfinder mount built in bubble level e Super silent ALEXA XT fan e Quick switch BNC connectors be exchanged without camera disassembly 1 DNxHD recording not possible with XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras with the XR Module upgrade as of SUP 8 0 ALEXA planned for SUP 9 0 ALEXA XT XR DNxHD is possible with ALEXA Classic cameras with SUP 7 x and SUP 8 x ALEXA Classic 2 SUP 8 0 ALEXA XT XR supports ARRIRAW 16 9 and ProRes 422 16 9 HD at up to 120 fps ProRes 4444 16 9 HD up to 60 fps with 64 GB SxS PRO cards SUP 9 0 XT XR is planned to support ProRes 4444 16 9 HD up to 120 fps
54. loaded onto the camera from the SD card The SD card slot is located on the bottom of the camera on the camera right side To access the SD card slot slide the door towards the front of the camera SD Card Requirements SD or SDHC card most brands are compatible maximum capacity of 4GB FAT or FAT32 format Note Keep the SD card slot door closed to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the camera The SD card can be formatted on the ALEXA or the following folder structure can be created manually on a computer The SD card must be properly formatted prior to its first use Y DEVICES Date Modified Kind iDisk May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder a Macintosh HD ALE May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder Firmware May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder E Framelines May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder gt SHARED Grabs May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder LDA May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder ded L3 Licenses May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder Applications LookFiles May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder Documents Setups May 2 2011 1 33 PM Folder Desktop Y PLACES Y SEARCH FOR L Today Yesterday Past Week 33 All Images Movies 3 All Documents Figure 35 Folder structure required for SD card To format an SD card on the ALEXA Press the MENU button Using the jogwheel select System Select SD Card Select Format prepare SD card Press both FORMAT buttons simultaneously The ALEXA will creat
55. one or more files on SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 are not consistent Backup any data on the cards and format the card The metadata of one or more files on the recording media are not consistent Backup any data on the medium and format the medium The card in slot 1 2 is not an SxS PRO card The media type of the current medium is not supported The camera has problems writing to the SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 Continue with a fresh card The camera has problems writing to the recording medium Continue with a fresh medium 256 Appendix Warning and Error Messages Camera overheating Low sensor temperature High sensor temperature Ext TC Different frame rate Re jam Timecode soon Re jam Timecode now TC source forced to internal TC mode forced to Rec Run Interface bit error Internal processing problem Internal battery error System problem System problem I2C bus error External TC Incompatible frame rate HD outs not synced Trigger now Connect with Ethernet slave The camera system s temperature is reaching a critical level This can either be due to a blocked camera fan or ambient temperature exceeding the system s limits Apply additional cooling or switch off the camera to prevent hardware damage The sensor temperature is lower than it should be High image quality is still guaranteed The sensor temperature is higher than it should be High image quality is still
56. remove an SxS PRO card e Push the SxS PRO card in until the lock disengages taking care to prevent the card from dropping out of the SxS adapter To remove an SxS adapter e Push the securing levers on top and bottom of the SxS adapter and pull it towards camera back taking care not to drop it accidentally It is possible that XR Capture Drives will get hot to the touch during extended operation and can cause pain or even burns if held for too long It is advisable to handle the drive for no more than three seconds and to remove the drive quickly and carefully Allow it to cool before further handling and consider wearing protective gloves Explanation of LED States XR Capture Drives and SxS adapters have an LED that signals the media s state to the user LED state Card state Off e No media present e Media is unreadable e g wrong file system e Media is inactive Solid green Media is standby and ready XR Xtended Recording Module 59 Solid red Red flashing Blue flashing XR Capture Drive only Solid blue XR Capture Drive only Media is being accessed read write DO NOT REMOVE THE CARD Media error see camera for details XR Capture Drive is being loaded or unloaded XR Capture Drive is unloaded and can be ejected safely 60 Lens Mounting 10 10 1 Lens Mounting The ALEXA is equipped with an interchangeable lens mount Note Lenses must cover an image circle
57. save the camera s hardware info file for upload during the purchasing process To save the hardware info file In the System menu select Firmware Select Licensed features On the INSTALLED LICENSES screen press the HW INFO button Press the SAVE button The hardware info file will be saved on the SD card in the root directory It will look like sn AlexaHardware ipkg The INSTALLED LICENSES screen displays a list of installed licenses New license can be installed from the SD card DELETE INSTALL INSTALLED LICENSES PWN gt HW INFO Main Controls 125 To install new licenses after purchase 1 Copy the license key it will have the suffix lic into the Licenses folder on an SD card formatted on the ALEXA Load the SD card into the camera In the System menu select Firmware Select Licensed features Press the INSTALL button On the LICENSE FILES SD CARD screen select the license to be installed The licensed feature enabled by the license key is described at the bottom of the screen for each license selected 9 amp WN 6 Press the jogwheel to install the license Note Only license keys that have been created for the camera in use will appear in the SD card license list License keys can be deleted from the camera to prevent the use of the feature The license can be reinstalled at any time To delete a license e On the INSTALLED LICENSES screen press the DELETE button e Use
58. screen press the HIGHSPEED button Press both LOAD buttons simultaneously Loading High Speed mode takes approximately 40 seconds and is indicated by a progress bar Load 16 9 High Speed mode This takes approx 40 seconds Press both buttons LOAD LOAD Loading 16 9 High Speed mode ES This takes approx 40 seconds 4 After loading the current High Speed codec is displayed Press the SET CODEC button to set a different codec Loaded 16 9 High Speed mode Mode ARRIRAW Main Controls 75 Note Starting from 4 3 Normal Speed the resulting High Speed mode differs depending on the currently selected recording mode With ProRes recording selected the ALEXA will go to 16 9 High Speed With ARRIRAW recording selected the ALEXA will go to 4 3 High Speed Exiting High Speed mode will always return to 4 3 Normal Speed To exit High Speed mode On the HOME screen press the FPS HS button 2 Onthe FPS HIGHSPEED screen press the EXIT HS button 3 Press both EXIT buttons simultaneously Exiting High Speed mode takes approximately 40 seconds and is indicated by a progress bar 11 1 3 3 AUDIO Press the AUDIO button on the HOME screen to open the AUDIO screen This screen shows the ALEXA s two audio channel levels The audio levels are displayed from 45 dBFS to 0 dBFS Note No audio meters are displayed on the HOME screen or AUDIO screen when audio is set to Off or audio is di
59. screen press the SET 2 TIME button to match the counter to the camera s system clock Press the RESET button to reset counter to zero Main Controls 89 The PROJECT button is a quick link into the PROJECT menu screen where project fps can be adjusted Project fps sets the time base of the time code TIMECODE OPTIONS Press the OPTIONS button to open the TIME CODE OPTIONS screen Select Source to choose the timecode source Available sources are Int TC Ext LTC Internal TC counter TC is read from the LTC input Only possible with Mode set to Free Run and the project frame rate must match the sensor frame rate Select Mode to define how the timecode is counted Available modes are Rec Run Free Run TC will only run while recording The TC value increases with every frame generated by the sensor while recording in the project time base TC runs free If the source is set to Int TC and the sensor frame rate does not match the time base of the TC the value counts up with every new frame generated by the sensor in the project time base Select Generator to set the camera s timecode generator Available generators are Regen Rec Run TC is regenerated from the last valid TC value When set to Ext LTC the camera continuously reads the TC signal at the LTC connector as long as it is present Upon disconnection or loss of signal the camera continues counting on its own When the external signal is rec
60. shim always insert the IFM Optical Clear filter when no filtering is needed When the camera is no longer shimmed for IFM 1 the glassless IFM Empty Filter Frame must be placed back into the filter position In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 223 General shimming precautions Fix the Shim properly between lens lock and lens mount e The shim s inscription must face camera outwards e Mount all proper shims correctly without omitting adding or losing any Otherwise the flange focal depth will not be correct e Mark your cameras shimmed for IFM 1 to avoid confusion Specific ALEXA XT shimming and de shimming precautions Once ALEXA XT is shimmed for IFM 1 Immediately replace the IFM Empty Filter Frame with an FSND filter or the IFM Optical Clear filter Store the IFM Empty Filter Frame in a safe place When the ALEXA XT is no longer shimmed for IFM 1 in the future the IFM Empty Filter Frame must be placed back into the filter position If you de shim ALEXA XT Immediately replace the IFM Optical Clear filter or any other FSND filter with the IFM Empty Filter Frame see Chapter Preparing Internal Filtration on page 217 To compensate for the change in flange focal depth due to the shim e Always use the IFM Optical Clear filter when no filtering is needed e See Chapter Preparing Internal Filtration on page 217 for details on IFM Empty Filter Frame and differences between ALEXA XT and ALEXA Classic Tools needed
61. single lines The line orientation is defined by three attributes left right bottom and top for horizontal lines top bottom left and right for vertical lines Two attributes define the start and end points and the third attribute defines the distance from the image edge Distances for start end and position are relative to the width or the height of the image and have a precision of 5 To create a centered frame line with a center cross as in the example a total of six lines is necessary To calculate the position of a line for a given aspect ratio use the following formulas horizontal lines for aspect ratios gt 1 78 e g 1 85 1 1 78 Aspect 2 distance from bottom or top vertical lines for aspect ratios 1 78 e g 1 33 1 Aspect 1 78 22distance from left or right 150 Operation of the Camera XML example The following sample XML code illustrates the frame lines system It describes frame lines for a 2 35 centered aspect ratio inside the camera s 1 78 recorded image lt xml version 1 0 encoding UTF 8 NOTES All widths are in pixels the user interface from left right and fron the top The values are in the range 0 1 0 is at the edge 1 is on the opposite edge gt lt framelines gt lt The description of the camera camera current setup gt lt camera gt lt type gt Alexa EV lt type gt lt sensor gt 3K lt sensor gt lt aspect gt 1 78 lt aspect
62. situations when the camera remains without an attached lens for an extended time MAKE SURE THE SILICA BOTTLE IS SECURELY FASTENED UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES SPILL SILICA INTO THE LENS PORT 30 Power Supply 7 1 7 2 Power Supply 2 e Use only ARRI recommended power supply solutions e Manipulation of power supplies could result in serious injury or death or damage to the ALEXA The ALEXA accepts an input voltage range from 10 5 to 34 V DC The camera can be powered through the BAT connector or battery adapters accepting V Lock or Gold Mount batteries The power supply should deliver an output of more than 90 W to power the camera sufficiently The power draw of the camera in basic configuration is about 85 W A 12 to 15 V battery should have at least 6 A maximum output current Note when powering accessories through the camera the total power draw of the camera is increased by the amount of power drawn by the accessories Power Management When using the BAT connector and one or more onboard battery adapters simultaneously the camera s power management system ensures that the power source with the highest voltage level is used When the voltage level of one power source drops below the level of the other or a power source is disconnected from the camera the power management system automatically switches to the other power source avoiding shutdown of the camera For example a 12 V onboard battery can b
63. the power supply socket on the camera and the 26 V socket on the mains unit oF WN Note The NG 12 24 R was the original design that provided 12 amp 24 volts output it was superseded by the NG 12 26 which outputs 12 amp 26 volts The NG 12 24 R can easily be upgraded to NG 12 26 R specification at an ARRI service center Cine Style Batteries Any 24 V cine style battery with a three pin XLR output can be used to power the camera through a 205 or a 295 The Anton Bauer CINE VCLX 2 battery 280 Wh with charger is available from ARRI 32 Power Supply 7 5 7 5 1 To connect the battery to the camera Ensure that the main switch on the camera is off 2 Connect the battery cable KC 20S or KC 29S spiral cable to the power supply socket on the camera and the 28V output on the battery Note When the battery voltage drops below the warning level the BAT1 level in the camera display will start flashing A white i will appear signaling more information is available on the INFO screen For more information on setting the low battery warning level see Menu gt System gt Power on page 118 To charge the battery Connect the charger to AC mains power 2 Plug the charger cable into the charge input socket of the battery 3 Charge the battery until complete Fully charged batteries can be left connected to the charger until required for shooting Note For more information refer to the Anton Bau
64. the ALEXA How to Use This Manual All directions are given from a camera operator s point of view For example camera right side refers to the right side of the camera when standing behind the camera and operating it in a normal fashion Connectors are written in all capital letters for example REC OUT Menus and screens on the Main Camera Controls are written in all capital letters for example RECORDING menu and HOME screen Buttons are written in bold typeface capital letters for example PLAY button The appendix at the back of the manual contains useful reference material including ALEXA specifications connector pin out diagrams a false color display explanation error and warning message explanations ALEXA dimensional drawings and a menu structure tree Scope Scope This instruction manual applies to the following hardware software and firmware versions ARRI ALEXA ARRI ALEXA Plus ARRI ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA M with ARRI EVF 1 electronic viewfinder ARRI ALEXA XT ARRI ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA XT M with ARRI EVF 1 electronic viewfinder ARRI ALEXA HD ARRI ALEXA HD Plus with ARRI EVF 1 electronic viewfinder ARRI ALEXA Studio ARRI ALEXA XT Studio with optical viewfinder or ARRI EVF 1 electronic viewfinder e Camera software update packet SUP for ALEXA XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras with XR module upgrade e Camera software update packet SUP for ALEXA Classic cameras with SxS module 8 1 8
65. the desired white balance setting does not appear in the WHITE BALANCE list a user defined white balance can be added To add a white balance Onthe HOME screen press the WB button 2 Press the ADD button 3 Rotate the jogwheel to adjust the white balance value in steps of 100K or press the 1000K and 1000K buttons 4 Press the jogwheel or lt gt button to select the CC adjustment Rotate the jogwheel to adjust the CC value 6 Press the jogwheel to add the new white balance to the WHITE BALANCE list To perform an automatic white balance Onthe HOME screen press the WB button 2 Press the AUTO WB button 3 Place a well lit gray card in the center of the image and press the AUTO WB button The ALEXA will calculate the white balance and color compensation values and set these values for the Auto WB entry in the list Note The automatic white balance will be overwritten each time a new one is calculated Note If the gray card is significantly over or underexposed the ALEXA may not be able to calculate a white balance value and will display an error message 1 Place grey card in image center 2 Press button to calculate Auto WB LUCIE WB To rename a white balance On the HOME screen press the WB button 2 Using the jogwheel select the name of the white balance you wish to rename 3 Press the RENAME button 4 Use the jogwheel to enter a new name Main Controls 87
66. the jogwheel to select the license you wish to delete e Press both DELETE buttons simultaneously Note Keep an offline copy of the license key in a secure place In the event of a lost license key you can re download it from your account in the ALEXA LICENSE SHOP 11 1 5 5 Frame grabs Still frames from the camera s sensor can be taken The still images inherit the REC OUT gamma and Look File settings Available still image formats include jpg tif and dpx when the REC OUT is set to 422 or 444 output formats When the REC OUT acts as a MON OUT clone frame grabbing is not available To set the still frame format 1 In the Frame grabs menu select File format 2 Usethe jogwheel to select the desired format and press the jogwheel to set it Unavailable formats are grayed out To take a still frame and save it to the SD card e Press the GRAB button The time needed for saving the image to the SD card will vary depending on the file format Additional still frames may not be taken while saving Still frames can also be taken by assigning User buttons 1 2 or 3 to Grab still frame This allows still frames to be taken from the operator s side of the camera camera left side Camera Controls Still frames will be saved in the Grabs folder on the SD card Compare grab 2 live image gt Grabbed images inherit REC OUT settings 11 1 5 6 User Setups Load setup gt Factory reset gt A user
67. unit devices to ensure only one device has control over a motor at a time A device s knob that is assigned to an axis has a higher priority than a device s slider assigned to the same axis When steering items of the same type are assigned to the same axis the one connected via WRS has highest priority second highest priority has a device cable on the upper LCS port the lower LCS port has the lowest priority Of two radio devices with the same steering items assigned to the same axis the one that connects to the camera first gains control Cabled devices can gain control of an axis at the time of connection Wireless devices must be rebooted if an axis has become idle before they can gain control An exception to the rule are devices on the zoom axis Here the cabled devices have the highest priority with LCS port 1 having priority over LCS port 2 Lens Data Display LDD FP The Lens Data Display for Focus Pullers LDD FP can be used to display lens information Connect it to the LDD port of the Plus module 168 ALEXA Plus 13 5 Plus Camera Controls The ALEXA PLUS has an additional function button labeled WRS It gives access to the WRS screen from where all camera settings related to the Plus camera features can be handled The WRS screen gives an overview of radio status camera level LDS status and CLM status The screen buttons lead to screens containing more detailed info on these topics and where settings can be
68. user setup that he created saving production time Note You cannot switch between sensor modes by loading a user setup To switch sensor modes go to the SENSOR menu or PROJECT menu Operator controls The operator controls are located on the camera left side and consist of three function buttons plus three assignable buttons 1 User button 1 Can be assigned functions with the USER button on the Main controls 2 User button 2 Can be assigned functions with the USER button on the Main controls 3 User button 3 Can be assigned functions with the USER button on the Main controls REC Press the REC button to start and stop internal recording A red LED tally indicates recording PLAY Press the PLAY button once to load the last clip Press the PLAY button again to toggle between play and pause Press and hold the PLAY button for 2 seconds to stop playback LOCK Press and hold the LOCK button for 3 seconds counted down on the main controls LCD to lock the main and operator controls A blue LED beside the LOCK button on the camera left side indicates the lock is active A lock icon on the LCD display on the camera right side indicates the lock is active Press and hold the LOCK button for 3 seconds to unlock the main and operator controls EVF 1 Controls 129 11 3 Figure 75 Operator UI EVF 1 Controls The EVF 1 controls are located on the electronic viewfinder They consist of a n
69. x ALEXA Classic SxS Module The classic ALEXA models with an SxS Module use Sony SxS PRO cards for internal recording SxS PRO cards have an ExpressCard34 form factor and are available with a storage capacity of 8 16 32 and 64 GB Operation of the Camera File System SxS PRO cards need to be formatted in the camera before they can be used for recording The ALEXA initializes SxS PRO cards with the Universal Disk Format UDF file system This file system is read only for computers which means data can be copied from the card to another device but the data cannot be manipulated on the card itself and no data can be added to the card 12 1 1 2 XR Module ALEXA XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras that were upgraded with an XR Module can use XR Capture Drives or Sony SxS PRO cards for internal recording Using SxS PRO cards requires an SxS Adapter from ARRI and does not allow recording ARRIRAW data The XR Capture Drives are equipped with fast and reliable SSDs They share the same small rugged aluminum housing and mechanical interface as the Codex Onboard S Capture Drives and Transfer Drives XR Capture Drives can be accessed with standard Codex docking stations File System Depending on the recording format XR Capture Drives are initialized with different file systems XR Capture Drives can be formatted in the XR Module or using Codex Software Mac only in a Codex Single Dock Dual Dock or the standalone Codex Vault
70. 0 bit 185 43 min 160 min 1080 YCbCr Mbit s ProRes 4 3 2048x 12 bit 425 19 min 70 min 4444 1536 RGB Mbit s 16 9 2048 x 12 bit 320 25 min 93 min 1152 RGB Mbit s 16 9 1920x 12 bit 280 29 min 107 min 1080 RGB Mbit s Without alpha channel 444 only 2Apple ProRes is a variable bit rate codec meaning that the available recording time is subject to the image content The number given in the table is the MINIMUM available recording time for a 32 GB card When image content is easily compressed without loss of image quality the available recording time may exceed the number given in the table Also note that the available recording time is listed for a 64 GB SxS PRO card at 24 fps A lower sensor frame rate will increase the available recording time while a higher sensor frame rate will decrease it For a detailed table of available frame rates and possible codec card combinations please refer to the Chapter FPS on page 70 DNxHD Note On ALEXAs with XR module DNxHD recording is currently unavailable and will be available again in a later SUP version With the DNxHD license key installed the ALEXA can record 1920 x 1080 16 9 DNxHD encoded files onto SxS PRO cards MXF DNxHD material can be edited in Avid Media Composer Version 5 5 and later without transcoding The Material eXchange Format MFX is a core media container technology for nonlinear workflows An MXF container file can Wrap different types of video and a
71. 1 ALEXA ARRI CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Camera Left Camera Back Image Plane Optical Center 142 mm max J 5 59 UNC 3 8 16 10 deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep E 120 mm 171 mm 80 L 4 72 zl 1 9 4 rey rez 000 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep f ke a LL 224 mm 8 81 213 8 8 42 M3 6 mm deep 0 0 5 07 128 8 17 6 0 7 0 39 6 3 5 mm deep 2 56 2 75 T 10 mm 64 9 mm I 69 9 mm ALEXA ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Camera Top Camera Bottom Image Plane Image Plane siam 9 05 oval hole 7 mm 0 022 wide and 8 mm long 4 5 mm deep 46 7 mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 1 84 1 1 1 3 8 16 10 mm deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 239 mm max 9 41 max 68 mm 2 68 ALEXA ARRI Tec
72. 1 102 8 142 4 05 5 59 UNC 3 8 16 10 deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep L x 120 mm 171 2 mm 80 4 72 i 6 74 ci 3 15 i Y 4 i 0 0 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep M N m ip co EN 2 x ce E gt 5 M3 6 mm deep nung PI P i oo N O Y Y Y 10 mm 6 3 5 mm deep _ 0 39 ALEXA Plus ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Camera Top Camera Bottom Image Plane Image Plane 230 mm 9 05 oval hole 7 mm 0 022 wide and 8 mm long 4 5 mm deep 46 7 mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 1 84 1 1 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep Optical Center 50 8 mm E E 6 73 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA Plus CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Camera Top Camera Top 332 mm 12 95 4 Image Plane M4 4 mm deep Optical Center ALEXA M ARRI CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Head Right Head Front Image Plane Optical Center
73. 10 43 m gt g 76 2 mm 59 4 mm 112 mm 156 3 ar 2 34 4 41 all 6 14 Ek T 1 N 1 09 1 1 Eb 28 Y 1 2 o SS 0 Ex eX 89 eMe oo T 4 HY lm g Optical Center E 0 1 1 1 lt gt i Y 10 mm 0 39 6 3 5 1 ALEXA Studio Length Width Height Weight Body SxS Module 364 mm 14 33 177 mm 6 97 163 mm 6 42 8 0 kg 17 6 Ib Bady Module 402 mm 15 9 268 mm 10 55 241 mm 9 49 10 2 kg 22 5 Ib Camera Center Handle CCH 1 Optical Viewfinder OVF 1 ALEXA Studio CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice 138 mm 22 8 mm 0 9 Camera Left Image Plane UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep i rey UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep M6 3 5 mm deep 10 mm 0 39 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep Camera Back Optical Center 156 mm 6 14 229 mm 1 1 5 i Eb N 1 M3 6 mm deep 1 B 1 Y 1 Ge 64 9 mm 71 9 2 56 1 2 83 ue ARRI Technical Data are subject to change withou
74. 1C005_130326_R33F 1886778 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image 001 005 130326 R33F 1886779 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image 001 005 130326 R33F 1886780 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image 001 005 130326 R33F 1886781 ari 7 MB ARRIR Imaae 2 Codex VFS gt ari gt AO01R33F gt 001 005 130326 R33F Figure 77 Example of an XR Capture Drive using the VFS default file structure in Mac OS X File naming scheme ALEXA automatically names files as they are created on the recording media While it is possible to change the file names later on a computer it is not recommended as the ALEXA naming scheme has been developed to minimize the risk of duplicate file names The file name consists of 6 parts e Camera Index One character A Z User assignable should match the camera unit For example the camera index A can be assigned to the A camera and B to the B camera e Reel Counter 3 characters 001 999 Auto assigned to each drive card automatically advanced by one for each new drive card The user can change the counter for the next reel This should only be done under special circumstances such as after changing the camera body in the middle of a shoot Clip Index One character fixed to C Main use is to separate the reel counter from the clip counter If more than 999 clips are recorded to one card not likely to happen it changes to D e Date Current date in order YYYYMMDD as set in Menu gt System Time Date separated from the oth
75. 2 Rec inhibited Media Rec inhibited Card 1 2 Full Media full Card 1 2 Wrong file system Media Wrong file system Card 1 2 Card is too slow Media too slow Card 1 2 files not consistent Media files not consistent Card 1 2 invalid card type Media type not supported Card 1 2 write problem Media write problem The recording medium has less than 3 minutes recording time left Prepare a new card for recording The SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 is protected Remove the card from the camera slide the switch located on the camera back end to the Rec enable position and re insert the card The recording medium is protected Remove the card from the camera slide the switch located on the camera back end to the Rec enable position and re insert the card The SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 is selected but the SxS PRO card is full Use a new card Card in other slot can still record The recording medium is full The SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 is not formatted in the file system required by the camera Format the card The recording medium is not formatted in the file system required by the camera Format the medium The write speed of SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 is insufficient for the sensor fps set on the camera Use a card with a higher write speed The write speed of recording medium is insufficient for the sensor fps set on the camera Use a medium with a higher write speed The metadata of
76. 4 4 mm deep E e E3 N Ee Ek 2 2 Optical Center E e mn e ceder erint mms t 5 El EE Eu Ely 5 ot 4 C ES EP oo 5 Y X 180 mm 7 09 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA Plus with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Camera Front UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep Camera Right Optical Center Image Plane 171 2 mm UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 264 mm 10 4 120 3 mm 102 8 mm 4 74 4 05 6 74 1 ry E EN Sa f g ete etc AML tel NY E Optical Center EX e E 4 s Q Y Y Y 30 30 mm 10 mm 40 mm fale 15mm 1 18 118 915mm as 6 3 5mm deep 0 39 1 58 E ALEXA Plus Length Width Height Weight Body XR Module 332 mm 12 95 184 6 mm 7 27 158 mm 6 22 7 3 kg 16 1 I
77. 4 200 1 7 2 8 H TC EXT00 04 21 24 16 9 REEL A 001 ARRIRAW BAT1 14 8V CLIP C003 Drive BAT2 50 DUR 0 01 23 00 38 33 800 3200 Figure 41 HOME screen with XR module The HOME screen is the ALEXA s default screen It shows the most important camera parameters and gives quick access to changing them through the screen buttons To return to the HOME screen from any menu in the camera press the HOME button Note To adjust the LCD brightness from the HOME screen rotate the jogwheel while pressing the BACK button 66 Camera Controls Screen buttons Button FPS AUDIO SHUTTER COLOR Function Sets the frame rate of the sensor adjustable from 0 750 60 000 fps in Regular Speed Mode and from 60 000 120 000 fps in High Speed Mode Note High Speed Mode can only be activated with a valid High Speed license key installed in the camera Shows the current audio level If AUDIO is set to Off the audio input is switched off no audio is embedded in the HD SDI outputs and no audio tracks are recorded on the SxS PRO cards The same applies if AUDIO is disabled which is the case if the sensor frame rate is different from the project fps setting for example while over or undercranking Sets the shutter angle of the sensor adjustable from 5 0 358 0 Shutter angle and sensor fps determine exposure time of the sensor in seconds by the following equation angle 360 fps Note In High Speed mod
78. 49 mm 5 87 2 9 kg 6 39 Ib ALEXA M Backend with XR Module 323 mm 12 72 161 mm 6 34 158 mm 6 22 5 8 kg 12 8 Ib ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA M with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Head Top Head Bottom Image Plane Image Plane 33 mm 33 mm 1 37 1 3 36 mm 36 mm 1 42 1 42 56 mm M4 4 mm deep 56 mm M4 4 mm deep 22 22 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep MS Optical Center M4 4 mm deep M4 4 mm deep 53 mm 53 mm 2 09 2 09 0 ALEXA with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Head with Cage Right Head with Cage Top Image Plane Image Plane 13 mm 0 51 1mm 16 mm 0 04 0 63 35 mm 20 3 mm 1 38 0 8 11 45 mm 33 mm Tae NE 65 7 mm 45 7 mm M4 4 mm deep 2 59 53mm 1 8 EC 2 09 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep n 1 4 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 4 43 ee O0 d Eo E bu o 8 ET D es 6 1 E Y P 4 d SiS AK nH dmBA jeep eme mimi ee Se Optical Center E
79. 5 0 Stops 5 3 Stops 9 0 Stops 8 7 Stops 9 4 Stops 8 4 Stops 7 4 Stops 6 6 Stops 4 6 Stops 7 7 Stops Figure 53 Graphical comparison of latitude at different exposure indexes 11 1 3 6 COLOR Press the COLOR button to open the COLOR screen The COLOR screen displays a graphical overview of the color management settings applied to the camera s output paths including the current gamma setting of the EVF MON OUT REC OUT and internal recording which ARRI Look File is set which output paths the Look File is applied to Main Controls 81 The COLOR screen also has buttons for opening the GAMMA screen selecting a Look File and applying Look Files to the camera s output paths SET LOOK MON OUT INTERNAL REC OUT Figure 54 COLOR screen Gamma Press the GAMMA button to open the GAMMA screen and set the gamma of the internal recording REC OUT MON OUT and EVF image paths REC OUT REC 709 MON OUT REC 709 EVF REC 709 Figure 55 GAMMA screen Gamma defines the contrast curve that is applied to the image In the ALEXA there are two gamma settings available e LOGC e REC 709 Note Starting with SUP 7 0 DCI P3 is no longer available as a gamma option 82 Camera Controls LOGC LOG C is a Cineon specification gamma for output to film print or digital intermediate Color grading is a required post production step in the LOG C workflow Standard broadcast monitors can
80. 9 94 and 60 fps is output in a proprietary format utilizing two 3G connections ALEXAs with SxS module can also output ARRIRAW in a proprietary format ARRIRAW T Link that is supported by a range of third party recorders not on ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus The signal format can be changed in the Recording menu The connectors are located at the back of the camera on the camera right side RET SYNC IN A return signal from another image source can be fed into the ALEXA s RET connector for displaying on EVF and or MON OUT The signal must be a 1920x1080 422 1 5G single link according to SMPTE 274M and 292M The output routing of the RET in signal can be set in the Monitoring menu The connector is located at the back of the camera on the camera right side MON OUT The MON OUT is a single BNC connector capable of carrying a 1920x1080 422 YCbCr 1 5G HD SDI signal with frame rates of 23 976 24 25 29 97 or 30 fps according to SMPTE standards 274M and 292M The signal format can be changed in the Monitoring menu The connector is located at the back of the camera on the camera right side EXT The EXT connector is a multi pin accessory connector that carries signals for communication with various accessories and 24V power The maximum power output is 2 2A shared with the RS outputs Cables are currently available for e Connecting a UMC 3 remote motor controller ETHERNET 51 9 6 9 7 9 8 model UMC Connecti
81. 920 x 720 for the MON OUT For the optical viewfinder anamorphic desqueeze can be achieved by flipping an anamorphic element into the optical path By default the OVF has an optical element for 2x desqueeze Elements for 1 3x desqueeze are also available Licensed Features Licenses for features DNxHD High Speed mode and Anamorphic Desqueeze are automatically enabled in the ALEXA Studio Licensed Features 199 16 ALEXA M The ALEXA M is a specialty camera where the camera is split into two parts The camera head contains the image sensor while the body contains the image processing modules Both parts are connected via a fibre interface The advantages of this system are Better access to small spaces where a regular ALEXA would not fit into Lighter handheld operation Lighter and smaller setups on 3D rigs Easy camera operability when the camera head cannot be accessed e g a camera crane or a helicopter rig 200 ALEXA M 16 1 ALEXA M Images The following images show the ALEXA M head Figure 117 ALEXA M head left Figure 118 ALEXA M head right Figure 119 ALEXA M head front ALEXA M Images 201 Figure 121 ALEXA M head top Figure 122 ALEXA M head bottom 202 ALEXA M The following images show the ALEXA M body with SxS module Figure 123 ALEXA M body left Figure 124 ALEXA M bo
82. ARRI ALEXA Family of Cameras Software Update Packet 8 1 ALEXA XT XR Software Update Packet 8 0 ALEXA Classic USER MANUAL Date 17 July 2013 All rights reserved This document is provided under a license agreement containing restrictions on use and disclosure and is also protected by copyright law Due to continued product development this information may change without notice The information and intellectual property contained herein is confidential between ARRI and the client and remains the exclusive property of ARRI If you find any problems in the documentation please report them to us in writing ARRI does not warrant that this document is error free Arnold amp Richter Cine Technik Tuerkenstr 89 D 80799 Munich Germany mailto service arri com http www arri com Contents 1 Disclaimer 1 1 2 Scope About This 1 4 3 Introduction to the ALEXA 4 Layout of the ALEXA 5 Safety Guidelines 5 1 5 2 5 3 Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications General Safety Specific Safety 10 6 General Precautions 6 1 6 2 6 3 Storage and Electromagnetic Interference Condensation iaid aae 7 Power Supply
83. After changing lenses always perform a dust check to make sure no dust has settled on the sensor cover glass Clean optical lens surfaces only with a lens brush or a clean lens cloth in cases of solid dirt or grease moisten a lens cloth with pure alcohol Discard contaminated lens cloth after use Never attempt to clean a lens brush with your fingers NEVER USE CANS WITH COMPRESSED AIR OR GAS TO BLOW OFF THE DUST This can severely damage optical elements Specific Safety Instructions 27 e fthe sensor cover glass has been contaminated by solid dirt or grease special optical cleaning kits should be used for dirt removal under very high care If the contamination cannot be removed the camera should be taken to an ARRI service center for cleaning e THE USE OF METHANOL TO CLEAN OPTICAL SURFACES IS NOT RECOMMENDED e NEVER USE ACETONE TO CLEAN OPTICAL SURFACES e NEVER TRY TO REMOVE THE SENSOR COVER GLASS DO NOT POINT THE CAMERA INTO DIRECT SUNLIGHT VERY BRIGHT LIGHT SOURCES OR HIGH ENERGY LIGHT SOURCES e g laser beams This may cause permanent damage to the camera image sensor DO NOT POINT THE VIEWFINDER INTO DIRECT SUNLIGHT VERY BRIGHT LIGHT SOURCES OR HIGH ENERGY LIGHT SOURCES e g laser beams This may cause permanent damage to the viewfinder display and optical elements 28 General Precautions 6 1 6 2 6 3 General Precautions Storage and Transport Use a lens port cap to prevent dama
84. Angenieux Optimo Rouge lenses any Super16 lenses or lenses with dimensions not matching the dimensions in the figure Allowed lens dimensions with mirror shutter drawing cannot be used with the ALEXA Studio as they would destroy the rotating mirror shutter i E a8 a 99 E in s L 1 27 5max 315 max 4 52 20 015 Figure 103 Allowed lens dimensions with mirror shutter Optical Viewfinder The ALEXA Studio has an optical reflex viewfinder system with interchangeable ground glasses It offers an exceptional viewing quality favoured by a large optical design Special care has been taken to avoid the unpleasant vignette effect that could occur by moving the eye Optics 185 Note To use the optical viewfinder the mirror shutter must be set to On The viewfinder is adjustable in two axes laterally extendable for left eye operation and shows illuminated frame lines ARRIGLOW The viewfinder image stays upright and correct left to right when the viewfinder is swivelled within the main axis gt a LOOSE FRICTION gt Figure 104 OVF top view with mounting points marked Extending the viewfinder arm Loosen the straight structured ring next to the FIX engraving counter clockwise contrary to the arrow Adjust the horizontal position Tighten the ring clockwise with the arrow direction Adj
85. D 0 0 e Ground Glass Frameglow tool 2 e IFM Shim 3 e Microfiber Cloth 4 3 Internal Filters FSND 0 6 1 2 1 8 e Cleaning Instructions Figure 139 The FSND Filter Set Basic for ALEXA XT 17 1 2 2 IFM 1 Set for ALEXA Classic The IFM 1 set for ALEXA Classic models except ALEXA Studio is almost identical to that for ALEXA XT models It additionally contains a special IFM 1 wrench and also some IFM 1 components that are pre installed in ALEXA XT models marked by asterisk e Storage Case e Optical Clear 1 ND 0 0 e FM 1 Wrench 2 FM 1 Reflex Tube 3 e FM 1 Bottom Ring 4 locks internal filters magnetically e Ground Glass Frameglow tool 5 e IFM Shim 6 In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 219 e Microfiber Cloth 7 e 3 Internal Filters 8 FSND 0 6 1 2 1 8 e Cleaning Instructions rnm Figure 140 The IFM 1 Set for ALEXA Classic 220 ALEXA XT models To prepare your ALEXA Classic except Studio for IFM 1 1 Remove the lens or lid 1 from the PL lens mount 2 2 Place the two longer noses of the IFM 1 Wrench 2 into the notches of the existing reflex tube 3 in the PL mount 1 The wrench inscription 2 must always face camera outwards In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 221 3 Untighten the reflex tube 2 with the wrench 1 and unscrew it with your fingers Do not touch the sensitive sensor glass
86. Description Indicates that the current recording resolution is set to HD Indicates that the current recording resolution is set to 2K Indicates that the current recording mode is set to RAW Indicates that there is a warning condition in the camera Warns that the camera has detected an error Indicates that the camera temperature is outside of its optimal range E x 8 gt 152 Operation of the Camera Warns that the camera temperature has reached a critical point where it can no longer be operated and must be powered down Indicates that audio recording has been switched on Warns that audio recording has been switched on but is currently disabled e g because of an off speed framerate Indicates that the camera controls are locked Only shown in EVF 1 Indicates that the motorized sliding ND filter is in the optical path Only for ALEXA Studio models Indicates that a frame grab is currently in progress Indicates that the signal from the RET IN connector is currently displayed Valid for SUP 8 1 ALEXA XT XR but not SUP 8 0 ALEXA Classic The following table explains the icons in the MON EVF and LOOK group on the right Indicates that the gamma of the respective output is set to REC 709 Indicates that the gamma of the respective output is set to LOG C Warns that peaking is active on the respective output As peaking may alter the image in subtle ways no
87. EEL A 001 ProRes HD BAT1 14 8V CLIP C003 SxS1 14 20 BAT2 50 DUR 0 01 23 SxS2 0 00 lt 7 800 msc 3200 Note The use of the internal ND filter has no influence on the EI rating of the camera When measuring exposure with a light meter take into account the light loss of 4 1 3 stops generated by the ND filter Studio Camera Controls 193 15 3 Studio Camera Controls Only a few additional controls are available on the ALEXA Studio These are used to control the mirror shutter and the ND filter The HOME screen has icons for the active ND filter and the mirror shutter position and state SHUTTER 24 000 m mn 5172 2 grc EXT 00 00 00 24 16 9 REEL A001 ProRes HD BAT1 14 8V CLIP C003 SxS1 14 20 BAT2 50 DUR 0 01 23 SxS2 0 00 lt 800 msc 3200 Icon Meaning IND ND filter is active G Mirror is on and parked in gate position Grey icon if mirror shutter is switched off v Mirror is on and parked in view position Grey icon if mirror shutter is switched off A Mirror shutter is running ND filter activation Onthe HOME screen press El 194 ALEXA Studio e On the El screen press ND FILTER to move the ND filter in and out of the optical path EXPOSURE INDEX Figure 116 El screen Mirror shutter activation On the HOME screen press SHUTTER Onthe SHUTTER ANGLE screen press MIRROR to activate or deactivate the mirror shutter DELETE SHU
88. HSPEED ADD 4444 Max 60 fps REC 24 MODE MEDIA INFO SDI FPS Figure 42 SENSOR FPS screen Any value in a list may be set Invalid values will appear grayed out To set a list value Main Controls 69 1 Rotate the jogwheel to select the desired list value 2 Press the jogwheel to set the list value Adding a list value If the desired list value does not appear in the list a user defined value can be added To add a list value Press the ADD button 2 Onthe ADD screen use the jogwheel and or buttons to enter a new list value 3 When you are finished entering the new list value press the jogwheel to add it to the list Note Each list supports a maximum of 16 entries To add new user defined list values to a full list you must delete previously added user defined list values Deleting a list value User defined list values that are no longer required can be deleted To delete a list value Press the DELETE button 2 Onthe DELETE screen use the jogwheel to select the user defined value you wish to delete 3 Press both DELETE buttons simultaneously Note Preconfigured values cannot be deleted and will appear grayed out on the DELETE screen DELETE SENSOR FPS 23 976 fps 24 000 fps Default entries cannot be deleted Figure 43 DELETE SENSOR FPS screen Note The El list is static and cannot be changed by the user It contains ASA values from 160 3200 ASA in steps of 1 3 s
89. IONS Version 2013 04 Camera Top Camera Bottom Image Plane Image Plane 230 mm 9 05 oval hole 7 mm 0 022 wide and 8 mm long 4 5 mm deep 46 7 mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 254mm 1 84 1 1 3 8 16 10 mm deep Optical Center 50 8 mm 2 E E 6 73 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA Plus with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Camera Top Camera Top 332 mm 12 95 Image Plane M4 4 mm deep 184 6 mm Tar Optical Center ALEXA M with XR Module ARRI CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Head Right Head Front Image Plane Optical Center 1 1 24 3 66 2 mm 602 2 61 2 37 gt lt 1 19 4 0 76 1 1 i Y E Ea IN 4H Optical Center E E T ER u 8 1 1 T J 1 1 1 1 ALEXA Length Width Height Weight ALEXA M Head 212 mm 8 35 129 mm 5 08 1
90. If the clips are copied from the card to another destination the file paths in the XML file have to be adjusted to match the new file location The XML file is not compatible to FCP X The ALE file is an Avid Log Exchange file for Media Composer It contains all static clip metadata which is also embedded in each recorded clip Recording 141 For more information about ALEXA metadata please refer to the ALEXA Metadata Whitepaper available at http www arri com camera digital cameras downloads AAM C aooariy info AOOSRILJ Modified Today 5 03 PM 28 A004C002 _RIL mov 004 004 R1L mov A004CO05 R1L mov B 004 006 R1LJ mov 004 007 R1L mov AODARIL FCP xml 17 GB on disk 16 165 822 464 bytes tabel x woe at Shared folder ied Today 5 04 PM B x opened Today 5 04 PM Sharing amp Permissions A Figure 76 Example of ALEXA SxS card opened in Mac OS X File Structure for ARRIRAW Recording Codex VFS When an XR Capture Drive with ARRIRAW footage is loaded on a computer it shows up like a regular external drive Operating underneath however is the Codex Virtual File System VFS The VFS can present for example readily processed DPX files MXF DNxHD and or QuickTime ProRes proxies next to the original ARI files on the Codex volume Except for the recorded data on the drive none of these additional files actually exist It s only when the
91. Image Plane Image Plane 13 mm 0 51 1mm 16mm 0 04 0 63 35 mm 20 3 mm 1 38 0 8 11 45 mm 33 mm Ta NE 65 7 mm 45 7 mm M4 4 mm deep 2 59 53mm 1 8 EC 2 09 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep n 1 4 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 4 43 ee O0 d Eo E bu o 8 ET D es 6 1 E Y P 4 d SiS AK nH dmBA jeep eme mimi ee Se Optical Center E ES 5 58 od 281 uw 4 t EZ ne ES E io e 97 ie eel Est for 15 mm RODS RES e oT E 8 t Y M4 4 mm deep Y 90 5 mm 16 mm 44 5 mm 3 56 0 63 1 75 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA M CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Head with HEAD PLATE 2 Top Head with HEAD PLATE 2 Right Image Plane 3 mm Image Plane 0 12 36 mm 74 5 mm 1 42 2 93 66 mm M4 4 mm deep 85 mm UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 3 35 for 15 mm RODS 2nd 15 mm RODS Adapter optional M6 3 5mm deep Optical Center ee pm 0 5 85 mm 3 35 M4 4 mm deep 49 5 mm 1 95 ALEXA M ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Head with Handle Right
92. M camera head It is mounted with 4x 3mm allen screws and can be attached either to the top or the bottom of the camera head Figure 135 CCH 2 mounted on ALEXA M camera head Note The CCH 2 only fits the ALEXA M camera head and not the ALEXA M body or any other ALEXA camera ALEXA M Camera Body The ALEXA M camera body contains the main controls image processing output and recording It behaves like any regular ALEXA only that it lacks the operator controls and is slightly longer Fibre Connection 207 16 4 Fibre Connection Figure 136 SMPTE 31 1optical fibre connectors The ALEXA M utilizes SMPTE 311 fibre connectors and cables The camera head can be powered with hybrid fibre power cables with a length of up to 30m if the body power supply can deliver 120 W in total Note When powering the camera head from the body the power supply must have an output of at least 24V due to a voltage drop over the hybrid cable If this is not the case the head should be powered separately through its BAT connector with a power supply that delivers at least 40W of power For regular fibre cable a signal loss of up to 10 dB is acceptable 1 km of fibre cable has a signal loss of 0 5 dB while a fibre connector pair introduces a signal loss of 0 5 2 dB depending on the amount of dirt on the optical contacts Typically a cable length of up to 1 km with 4 connection joints is still acceptable To connect
93. MASTER camera must send a trigger to the EXT SLAVE camera to ensure the HD outputs of the cameras are synced Press the jogwheel to send the trigger ALEXA cameras can be operated in synced settings mode where the settings of two cameras can be synced via Ethernet See Settings sync on page 156 for more information Sensor sync Off HD out phase 0 clocks Send HD sync trigger gt Settings sync ETH master Test Signal Color bars Test tone Test tone level Select to activate SMPTE color bars on MON OUT and REC OUT The color bars are a 10 bit signal according to SMPTE RP 219 2002 Note Color bar is switched off when recording is started Note When REC OUT is set to ARRIRAW REC OUT is set to black while color bar is active Select to activate a 1 kHz audio test tone on all channels when color bar is active Note Test tone 15 only active when audio recording is on and possible Select to sets the level of the audio test tone to 0 dbFS 9 dBFS or 18 dBFS Test tone Test tone level 0 dBFS Off Main Controls 121 Display Beeper Display Select to adjust the brightness of the LCD display brightness on the camera right side To adjust the display brightness when the HOME screen is displayed press and hold the BACK button while rotating the jogwheel Button Select to adjust the brightness of the button brightness illumination Run beeper Select to set the Run beeper mode to mo
94. N OUT frame lines MON OUT status info MON OUT false color MON OUT peaking MON anam desqu P X ANAMORPH Frame lines color EVF surround EVF gamma EVF look EVF frame lines EVF status info EVF zoom EVF false color EVF peaking EVF anam desqu Grab still frame Return in active Check last clip Circle clip Auto WB Phase sensor Color bars Grab GUI MON OUT false color MON OUT peaking MON anam desqu P ww Return in active Frame lines color Phase sensor Color bars False color index Format media Mirror shutter X T 370010 3CALEXA XT ANAMORPH ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License XT ALEXA XT all models only PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALEXA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only SUP 8 1 PLAY PLAYBACK screen start Playback of last clip press wheel or PLAY 2x on operator s side 10 CLIPLIST OPTIONS PLAY Options gt gt Clip end action Pause Loop Show frame lines On Off Status info on MON OUT On Off STEPSIZE 1 frame 1 second CIRCLE CLIP INFO SYSTEM INFORMATION screen LIVE INFO SAVE 0 SD VERSION SxS CARDS SYSTEM FPS INFO GRAB FRAME GRAB TRIGGER save Framegrab to SD Card 4 TIMECODE screen SET TC SET TO TIME RESET MANUAL OPTIONS Timecode Options gt gt Source Int TC Ext LTC Mode Rec run Free Run Generator Regen Jam Sy
95. Off Anamorphic desqueeze l XANAMORPH OFf 1 3x 2 0x 2 0xmag Frame lines gt gt Frame line 1 choose add delete Off Frame line 2 choose add delete Off D User rectangles gt gt User rectangles Off Rect 1 Rect 2 Rect 1 2 Top Bottom Left Right 0 1000 Reset Color Red Green Blue Yellow Black White Intensity 1 4 RET IN path EVF MON OUT EVF MON Electronic horizonsensitivity 1x 2x 4x 8x 16x False color index gt gt ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License XT ALEXA XT all models only PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALEXA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only SUP 8 1 PROJECT menu Sensor Mode P xsmuoowmust 16 9 4 3 Rec resolution Menu Recording Internal Codec Menu Recording Internal Project frame rate 23 976 24 25 29 97 30fps Camera index A 7 Next reel count 001 999 Production Prod Company Director Cinematographer Camera Operator Location Scene Take User Info 1 2 SYSTEM menu Sensor gt gt Sensor mode P x sumowmus 3 16 9 4 3 Sensor temperature Standard High humidity Mirror image horizontal On Off ower gt gt BAT1 Plug warning 10 0 30 0V 21 0V BAT2 Onboard warning 10 0 30 0V 12 0V External sync gt gt Eye index L R Sensor sync Off EXT master EXT slave HD out phase 30 clocks 0 clocks Send HD sync trigger gt
96. Plane Optical Center UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 264 mm 10 39 76 2 59 4 120 mm 80 171 mm 3 2 34 sl 4 72 2 315 gis 6 73 1 F Es c H 1 H Y ALH Y ES gt E B Optical Center EL i 5 gt E ES 1 9 c5 8 1 9 Q3 Y Y 9 tc 10 mm 30 mm 30 mm 6 3 5 0 39 118118 15 x ALEXA Length Width Height Weight Body Camera Center Handle CCH 1 321 mm 12 64 161 6 mm 6 36 224 mm 8 82 6 6 kg 14 6 Ib Body Camera Center Handle CCH 1 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB 1 Pal Ry seu E Body enter Handle 406 15 98 319 12 56 ur uw 8 0 kg 17 6 Ib Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 extended Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB 1 ALEXA with XR Module ARRI CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Technical Data are subject to change without notice Camera Left Camera Back lt Image Plane Optical Center 142 mm max J 5 59 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 120 mm 171 f 80 mm 4 72 i 3 15 1 i 2m f 4 rez rez 1569 dE 3 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 24 7 amp amp X
97. TTER ANGLE Exposure time ON 24 000 fps 1 50 s MIRROR Note When mirror shutter is active the shutter angle is limited to 180 0 degrees Frame rates higher than 37 fps for 4 3 and higher than 48 fps for 16 9 reduce the shutter angle range further Note For frame rates higher than 30 fps it is recommended to use a power source with a voltage level of 18 35 V to ensure the mirror shutter is powered sufficiently Studio Camera Controls 195 MIRROR PARK buttons VIEW and GATE The camera left side Operator Controls have two additional function buttons labelled VIEW and GATE These buttons control the parking position of the mirror shutter A spinning mirror shutter can be stopped by pressing either of the two buttons Pressing the VIEW button will park the mirror in the optical path enabling a live preview in the optical viewfinder Pressing the GATE button will stop the mirror shutter out of the optical path enabling a live preview on the MON OUT and the REC OUT and the EVF in case it is mounted to the camera Each button is accompanied by a blue LED that lights when the mirror is parked in the respective position When the mirror shutter is running both of the LEDs will be active Pressing the GATE button while the mirror is parked in the VIEW position will move the mirror shutter by 180 0 degrees into the GATE position Pressing the VIEW button while the mirror is parked in the GATE position will move the mirror s
98. The Handle Extension Block HEB 2 mounts to the front end of the CCH 1 and adds one more focus hook to the camera in a high position allowing the tape measure to clear the matte box Side Camera Handle SCH 1 The Side Camera Handle SCH 1 is used in conjunction with a BAT V or BAT G top mounting battery adapter or with third party onboard recorders It is attached to the camera using three captive 3mm hex socket head screws two at the front and one at the back Ensure that the SCH 1 is securely fastened before attempting to lift the camera from it If a tall battery or a tall third party onboard recorder is used the adjustable center grip of the SCH 1 can be replaced by the taller Adjustable Center Grip Tall ACG 2 Bridge Plates BP 12 BP 13 43 8 6 Figure 24 SCH 1 Figure 25 Camera with SCH 1 side view Bridge Plates BP 12 BP 13 The bridge plate BP 12 for 19 mm studio rods has been newly developed for ALEXA It mounts directly to the camera body using two 3 8 16 screws and ensures that support rods matte boxes and follow focus units are positioned properly in regards to the optical center of the camera just like all other ARRI cameras 44 Camera Support 8 7 The bridge plate BP 13 is equivalent to the BP 12 but for 15 mm studio rods Note Make sure bridge plates are tightened firmly with a screwdriver not the commonly used coin Bridge P
99. Tools needed e Cleaning Instructions e Fresh rubber gloves Micro bellows 232 ALEXA XT models e Cotton swab e Purified alcohol e Microfiber Cloth from IFM 1 Starter Kit To clean the filters Note To avoid in camera damage always clean all filters outside of camera Ensure a clean dust and moisture free environment Wear fresh rubber gloves to avoid fingerprints and smear Never touch the sensor Check the coating for dirt smear and scratches Remove sand dust or solid particles with micro bellows cl f WN gt Clean off oil grease or smear with a cotton swab or the microfiber cloth slightly wetted in purified alcohol only 17 1 6 FSND Filter Set Completion The FSND Filter Set Completion for both ALEXA XT and ALEXA Classic models except ALEXA XT Studio and ALEXA Studio is a useful completion It offers 5 Internal Filters FSND 0 3 0 9 1 5 2 1 2 4 Figure 141 Each filter of the FSND Filter Set Completion comes a practical individual box and is also available separately In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 233 17 1 7 To insert or change a filter See Chapter Mounting in camera filters on page 227 Each filter is also available separately or in bundles FSND Filter Set Full for ALEXA XT The FSND Filter Set Full for ALEXA XT is a set with all FSND filters and required tools which requires a pre installed IFM 1 It consists of e Storage Case e IFM Optical Cle
100. U gt System gt SD card gt Prepare SD card To add a Look File to the camera On the HOME screen press the COLOR button Press the SET LOOK button Press the ADD button Using the jogwheel select a Look File from the list on the LOOK FILES SD CARD screen 5 Press the jogwheel to add the Look File The Look File will be added to the list on the LOOK FILES screen PON gt To delete a Look File from the camera Onthe LOOK FILES screen select a Look File from the list 2 Press the DELETE button 3 Press both new DELETE buttons simultaneously The Look File will be deleted from the camera but will remain on the SD card Playback and Look Files The Look File applied to the camera outputs also applies to clips during playback A clip recorded in REC 709 with or without Look File will be played back as is even if the output is set to LOG C Please note that the currently active Look File is applied to the clip not the one that was active at the time of recording It is the responsibility of the user to make sure the correct Look File is applied during playback 84 Camera Controls CDL Server Connection When internal recording is set to ARRIRAW only available on ALEXAs with XR module it is possible to configure a CDL server connection instead of using an ARRI Look File With a CDL server connection enabled the ALEXA will retrieve the CDL information from the CDL server at the beginning of each recording an
101. V Mount battery Note Not all V Lock batteries deliver enough power to supply the camera Use only batteries with a capacity of 90 Wh or more to prevent damage to the battery and unpredictable camera behavior Any camera battery combination should be tested prior to use especially when accessories are powered through the camera Gold Mount Batteries If the ALEXA is equipped with a Gold Mount Anton Bauer batteries can be used Their remaining capacity will be displayed as a percentage on the Home screen 34 Power Supply To attach a Gold Mount battery 1 Align the three pins on the back of the battery to the three corresponding holes on the battery plate 2 Press the battery to camera right until you hear a click 3 Check that the battery is securely mounted on the battery plate To release a Gold Mount battery 1 Press the release button on the camera left side of the battery plate 2 While pressing the release button slide the battery camera left and pull it straight out Figure 15 Camera with BAB G and a Gold Mount battery Note Not all Gold Mount batteries deliver enough power to supply the camera Use only batteries with a capacity of 90 Wh or more to prevent damage to the battery and unpredictable camera behavior Any camera battery combination should be tested prior to use especially when accessories are powered through the camera Power Outputs 35 7 6 7 6 1 7 6 2 Power Out
102. XA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only
103. XR lution Codin size Rate Capture 24 fps Drive 24 fps 2880x 12 bit 9 3 1 79 35 min 2160 Bayer Gbit s 2880 x 12 bit 1 34 47 min 1620 Bayer 7MB For a detailed table of available frame rates and possible codec card combinations please refer to the Chapter FPS on page 70 Choosing a Recording Format The selection of the recording format is a crucial decision which needs to be discussed with the production company and post production While lower bit rate codecs offer longer recording times they introduce compression artifacts that greatly limit the creative choices ProRes 422 Proxy ProRes 422 LT ProRes 422 ProRes 422 HO ProRes 4444 DNxHD 115 120 145 DNxHD 175x 185x 220x 2 8K ARRIRAW Use for video assist and proxy editing while the master is captured with an external device Not suitable as camera master Use for video assist and proxy editing while the master is captured with an external device Possibly suitable for internet video production Use for basic television production Limited options in color correction Use for high quality TV production Suitable for creative color correction Use for high quality TV and cinema production Very suitable for creative color correction and visual effects work such as pulling mattes Use for basic television production Very limited options in color correction due to 8 bit color depth Use for high quality TV productio
104. ab before sending it to the data wrangler e After an SxS card has been downloaded and backed up disengage its write protect before formatting Metadata Metadata is stored in the XML file the ALE file in the recorded frames clips The most important metadata for post production workflow is the tape name as it will be one of the primary identifiers used in the EDL The term tape name is an existing post production naming convention that is also used for nonlinear media The term reel name may also be used The tape name of ALEXA files is limited to 8 letters to match the CMX 3600 EDL standard It consists of the Camera Index reel counter and the Camera ID Based on the previous example the tape name of the clip would be A004R1JL Even if the user forgets to assign different camera indices to two cameras on the same project the Camera ID metadata guarantees unique tape names The Quicktime file carries a single timecode track In DNxHD M F files metadata is stored as an ale file and in an XML file embedded in the MXF For more information please refer to the Metadata white paper available for download on the ARRI website Dual recording The Dual recording function is only available on ALEXA Classic cameras with an SxS module It allows recording to two SxS PRO cards in parallel creating an instant backup at the time of recording To enable dual recording set Dual recording to On in the INTERNAL menu in RECORDING menu
105. all operating conditions Each EVF 1 is calibrated to precisely match the image on the ALEXA s HD outputs The EVF 1 has a resolution of 1280x720 pixels with 32 additional lines of resolution above and 32 below the image to display camera status information The EVF 1 can also display a 10 surround view area of the sensor to help the operator track unwanted elements before they enter the recorded image area Focus can be checked by temporarily zooming into the image with a magnification factor of 2 25x The low latency interface of the EVF 1 has a delay of less than 1 frame The EVF 1 has button controls for false color check and zoom as well as buttons and a jogwheel to control EVF and camera settings 38 Camera Support 8 3 1 Connect the viewfinder to the camera using the viewfinder mounting bracket Figure 17 ALEXA with XR module EVF 1 Note Do not point the viewfinder eyepiece at direct sunlight or bright light sources as this could damage the LCOS imaging device If possible cover the eyepiece when not in use to prevent any damage Viewfinder Cables The viewfinder cables are unidirectional with a male plug to connect to the camera and a female plug to connect to the viewfinder Cables are available in the following lengths Model Length m ft 150 5 0 35 1 2 151 5 0 65 2 1 152 5 2 00 6 6 Suggested use For use of EVF 1 on camera left side in handheld mod
106. alue and a time base matching the project frame rate Twenty four hours of time will translate into twenty four hours of time code Timecode is fed to the camera via the TC connector The timecode source must be set in the camera to Ext LTC and the mode to Free Run The project fps setting must match both the sensor frame rate and the time base of the external timecode signal The camera can be set to use Jam sync generator in which it samples the timecode value once and then continues counting based on its own high precision crystal clock The timecode source can be disconnected from the camera after jamming in Jam sync generator mode This mode ensures stable timecode with an offset of less than one frame for each eight hours after which the camera has to be re jammed Alternatively the camera can be set to regenerate mode or Regen on the TIMECODE OPTIONS screen In Regen mode the camera uses the timecode value of the external timecode source This ensures correct timecode for an infinite duration but the timecode source must remain connected to the camera Note that the camera ignores external timecode during record and counts using its internal clock to avoid timecode jumps should connection problems arise e g due to a faulty timecode cable Variations shooting starts close to midnight the timecode might be started with an offset time of day to prevent a rollover at midnight Restrictions External timecode is only possible if
107. and has become read only Use new medium The current write speed could not be handled by the SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 The current write speed could not be handled by therecording medium Both SxS PRO cards are full Use fresh cards Both SxS PRO cards have reached the end of their life cycle and has become read only Use fresh cards Both SxS PRO cards are not formatted in the file system required by the camera Format the cards Both SxS PRO cards are rec protected Eject the cards switch off the protection and re insert the cards The camera is getting too warm Apply additional cooling or shut down to prevent hardware damage Sensor temperature is out of range Wait until error message disappears before continuing to shoot Sensor temperature is out of range Wait until error message disappears before continuing to shoot Reboot the camera An error in the compression module has occured and recording was aborted Reboot the camera before you continue to record 260 Appendix Warning and Error Messages Sensor error Reboot Sensor boot error Interface error Reboot Fan error Contact service Fatal system error Shut down camera Sync clock out of range Syncing sensor Synced camera is not ready Software error Reboot Internal audio recording failed REC OUT Frame drops Set fps Dual recording failed Check cards REC OUT Frame drops Set FPS REC err
108. ar 1 ND 0 0 e Ground Glass Frameglow tool 2 e IFM Shim 3 e Microfiber Cloth 4 8 Internal Filters 5 FSND 0 3 0 6 0 9 1 2 1 5 1 8 2 1 2 4 e Cleaning Instructions Figure 142 The FSND Filter Set Full for ALEXA XT For proper use and safety instructions see Chapter In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 on page 213 234 ALEXA Fiber Remote Option 18 ALEXA Fiber Remote Option The ALEXA Fiber Remote Option is bringing the pristine and unrivaled image quality of the ALEXA camera into a multi camera environment typical of broadcast studio or OB van productions With the Fiber Remote Option attached the ALEXA is connected through a SMPTE 311M fiber connection and can be remote controlled for live painting operation For more information about the ALEXA Fiber Remote Option please refer to its manual or visit http www arri com camera digital cameras In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 235 19 Remote Control Unit RCU 4 FPS AUDIO SHUTTER 24000 172 8 ExT00 04 21 24 16 9 b REELAOO1 ARRIRAW 1 14 8V gt C003 Drive HOME 50 DUR 0 01 23 00 38 33 800 3200 El COLOR WB The camera can be remote controlled with an RCU 4 This device mirrors the controls on the camera s right side It is connected to the camera s Ethernet port Power is supplied via the Ethernet cable Note The ALEXA M features two ports labeled ETH in addition to the Ether
109. athtaking richness and detail Making them the perfect tools for a wide range of workflow and budget requirements ALEXA cameras allow for the most efficient and versatile workflows They can simultaneously output a number of formats all with audio and metadata Their ability to record Apple ProRes in HD or 2K or Avid DNxHD images to in camera media offers file based workflows of unparalleled efficiency for immediate time and cost savings ARRIRAW in camera with XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras upgraded with the XR Module delivers the pinnacle in image quality postproduction flexibility and archiving peace of mind while the HD SDI outputs integrate seamlessly into existing HD infrastructures About This Manual 15 ALEXAs are true ARRI cameras simple and safe to operate ergonomic design and reliable in even the most extreme environments ALEXA cameras are designed around the way you work and like all other ARRI products are backed by the global ARRI service network To provide more choices to the filmmaker the ALEXA system is based on an open architecture with many industry standard interfaces and compatibility with third party products This in combination with a number of components on the camera that can be upgraded and long product cycles make the system future proof and ensures a safe return on investment More than just hardware ALEXA cameras represent an entire image pipeline that stands alone as the most
110. ayback Menu The menu contains parameters for basic camera setup It has a tree structure and the current path in the menu is displayed across the top of every screen Press the MENU button to open the MENU screen There are six submenus in the main menu for setting up the ALEXA e Recording Main Controls 101 11 1 5 1 e Monitoring e Project e System e Frame grabs e User setups Links to submenus can be identified by an arrow bracket character on the right side To access a submenu select the submenu link and press the jogwheel to open the submenu Press the BACK button to step back one menu Menus also contain parameters with editable values The parameter name is displayed on the left side of the menu and the current value is displayed on the right side of the menu To change a parameter value select it with the jogwheel and press the jogwheel to start editing the value Press the BACK button to cancel an edit When a parameter is displayed in gray it cannot be edited with current camera settings Press the HOME button from any menu or submenu to return to the HOME screen Monitoring Project System Frame grabs User setups Figure 73 MENU Recording Select the Recording menu to adjust all recording parameters for recording to internal media and to external recorders over the REC OUT outputs The Recording menu contains two submenus e Internal 102 Camera Controls
111. ayback screen is opened the last clip on the internal media that is on active standby will be loaded automatically Camera Controls INFO Press to open the LIVE INFO screen The LIVE INFO screen displays the camera s current system state and any current error messages On the LIVE INFO screen there are buttons to access the following additional information screens e VERSION MEDIA e SYSTEM SAVE TO SD press to save a log file e FPS INFO USER Press to open the USER BUTTONS screen There are six user buttons that can be assigned by the user Buttons 1 2 and 3 are shared with User Buttons 1 2 and 3 in the operator controls Press the jogwheel to see a complete list of user button options MENU Press to open the MENU screen where most camera settings can be adjusted BACK Press to go back to the previous menu or screen when navigating Press to cancel settings adjustments and revert to the previous setting HOME Press to return to the HOME screen from any menu or screen 11 1 4 1 Press the TC button to open the TIMECODE screen The TIMECODE screen displays the current timecode and timecode format settings TIMECODE Format Int TC Rec Run Regen 24 fps OPTIONS USER BITS PROJECT Figure 60 Timecode screen Note Individual frame values are not shown but are still counted Press the SET TC button to set the TC counter only when the timecode source is set to Int TC On the SET TIMECODE
112. b Body XR Module Camera Center Handle CCH 1 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 PALM qo ALEXA Plus with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice 142 mm max 5 59 120 mm 4 72 4 0 0 fy 77 7 0 Camera Left Image Plane UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep rez Ey UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 6 I Zt E 915 E oo JG ER N O A 3 9 10 mm M6 3 5 mm deep _ 0 39 Camera Back Optical Center 102 8 mm 4 05 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 171 2 mm 80 i 6 74 223 8mm 8 81 3 15 D le IDE qd M3 6 mm deep Op 213 8 mm 8 42 Md ALEXA Plus with XR Module ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENS
113. be used for recording Recording Data time on XR FOE Reso Color File Rate Capture lution Coding size G24fps Drive 24 fps 4 3 ARRIRAW 2880 12 bit 9 3 1 79 35 min 2 8K 2160 Bayer MB Gbit s 106 Camera Controls 16 9 ARRIRAW 2880x 12bit 1 34 47 2 8 1620 Gbit s REC OUT HD SDI format 422 1 5651 Scan format psf Output range Legal REC OUT fps sets sensor fps Off Select the REC OUT submenu to adjust parameters for recording to external recorders over the HD SDI REC OUT outputs Note Only use double shielded HD SDI cables for recording to ensure error free data transmission Frame rate Select to set the frame rate of the REC OUT outputs independent of sensor frame rate HD SDI format Select to set the format of the REC OUT outputs see below for details 422 1 5G DL 3G SL 3G DL e 444 1 5G DL 3G SL 3G DL e ARRIRAW 1 5G DL 3G SL 3G DL e MON OUT clone Note ARRIRAW T Link output is not available on ALEXA HD ALEXA HD Plus and ALEXAs with XR module Scan format Select to set the type of scan e Progessive Images are transmitted line by line from left to right starting at the top left pixel e psf Progressive segmented Images are first split into fields which are then transmitted line by line from left to right Note Frame rates over 30 fps are only available in progressive scan This complies with SMPTE standards Main Controls 107
114. changed CAM LEVEL B LENS DATA IRISCLM gj ZOOM CLM FOCUS CLM Figure 81 WRS screen RADIO Shows the currently set radio channel the number of connected hand units and the staus of the radio system Pressing the screen button opens a screen where radio can be set on or off and the channel number can be set When radio is switched on a small icon appears in the camera homescreen WRS radio channel 3 Figure 82 WRS radio screen Plus Camera Controls 169 CAM LEVEL Shows the tilt and roll of the camera in degrees as measured by the camera s position sensor This sensor can be reset if it appears to have an offset Press the CAM LEVEL screen button to access the reset screen By pressing the two lower outer screen buttons simultaneously the sensor is reset Note The sensor can only be reset while both axis are within a threshold of 10 degrees around 0 1 Level camera Tilt 0 0 Roll 0 0 Reset threshold OK 2 Reset motion sensor Press both buttons RESET RESET Figure 83 Motion sensor reset screen LENS DATA Shows the type of LDS lens connected and the LDS status The LENS DATA screen button leads to the LDS screen where lens info like lens type current focal length iris focus distance and close and far point of depth of field are shown The OPTIONS screen button opens the LDS options screen where the LDS unit can be switched between imperial and metric a
115. coming too hot With ALEXA Plus and 3D lens sync both cameras must have same focus unit activated which is not the case here With ALEXA Plus and 3D lens sync select lens table on slave when using LDA Reminder for active tropical mode ALEXA Studio only ND filter slider has mechanical problems ALEXA Studio only Mirror sector has mechanical problems 258 Appendix Warning and Error Messages Mirror cannot reach sync speed Voltage too low for mirror Mirror out of phase Some buttons are defect SxS Media Data rate low Check last clip Loading highspeed mode LDS failure Reboot M head Clean fibre connection M head Power warning M head High temperature M head Low fan speed ALEXA Studio only Mirror cannot reach speed due to technical problems ALEXA Studio only Power supply voltage level insufficient to drive mirror shutter ALEXA Studio only Mirror shutter and sensor are out of phase may result in exposure artifacts Camera button signals are failing Reboot camera If reappearing after reboot contact service for button replacement Mostly hardware problem Data rate of last recorded clip is very low Check for artifacts in replay Can also occure when forgetting to remove lens cap during recording While High Speed Mode is loading the camera functionality is limited Wait until High Speed mode loading has finished The lens data system has failed Res
116. ct External Sync On the EXT SYNC screen select Send HD sync trigger Press the jogwheel to send the trigger to the slave camera The camera will display the message HD sync trigger sent to slave If the sensors are not synced the camera will display the error message Trigger not sent Camera must be set to Ext sync Master PWN gt After the sync trigger has been sent the slave camera will no longer display the warning HD outs not synced Trigger now 156 Operation of the Camera 12 5 If the two cameras settings are synced over Ethernet the trigger is automatically sent When the outputs are synced jitter between the two cameras HD outputs is less than 500 ns The HD output of each camera can be advanced or delayed by up to 30 HD clocks 1 HD clock 13 46 ns allowing for a total shift of 60 HD clocks 808 ns total between cameras Timecode Timecode is also transmitted from the master to the slave over the EXT cable When a camera has been set to slave it automatically uses the timecode values transmitted over the EXT cable The TC screen will display EXT TC from master camera as TC source and all options are disabled Only the master camera outputs LTC timecode on its TC connector Note When the mirror shutter is switched on an ALEXA Studio can only be synced to another ALEXA Studio Syncing the Settings of Two Cameras Two ALEXAs can be operated with synchronized settings ARRI recommen
117. d 1920 x 1080 for the MON OUT while 2x desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 480 for the EVF and 1920 x 720 for the MON OUT For the optical viewfinder anamorphic desqueeze can be achieved by flipping an anamorphic element into the optical path By default the OVF has an optical element for 2x desqueeze Elements for 1 3x desqueeze are also available Licensed Features Licensed features High Speed recording and Anamorphic desqueeze are automatically enabled in the ALEXA M Lens Data System 211 16 7 Lens Data System The ALEXA M is equipped with a LA PL 2 lens mount with LDS contacts When using a LDS lens such as Master Primes or LDS Ultra Primes the camera reads displays and records lens metadata The LDS screen can be accessed through the menu which contains an additional item LDS This menu item is only available on the ALEXA M Note Lens motors and the Lens Data Archive LDA are not supported by the ALEXA M 212 ALEXA XT models 17 ALEXA XT models With the ALEXA XT cameras Xtended Technology ARRI is refreshing the ALEXA product line incorporating new features inspired by feedback from professional users These features expand on the benefits that have already made ALEXA such an extraordinary success highest overall image quality and lowest overall production cost through reliability ergonomics and efficient workflows The ALEXA XT ALEXA XT M ALEXA XT Plus and ALEXA XT Studio
118. d ARRI service center only Figure 78 CLM sockets 162 ALEXA Plus 13 1 eque tpe A MON OUT2 Figure 79 ALEXA Plus connectors Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS The ALEXA Plus lens mount supports the ARRI Lens Data System An LDS lens must be mounted in the 12 o clock or 3 o clock position to enable the LDS functions Take care not to damage the LDS contacts on the lens and the camera when mounting or unmounting a lens or lens port cover Radio System 163 Apart from the LDS feature the same procedures as with the LA PL 1 on page 60 apply Figure 80 Lens adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS 13 2 Radio System The ALEXA Plus module contains a radio unit that enables wireless lens control lens data communication and remote control of basic camera functions The radio system is called white radio and it can be identified by a white ring at the base of the antenna mount point It offers 8 channels to choose from 164 ALEXA Plus 13 3 13 3 1 Channel Frequency 0 2 410 GHZ 1 2 415 GHZ 2 2 430 GHZ 3 2 435 GHZ 4 2 450 GHZ 5 2 455 GHZ 6 2 470 GHZ 7 2 475 GHZ White radio and legacy yellow radio cannot be mixed in the same radio network of camera and hand units It is possible to use both systems in parallel within different radio networks Up to three hand units can be connected to one camera in parallel to form a radio network Note When a camera is set
119. d store the values in the clip metadata Additionally the ALEXA retrieves the CDL information at the end of each recording to update the CDL values in case they have been modified during the shot The values from the beginning of the shot however are still accessible during offloading as old values Due to technical limitations however it is not possible to directly apply CDL values in the ALEXA to outputs or recorded material To configure a CDL server connection 1 On the LOOK FILES screen select CDL CONF 2 Enter the IP address of the CDL server Note The CDL server must be located in the same 16 subnet as the ALEXA Therefore the first two parts of the IP address cannot be changed Note The CDL server must be reachable at port 6666 To activate deactivate the CDL server connection e On the LOOK FILES screen press CDL When the connection to a CDL server is activated it is no longer possible to select an ARRI Look File or apply it to outputs The gamma settings for the individual outputs are still available With the CDL server connection enabled the ALEXA periodically tries to contact the CDL server and displays the connection status on the LOOK FILES screen as well as on the HOME screen When the CDL server connection is established INT in the COLOR section of the HOME screen has a green background otherwise the background is red and it is blinking LOOK FILES CDL CONF Figure 56 LOOK FILES scree
120. de e Off e Start e Stop e Start Stop Button brightness Off Run beeper mode Start Stop System Time Date Time Displays the current time read only Date Displays the current date read only Set time date Select to set time and date Time zone Select to set the time zone to match your current location DST Select to set daylight savings time 122 Camera Controls Set time date Time 13 02 07 Date 2010 07 20 Time zone UTC 12 00 DST Standard time Use the lower screen buttons to navigate between the elements in the screen and to finish your setting To set the time and date In the System menu select System time date Select Set time date Use the jogwheel to adjust the date value starting with the year B 0O N Press the gt button to jump to the month day hour minute and second Press the lt button to jump back one step Press the DONE button when finished 07 20 13 02 07 lt gt DONE Fan Fan mode Select to set the fan mode to Regular for locations with ambient temperatures up to 30 C 86 F For locations with ambient temperatures higher than 30 C 86 F set to Rec low When the fan is set to Rec Low it will run at a high rate when the camera is in Standby and run at a low rate when the camera is recording SD card Format Select to format the SD card and creates the prepare SD required folder structure after confirmation
121. der Affects only the EVF image MON OUT and recording images are not rotated Smooth mode Select to set Smooth mode On or Off With smooth mode on the EVF image shutters less when panning Note Smooth mode is only possible with frame rates up to 30 fos and shutter angles of 180 0 or less Surround view Select to set Surround view on the EVF 1 On or Off When set to on the additional pixels outside the recorded image area on the ALEXA s ALEV III sensor are displayed allowing the operator to see outside the recorded image and keep unwanted objects such as microphone booms out of the shot To view only the recorded image set Surround view to off Surround mask Select to adjust the Surround mask settings If surround view is set to On it must be separated from the recorded image area to EVF 1 Controls 131 11 3 2 Status info Framelines Select framelines 1 Select framelines 2 Center mark User rectangles Edit user rectangles Framelines color Framelines intensity allow proper framing Users can choose e Black line e Color line e Mask 25 e Mask 50 e Mask 100 Select to set Status info to On or Off When set to On camera shooting parameters are displayed across the top of the EVF 1 s image outside the active image area and camera status information is displayed across the bottom of the EVF 1 s image outside the active image area Select to set frame lines to On or Off Frame lines are a ref
122. dge Adapter WA 1 Quick Release Plate QR HD 45 Wireless Remote 164 X XR Xtended Recording Module 56 212 XR Module echa 134 241 Appendix In this appendix Appendix Connector Pin Outs False Color Display Warning and Error Messages Dimensions Weights and Menu Structure Trees 242 247 252 254 262 242 Appendix Appendix A 1 Appendix ALEXA EV Image Sensor Type Sensor frame rates Shutter angle Total active photo sites incl surround view Photo sites of recorded image Aperture of recorded image Image aperture incl surround view Photo site pitch Aspect ratios Filters Color filters Lens Lens mount Flange focal depth Image processing White balance CC Shift El rating Recorded image resolutions Viewfinder Type Technology Resolution Power ALEV III CMOS sensor 0 750 60 000 fps 60 000 120 000 fps in High Speed mode 5 0 358 0 5 0 356 0 in High Speed mode 3168 x 1782 16 9 3168 x 2160 4 3 2880 x 1620 16 9 2880 x 2160 4 3 23 76 13 365 mm 16 9 23 76 x 17 82 mm 4 3 26 14 x 14 70 mm 16 9 26 14 x 17 82 mm 4 3 8 25 um 1 78 1 16 9 1 33 1 4 3 optical low pass UV IR RGB primary colors Exchangeable lens mount with PL mount LA PL 1 installed 52 00 mm nominal 2000 11000 Kelvin 8 to 8 t
123. ding time depends on the image content When using Avid s DNxHD the remaining recording time is accurate Icons Name Icon Description General Warning Important information is waiting the INFO screen General Error An error has occurred Check the INFO screen for more information Camera Controls Temperature There is a minor sensor temperature offset Warning Image quality may be slightly affected Temperature Error There is a substantial sensor temperature offset Image quality may be seriously affected Lock a The Main Controls are locked SD Card An SD card is present The icon turns orange when the card is accessed Grab The GRAB icon flashes while a still frame is being taken and written to the SD card High Humidity The sensor is in High Humidity mode i e the Mode sensor is kept at 40 C sensor temperature to avoid condensation Radio The WRS radio is active Note A sensor temperature warning or error after boot up is normal as the sensor takes a few seconds to reach its preset temperature 11 1 3 1 Lists and User Lists On the HOME screen press the FPS SHUTTER WB white balance and El exposure index buttons to open lists of preconfigured values for each setting User defined values can be added to the FPS SHUTTER and WEB lists The El list is fixed and user defined values cannot be added It contains values from 160 3200 ASA in steps of 1 3 stops Setting a list value DELETE HIG
124. ds to sync the settings ALEXAs of the same model only for example two ALEXA Plus models Settings syncing is not available on ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus models Camera connection The settings of two ALEXAs can be synchronized over ethernet using the ALEXA Ethernet Ethernet Cable KC 156 S or over an ethernet hub using the ALEXA Ethernet RJ 45 Cable KC 153 S Camera setup To sync the settings of two ALEXAs over Ethernet 1 Connect an ALEXA Ethernet Ethernet Cable 156 S to the EXT ports on both ALEXAs or an ALEXA Ethernet RJ 45 Cable KC 153 S to the ethernet hub and the EXT port of each ALEXA In the System menu on the master camera select External Sync On the EXT SYNC screen set Settings sync to ETH master In the System menu on the slave camera select External Sync On the EXT SYNC screen set Settings sync to ETH slave The two ALEXAs will automatically negotiate IP addresses It takes approximately five seconds to establish a connection 9 PWN Syncing the Settings of Two Cameras 157 The master camera will initially distribute its settings to the slave camera Once this is done settings can also be changed on the slave camera and the change will take effect on both cameras This is useful if the master camera s controls are not accessible If a camera is set to ETH master or ETH slave but is not connected to another camera a warning is displayed on the STATUS Info screen Synced settings The following se
125. dy right ALEXA M Images 203 Figure 125 ALEXA M body top Figure 126 ALEXA M body bottom Figure 127 ALEXA M body front 5 gt 5 9 128 204 ALEXA M The following images show the ALEXA M body with XR module Figure 129 ALEXA M body right Figure 130 ALEXA M body left Figure 131 ALEXA M body top ALEXA M Camera Head 205 16 2 Figure 132 ALEXA M body bottom Figure 134 ALEXA M body back ALEXA M Camera Head The ALEXA M camera head contains the image sensor and parts of the image processing Images are transmitted to the body via fibre cable The fibre connection is bi directional and returns the EVF image to the camera head from the body 206 ALEXA 16 2 1 16 3 Due to the fibre connection the ALEXA M has an increased power draw of approximately 120W with the head drawing 40W The head can be powered from the body with hybrid fibre cables of up to 30m length Note When powering the head from the body power supplies with at least 24V output must be used due to the voltage drop over the hybrid cable The head can also be powered directly through its BAT connector if the battery delivers at least 40W of power CCH 2 The Camera Center Handle 2 CCH 2 is the handle for the ALEXA
126. e For use of EVF 1 on camera right side or when using Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB 1 Longest possible length for use with specialty rigs Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 39 8 3 2 Figure 18 EVF cables KC 150S center KC 151S middle KC 152S outer Viewfinder Mounting Bracket The Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB 3 is attached to the camera using two captive 3mm hex socket head screws on top of the camera at the front The VMB 3 features a leveling bubble and two internally threaded 15mm rods with standard 60mm distance These can be extended with standard 15mm rods for mounting matte boxes lens motors and the like above the lens if need be Attach the EVF 1 to the Viewfinder Mounting Bracket by sliding the dove tail into the receptacle and closing the lever on the EVF 1 The position of the EVF 1 can be adjusted by loosening the levers on the Viewfinder Mounting Bracket adjusting the position as desired and closing the levers to retighten The EVF 1 can be mounted on the camera right side by unscrewing the threaded end cap on the side to side adjustment rod removing the rod itself and inserting it from the other side Remember to reattach the threaded end cap Note Camera right operation is not possible with the standard EVF cable KC 150 S Instead the longer cable KC 151 S is needed Figure 19 VMB 3 on camera 40 Camera Support The Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB 3 extends th
127. e the required folder structure on the SD card after formatting 54 Connectors 9 14 Note Formatting the SD card will irreversibly remove all data on the SD card To create the required folder structure on the SD card in the ALEXA without formatting Press the MENU button Using the jogwheel select System Select SD Card Select Prepare SD card The ALEXA will create the required folder structure on the SD card without formatting or deleting any data Bow Note Firmware update files are recognized by the camera anywhere within the structure but it is recommended to copy them into the Firmware folder SxS Slots This section is only relevant for ALEXAs with SxS module The ALEXA records clips using the SxS module on the camera left side The two SxS card slots can be accessed by opening the SxS door towards the camera body The SxS door was designed for accessibility when the ALEXA is operated in confined spaces or mounted on rigs such as remote heads Note Keep the SxS slot door closed to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the camera To load an SxS card 1 Insert the SxS PRO card into the SxS slot with the contacts facing the front of the camera and the label facing out away from the camera body 2 Push the card in against the spring until the lock engages Close the SxS door Note Do not force an SxS PRO card into the slot backwards or with the label side in the contacts
128. e the shutter angle is limited to a maximum of 356 0 Sets the exposure index rated in ASA The ALEXA has a base sensitivity of 800 ASA The camera s El rating can be adjusted from 160 to 3200 ASA Note ASA rating is identical to ISO rating Note Exposure Index is not applied to ARRIRAW signals Opens the color screen where gamma and look settings for internal recording INT REC OUT MON OUT and EVF can be changed Sets the camera s white balance This is the color temperature of the light source that the ALEXA is currently adjusted for The white balance can be adjusted from 2000 to 11000 Kelvin in steps of 100 Kelvin In addition to the red blue correction of the white balance the ALEXA can also compensate for a green magenta tint This value called CC color compensation is shown as an exponent of the WB value Positive values are marked with a and negative values with a The user can execute an automatic white balance by pressing the AUTO WB button in the WB screen Camera Status Section Displays the current time code including the source INT internal EXT external source Frames are not displayed The timebase of the time code is shown after the sign Camera is set to Ext sync MASTER Camera is set to Ext sync SLAVE Settings sync is active The voltage level of the power source present at the BAT Main Controls 67 connector or the remaining capacity of an attached battery in percentage
129. e Plane 9 05 46 7 mm 254mm 25 4mm 254mm 254mm 1 84 T 1 1 3 8 16 10 mm deep Ed 5 N Optical Center E E 8 UNC 3 8 16 10 deep 1 0 04 49 mm 19 mm 1 93 0 75 67 21 2 64 0 83 69mm 272 Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA Studio with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 Camera Top Camera Top Image Plane M4 4 mm deep 183 6 mm 7 23 0 75 fps 60fps 120fps 24fps add delete value HIGHSPEED EXIT HS X 5 boot ALEXA to HS mode 60 120fps MODE MENU gt RECORDING gt INTERNAL MEDIA INFO INFO gt MEDIA INFO SDI FPS gt gt REC OUT 23 976 24 25 29 97 or 30fps MON OUT 23 976 24 25 29 97 or 30fps adjust CH1 level 20 10 unity adjust CH2 level 20 10 unity AUDIO OUT set AUDIO OUT Phones Level AUDIO OUT gt OPTIONS gt gt Left out CH1 CH2 CH1 2 None Right out CH1 CH2 CH1 2 None Audio OUT level Manual
130. e REC OUT connectors signaling an attached recorder to start or stop recording The SDI record flag is an ancillary data packet in the blanking area of the HD SDI signal that contains information about active recording Note There is no feedback channel providing information to the camera if the 148 Operation of the Camera 12 1 4 12 2 12 2 1 external recording is active Check the external recorder directly to determine whether or not recording is active Timecode on external recorders To keep timecode locked across internal recording and the external recorder when recording in parallel configure the external recorder so that it uses the TC embedded in the HD SDI stream from the camera High Speed recording When a valid High Speed license key is installed frame rates of 60 to 120 fps are enabled in 16 9 High Speed mode and from 48 to 90 fps in 4 3 High Speed mode All recording codecs except ProRes 4444 are available in 16 9 High Speed mode 4 3 High Speed mode is only available on ALEXAs with XR module and in ARRIRAW recording mode For a detailed table of available frame rates and possible codec card combinations please refer to the Chapter FPS on page 70 The REC OUT output carries the same signal as the MON OUT during High Speed mode called MON OUT clone Note Camera boot time is increased by approximately 40 seconds when High Speed mode is active during a power cycle Monitoring The ALEXA s mon
131. e lines Off Status info on MON OUT Off Figure 71 PLAY OPTIONS screen Clip end action Determines what happens when the end of a clip is reached Options are Pause and Loop Show frame lines Sets frame lines to On or Off during playback Center mark is always switched off during playback Status info on MON Sets status info overlays on MON OUT OUT during playback to On or Off 100 Camera Controls 11 1 5 CLIPLIST Press the CLIPLIST button to open the CLIPLIST screen and access all the clips recorded internally To play a clip from the cliplist 1 Press the CLIPLIST button 2 Usethe jogwheel to select a clip 3 Press the jogwheel to load the selected clip 4 Press the jogwheel to play the selected clip Additional CLIPLIST screen information e number of selected and total number of clips on the media e codec of selected clip e duration of selected clip CLIPLIST Clip1 of3 Dur 0 01 23 Codec ProRes 422 Proxy Circle Figure 72 CLIPLIST screen Playback and Look Files The Look File applied to the camera outputs also applies to clips during playback A clip recorded in REC 709 with or without Look File will be played back as is even if the output is set to LOG C Please note that the currently active Look File is applied to the clip not the one that was active at the time of recording It is the responsibility of the user to make sure the correct Look File is applied during pl
132. e loading progress Sensor temperature Standard Mirror image horizontal Off Load 4 3 sensor mode Takes 30 seconds Requires reboot Includes factory reset Press both buttons LOAD LOAD Note Switching from 16 9 to 4 3 and vice versa always includes a factory reset 210 ALEXA 16 6 Frame rate The maximum sensor frame rate in 4 3 is 48 fps 4 3 and Highspeed Mode It is possible to switch from 4 3 to High Speed mode and vice versa If recording is set to ProRes only the 16 9 center area of the image sensor is read out If recording is set to ARRIRAW only available for ALEXAs with XR module 4 3 High Speed is available Recording Internal recording is only possible with ProRes codecs in 2K 2048x1536 resolution and ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with XR module External recording is only possible in ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with SxS module except ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus and with recorders that support ARRIRAW 4 3 Monitoring For monitoring the 4 3 image is downscaled to 960 x 720 pixels for the EVF and 1440 x 1080 for the MON OUT Only horizontal surround view is available in 4 3 mode The image is not rescaled for surround view but horizontally extended The non active area of the EVF and MON OUT is filled with black pillarboxed Anamorphic desqueeze Both 1 3x and 2x anamorphic desqueeze is available in 4 3 mode 1 3x anamorphic desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 720 for the EVF an
133. e mounting point of the EVF 1 further back It can be attached to a tripod head for use with geared heads or greater comfort when using fluid heads using its standard attachment point for the ARRI Eyepiece Leveler EL 3 The VEB 3 has been improved over the VEB 1 in the following aspects e The redesigned shape provides greater sturdiness at a lighter weight e The blue security pin at the VMB 3 connecting end prevents the VEB 3 from accidently dropping out when it is released e The connection part to the Eyepiece Leveler EL 3 is spring loaded so that it automatically moves away from the camera body when it is not in use e The VEB 3 features a fold out arm that can be used to rest the VEB 3 on the camera body when moving the camera To avoid damage to the VMB 3 when using the VEB 3 with an eyepiece leveler loosen the friction on VMB 3 s rotating assembly Figure 20 VEB 3 with closed fold out arm Figure 21 VEB 3 with opened fold out arm Center Camera Handle CCH 1 41 Figure 22 ALEXA with EVF 1 VEB 3 cable KC 151S 8 4 Center Camera Handle CCH 1 The Center Camera Handle CCH 1 is attached to the camera top with three captive 3mm hex socket head screws two at the front and one at the back Ensure that the CCH 1 is securely fastened before attempting to lift the camera from it Figure 23 Camera with CCH 1 side view 42 Camera Support 8 5
134. e used as backup for the main 24 V battery Using a 12 V onboard battery in addition to the main 24 V battery also allows for quick switchover to handheld mode the power cable can simply be disconnected from the BAT connector When using two onboard battery adapters with batteries in parallel one on top and one on the back the camera will treat them as a single source When used this way the load is spread across two batteries creating a strong power source BAT Connector The BAT connector is the primary power input on the ALEXA It is a Fischer 2 pin socket located at the back of the camera on the camera right side Mains Unit NG 12 26 R 31 7 3 7 4 The socket accepts power cables 205 and 295 The cables either be connected to the mains unit NG 12 26R or to 24 V cine style batteries with three pin XLR outputs Figure 13 BAT connector Mains Unit NG 12 26 R Use of the mains unit is recommended for shooting in the studio and when using electronic accessories with high power consumption To power the ALEXA using the Mains Unit NG 12 26 R 1 Set the correct mains voltage on the mains unit using the fuse on the back of the unit For example set it to 220 V if the AC mains power source is 220 V Connect the mains unit to AC mains power Ensure that the camera power is turned off Set the voltage switch on the mains unit to 26 V Connect the battery cable KC 20S KC 29S spiral cable to
135. ection and torque can be changed by the screen buttons below and above the value The upper left screen button calibrates only the zoom motor Pressing the lower left screen button starts calibration of all connected lens motors Plus Camera Controls 173 FOCUS CLM CALIBRATE CAL ALL Figure 89 Focus CLM screen Shows status direction and torque of the CLM connected to the FOCUS socket Press the FOCUS CLM screen button to access the FOCUS CLM screen This screen shows the type of motor connected to the FOCUS socket its direction and torque Direction and torque can be changed by the screen buttons below and above the value The upper left screen button calibrates only the focus motor Pressing the lower left screen button starts calibration of all connected lens motors 3D Lens Sync When two cameras are connected and their sensors are synced with via the EXT connectors the slave camera will receive its motor commands from the master camera Its radio module switches automatically off Calibration of lens motors must happen individually for each camera 174 ALEXA Plus 4 3 14 ALEXA Plus 4 3 The ALEXA Plus 4 3 is identical ALEXA Plus except for its ALEV III sensor which has a 4 3 active area This makes the camera the ideal companion camera to an ALEXA Studio Licenses The ALEXA Plus 4 3 includes a bundle license which enables DNxHD High Speed recording and anamorphic desqueeze The licen
136. ects Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications Indicates a possible risk of injury or damage to the equipment Indicates the risk of electric shock or fire danger that could result in injury or damage to the equipment Note Indicates further information or information from other instruction manuals General Safety Guidelines 2 e Always follow these guidelines to ensure against injury to yourself or others and damage to the system or other objects e This safety information is in addition to the product specific operating instructions in general and must be strictly observed for safety reasons e Read and understand all safety and operating instructions before you operate or install the system e Retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference e Heed all warnings on the system and in the safety and operating instructions before you operate or install the system Follow all installation and operating instructions e Do not use accessories or attachments that are not recommended by ARRI as they may cause hazards and invalidate the warranty Do attempt to repair part of the system Repairs must only be carried out by authorized ARRI Service Centers 26 Safety Guidelines 5 3 Specific Safety Instructions 2 Do not remove any safety measures from the system Do not operate the system in areas with humidity above operating levels or expose it to water or mo
137. ed frame rate see Adding a list value in Lists and User Lists Ne High Speed Mode If a valid High Speed license key is installed on the ALEXA frame rates from 60 000 to 120 000 fps are available in 16 9 High Speed mode and from 48 000 to 90 000 fps in 4 3 ARRIRAW High Speed mode Frame rates below 60 000 fps in 16 9 and 48 000 fps in 4 3 are not available Exit High Speed mode to record with lower frame rates High Speed mode recording is possible only to internal recording media not via the REC OUT outputs When High Speed mode is loaded the REC OUT outputs switch output paths and carry the MON OUT signal with a maximum frame rate of 30 fps Note In 16 9 sensor mode High Speed mode recording is possible in HD codecs only In 4 3 sensor mode High Speed mode is only available when the Camera Controls recording mode is set to ARRIRAW only available for ALEXAs with XR module The maximum frame rate in ProRes 2K is 60 fps in 16 9 sensor mode and 48 fps in 4 3 sensor mode When recording to SxS cards ARRI recommends using only Sony SxS PRO 64 GB cards in High Speed mode as only these allow recording at sensor frame rates from 60 120 fps with all High Speed codecs When using Sony SxS PRO 32 GB cards with codecs ProRes 422 ProRes 422 DNxHD 115 120 145 and DNxHD 175x 185x 220x the sensor frame rate is limited to 60 fps maximum To load High Speed mode On the HOME screen press the FPS button 2 Onthe FPS
138. ed uncompressed and uncompromised image quality from an ALEXA camera It offers the highest achievable resolution the camera s natural color response and great exposure latitude as uncompressed and unprocessed sensor data ARRIRAW images have only one channel A color reconstruction algorithm calculates the missing components of each pixel based on the type and position of the array of colored filters Bayer pattern on the camera sensor As a result half of the reconstructed image s green values are interpolated from the surrounding photosites rather than captured as are three quarters of the red and three quarters of the blue ARRIRAW de bayering is available through the ARRIRAW SDK or custom processing which is implemented in most of the major post production tools for dailies processing and mastering The ALEXA sensor provides a horizontal resolution of 2 8K photo cells from which downsampling routines produce optimized HD and 2K resolution images For VFX the images often are processed using the native sensor pixel count and then downscaled to 2K for example at a later stage Using this approach takes advantage of the luminance resolution which correlates to the sensor pixel count Furthermore it is possible to upsample ARRIRAW images to 4K This works well because of ALEXA s excellent image quality 138 Operation of the Camera Format 4 3 ARRIRAW 2 8K 16 9 ARRIRAW 2 8K Recording Data i Reso Color File time on
139. eel to play the clip 3 Press the jogwheel to pause the clip 4 Rotate the jogwheel to advance the clip frame by frame or in one second steps Press the STEPSIZE button to toggle between seconds and frames 5 Press the 10 and 10 buttons to advance or rewind the clip by ten percent of its duration 6 Press the HOME button or BACK button to exit and output a live image over the output paths CLIPLIST 1 3 Wheelpress Play 1 second OPTIONS Figure 70 PLAY screen PLAY screen buttons STEPSIZE Toggle the scrub step size between one frame and one second CIRCLE Press to mark the clip as a circle take This CLIP information will be embedded in the metadata of the clip 10 Advance the current clip by ten percent of the clip duration 10 Rewind the current clip by ten percent of the clip duration Main Controls 99 Note Recorded clips do not contain the surround view portion of the EVF 1 or MON OUT image When playing back clips the surround view portion will not be visible The jogwheel can be used to scrub through the paused clip The scrub stepsize is shown in the lower middle section of the screen Additional PLAY screen information e clip name e playback progress bar with current playback position in time and total clip duration e playback timecode Note Do not eject media during playback OPTIONS The OPTIONS screen button opens a list of general playback options Show fram
140. elow the infinity symbol of the focus scale Select to add the lens table to the user list Press ADD use it without adding USE or both ADD USE DELETE MEM ADD Figure 86 Main LDA screen Plus Camera Controls 171 To delete a lens table from the user archive access the user list and press the DELETE button Select the lens table to delete and press the two buttons labelled DELETE simultaneously Custom lens tables can be added to the main archive via the SD card Place the lens table on the SD card a folder named LDA Insert the SD card into the camera Go to the main archive list and press ADD Select the desired lens table and press the wheel The lens table will be located in the main archive as lens type Custom It is possible to inverse the iris Zoom and focus scales for lens tables if necessary Press OPTIONS on the USER LDA screen to access the LDA OPTIONS screen where these adjustments can be made Lenses can also be equipped with the lens data mount LDM The mount contains a chip with the lens table stored inside so the lens transmits its data to the camera as soon as it is connected For information on current ring positions these lenses must be used in combination with controlled lens motors CLM screens The screens for IRIS FOCUS and ZOOM controlled lens motors all have the same layout They show the motor type motor direction and motor torque Note For CLM 2 motors the torque value
141. en if the sensor frame rate does not match the project frame rate Note Non integer TC time base settings 23 976 and 29 97 are always counted as non dropframe time code USER BITS Press the USER BITS screen button to access the USER BITS screen For each user bit values from 0 to 9 and A to F can be set Main Controls 91 Press the SET UB button to start editing the user bits values USER BITS User bits source Internal Figure 61 USER BITS screen Note On HD SDI out the last two digits of the user bits contain the Variflag therefore the last two user bits cannot be set by the user 11 1 4 2 INFO STATUS Info The STATUS INFO screen displays information about the current state of the camera system System state Good means that all components in the ALEXA are functioning normally Other messages can contain error messages prefixed with or warnings prefixed with W For more information about error messages and warnings see A 4 Error Messages and Warnings in the Appendix Press the SAVE TO SD button to save a system log to the SD card This may take up to one minute Note It is only necessary to save a system log if the camera experiences multiple error messages or other abnormal behavior The system log is nota human readable file and should be sent to an ARRI Camera Service center for analysis Camera Controls LIVE INFO VERSION MEDIA INFO System state Good SYSTEM SAVE TOSD
142. er CINE VCLX 2 manual Onboard Batteries The camera can be equipped with adapters for either V Lock or Gold Mount video style batteries When a battery equipped with the TI protocol for battery communication is used the ALEXA will display remaining capacity as a percentage on the Home screen For these batteries the user does not need to set the battery warning level Four different adapters are available Battery Adapter Back for Gold Mount batteries e BAB V Battery Adapter Back for V Lock batteries e BAT G Battery Adapter Top for Gold Mount batteries BAT V Battery Adapter Top for V Lock batteries Note Adapters must be installed by a trained technician V Lock Batteries V Lock batteries from different manufacturers may be used on the ALEXA When batteries from manufacturers such as ID X and Bebop are used their remaining capacity will be displayed as a percentage on the Home screen Onboard Batteries 33 7 5 2 To attach a V Lock battery 1 Align the v shaped wedge on the battery with the v shaped notch on the battery plate 2 Press the battery downwards until you hear a click 3 Check that the battery is securely mounted on the battery plate To release a V Lock battery 1 Press the release button on the camera left side or top of the battery manufacturer dependent 2 While pressing the release button slide the battery upwards Figure 14 ALEXA with BAB V and
143. er naming components by underscores e Camera ID Consists of a one letter prefix user adjustable between R and L and the camera serial number encoded in 3 letters Base36 0 9 A Z Recording 143 The file name for ARRIRAW files on XR Capture Drives is controlled by the VFS configuration We highly recommend to use the standard file naming convention lt shot gt lt TC frames since midnight gt lt extension gt whereas shot automatically uses the ALEXA naming scheme described above The reel counter should be set to 001 at the beginning of a shoot The camera will then automatically advance the reel number each time a new drive card is loaded into the camera formatted and recorded on If a previously recorded drive card is reloaded in the camera comparable to a short end of a film roll it will keep its reel number and the camera will continue the reel count If the drive card is loaded in another camera the card keeps its name but a new folder with the according camera ID and reel number is created in the root folder of the drive card It is possible but usually not necessary to manually change the next reel number in the Project menu Examples A typical ProRes Ouicktime file name would look like this e A004C010 20130110 R1JL mov A typical DNxHD MXF file name would look like this e 004 010 20130110 R1JL mxf A typical ARRIRAW file name would look like this e 004 010 20130110 R1JL 1886777 ari The tran
144. erence for framing that typically consist of an image frame a center mark and an aspect ratio reference See the appendix for more information on the ALEXA frame line format Select to set the main frame lines template from those stored in the camera Select to set the secondary frame lines template from those stored in the camera Select to set the Center mark to Off Small Dot Medium Dot or Cross to aid in image framing Select to display up to two additional user editable rectangles in the EVF 1 image Select to adjust the user rectangles Select to set the color of the frame lines Select to set the brightness of the frame lines Valid for SUP 8 1 ALEXA XT XR but not SUP 8 0 ALEXA Classic Viewfinder CAM menu Press the CAM button to open a the Viewfinder CAM menu in the EVF 1 display and set the camera parameters Use the jogwheel on the EVF 1 to select and set menu options Press the CAM button to exit the Viewfinder CAM menu FPS SHUTTER Select to set the sensor frame rate Preconfigured and previously added user defined values can be selected in the FPS list Select to set the shutter angle Preconfigured and previously added user defined values can be selected in the Shutter list 132 Camera Controls EI WB Select to set the exposure index Settings from EI 160 to El 3200 can be selected in steps of 1 3 stop Select to set the white balance Preconfigured and previously added
145. erience has created a camera system that makes it easy to create great looking images e The ALEXA and ALEXA XT provide the most affordable entry with full ALEXA image quality e ALEXA Plus adds support for the ARRI Wireless Remote System WRS cmotion cvolution lens control ARRI Lens Data System an additional HD SDI and RS output and expanded metadata e ALEXA Plus 4 3 and ALEXA XT Plus share the same features as the ALEXA Plus but with a taller usable sensor area 4 3 for plug and play use with anamorphic lenses Providing unmatched versatility the ALEXA Plus ALEXA Plus 4 3 and ALEXA XT Plus have become the workhorses of the industry e ALEXA M and ALEXA XT M are specialists a modular system with a separate camera head and body for action oriented cinematography aerial mounts and 3D e The flagships of the range the ALEXA Studio and ALEXA XT Studio are the only digital motion picture cameras with an optical viewfinder and a rotating mirror shutter e The ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus form the basis of the ALEXA Fiber Remote and ALEXA Fiber Remote camera sets Since they are designed for HD only use they do not include and cannot be upgraded to ARRIRAW ProRes 2K 4 3 3D sync or the XR Module All ALEXA cameras offer exceptional image quality with the organic look and feel of film their unequalled exposure latitude high sensitivity and unique ARRI color processing provide sharp and natural images with a cinematic look of bre
146. es 30 seconds Requires reboot Includes factory reset Press both buttons LOAD LOAD Note Switching from 16 9 to 4 3 and vice versa always includes a factory reset Frame rate The maximum sensor frame rate in 4 3 is 48 fps 4 3 and Highspeed Mode It is possible to switch from 4 3 to High Speed mode and vice versa If recording is set to ProRes only the 16 9 center area of the image sensor is read out If recording is set to ARRIRAW only available for ALEXAs with XR module 4 3 High Speed is available Recording Internal recording is only possible with ProRes codecs in 2K 2048x1536 resolution and ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with XR module External recording is only possible in ARRIRAW on ALEXAs with SxS module except ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus and with recorders that support ARRIRAW 4 3 198 ALEXA Studio 15 5 Monitoring For monitoring the 4 3 image is downscaled to 960 x 720 pixels for the EVF and 1440 x 1080 for the MON OUT Only horizontal surround view is available in 4 3 mode The image is not rescaled for surround view but horizontally extended The non active area of the EVF and MON OUT is filled with black pillarboxed Anamorphic desqueeze Both 1 3x and 2x anamorphic desqueeze is available in 4 3 mode 1 3x anamorphic desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 720 for the EVF and 1920 x 1080 for the MON OUT while 2x desqueeze results in an image size of 1280 x 480 for the EVF and 1
147. et of filters and tools suitable for all ALEXA XT models except ALEXA XT Studio 3 FSND Filter Set Completion Complementary set of filters 4 FSND Filter Set Full Complete set of filters and tools suitable for ALEXA XT The minimum requirement for using internal filters is either set 1 or set 2 which offer a range of basic in camera filters and allow proper preparation of the camera The FSND Filter Set Completion adds all remaining FSND filters and is suitable for both ALEXA Classic and ALEXA XT models The FSND Filter Set Full offers the whole range of FSND filters and is only suitable for ALEXA XT models Preparing Internal Filtration All ALEXA XT models except ALEXA XT Studio have a pre installed IFM 1 Bottom Ring and IFM 1 Reflex Tube For ALEXA Classic cameras both components are part of the IFM 1 Set ALEXA XT models come with an additional IFM 1 Empty Filter Frame This glassless filter ring serves as a placeholder for in camera filters and is not needed by ALEXA Classic cameras Therefore preparing an ALEXA XT for internal filtration differs slightly but crucially from preparing an ALEXA Classic see Chapter Shimming the lens mount on page 222 218 ALEXA XT models 17 1 2 1 FSND Filter Set Basic for ALEXA XT The FSND Filter Set Basic for ALEXA XT models except ALEXA XT Studio contains all components and filters essential for in camera ND filtering e Storage Case e IFM Optical Clear 1 N
148. etup weight with XR module incl EVF 1 VMB 1 CCH 1 Lens mount ALEXA Studio Length x Width x Height body with SxS module Length x Width x Height body with XR module Camera body weight with SxS module Camera setup weight with SxS module incl OVF CCH 1 Camera body weight with XR module Camera setup weight with XR module incl OVF CCH 1 Lens mount Sensor frame rates Viewfinder Mirror shutter Shutter angle ALEXA M Length x Width x Height M head M head weight Length x Width x Height M backend SxS module Length x Width x Height M backend XR module 8 7 kg 19 2 Ib Exchangeable lens mount with PL mount LA PL 2 installed 363 x 177 x 163 mm 14 29 x 6 97 x 6 41 363 x 183 6 x 163 mm 14 29 x 7 09 x 6 41 8 0 kg 17 6 Ib 10 2 kg 22 5 Ib 8 3 kg 18 3 Ib 10 5 kg 23 1 Ib Exchangeable lens mount with PL mount LA PL 2 installed 0 750 60 000 fps 60 000 120 000 fps in High Speed mode 0 75 48 000 fps in 4 3 mode Optical viewfinder Electronic mirror shutter 5 0 358 0 5 0 356 0 in High Speed mode 11 2 180 0 Mirror shutter on 212 x 129 x 149 mm 8 35 x 5 08 x 5 87 2 9 kg 6 4 Ib 323 x 153 x 158 mm 12 72 x 6 02 x 6 22 323 x 161 x 158 mm 12 72 x 6 34 x 6 22 246 Appendix Appendix M backend weight with SxS module M backend weight with XR module Lens mount Sensor frame rates Viewfinder 5
149. ff toggles gamma of MON OUT between REC 709 and LOG C only when recording gamma is set to LOG C toggles the ARRI Look File on the MON OUT on or off only if Look File is set and the MON OUT is set to REC 709 toggles frame lines on the MON OUT on or off toggles status info on the MON OUT on or off toggles false color display on MON OUT on or off toggles peaking on MON OUT on or off toggles anamorphic desqueeze options on MON OUT Requires a valid Anamorphic De squeeze license key installed on camera toggles the color of frame lines between White Red Green Blue Yellow and Black toggles the RET IN signal on or off on the EVF and MON OUT as set toggles the active SxS slot between SxS slots 1 and 2 SxS PRO cards must be loaded in both Only on ALEXAs with SxS module activates color bars on MON OUT and REC OUT toggles surround view on the EVF image on or off toggles gamma on the EVF between REC 709 and LOG C only when recording gamma is set to LOG C 1 3 Main Controls 97 EVF look toggles the ARRI Look File on the EVF on or off only if Look File is set and the EVF is set to REC 709 EVF frame lines toggles frame lines on the EVF image on or off EVF status info toggles status info on the EVF image on or off EVF zoom toggles the zoom function on the EVF EVF false color toggles false color display on the EVF on or off EVF peaking toggles peaking on the EVF on or off EVF anam toggles anamorphic de
150. fore you mount or change a filter check the lens mounting depth see Chapters Safety instructions for in camera filtration on page 214 and Maximum lens mounting depth on page 214 Note By default the filter position in the lens mount of the ALEXA XT except ALEXA XT Studio is occupied by the IFM Empty Filter Frame This glassless filter ring must be replaced by a real filter or IFM Optical Clear filter once the camera is shimmed for IFM 1 use see Chapter Shimming the lens mount on page 222 Tools needed e Ground Glass Frameglow tool 228 ALEXA XT models To insert or change an in camera filter 1 Remove the lens or lid 1 from the PL lens mount 2 2 Carefully screw the Ground Glass Frameglow tool 1 into the filter ring s 2 thread hole in the 12 o clock position 1 In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 229 3 Pull the filter 2 from the bottom ring in the camera s PL mount If the filter position is held by an IFM Empty Filter Frame applies only to ALEXA XT remove it likewise 230 ALEXA XT models 4 Clean the removed filter and stow it properly in its individual box and the storage case If the filter position was held by an IFM Empty Filter Frame store it likewise in case the camera is no longer shimmed for IFM 1 in the future 5 Place the removed filter into its padded filter box 2 in the storage case 3 Remove the Ground Glass Frameglow tool 1 to pick up the
151. frame rates 23 976 24 25 29 97 and 30 fps TC clock generator with crystal oscillator LTC in LTC out HD SDI LTC VITC out 244 Appendix Appendix Dimensions and weight Length x Width x Height body with SxS module Length x Width x Height body with XR module Camera body weight with SxS module Camera setup weight with SxS module incl EVF 1 VMB 1 CCH 1 Camera body weight with XR module Camera setup weight with XR module incl EVF 1 VMB 1 CCH 1 Others SD card Sound level Environmental 332 x 153 x 158 mm 12 95 x 6 02 x 6 22 332 x 161 6 x 158 mm 12 95 x 6 34 x 6 22 6 3 kg 13 8 Ib 7 7 kg 16 9 Ib 6 6 kg 14 5 Ib 8 0 kg 17 6 Ib most SD cards with FAT FAT32 up to 4 GB under 20 dB A 9 24 fps and ambient temperature 25 C 77 F 20 C to 45 C 95 relative humidity max non condensing The following table lists the differences of specific ALEXA models compared to a standard ALEXA ALEXA Plus 4 3 Length x Width x Height body with SxS module Length x Width x Height body with XR module Camera body weight with SxS module Camera setup weight with SxS module incl EVF 1 VMB 1 CCH 1 Camera body weight with XR module 332 x 175 x 158 mm 12 95 x 6 89 x 6 22 332 x 184 6 x 158 mm 12 95 x 7 24 x 6 22 7 0 kg 15 4 Ib 8 4 kg 18 5 Ib 7 3 kg 16 1 Ib Appendix Appendix 245 Camera s
152. free upgrade enabling QuickTime ProRes 2K recording Recording in ProRes 2K is a cost efficient alternative to shooting ARRIRAW as it requires less storage space and no processing but at the same time delivers an image quality that is superior to that of up scaled HD material With the option to capture ProRes 2K in the 4 3 aspect ratio the format offers true anamorphic capture with regular 2 1 anamorphic lenses and offers extra room for repositioning when using standard spherical lenses Note 4 3 ProRes 2K is available on all ALEXA XT models and ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio and ALEXA M Format Sensor Reso Color Data Recording Recording Mode lution Coding Rate 9 time on 64 time on XR 24 fps GB SxS Capture PRO 24 Drive 24 fps fps ProRes 4 3 2048x 10 bit 60 139 min 513 min 422 1536 YCbCr Mbit s roxy RT 2048x 10bit 45 186 min 687 min 1152 YCbCr Mbit s 16 9 1920x 10 bit 40 211 min 780 min 1080 YCbCr Mbit s ProRes 4 3 2048x 10 bit 130 61 min 228 min 422 LT 1536 YCbCr Mbit s 16 9 2048x 10 bit 100 82 min 305 min 1152 YCbCr Mbit s 16 9 1920x 10 bit 90 93 min 347 min 1080 YCbCr Mbit s ProRes 4 3 2048x 10 bit 190 43 min 158 min 422 1536 YCbCr Mbit s 16 9 2048x 10 bit 140 57 min 211 min 1152 YCbCr Mbit s 16 9 1920x 10 bit 125 65 min 241 min 1080 YCbCr Mbit s ProRes 4 3 2048x 10 bit 280 28 min 105 min 422 1536 YCbCr Mbit s 136 Operation of the Camera HQ 16 9 2048 x 10 bit 210 38 min 140 min 1152 YCbCr Mbit s 16 9 1920x 1
153. ge the sensor cover glass and sensor whenever there is no lens attached e Unplug all cables when transporting the Alexa in a camera case e Do not store the camera in places where it may be subject to temperature extremes direct sunlight high humidity severe vibration or strong magnetic fields Electromagnetic Interference ALEXA meets EC regulations by fulfilling the specifications of the European Directive 2004 108 EC 15th December 2004 This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment This equipment generates uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual may cause harmful interference to radio communications Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense Changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user s authority to operate the equipment Complies with the canadian ICES 003 Class A specifications Cet appareil num rique de la Classe A est conform a la norme NMB 003 du Canada This device complies with RSS 210 of Industry Canada
154. gt lt hres gt 2880 lt hres gt lt vres gt 1620 lt vres gt lt camera gt lt left gt 0 5 lt left gt lt top gt 0 43519 lt top gt lt bottom gt 0 51543 lt bottom gt All colors can be one of black white or user If you select user the color can be changed through You can add as many lines as you like Lines are defined by giving 3 distances from the border So if you specify top left and right it will be a horizontal line with the given distance So specifing 0 4 from left is the same as 0 6 from right only be used for selecting the correct files So the user can only select glasses for his user color line at top bottom of 2 35 aspect gt lt line gt lt left gt 0 lt left gt lt top gt 0 12174 lt top gt lt right gt 0 lt right gt lt width gt 4 lt width gt lt color gt user lt color gt lt line gt lt line gt lt left gt 0 lt left gt lt bottom gt 0 12174 lt bottom gt lt right gt 0 lt right gt lt width gt 4 lt width gt lt color gt user lt color gt lt line gt lt Center cross horizontal lines user color gt lt line gt lt left gt 0 46355 lt left gt lt top gt 0 5 lt top gt lt right gt 0 50868 lt right gt lt width gt 4 lt width gt lt color gt user lt color gt lt line gt lt line gt lt left gt 0 50868 lt left gt lt top gt 0 5 lt top gt lt right gt 0 46335 lt right gt lt width gt 4 lt width gt lt color gt user
155. guaranteed The external TC signal s time base differs from the project fps of the camera Syncing is still possible Accuracy of jammed Timecode can soon expire Re jam camera with external Timecode soon Accuracy of jammed Timecode has expired Re jam camera with external Timecode Sensor fps does not match Project fps External Free Run TC cannot be used camera has switched to Int Rec Run TC Sensor fps does not match Project fps External Free Run TC cannot be used camera has switched to Int Rec Run TC Reboot camera If error continues to occur contact ARRI service Reboot camera If error continues to occur contact ARRI service The internal battery which powers the real time clock must be replaced Contact an ARRI service center near you Reboot the camera If error continues to occur contact ARRI service Problem on camera data bus Reboot the camera If error continues to occur contact ARRI service The external TC signal s time base is not accepted by the camera Appears on slave cam with Ext sync activated but not using settings sync Send trigger from Ext sync master camera to ensure the REC OUTs of both cameras are in sync Camera is set to Settings sync Enet master but is not connected with slave camera via Ethernet Warning and Error Messages Appendix 257 Connect with Ethernet master External TC Jamming Please wait External TC Signal missing External TC Incom
156. hat the available recording time is listed for a 64 GB SxS PRO card at 24 fps A lower sensor frame rate will increase the available recording time while a higher sensor frame rate will decrease it Main Controls 105 For a detailed table of available frame rates and possible codec card combinations please refer to the Chapter FPS on page 70 Avid DNxHD codecs Note On ALEXAs with XR module DNxHD will be available again in a later SUP release Avid DNxHD codecs supported by the ALEXA when the required license key is installed Format Sensor Reso Color Data Recording Recording Mode lution Coding Rate time on 64 time on XR 24 GB SxS Capture fps PRO 24 Drive 24 fps fps DNxHD 16 9 1920x 8bit 115 72 min 255 min 115 120 1080 YCbCr Mbit s 145 DNxHD 16 9 1920x 10 bit 175 48 min 170 min 175x 1080 YCbCr Mbit s 185x 220x DNxHD is a fixed bitrate codec The codec naming convention indicates the codec s project frame rate DNxHD 115 23 976 24 fps DNxHD 120 25 fps DNxHD 145 29 97 fps 30 fps is not available DNxHD 175x 23 976 24 fps DNxHD 185x 25 fps DNxHD 220 29 97 fps 30 fps is not available For a detailed table of available frame rates and possible codec card combinations please refer to the Chapter FPS on page 70 ARRIRAW ALEXA cameras with XR module allow direct recording of ARRIRAW images internally to XR Capture Drives Note that Codex Transfer Drives cannot
157. he MENU button select SYSTEM and select DATE TIME Fan speed Speed of the camera s cooling fan in rotations per minute Sensor Shows the active sensor mode 16 9 or 4 3 mode 4 3 mode is only available on the ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio and ALEXA M Sensor Current temperature of image sensor Target is temperatur 35 C in standard mode 40 C in high humidity e mode IP address IP address of the camera s Ethernet port Operating Shows the total operating time of the camera in time hours since first installation of SUP 4 0 or higher 94 Camera Controls LIVE INFO VERSION MEDIA INFO Time Date 13 02 07 2013 02 20 Fan speed 1350 rpm Sensor mode 16 9 Sensor temperature 35 0 C IP address 169 254 1 24 Operating time 2h SYSTEM FPS INFO Figure 65 SYSTEM info screen FPS Info The FPS Info screen displays an overview of the current frame rates set in the camera and the maximum frame rate possible on the media loaded in the camera at the current settings Sensor fps Frames per second generated by the sensor Project fps Time base the camera will use for counting timecode and the frame rate used for on camera playback of internally recorded clips REC OUT Frame rate output over the REC OUT HD SDI frame rate MON OUT Frame rate output over the MON OUT HD SDI frame rate SxS CARD Maximum frame rate the loaded media can 1 2 Media record at the current codec max fps current LIVE INFO VERSION
158. he camera The ALEXA has a base sensitivity of 800 ASA This means that the dynamic range is almost evenly distributed above and below neutral gray with low noise in the shadows and clean smooth clipping behavior in the highlights Main Controls 79 Due to its high dynamic range the ALEXA s sensitivity can be set from 160 to 3200 ASA in steps of 1 3 stops while maintaining high image quality EXPOSURE INDEX Figure 51 Exposure Index screen Note The Exposure Index list has fixed content meaning that it cannot be changed by the user Applying the exposure indexes at the extremes of the range will nonetheless have an influence on the images At low exposure indexes such as 160 ASA the dynamic range below neutral gray increases reducing noise even further At the same time the dynamic range above neutral gray is slightly reduced Highlight clipping itself is not influenced by this but the shoulder of the gamma curve will get slightly steeper reducing the smoothness of the clipping At high exposure indexes such as 1600 ASA the images behave in the opposite way Noise is increased which makes it important to judge shadow detail while the highlight clipping behavior will be even smoother El 16055 EI 2005 EI 40055 EI 8007 EI 16005 EI 32002 Figure 52 Exposure Indexes and latitude above and below neutral gray 80 Camera Controls EI 160 EI 200 400 EI 800 1600 EI 3200 6 3 Stops
159. he camera Scan format psf Surround view On Frame lines status info gt Peaking Off gt False color Off Note Only use double shielded HD SDI cables for monitoring to ensure error free data transmission Main Controls 113 Frame lines status info screen Frame lines Surround mask Center mark Status info Electronic horizon LDS info Camera index letter Select to set frame lines to On or Off Frame lines are a reference for framing that typically consist of an image frame a center mark and an aspect ratio reference See the appendix for more information on the ALEXA frame line format Select to adjust the Surround mask settings If surround view is set to On it must be separated from the recorded image area to allow proper framing Users can choose e Black line e Color line e Mask 25 e Mask 50 Mask 100 Select to set the Center mark to Off Small Dot Medium Dot or Cross to aid in image framing Select to set Status info to On or Off When set to On camera shooting parameters are displayed across the top of the MON OUT image outside the active image area and camera status information is displayed across the bottom of the MON OUT image outside the active image area Select to set the electronic horizon level to On or Off Only available on ALEXA Plus ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio ALEXA M ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA XT ALEXA XT Studio and ALEXA HD Plus Select
160. he flip rotate the knob until the button jumps out and the knob is locked again Diopter Adjustment Note Depends on the eyepiece in use Description for default eye piece of ALEXA Studio Turn the eyepiece barrel until the ground glass is in focus A neutral unstructured bright out of focus image content which can be achieved by removing the lens and pointing the camera at a bright area helps with this 190 ALEXA Studio Attaching the optical viewfinder Upon delivery the OVF is not connected to the camera and must be installed by the user Remove the protective cover from the OVF by loosening its 2x 3mm allen screws Remove the cover plate from the camera by loosening its 2x 3mm allen screws Place the OVF on the camera Take special care that the electronic connectors of camera and viewfinder are connected before pushing the OVF in place Tighten the 3x 3mm allen screws of the OVF See OVF top view image for locations of screws Note The torx screws on the camera that are painted red may not be tightened or loosened as this would corrupt the alignment of the OVF Figure 111 OVF with cover plate Figure 112 Alexa Studio with cover plate Optics 191 Swapping the optical viewfinder for an electronic viewfinder EVF 1 e Make sure the camera is powered down e Loosen the 3x 3mm hex screws of the OVF completely See OVF top view image for locations of screws e Remove the o
161. heel select the new frame line in the FRAME LINES list 6 Press the jogwheel to set the new frame line Frame line 1 Select to set the primary frame line template Frame line 2 Select to set a secondary frame line if desired User Select to open the User rectangles menu where rectangles two custom user rectangle overlays can be adjusted Main Controls 115 Color Select to set the color of the frame lines In the frame lines definition file lines can either be given a fixed color or they can have the color specified as User If User is chosen for a line the setting chosen in this menu section is applied to the line Intensity Select to set the intensity of the frame lines The higher the number the brighter the frame lines appear User rectangles screen User Select to set user rectangles to Off Rect 1 Rect 2 rectangles or Rect 1 amp 2 The ALEXA can display up to two additional rectangles that can be adjusted manually Set rect 1 Select to set the shape of rectangle 1 Activate it through User rectangles Set rect 2 Select to set the shape of rectangle 2 Activate it through User rectangles Note Default frame lines have User specified as color for all content False Color Index Select False color index to display a reference chart showing the relationship between the color overlays signal level in percent and descriptions False color is available on the EVF 1 and over the MON OUT outputs
162. hnical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Camera Top 331 mm gt 12 64 67 mm 2 64 Optical Center 1 1 1 1 1 f 153 73 2 87 6 02 Image Plane M4 4 mm deep D Ele EB ES 2 ES ST ar 5 sea th alll 2m 4 te 4 1 o Ela S9 a alt s iu ss y E 9mm 0 12 23 mm 0 91 38 5mm 1 52 55 mm ai 88 8 mm 3 5 180 mm x 7 09 183 mm 7 21 230 mm 9 06 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice ALEXA Plus CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Camera Front UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep Camera Right Optical Center Image Plane 171 2 mm 6 74 102 8 4 05 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 264 mm 10 4 Sc 59 4 mm 120 3 mm 4 74 I 66 mm 2 6 EN 0
163. hutter by 180 0 degrees into the VIEW position To restart the mirror shutter press both VIEW and GATE simultaneously Note After booting the camera the mirror shutter is parked in the GATE position for safety reasons When stopping the mirror shutter always opens up the electronic sector gate to 180 0 and closes down when it is restarted A live image on EVF MON OUT and REC OUT is available when the mirror shutter is spinning or parked in the GATE position A parked mirror shutter will automatically start spinning when recording is started When the mirror shutter is switched off it is parked in the GATE position Note For safety reasons it is required to power down the camera before performing a gate check Do not check or clean the sensor cover glass while the camera is powerded up and the mirror is parked in the GATE position Frame rate and shutter angle with mirror shutter on When the mirror shutter is switched on the sensor frame rate is limited to 60 fps in 16 9 and 48 fps in 4 3 196 ALEXA Studio 15 4 Frame rates higher than 37 fps in 4 3 or 48 fps in 16 9 reduce the maximum possible mirror shutter angle When the frame rate change reduces the allowed mirror shutter angle below the currently active shutter angle the camera automatically sets the shutter angle to 135 0 The technically possible maximum shutter angle depends on the frame rate To set the maximum available shutter angle 1
164. ial warnings and errors Sensor temperature ALEXA has a Peltier element that keeps the image sensor at a stable temperature This is important to achieve constant image quality In certain situations the camera might not be able to keep the optimal temperature or it might take some time to reach the optimal temperature This may be the case directly after booting or in very hot or cold environments A red temperature icon indicates that the sensor temperature is too far off to guarantee a high image quality A white temperature icon indicates that the sensor temperature is not optimal but image quality is still within the very high quality limits required by ARRI The related messages in the INFO screen are shown in the following tables ALEXA status message System state Good Camera works properly ALEXA warning messages and meanings Warning message Meaning Main Bat Power The battery attached to the BAT connector warning has reached its warning level Battery power is about to end and a replacement battery should be prepared Onboard Bat Power _ The battery attached to the onboard battery warning adapter has reached its warning level Battery power is about to end anda replacement battery should be prepared Card 1 2 Low The SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 has less than capacity 3 minutes recording time left Prepare a new card for recording Warning and Error Messages Appendix 255 Media Low capacity Card 1
165. ice For product specification changes since this manual was published refer to the latest publications of ARRI data sheets or data books etc for the most up to date specifications Not all products and or types are available in every country Please check with an ARRI sales representative for availability and additional information Neither ARRI nor its subsidiaries assume any liability for infringement of patents copyrights or other intellectual property rights of third parties by or arising from the use of ARRI products or any other liability arising from the use of such products No license express implied or otherwise is granted under any patents copyrights or other intellectual property right of ARRI or others ARRI or its subsidiaries expressly exclude any liability warranty demand or other obligation for any claim representation or cause or action or whatsoever express or implied whether in contract or tort including negligence or incorporated in terms and conditions whether by statue law or otherwise In no event shall ARRI or its subsidiaries be liable for or have a remedy for recovery of any special direct indirect incidental or consequential damages including but not limited to lost profits lost savings lost revenues or economic loss of any kind or for any claim by third party downtime good will damage to or replacement of equipment or property any cost or recovering of any material or goods associated w
166. iewfinder Mounting Bracket e 150 5 Viewfinder Cable short 0 35m 1 2ft e CCH 1 Center Camera Handle e BP 12 Bridge Plate with base plate or BPA 1 with BP 5 BP 8 Bridge Plate and base plate or WA 1 Wedge Adapter and Quick Release HD Baseplate e SD card e Compatible power supply e Suitable media for recording Tripod and Remote Heads Tripod and remote heads must have adequate load ratings to support the ALEXA and attached accessories See the following table for camera and component weights Note Always check the payload limits of a remote head and crane before mounting a camera In applications where the camera mount is subject to high forces e g car or helicopter mounts the camera must be additionally secured with appropriate safety restraints All mount screws must be tightened firmly with an appropriate screwdriver not with the commonly used coin Camera weight Ib kg ALEXA camera body weight with SxS module 13 8 6 3 ALEXA camera setup weight with SxS module 16 9 7 7 incl EVF 1 VMB 1 CCH 1 KC 150S ALEXA camera body weight with XR module 14 5 6 6 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 37 ALEXA camera setup weight with XR module 17 6 8 0 incl EVF 1 VMB 1 CCH 1 KC 150S 8 3 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 The electronic viewfinder EVF 1 employs a liquid crystal on silicon LCOS imaging device with a temperature stabilized LED light source to provide a bright accurate view of the sensor image in
167. if it transmits this information BAT 2 The voltage level of a battery attached to the onboard battery adapter or the remaining capacity of an attached battery in percentage if it transmits this information REEL Identifies the current reel with the camera index letter such as A or B and the reel number CLIP Identifies the current clip with the clip index and clip number DUR Displays the duration of the current clip during recording or the length of the last recorded clip while in standby in the format h mm ss The camera is in standby and ready to record REC The camera is recording An error occurred and recording is not possible Press the INFO button for more information If nothing is shown the camera has detected no errors but no media is present for recording Cameras with SxS module SxS1 14 20 Remaining capacity of the currently active SxS PRO card in minutes and seconds It is calculated for the current framerate and codec Marks the active SxS PRO card Cameras with XR module Type of inserted media XR Capture Drive SxS PRO gt 00 16 53 Remaining capacity of the inserted media in hours minutes and seconds It is calculated for the current framerate and codec Note When recording is set to ProRes the value shown is the minimum available recording time for the current sensor frame rate and codec combination Apple ProRes is a variable bit rate codec so the actual remaining recor
168. ight notice this list of conditions and the following disclaimer Redistributions in binary form must reproduce the above copyright notice this list of conditions and the following disclaimer in the documentation and or other materials provided with the distribution THIS SOFTWARE IS PROVIDED BY THE AUTHOR S AS IS AND ANY EXPRESS OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE ARE DISCLAIMED IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHOR S BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT INDIRECT INCIDENTAL SPECIAL EXEMPLARY OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO PROCUREMENT OF SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES LOSS OF USE DATA OR PROFITS OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY WHETHER IN CONTRACT STRICT LIABILITY OR TORT INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR OTHERWISE ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE USE OF THIS SOFTWARE EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE This product meets CE regulations 10 Disclaimer About This Manual 11 1 1 About This Manual ARRI recommends that all users of the ALEXA read the manual in its entirety prior to use For experienced users the manual s structure also provides quick access for reference In this manual e Layout of the ALEXA e Safety Guidelines e General Precautions Power Supply e Camera Support e Connectors e Lens Mounting e User Interface e Operation of
169. ion the slave camera takes over the Camera ID of the master camera so file names are identical except for the Camera ID prefix It is important to give the master and the slave camera different Camera ID prefixes to prevent duplicate file names Valid license for anamorphic desqueeze must be installed on both cameras Valid license for High Speed recording must be installed on both cameras Sensor modes 16 9 and 4 3 The ALEXA M ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio and all ALEXA XT models have ALEV III sensors and can be operated in 16 9 or 4 3 mode In 4 3 mode the camera captures images from a vertically extended sensor area The used area is 23 76 x 17 82mm size which translates to 2880 x 2160 sensor photo sites Note The sensors of standard ALEXA and ALEXA Plus cameras can only be operated in 16 9 mode To change the sensor mode In the System menu select Sensor 2 Select Sensor mode The current sensor mode is indicated on the top line on the SENSOR screen 3 Press the jogwheel to select 16 9 or 4 3 sensor mode Sensor modes 16 9 and 4 3 159 4 Press the LOAD buttons simultaneously to load the new sensor mode Loading the new sensor mode takes approximately 30 seconds including a mandatory camera reboot A progress bar indicates the sensor mode loading progress Sensor temperature Standard Mirror image horizontal Off Load 4 3 sensor mode Takes 30 seconds Requires reboot Includes
170. iria dena AAL ener rrr Peer iiia ei are eed 88 lon 91 ESRB II DES 95 US E PLAY DD 98 1T 1 5 eire ere AE ager se ede 100 11 1 5 1 Recording tote ates 101 11 1 5 2 Monitoring ir aaa a aa a aa a a iaa aia 109 11 1 5 3 Project id aeaa raaa iA a eines 115 IT ESA SYStOM ea exe ste E 118 11 1 5 5 Frame gra DS inp uertit 125 11 1 5 6 User Set ps 2 rae 126 11 2 Operator 15 E 128 11 3 EVF 1 Controls e ee 129 11 3 1 Viewfinder 130 11 3 2 Viewfinder CAM 131 12 Operation of the Camera 133 12 1 a 5 ene tees iu 133 12 1 1 Internal 133 12 1 1 1 SxS Module nrnna ern reae nae nies 133 12 1 1 2 XR MOGUI6 terret eodeni ite aa 134 12 1 1 3 Internal Recording 44444 134 12 1 2 External 145 12 1 3 Parallel 0 147 12 1 4 High Speed 148 12 2 Monitorihg iere meth Ee een ee ie 148 12 25 Frame Lines os aie eee e 148 12 2 2 Status Info 151 12 3 Using Timecode gt 153 12 4 Syncing the Sensors of Two
171. is greyed out as torque is only active for CLM 3 motors It can nonetheless be changed in case a CLM 3 motor might be used but is currently not at hand In addition a lens motor calibration can be triggered either for all lens motors or only for the one featured in the particular screen Note When starting a motor calibration make sure each motor s cog wheel is connected properly to the lens Pay extra attention that no one is close to the motors or holding them Catching a finger cloth or anything else on the motor s cog wheel can cause sever body harm as well as damage to the system 172 ALEXA Plus IRIS CLM CALIBRATE CAL ALL Figure 87 Iris CLM screen Shows status direction and torque of the CLM connected to the IRIS socket Press the IRIS CLM screen button to access the IRIS CLM screen This screen shows the type of motor connected to the IRIS socket its direction and torque Direction and torque can be changed by the screen buttons below and above the value The upper left screen button calibrates only the iris motor Pressing the lower left screen button starts calibration of all connected lens motors ZOOM CLM CALIBRATE CAL ALL Figure 88 Zoom CLM screen Shows status direction and torque of the CLM connected to the ZOOM socket Press the ZOOM CLM screen button to access the ZOOM CLM screen This screen shows the type of motor connected to the ZOOM socket its direction and torque Dir
172. is not an appropriate tool for checking other image parameters or sensor quality Color Encoding Six different colors are used to show the important luminance ranges What Signal Level White clipping 100 99 red Just below white clipping 99 97 Yellow One stop over medium gray Caucasian skin 56 52 pink 18 medium gray 42 38 green Just above black clipping 4 0 2 5 blue Black clipping 2 5 0 0 purple Figure 143 False Color Encoding The following example illustrates the behavior of the false color display Figure 144 Night scene captured with ALEXA Figure 145 Night scene with false color active False Color Display Appendix 253 254 Appendix Warning and Error Messages A 4 Warning and Error Messages If anything unwanted occurs in the camera it will give a message to the user These states which require attention from the user are indicated by icons in the main display the viewfinder and the MON OUT Warnings inform the user that a state has changed or that an error is likely to occur but recording is still possible When the camera goes into error state recording is no longer possible as it cannot be guaranteed that images are acquired as the user intended or it is not possible for the camera to record The messages give a compact info of what has happened If more information is required please refer to the following tables Spec
173. isture Do not cover the fan openings at the camera back top and bottom Do not subject the system to severe shocks Do not place the system on an unstable trolley hand truck stand tripod bracket table or any other unstable support device The system may fall causing serious personal injury and damage to the system or other objects Operate the system using only the type of power source indicated in the manual Unplug the power cable by gripping the power plug not the cable Never insert objects of any kind into any part of the system if not clearly qualified for the task in the manual as objects may touch dangerous voltage points or short out parts This could cause fire or electrical shock Unplug the system from the power outlet before opening any part of the system or before making any changes to the system especially the attaching or removing of cables Do not use solvents to clean Do not remove any stickers or paint marked screws Always place a lens or a protective cap in the lens mount receptacle Never run a camera with a mirror shutter without a lens or a protective cap in the lens mount receptable Changing camera lenses should be done in a dry and dust free environment If this is not possible take extra care that no dust enters the camera while the lens is off When no lens is attached to the camera immediately place the protective on the lens mount to avoid contamination of the sensor cover glass
174. ith the assembly or use of our products or any other damages or injury of the persons and so on or under any other legal theory In the case one or all of the foregoing clauses are not allowed by applicable law the fullest extent permissible clauses by applicable law are validated About This Manual ARRI is a registered trademark of Arnold amp Richter Cine Technik GmbH amp Co Betriebs KG Note This product and the accessories recommended by the manufacturer fulfill the specifications of the European Directive 2004 108 EC 15th December 2004 The ALEXA viewfinder EVF 1 contains proprietary technology owned by Fourth Dimension Displays Limited and licensed by ARRI This product contains licensed technology from Linotype Quicktime and Quicktime logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc used under license therefrom Apple ProRes 422 Proxy Apple ProRes 422 Lt Apple ProRes 422 Apple ProRes 422 Hq Apple ProRes 4444 and the ProRes logo are trademarks or registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc used under license therefrom SxS and SRG are trademarks of SONY corporation mkdosfs Portions 1998 Robert Nordier All Rights Reserved 1998 Robert Nordier All rights reserved Redistribution and use in source and binary forms with or without modification are permitted provided that the following conditions are met Redistributions of source code must retain the above copyr
175. itoring options are the electronic viewfinder EVF 1 and the MON OUT Surround view is available on both With surround view set to On 1096 additional pixels outside the recorded image area on the ALEXA s ALEV sensor are displayed allowing the operator to see outside the recorded image and keep unwanted objects such as microphone booms out of the shot To view only the recorded image set Surround view to off To aid in framing both the EVF 1 and MON OUT can display frame lines overlaid on the image Frame lines can be considered electronic versions of ground glasses in film cameras Frame Lines Frame lines are stored as XML files A standard set of frame lines is provided in each camera including e 1 33 11 e 1 66 1 Monitoring 149 1 78 1 1 85 1 2 39 1 2 39 1 1 3x anamorphic 2 39 1 2 0 anamorphic Note When shooting ProRes 2K 2048x1152 for a DCI 2K release a 1 85 1 aspect ratio the preloaded frame line ARRI 1 85 2K DCI can be used to mark the corresponding 1998x1080 area for a DCI 2K 1 85 without requiring any scaling in post production This frame line is not available in HD mode 1920x1080 The user can also create custom frame lines to match production specifications Description of the frame lines XML file The different sections in the file are camera describes the ALEXA model that the frame lines file is made for line frame lines and the center cross in the active image area consist of
176. king in the EVF to On or Off and the strength of peaking to low medium or high Select to set Anamorphic desqueeze to 1 3x 2 0x and 2 0xmag The desqueeze corrects the image for 1 3x and 2 0x anamorphic lenses With 2 0x lenses the user can choose between viewing the full sensor image 2 0x or only the relevant image area 2 0xmag where left and right sides of the EVF 1 image outside the 2 39 aspect area are cropped Only available if a license for anamorphic desqueeze is active in the camera Select to set the Zoom position to Centered or Eye level Press the ZOOM button on the EVF 1 to magnify e Centered the center of the image is magnified for focus check e Eye level the image is magnified for focus check along a line approximately one third from the top where an actor s eyes commonly located in image composition Main Controls 111 Frame lines status info screen Frame lines Surround mask Center mark Status info Electronic horizon LDS info Select to set frame lines to On or Off Frame lines are a reference for framing that typically consist of an image frame a center mark and an aspect ratio reference See the appendix for more information on the ALEXA frame line format Select to adjust the Surround mask settings If surround view is set to On it must be separated from the recorded image area to allow proper framing Users can choose e Black line e Color line e Mask 25
177. l systems Support for third party on board recorders ARRIRAW support for third parties through ARRI Partner Program and ARRIRAW SDK e Numerous upgrade options Upgradable Storage Interface Module Upgradable Electronics Interface Module Exchangeable Lens Mount ELM Easy and powerful free software updates New features through purchase of license e Long product cycles We are open to equipment and standards from other manufacturers be that PL mount lenses Apple ProRes the HD SDI standard Gold or V mount on board batteries cmotion lens control systems or both 12 and 24V accessory power outputs We want to make sure that you can put together the right ALEXA package with the accessories you want About This Manual 19 To ensure a smooth post production workflow we are sharing our color science with post production equipment manufacturers through the ARRI Partner Program Our ARRIRAW Software Development Kit SDK allows them to integrate the ARRI debayering algorithm or create their own depending on what works best for them In addition ALEXAs can be upgraded as we have shown with the Plus upgrade the Fiber Remote Option the XR Module upgrade and as we are continuously showing with our free Software Upgrade Packets that provide new and exciting features like ProRes 2K 16 9 or ProRes 2K 4 3 Further features like high speed or anamorphic de squeeze are included in some cameras and can be purchased through sof
178. late adapter BPA 1 The bridge plate adapter BPA 1 can be used to attach a BP 3 BP 5 BP 8 BP 9 to ALEXA First attach the BPA 1 to the camera with the two screws Then attach the bridge plate to the adaptor with its two screws Make sure the screws are tightened firmly with a screwdriver Wedge Adapter WA 1 and Quick Release Plate QR HD 1 45 8 8 8 9 Wedge Adapter WA 1 and Quick Release Plate OR HD 1 The WA 1 can be mounted at the same position as a bridge plate It has a dove tail that slides into the counter part of a quick release plate like the ARRI OR HD 1 The quick release plate has a pin at its back which fits into the pin receptacle at the back of the camera base Figure 26 ARRI QR HD 1 Leveling Block LB 1 The Leveling Block LB 1 attaches to the bottom of the ALEXA in the pin receptacle on the back foot It prevents the camera from resting on a rear mounted battery when a bridge plate is attached and the camera is placed on a flat surface Attach the LB 1 by inserting its pin into the pin receptacle at the end of the shoulder arc in the camera base Twist the knob clockwise to tighten Figure 27 Leveling Block LB 1 46 Camera Support 8 10 Shoulder Pad SP 3 The camera base has an integrated arch to fit to the operator s shoulder For extended handheld shots the newly designed shoulder pad SP 3 can be attached to the base of the camera with velcro
179. ll be accessed ARRI LOOK Creator a free application from ARRI and some third party applications can be used to create ARRI Look Files from DPX format frame grabs taken on the ALEXA To apply a Look File On the HOME screen press the COLOR button 2 Press the SET LOOK button 3 Using the jogwheel select a Look File from the list on the LOOK FILES screen The default preloaded Look File is LCC 4 Press the jogwheel to set the Look File Main Controls 83 On the COLOR screen press the EVF MON OUT INTERNAL and or REC OUT buttons to apply the Look File to the desired output paths An applied Look File is indicated by a check mark in the box corresponding to each output path Look Files can only by applied to output paths that are set to REC 709 gamma Note If the INTERNAL or REC OUT paths are set to REC 709 gamma and a Look File is applied the recorded image on the internal media or external recording device will be permanently altered by that Look File Note If both the INTERNAL and REC OUT paths are set to REC 709 gamma a Look File can only be applied to either both or none of them Note In High Speed mode a Look File cannot be applied to the REC OUT as the MON OUT output path is rerouted to the REC OUT Additional Look Files can be added to the ALEXA from the SD card The Look Files must be copied into the LookFiles folder on the SD card The required folder structure on the SD card can be created via MEN
180. lt color gt lt line gt lt Center cross vertical lines user color gt lt line gt where this will Monitoring 151 lt width gt 4 lt width gt lt color gt user lt color gt lt line gt lt line gt lt left gt 0 5 lt left gt lt top gt 0 51543 lt top gt lt bottom gt 0 43519 lt bottom gt lt width gt 4 lt width gt lt color gt user lt color gt lt line gt lt framelines gt 12 2 2 Status Info Overlays The ALEXA can display camera status information on both the MON OUT and EVF 1 At the top and bottom of the screen the ALEXA displays textual status information The top status bar consists of sensor FPS shutter angle exposure index and white balance In the EVF 1 the status bar also works as a menu allowing the user to change the values when the CAM button is pressed The bottom status bar displays information about the battery levels recording standby flag and remaining capacity of internal storage On the left and right of the screen icons provide information about the current status of the camera The icons are organized into groups The left icon group is labeled SYS and contains information about the general system state of the ALEXA On the right side there are three groups labeled MON EVF and LOOK They provide specific information about the MON OUT EVF 1 and the application of ARRI Look Files The following table explains the icons in the SYS group
181. ltration reduces reflections weight hassle and filter damage e New high tech filters based on white water optical glass e Internal filtration protects sensor e Available in 8 densities from ND 0 3 to ND 2 4 e Neutral color balance at all densities through absorptive full spectrum ND coating e High image sharpness through precision polishing e High contrast through anti reflective multi coating e FM 1 filter holder is standard to all ALEXA XT models except ALEXA XT Studio FM 1 upgrade is available for all ALEXA Classic models except ALEXA Studio Safety instructions for in camera filtration Proper shimming is crucial for the safe use of in camera filters Only correct shimming ensures the proper flange focal depth Maximum lens mounting depth Only cameras with the original IFM 1 Shim allow for 31 50 mm maximum lens mounting depth of PL mount lenses when using in camera filters In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 215 To avoid damage or injury when using PL mount lenses use only lenses that do not exceed the following dimensions A g S BE Y Y Figure 138 Allowed lens dimensions with in camera filters For a safe and correct use of internal filters always shim your camera properly e Observe all precautions and use only proper tools lenses and materials e For PL mount lenses use only lenses with 31 50 mm maximum mounting dep
182. m each camera s sensor at precisely the same time Sensor syncing is not available on ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus models Note Syncing two sensors is possible at frame rates between 1 000 and 60 000 fps To sync the sensors of two ALEXAS Connect an EXT cable KC 155 S to the EXT ports on each ALEXA In the System menu on the master camera select External Sync On the EXT SYNC screen set Sensor sync to EXT master In the System menu on the slave camera select External Sync On the EXT SYNC screen set Sensor sync to EXT slave It takes approximately five seconds for the two ALEXAs to sync SUL The master camera triggers the slave camera so that images created at the same moment of time with an accuracy of 10 us Whenever an error occurs the camera will issue a warning Image integration between master and slave camera has a locked offset of less than 10 us This means that in the worst case exposure differs by 4 396 60 fps frame rate and 5 0 shutter angle With a regular exposure time 24 fps 172 8 the maximum difference is 0 0596 Synchronizing Image Output The REC OUTs and MON OUTS of two ALEXAs can also be synchronized To achieve this the user must send a trigger from the master camera to the slave camera after sensor sync is established To sync the REC OUTs and MON OUTs of two ALEXAs Ensure that the sensors of the two ALEXAs are synced In the System menu on the master camera sele
183. mage to the internal filter or the camera Note Internal filtration requires additional shimming and does not work with ALEXA Studio or ALEXA XT Studio For PL mount lenses the IFM 1 filters work only with a lens mounting depth of 31 50 mm maximum 214 ALEXA XT models 17 1 1 17 1 1 1 Benefits of in camera filtration Filtering behind the lens rather than in front reduces weight reflections and operational complexity The filters in camera position significantly reduces the camera s total and front weight because internal filters are smaller and lighter than external ones Also internal filters are far less exposed to damage than external ones and since lenses are changed more frequently than ND filters the FSND filters provide extra protection for the sensor The Full Spectrum Neutral Density FSND filters for IFM 1 are based on new technologies that assure highest image quality An absorptive full spectrum ND coating attenuates the light while maintaining a perfectly neutral color balance at all densities A base of water white optical glass precision polished to create perfectly parallel surfaces guarantees a clear and sharp image Additional broadband anti reflective multi coating reduces internal reflections and ensures a high image contrast FSND filters for IFM 1 are available in eight densities from ND 0 3 to ND 2 4 and can be purchased separately or in sets All benefits at a glance e Internal fi
184. mbedded in the HD SDI connectors or recorded in QuickTime clips They only affect the AUDIO OUT connector Note ALEXA automatically determines the internal signal run time and matches audio and images so they are always in sync When changing sensor fps or project fps it may take up to 2 seconds for the camera to resync image and audio signals Camera Controls 11 1 3 4 SHUTTER Press the SHUTTER button in the HOME screen to open the SHUTTER ANGLE screen Note Access to this screen is disabled during record The list of default shutter angles includes 11 2 22 5 45 0 90 0 172 8 180 0 270 0 and 358 0 User defined shutter angles can be set by pressing the ADD button The exposure time for the current frame rate and shutter angle is indicated in seconds at the bottom of the SHUTTER ANGLE screen The shutter angle range is 5 0 to 358 0 In High Speed mode the shutter angle is limited to a maximum of 356 0 Below the list the actual exposure time at the currently set frame rate is shown Note Be aware that the combination of long exposure times a low sensor frame rate and large shutter angle and high exposure indexes can lead to image artifacts Try to avoid exposure times longer than 1 25th of a second for maximum image quality DELETE SHUTTER ANGLE Exposure time 24 000 fps 1 50 5 Figure 50 Shutter list 11 1 3 5 El The Exposure Index El is the applied sensitivity of t
185. mission and high quality visual results For frame rates up to 30 fps 422 1 5G is transmitted over a single HD SDI cable REC OUT 1 and REC OUT 2 carry the identical signal independently When shooting frame rates higher than 30 fps the signal is split across both REC OUT 1 and REC OUT 2 and requires connecting two HD SDI cables 422 3G YCbCr 3G is an improved HD SDI format that can transmit signals over a single cable which previously required two cables It transports the same signal as 422 1 5G YCbCr dual link but over one cable with a higher clock rate REC OUT 1 and REC OUT 2 carry the identical signal independently 444 1 5G RGB 444 is still in the RGB color space with each color at its full resolution This is important when chroma keying as these composites rely on color resolution 146 Operation of the Camera 444 1 5G is transmitted over two HD SDI cables with each cable carrying part of the image data It is important to e connect REC OUT 1 on the camera with record input 1 or A on the external recorder and REC OUT 2 on the camera with record input 2 or B on the external recorder e use matched lengths of HD SDI cables for links 1 and 2 444 3G RGB There are two types of 444 3G signal e single link version contains the same signal as the 444 1 56 signal but according to SMPTE 425M over a single cable e The dual link version uses a proprietary image mapping for frame rates from 30 to 60 fps
186. n Suitable for creative color correction Use for cinema production visual effects and high quality TV Best format for creative color correction and visual effects work Unencrypted and uncompressed format Raw data needs to be processed into color images Whenever possible test the full workflow pipeline with the preferred recording format before shooting Recording 139 Media preparation The typical usage cycle of recording media is Format Record Copy Back up Verify data Format Format Record Copy Before recording the drives cards must be formatted The camera always performs a blank format which means that the media contain no metadata and are not assigned a reel number prior to recording the first clip The camera auto detects media with an invalid file system and asks the user to format the media The ALEXA uses the UDF file system for ProRes DNxHD recording and the Codex file system for ARRIRAW recording Both file systems are read only for computer systems which minimizes the risk of data corruption When the REC button is pressed the camera starts to write a clip to the media With the first clip the camera also assigns a reel number There is more information on file naming later in this chapter After recording is finished the footage needs to be copied to another device in order to free up the media The copy process should be verified using checksum calculati
187. n with CDL server connection enabled and established Main Controls SHUTTER HH 2 4 000 1 72 8 H TC EXT00 04 21 24 16 9 REEL A001 ARRIRAW BAT1 14 8V CLIP C003 Drive BAT2 50 DUR 0 01 23 00 38 33 800 At 3200 Figure 57 HOME screen with CDL server connection enabled and established 11 1 3 7 WB White Balance WB is the color balance of the camera according to the lighting in use There are three options for setting the white balance e white balance presets e user defined white balance e automatic white balance On the HOME screen press the WB button to open the WHITE BALANCE screen The ALEXA has the following white balance presets Tungsten 3200K OCC Fluorescent 4300K 0CC Daylight 5600K OCC Daylight Cool 7000K OCC White balance is a red blue adjustment of the image To adjust the green magenta balance use the color compensating CC adjustment For example a fluorescent source will have peaks in its spectrum that cannot be corrected with the traditional white balance The CC shift can correct these peaks up to a full green or full magenta gel One step of CC SHIFT is equal to 035 Kodak CC values or 1 8 Rosco values DELETE RENAME ADD WHITE BALANCE Figure 58 WHITE BALANCE screen 86 Camera Controls ARRI recommends adjusting white balance and color compensation using appropriate measuring equipment such as a vectorscope with calibrated gray card or a color meter If
188. nc User bit source Internal LTC in UB USERBITS set Userbits PROJECT Menu gt Project TC LOCK BUTTON LOCK locks HOMESCREEN MENU PLAY TC and INFO also locks the buttons on EVF and WES LEXA T PLUS amp STUDIO ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License XT ALEXA XT all models only PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALEXA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only SUP 8 1 W XT PLUS PLUS 4 3 amp STUDIO RADIO STATUS Channel Units Ready Off WRS gt RADIO gt gt WRS radio power On Off WRS radio channel 0 7 CAM LEVEL STATUS READOUT FROM SENSORS Tit 0 09 Roll 0 02 CAM LEVEL gt RESET use to reset your null balance LENS DATA Status displays FOCAL LENGTH IRIS FOCUS and DoF close far Lens distance unit Metric Imperial Default Unit Circle of confusion 0 013 0 025 0 035 0 050mm Inverse iris scale On Off Inverse zoom scale On Off Inverse focus scale On Off available when non LDS lens in use manage lens data for non LDS lenses IRIS ZOOM FOCUS CLM CLM STATUS displays TYPE DIRECTION and TORQUE 1 4 CLM 3 amp 4 IRIS ZOOM FOCUS CLM set DIRECTION set TORQUE only for CLM 3 amp 4 CALIBRATE CALIBRATE ALL motors ELECTRONIC VIEWFINDER EVF 1 Z00M EXP false color exposure check toggle mode ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License
189. nd DNxHD 220x codecs native Avid Media Composer support e Online tools and downloadable apps About This Manual 17 ALEXAs easily fit into many different types of projects because of the versatility of their multiple outputs ALEXAs can record and play back Apple ProRes in HD or 2K resolution and 16 9 or 4 3 aspect ratio or DNxHD in camera onto SxS PRO cards or XR Capture Drives and ARRIRAW in 16 9 and 4 3 aspect ratio onto XR Capture Drives Alternatively uncompressed HD SDI can be recorded with an external recorder Images can be recorded and or output in Log C or Rec 709 with optional Look Files for an accurate preview on set and with a full set of rich metadata to streamline production So disregarding if you want to shoot a low budget TV series or Martin Scorsese s next big Hollywood feature film ALEXA can be easily configured for the task at hand Simple and Safe Operation e ARRI Product Quality e Rugged and reliable sealed electronics compartment unique cooling system stable lens mount sensor holder e Intuitive easy to use controls same interface on all ALEXA models e High quality electronic viewfinder e Powerful assistive displays including surround view false color exposure check smooth mode for better motion portrayal peaking focus check compare stored image with live image RETURN IN video Well balanced ergonomic body design e Global ARRI service network ALEXA cameras a
190. nd the circle of confusion for correct calculation of depth of field can be set Note After connecting a new LDS lens turn all lens rings slowly until all lens axes have transmitted their current positions 85 0 t 16 5 1 0m 4 8m 3 1m ARRI Zeiss UP85 1 8 OPTIONS Figure 84 LDS info screen 170 ALEXA Plus LDA When a non LDS lens is connected the user can achieve LDS functionality by using the Lens Data Archive In the LDS screen a button labelled LDA appears when a non LDS lens is connected The LDA screen consists of a user list and a main archive list The user list should only contain the lenses currently used to achieve quick access to the desired lens tables The main archive contains a set of lens tables for ARRI Zeiss Highspeed Master Primes and Ultra Primes and can be extended with additional lens tables for any PL Mount lens Note Custom lens tables may have to be created manually beforehand Pressing the LDA button opens the User LDA screen Select a lens table and press the wheel After calibrating the lens motors the LDS functionality can be used DELETE USER LDA OPTIONS RESET LDA Figure 85 USER LDA screen To add a lens table from the main archive access the User LDA screen and press the ADD button This opens the MAIN LDA screen From the main archive first select a lens type then a lens model and then a lens class The lens class can be found on the lens barrell b
191. nded as well as any time the signal quality deteriorates Fibre connection status Next to the fibre connectors of the ALEXA M is a fibre status LED that reflects the signal strength A green LED reflects a good signal strength If the LED is alternately flashing between green and amber the signal is weak which can be caused by dirty connectors faulty cables or a bad connection Power down the camera clean the connectors reconnect the cable to the camera and repower the camera in this particular order If the problem does not go away swap the cable An amber LED indicates a link error The camera must be rebooted If the link error reoccurs follow the steps described for the green amber flashing LED 4 3 Mode 209 16 5 4 3 Mode In 4 3 mode the camera captures images from a vertically extended sensor area The used area is 23 76 x 17 82mm in size which translates to 2880 x 2160 sensor photo sites Note The sensors of standard ALEXA and ALEXA Plus cameras can only be operated in 16 9 mode To change the sensor mode In the System menu select Sensor 2 Select Sensor mode The current sensor mode is indicated on the top line on the SENSOR screen 3 Press the jogwheel to select 16 9 or 4 3 sensor mode 4 Press the LOAD buttons simultaneously to load the new sensor mode Loading the new sensor mode takes approximately 30 seconds including a mandatory camera reboot A progress bar indicates the sensor mod
192. ne cable ARRIRAW 3G DL This output format is fully proprietary and does not follow SMPTE standards It is used to transmit ARRIRAW with frame rates between 30 and 60 fps ARRIRAW T Link output is not supported on ALEXA HD ALEXA HD Plus and ALEXAs with XR module Note Only use double shielded HD SDI cables on all HD SDI outputs to ensure error free data transmission Triggering record on an external recorder When internal recording is set to Off the REC button triggers only the SDI record flag signaling the recorder to start and stop recording The SDI record flag is an ancillary data packet in the blanking area of the HD SDI signal that contains information about active recording This packet is always embedded in the HD SDI signal Note With the SDI record flag successful recording cannot be guaranteed as there is no feedback from the recorder to the camera Parallel recording Recording both internally and to external recorders simultaneously offers additional workflow options For example the internal recording can be used for dailies and proxy editing while the external recorder captures the master data On ALEXA XTs or ALEXA Classic cameras with an XR Module the XR Capture Drive can capture the ARRIRAW camera master while the REC OUT can be used to feed a video assist Remote controlling the external recorder Whenever the camera switches between record and standby mode it triggers the SDI record flag on th
193. net port However these cannot be used for connecting the RCU 4 To power the RCU 4 press the power button after connecting the device to a camera During boot up the RCU 4 compares its firmware version with the camera firmware version If it detects a difference it will update itself to match the camera s firmware version When the update is completed the RCU 4 will shut down automatically The power button of the RCU 4 only affects the RCU 4 It is not possible to power or to shut down the camera with the RCU 4 When the camera is powered down the RCU 4 shuts down automatically as it loses its power supply The LOCK button of the RCU 4 locks only the RCU 4 It does not affect the camera lock For more info please refer to the RCU 4 user manual 20 237 Index 1 52 4 4 196 209 About This Manual eene 11 ALEXA Fiber Remote Option 234 ALEXA 199 ALEXA M Camera Body 206 ALEXA Camera 205 ALEXA 200 AEEXACPIUS 2 e er hee bees 161 ALEXA Plus 4 Qo ter ML 174 ALEXA Studio i e e metere es 177 ALEXA Studio Images 178 ALEXA XT 212
194. next filter 6 Make sure the next filter is clean 2 and the Ground Glass Frameglow tool is in the 12 o clock position 1 In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 231 17 1 5 7 Place the next filter onto the bottom ring in the camera s PL mount The Ground Glass Frameglow tool has to be in the 12 o clock position 1 8 Align the filter ring s main notch with the bottom ring s red nut in the 6 o clock position To ensure an accurate fit align the filter ring s other notches with the two red noses in the bottom ring s 10 30 and 1 30 positions 9 After the magnetic filter ring has audibly snapped into position carefully unscrew the Ground Glass Frameglow tool The filter has to sit precisely on the bottom ring 10 Mount a lens observe maximum lens dimensions or cover the PL lens mount properly with its lid 1 Note All internal filters require a properly shimmed lens mount see Chapter Shimming the lens mount on page 222 To compensate for the change in flange focal depth due to the shim always insert the IFM Optical Clear filter when no filtering is needed When the camera is no longer shimmed for IFM 1 the glassless IFM Empty Filter Frame must be placed back into the filter position Note Internal filtration does not work with ALEXA Studio and ALEXA Studio XT For PL mount lenses IFM 1 works only with a lens mounting depth of 31 50 mm maximum Filter cleansing
195. ng Module This section only applies to ALEXAs with XR module Figure 36 XR module The ALEXA records clips using the XR Xtended Recording module on the camera left side The media slot can take XR Capture Drives or SxS PRO cards with an SxS adapter When the ALEXA is in ProRes mode it can record onto SxS PRO cards and XR Capture Drives They do not need to be loaded or unloaded but can be used directly after insertion and can be safely removed whenever they are in standby When the ALEXA is in ARRIRAW mode it can only record onto XR Capture Drives which need to be loaded after insertion and unloaded prior to removal Refer to the respective sections below for more information To access the media slot slide the OPEN slider towards camera back so that the spring loaded door jumps open Putting the lock slider in the lower lock position prevents accidential opening of the door Ensure that the lock slider is in the upper unlocked position before attempting to open the door Note Keep the door closed to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the camera Note Only Sony SxS PRO cards be used with ALEXA Sony SxS 1 cards are not supported XR Xtended Recording Module 57 Inserting media To load an XR Capture Drive 1 Insert the XR Capture Drive into the media slot with the contacts facing the front of the camera and the ribbed side facing out away from the camera body 2 Push the XR Capture
196. not properly display LOG C images so a conversion look up table LUT is necessary for display dailies and editing proxies LOG C images will appear flat and desaturated when displayed on standard broadcast monitors ALEXA preview LUTs can easily be generated using the ARRI LUT Generator a web application available on www arridigital com REC 709 REC 709 is a video display gamma that complies with the ITU R BT709 standard REC 709 images can be displayed on standard broadcast monitors Note In High Speed mode a gamma setting cannot be applied to the REC OUT as the MON OUT output path is rerouted to the REC OUT ARRI Look Files ARRI Look Files are a way for the user to alter the parameters the ALEXA uses when converting the sensor image data to a video color space This can be described as applying a custom look to the different image output paths The Look File can be applied directly to the recorded image destructive workflow or just to the monitoring paths and included in the clip as metadata only non destructive workflow The ALEXA contains one preloaded Look File called Low Contrast Curve LCC This Look File contains a custom tone map curve that creates a video image with lower contrast compared to the standard REC 709 output As a result the image holds as much dynamic range information as possible without using LOG C encoding Highlight and shadow detail that would be lost in the typical REC 709 tone mapping can sti
197. nual allows the user to manually apply gain to the input signal on channel 2 to reach a correct level Unity matches a 4 dBu input signal to 20 dBFS This setting leaves enough headroom for recording and avoids audio clipping When Unity is selected audio levels cannot be adjusted by the user Channel 1 source Select the left or right input signal as the source for Channel 1 Channel 2 source Select the left or right input signal as the source for Channel 2 Soundroll Tape Enter a name for the sound roll also known as Tape in the menus of some recorders of an external audio recorder for easier sound synching in post production The name will be written to the FCP XML file and the Avid Log Exchange ALE file on the recording media Main Controls 77 AUDIO OUT Left Ch1 2 Right Ch 1 OPTIONS Figure 48 Audio out screen Press the AUDIO OUT button to open the AUDIO OUT2OPTIONS screen where the global volume for both Audio out channels can be adjusted The OPTIONS button opens a list of AUDIO OUT options Right out Channel 1 Audio out level Unity max Figure 49 AUDIO OUT gt OPTIONS Left out Sets which channel is routed to the left output Right out Sets which channel is routed to the right output Audio out level Set the level of the audio out channels manually or set it to fix the maximum output Note These settings do not influence the audio signal e
198. of at least 30 mm in diameter to prevent vignetting Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 1 no LDS The Lens Adapter LA PL 1 is the standard lens mount delivered with the ALEXA It can be used to attach any modern PL mount lens to the camera To mount a PL mount lens 1 Turn the bayonet ring anti clockwise until it stops 2 Remove the lens port cap Carefully insert the lens into the lens port Align the notch in the lens flange with the index pin on the mount keeping the lens rotated into a position where the lens markings are visible from either side of the camera 4 Press the lens flange flat onto the lens mount Turn the bayonet ring clockwise until the lens is locked securely 6 Ensure that the lens is properly mounted Note When no lens is attached to the camera use the lens port cap to prevent dust from entering the lens cavity Note The sophisticated design principle of the camera s optical module delivers outstanding images with a cinematic look and feel but also makes the imager sensitive to contamination Dust particles that have settled on the sensor cover glass during a lens change may become visible as dark spots in the output image similar to lint leaving marks on exposed film The degree of this effect depends on the aperture of the lens Lens Support 61 10 2 Figure 37 PL mount LA PL 1 with index pin Lens Support Heavy lenses may require additional lens support Using a lens
199. om camera digital cameras downloads A Menu Structure Tree can also be found at the end of this document ALEXA CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice Camera Right Camera Front Image Plane Optical Center 3 85 16 10 mm deep i UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep 264 mm 10 39 76 2 59 4 120 mm 80 171 mm 3 2 34 isl 4 72 a 315 ais 6 73 1 F c T H Y HE Y ES il g Optical Center EL oN 1 5 ES 8 1 9 D C3 Y Y 9 c 10 mm 30 mm 30 mm 6 3 5mm deep 0 39 1 18 1 18 15 S o ALEXA Length Width Height Weight Body Camera Center Handle CCH 1 321 mm 12 64 153 mm 6 02 224 mm 8 82 6 5 kg 14 33 Ib Body Camera Center Handle CCH 1 5 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB 1 Pal Mme Agg i Ta Sade lb Body enter Handle 406 mm 15 98 319 mm 12 56 ur uw 7 5 kg 16 53 Ib Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 extended Viewfinder Mounting Bracket VMB
200. om scales Wireless Compact Unit WCU 3 The WCU 3 is a compact hand unit featuring a radio system to connect to the camera wirelessly It has two LCS ports for connecting the device to the camera via cable and to attach a ZMU 3 A wheel and a slider can be used to control focus and iris axes Zoom axis can be controlled by attaching a ZMU 3 at an LCS port The WCU 3 also has a display where it shows current fps shutter angle exposure index and white balance of the camera Wireless Main Unit WMU 3 The WMU 3 is a radio system for wireless connection to the camera Both WFU 3 WZU 3 be attached to the WMU 3 Wireless Focus Unit WFU 3 The WFU 3 has a knob and a slider that can be used to control focus and iris axes It connects to the camera through a WMU 3 or a WHA 3 Wireless Zoom Unit WZU 3 The WZU 3 controls the zoom axis It connects to the camera through a WMU 3 or a WHA 3 Wired Hand Adapter WHA 3 The WHA 3 allows both WFU 3 and WZU 3 to connect to the camera via cable Lens Data Display LDD FP 167 13 4 Zoom Main Unit ZMU 3 The ZMU 3 controls the the zoom axis It can be connected to the camera via cable to an LCS port or via cable through an LCS port of an WCU 3 or wirelessly by using a WZE 3 Wireless Zoom Extension WZE 3 The WZE 3 is a radio system that enables direct wireless connection of a ZMU 3 and a camera Hand Unit Priorization Different priority levels are assigned to the hand
201. on Cable 0 80m 2 6ft K UMC3 ALEXA e Connecting two ALEXA cameras for synchronized operation model EXT to EXT Cable 2 00m 6 6ft KC 155 S The connector is located at the back of the camera on the camera right side ETHERNET Standard Ethernet connectors can deliver neither the power nor the durability and reliability required by ARRI so the ALEXA uses a specially designed 10 pin LEMO connector The ARRI KC 153 S cable is required to connect the Ethernet socket to a standard RJ 45 Ethernet port The Ethernet port can be used to operate two ALEXA cameras with synced settings by connecting the cameras with a KC 156 S cable or to connect the Remote Control Unit RCU 4 to the camera The Ethernet connector can output 24 V with 1 2 A power The connector is located at the back of the camera on the camera right side EVF The EVF connector connects the camera to an EVF 1 electronic viewfinder The signals on this connector are proprietary and can only be used to drive an EVF 1 This proprietary signal assures low latency for the viewfinder image The connector is located at the front of the camera on the camera left side AUDIO IN 2 channel analog line level audio can be fed to the camera via the 5 pin XLR connector located at the front of the camera on the camera right side The ALEXA converts the audio signal from analog to 24 bit 48 kHz PCM 52 Connectors 9 9 9 10 9 11 9 12 RS The two RS connecto
202. on to ensure that no errors have occurred 140 Operation of the Camera Backup The footage should ideally be copied to two physically separate destinations The first copy should be the working copy and the second copy should be the backup copy These tasks can be done in parallel as long as the end result is verified data on two independent devices Format Only when the data has been copied to two independent devices and verified should the drive card be formatted clear all data We recommend that the person who verifies the primary and back up copies should also format the media The camera crew then always receives an empty card and does not need to worry if the footage has already been copied from the drive card SxS cards can be formatted with any file system as it has to be reformatted by the camera anyway XR Capture Drives can be formatted in the Codex software and do not require to be reformatted in the camera File Structure for ProRes DNxHD Recording After an SxS card or an XR Capture Drive is formatted in the camera it is named ARRI UDF until the first clip is recorded Once a clip has been recorded the name changes to the camera index letter and reel number Clips are stored in a folder with the same name as the media In addition to the clips recording writes an XML file and an ALE file The XML file is a Final Cut Pro 7 FCP XML file When opened in Final Cut Pro 7 all clips are imported as one bin
203. onnected the camera uses the values of the external signal again When set to Int TC the value increases with each new frame generated by the sensor 90 Camera Controls Jam sync Only Ext LTC can be jam sync d This means that the external TC source is connected to the camera then the camera reads the external TC count and continues counting on its own The precise crystal oscillator in the ALEXA will count accurately for up to eight hours After eight hours re jam sync the camera to prevent timecode offset The camera be sync d to TC signals whose time base differs from the camera s project time base as long as both are integer 24 25 and 30 fps or non integer 23 976 and 29 97 fps signals It is not possible to mix integer and non integer signals Note It is recommended to jam sync after every shooting break to avoid the risk of losing timecode sync during a shot Note The camera will keep its TC for about 10 minutes after disconnection from the power source If a power source is connected the camera will remember its TC for as long as the power source is connected even if it is switched off Select User bit source to set the source of the user bits Available user bit sources are Internal User bits are set manually in the User Bit screen UB in Ext TC When the timecode source is set to Ext LTC the user bits are sampled from the external signal Note The camera will force timecode to nt TC and Reg
204. ontains submenus of system settings Power External sync Test signal Display beeper System time date Sensor Sensor temperature Mirror image horizontal V Select to set the sensor temperature to Standard default humidity or High humidity When shooting in tropical conditions with high temperature and high humidity the sensor temperature can be changed from Standard to High humidity to prevent condensation from forming on the sensor coverglass Select to mirror the image horizontally on all image paths Sensor temperature Standard Mirror image horizontal Off Power BAT1 Plug Select to adjust the voltage level at which a power warning warning is displayed for the power source connected to the BAT plug The level can be adjusted to match the battery type used The default value is 21 0V BAT2 Select to adjust the voltage level at which a power Onboard warning is displayed for the onboard battery The warning level can be adjusted to match the battery type used The default value is 12 0V Main Controls 119 Note When the voltage level reaches a point 10 below the warning level set in the POWER menu the ALEXA displays a battery error message and recording is unavailable The camera will read the voltage level as insufficient BAT2 Onboard warning 11 0 Smart batteries that transmit their remaining load to the camera emit a warning at 10 remaining ca
205. optical viewfinder anamorphic desqueeze can be achieved by flipping an anamorphic element into the optical path By default the OVF has an optical element for 2x desqueeze Elements for 1 3x desqueeze are also available Sensor modes 16 9 and 4 3 161 13 ALEXA Plus The ALEXA Plus has a unique side cover that contains extended electronics and offers the following additional functions over the standard ALEXA e Built in radio system for wireless remote control of lens and camera A level sensor to determine the camera s tilt and roll in degrees e Three CLM Controlled Lens Motors ports for driving CLM 2 CLM 3 or CLM 4 motors e Two LCS Lens Control System bus interfaces for connecting WCU 3 WHA 3 and ZMU 3 hand units e LDS Lens Data System for reading lens data from LDS lenses e Depth of field calculation for LDS lenses and LDA Lens Data Archive lenses in combination with calibrated lens motors LDD Lens Data Display interface e Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS support e Control of LDS radio and lens motors through the camera user interface e A third RS socket Asecond MON OUT output e An additional function button labeled WRS Wireless Remote System It gives access to the WRS screen from where all camera settings related to the Plus camera features can be adjusted Any ALEXA can be upgraded to an ALEXA Plus by installing the Plus module Note The Plus module must be installed by an authorize
206. or Reboot Mirror shutter not calibrated The image sensor has a problem reboot the camera The sensor has not booted Reboot the camera An internal data interface has a problem If rebooting does not solve the problem contact the ARRI service The fan module is not working properly Either install an SFM 1 or contact the ARRI service Camera has to be rebooted If this error continues to occur a hardware problem might be the reason Contact the ARRI service The sync signal clock does not match the camera setting Make sure the settings match Slave camera syncs to master camera Wait until message disappears before starting to record One of the slave cameras is not ready for recording A part of the camera software has stopped functioning properly and requires a camera reboot Audio recording on internal medium failed Frame rate of REC OUT is smaller than sensor fps Make sure REC OUT frame rate matches sensor fps With dual recording active the two SxS PRO cards must have identical file structure Use two fresh SxS PRO cards and analyze the not matching ones SxS is switched off and sensor fps is higher than REC OUT fps Increase REC OUT fps to at least the sensor fps value Error in the recording module Reboot camera ALEXA Studio only Mirror shutter must be calibrated by ARRI service Warning and Error Messages Appendix 261 Mirror shutter phase error Mirror shut
207. or into the adapter in wrong orientation the contacts could be damaged Note Do not force the door closed if the media is not fully inserted Removing media When the camera is ProRes recording mode SxS PRO cards and XR Capture Drives do not have to be mounted or unmounted they can be inserted or removed whenever the camera is not recording If media is removed during recording only the last second of the current clip will be lost All clips on the media will remain accessible 58 Connectors When the camera is in ARRIRAW recording mode XR Capture Drives need to be unloaded before they can be safely removed Unloading is triggered automatically when the door is opened and the XR Capture Drive is in standby When the door is already open but the XR Capture Drive is still loaded press the eject button on the XR Capture Drive to trigger unloading See Explanation of LED States below for information about how the camera signals loading state Note If the recording process is interrupted by power loss or media removal transfer all the data from the media and format it before using it again Before removing any media open the door by sliding the OPEN slider towards camera back Ensure the lock slider is in the upper unlocked position otherwise the OPEN slider will be blocked To remove an XR Capture Drive e Carefully pull the XR Capture Drive towards camera back taking care not to drop it accidentally To
208. or shutter is located between the PL mount and the image sensor at an angle of about 45 It is part of the optical reflex viewfinder system that reflects the lens image into the optical viewfinder It is synchronized with the electronic shutter of the camera sensor so that the sensor is only read out in the dark phase This completely removes rolling shutter effects of the sensor readout Its 180 mirrored surface reflects the lens image into the optical viewfinder The open sector of the mirror shutter can be reduced through an electronically controlled sector gate The mirror shutter rotates 360 for every capured frame controlling the exposure of the sensor through its open sector The readout of the sensor happens while the mirror reflects the light of the optical path into the optical viewfinder The angle of the open sector is electronically controlled via the regular camera controls Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS The lens mount of the ALEXA Studio supports the ARRI Lens Data System The LDS lens must be mounted in the 12 o clock or 3 o clock position to enable the LDS functions Take great care not to harm any elements of the LDS contacts on either lens or camera when attaching or deattaching a lens or lens port cover Besides the LDS feature the same rules as with the LA PL 7 on page 60 apply Figure 102 ALEXA Studio PL Mount 184 ALEXA Studio 15 2 3 Note Due to the optical mirror shutter
209. original ARRI cleansing utensils and materials others might damage the filter 17 1 1 2 Basic precautions When using IFM 1 and internal filters Have the correct IFM 1 Starter Kit available Ensure a clean dust and moisture free environment Wear fresh rubber gloves to avoid fingerprints and smear Place the camera on a flat level and safe surface 1 2 3 4 5 Never touch the sensor 6 Work very carefully due to the delicate nature of tools components 7 Safely store all tools components afterwards 8 Shim you camera exactly to required flange focal depth 9 Check each lens mounting depth and flange shape 1 0 Use only lenses within allowed dimensions In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 217 17 1 1 3 Required shimming and maximum lens mounting depth Only proper shimming will ensure the maximum allowable lens mounting depth see Chapter Maximum lens mounting depth on page 214 e For safe use of in camera filters always prepare your camera with the original IFM 1 Shim See Chapter Shimming the lens mount page 222 17 1 1 4 Available IFM 1 and FSND Filter Sets 17 1 2 IFM 1 equipment enables in camera filtration for both ALEXA XT and ALEXA Classic cameras except ALEXA Studio and ALEXA XT Studio Four different sets are available 1 Internal Filter Module IFM 1 Set Upgrade set for ALEXA ALEXA Plus ALEXA Plus 4 3 and ALEXA M includes the FSND Filter Set Basic 2 FSND Filter Set Basic Basic s
210. pacity and an error at 5 remaining capacity Currently batteries made by ID X Bebop Anton Bauer and any battery using the Tl protocol support this feature External Sync Note This functionality is not available on ALEXA HD and ALEXA HD Plus Eye index Sensor sync HD out phase Send HD sync Select to set the Eye index to left L or right R The first letter of the Camera ID will be changed to L or R for stereoscopic productions to identify left and right eye cameras The eye index is reflected in clip names recorded internally Select to sync the sensors of two ALEXAs See Sensor sync on page 155 for more information e Off The camera is in non synced mode for regular use e EXT master The camera sends signals to an EXT SLAVE camera via the EXT connector containing sync clock and TC signals EXT slave The camera receives signals from an EXT MASTER camera containing sync clock and TC signals through the EXT connector Select to adjust the phase of the REC OUT output in the range of 30 to 30 HD clocks 1 HD clock 13 4 ns This can be necessary for 3D applications with external recorders that require the slave signal to arrive after the master signal Shift the phase backwards on a slave camera or forwards on a master camera to achieve the correct signal order When using two cameras in sensor sync mode 120 Camera Controls trigger Settings sync without settings sync the EXT
211. patible frame rate Framegrab Grabbing image failed Framegrab Storing image failed Playback failed EVF smooth mode not possible Ext LTC Forced to JAM sync Playback failed Card Media removed playback failed Calibrate lens motors Temperature at limit Fan RPM raised Master slave Focus unit mismatch Slave No lens table active Tropical mode active ND filter stuck Mirror sector problem Camera is set to Settings sync Enet slave but is not connected with master camera via Ethernet Camera jams to external TC signal Do not disconnect TC source from camera until warning disappears Camera is set to Ext LTC regen but external TC signal is missing The external TC signal has a time base that does not match the project fps of the camera A problem occured in the camera The frame grab failed A problem occured with the SD card The frame grab failed The camera could not play back the internally recorded clips Smooth mode is set to On but either sensor fps is higher then 30 000 or shutter angle is higher than 180 0 Ext LTC had to be switched to Jam sync by camera system A problem with playback occured Camera had to abort playback Camera had to abort playback as media was removed New lens motors are attached to the camera Prior to use they must be calibrated With camera fan is in Rec low mode fan noise might exceed silent level because camera is be
212. ptical viewfinder e Place the EVA 1 electronic viewfinder adapter plate where the optical viewfinder was e Tighten the 2x 3mm hex screws e Attach the EVF mounting bracket with the EVF 1 to the camera housing with its 2x 3mm allen screws e Connect the EVF cable to the camera e Power the camera Figure 114 ALEXA Studio with mounted EVF 1 192 ALEXA Studio 15 2 4 ND Filter The ALEXA Studio has a ND filter in front of the sensor which can be moved in and out of the optical path The motorized filter slider contains a ND filter with a density of 1 3 4 3 stops and a cover glass without additional density The filter slider is sealed so that no dirt or dust can enter the area between the slider and the sensor Note Perform regular dust checks on the outside of the ND filter slider as dust might collect on top of it As the slider is very close to the sensor dust or dirt collecting on it might be visible as artifacts in images When performing a dust check make sure the camera is switched off and disconnected from any power source to prevent the mirror shutter from activation during the cleaning process The ND filter can be activated in the El screen by pushing the lower right screen button EXPOSURE INDEX Figure 115 El screen If activated the ASA rating in the HOME screen will have an ND index next to it SHUTTER O 24 20 1 72 8 B TC EXT 00 00 00 024 16 9 R
213. puts The ALEXA ALEXA M ALEXA XT ALEXA HD and ALEXA XT M have two 24 V power outputs and one 12 V power output for accessories ALEXA Plus ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA HD Plus ALEXA XT Plus ALEXA Studio and ALEXA XT Studio models have three 24 V power outputs and one 12V power output m 9 d y A AUDIO IN Figure 16 24 V outputs RS and 12 V output Powering 12 V Accessories One 12 V output with a 2 pin LEMO connector is located on the right side of the camera It is limited to 12 V and can supply a device with a current of up to 2 2 A depending on the camera power supply Powering 24 V Accessories Two 24 V remote start stop RS outputs with 3 pin Fischer connectors are located on the right side of the camera They can supply two devices with a combined load of up to 2 2 A shared with the EXT connector power out depending on the camera power supply When the camera is powered from a source with a voltage below 24 V they output 24 V If the camera s power source supplies more than 24 V this voltage level is also present on the RS outputs Besides powering accessories the RS outputs can also be used to send a remote start stop signal to the camera 36 Camera Support 8 8 1 8 2 Camera Support Minimum Equipment Recommended For Operation e ARRI ALEXA camera body including SxS module or XR module and Lens Adapter PL mount without LDS LA PL 1 Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 e V
214. r link so that every link carries an interlaced signal in field integration mode The recorder realigns the images correctly into a progressive sequence Two proprietary 3G DL formats allow transmission of 444 RGB or ARRIRAW images at frame rates between 30 60 fps These formats do not comply to a SMPTE standard and are only supported by a few recorders Please note the restrictions on ARRIRAW output mentioned above and refer to the manual of your recorder to see if it supports the desired format Main Controls 109 11 1 5 2 Monitoring Select the Monitoring submenu to adjust parameters for monitoring on the EVF 1 and over the MON OUT output These outputs are meant for monitoring and not recording Frame lines set in the Frame lines submenu apply to both MON OUT and EVF 1 Select the Electronic viewfinder and MON OUT submenus to switch the set frame lines on or off individually MON OUT gt Frame lines gt RET IN path EVF Electronic horizon sensitivity 1 False color index gt Electronic Select to adjust EVF 1 settings viewfinder MON OUT Select to adjust MON OUT settings Frame lines Select to set up frame lines RET IN path Select to set which of the monitoring output paths carries the signal at the RET IN connector as Return in active is toggled via a USER button Electronic Select to adjust the sensitivity of the electronic horizon horizon sensitivity Note Available on ALEXA Plus ALEXA Plus 4 3 ALEXA Studio
215. ranslates to full magenta full green gel correction 160 3200 ASA 1920 x 1080 pixels 16 9 HD 2048 x 1152 pixels 16 9 2K 2880 x 1620 pixels 16 9 ARRIRAW 2048 x 1536 pixels 4 3 2K 2880 x 2160 pixels 4 3 ARRIRAW ARRI EVF 1 LCOS imaging device 1280 x 784 pixels Appendix Appendix 243 Power supply Power management Power consumption Power outputs Recording Recording media Recording compression codec Frame rates Image Outputs Recording output Monitoring outputs Timecode Type TC input TC outputs DC 11 34V Active ORing between BAT connector and onboard battery adapters ca 85W w o accessories 2 x RS 24V 1x 12V Sony SxS PRO cards XR Capture Drives Apple ProRes 422 4444 codec family Avid DNxHD requires license key for ALEXAs with XR module available again in a later SUP version ARRIRAW 0 75 60 fps 60 120 fps in High Speed mode 2x REC OUT configurable as 2x 422 1 5G SL YCbCr frame rates 23 976 24 25 29 97 and 30 fps or 1x 422 1 5G DL YCbCr frame rates 48 50 59 94 and 60 fps or 2x 422 3G SL YCbCr frame rates 48 50 59 94 and 60 fps or 1x 444 1 5G DL RGB Q frame rates 23 976 24 25 29 97 and 30 fps or 2x 444 3G SL RGB Q frame rates 23 976 24 25 29 97 and 30 fps or 1x 444 3G DL RGB frame rates 48 50 59 94 and 60 fps EVF out proprietary signal for EVF 1 with delay lt 1 frame 1x MON OUT 1x 422 1 5G
216. rder correct frame rate settings are critical Mismatched sensor and REC OUT frame rates could result in dropped frames and lost footage Setting the sensor frame rate determines the number of frames per second generated by the sensor The range is 0 750 to 60 000 frames per second The images are then processed by the camera electronics for the different output paths The REC OUT is the recording output path which transmits images to an external recorder The REC OUT frame rate is limited to standard speeds Ideally the REC OUT frame rate matches the sensor frame rate If the REC OUT frame rate is lower than the sensor frame rate the images cannot be output as fast as they are created by the sensor resulting in dropped frames and loss of data Note If the REC OUT frame rate is lower than the sensor frame rate a warning will appear over the SDI FPS button If the REC OUT frame rate is higher than the sensor frame rate duplicate frames are output over the REC OUT For example if the sensor is set to 10 fps and the REC OUT is set to 30 fps every image is output three times resulting in two duplicate frames following every active frame A standard recorder would record these duplicate frames which would have to be removed in post To prevent this extra step the ALEXA marks the duplicate frames with a Variflag If the recorder supports Variflag recording it will discard the duplicate frames and only record the active frames Thi
217. re part of a long heritage of cameras from ARRI and we are very familiar with the sometimes horrid things done to our cameras in the field We just have to go into our own service department to see the carnage So ALEXAs are built rugged and reliable with a sealed electronics compartment a unique cooling system and the most stable lens sensor mount German engineering could devise All ALEXAs are backed by ARRI s global service network providing a friendly ARRI service technician accessible 24 5 We know what it is like to try to change fps and shutter angle at 4 00 am in the morning in the rain after a long night shoot Professional cameras need to be very simple to operate and they need to make sure that a good looking image is recorded no matter what With ALEXA we have developed an intuitive user interface that is easy to learn and quick to operate The same interface is used on all models of ALEXA with the same menu buttons etc so there is no learning curve when using another model ALEXA Introduction to the ALEXA Critically important to camera operators is the viewfinder Based on our experience with optical viewfinders ALEXA s electronic viewfinder provides an exceptionally clear image with natural skin tones and smooth motion portrayal that is easy on the eye For those who appreciate the advantages of optical viewfinders the ALEXA Studio can be operated with an optical or electronic viewfinder The electronic viewfinder incl
218. rive Erase SxS Card Framerate 23 976 24 25 29 97 30 48 50 59 94 60fps HD SDI format 422 1 5G SL 422 1 5G DL 422 3G SL 444 1 5 DL 444 3G SL 444 3G DL or MON OUT clone Scan format psf p Output range Legal Extended Raw REC OUT fps sets sensor fps On Off ANAMORPH requires Anamorphic Desqueeze License DNxHD requires DNxHD License HS requires High Speed License XT ALEXA XT all models only PLUS ALEXA PLUS only PLUS 4 3 ALEXA PLUS 4 3 only STUDIO ALEXA STUDIO only M ALEXA M only SUP 8 1 MENU MONITORING menu Electronic viewfinder gt gt Brightness 0 5 Rotate image On Off Smooth mode On Off Surround view On Off Frame lines status info gt gt Frame lines On Off Surround mask Black line Color line Mask 25 50 75 Center mark Off Medium dot Small dot Cross Status info On Off Electronic horizon On Off LDS info On Off Peaking Off On gt gt Peaking On Off Peaking level Low Medium High Anamorphic desqueeze P X ANAMOPPH Oft 4 3x 2 0x 2 0xmag Zoom position Centered Eye level Framerate 23 976 24 25 29 97 30fps Scanformat psf p Surround view On Off Frame lines On Off Surround mask Black line Color line Mask 25 50 75 Center mark Off Medium dot Small dot Cross Status info On Off Electronic horizon On Off LDS info On Off Camera index letter On Off Peaking Off On gt gt Peaking On Off Peaking level Low Medium High False color On
219. rs supply external accessories with at least 24 V power and a combined load of up to 2 2 A shared with the EXT connector power out The sockets also accept an ARRI remote start stop trigger The connectors are located at the front of the camera on the camera right side 12 The 12 V connector supplies an external accessory with 12 V power up to 2 2 A current The connector is located at front of the camera on the camera right side TC The TC connector is a 5pin LEMO socket It accepts and distributes a Longitudinal Time Code LTC signal It can be used to e jam sync the ALEXA s time code to a Clockit TC Slate or another camera e transmit the ALEXA s time code to a Clockit TC Slate or another camera e tune the frequency of the ALEXA s crystal oscillator with Ambient ACC Clockit Controller The connector is located at the front of the camera on the camera right side AUDIO OUT The AUDIO OUT is a 3 5mm TRS connector headphone jack which outputs audio fed to the 5 pin XLR AUDIO IN connector with a maximum power of 2 5 dBm The connector is located at the front of the camera on the camera right side Note Connecting headphones to the camera while recording can cause a short audio signal interruption due to static electricity SD Card 53 9 13 SD Card The ALEXA saves data such as user setups frame grabs and system logs to an SD card Firmware additional frame lines and ARRI Look Files are
220. s a High Speed license see below cameras with an XR module DNxHD will be available again a later SUP release Only available on ALEXAs with XR module If the desired frame rate cannot be set because it is grayed out change the codec to one with a lower data rate For example when using a 32 GB SxS PRO card and the ProRes 4444 codec 60 000 fps will be grayed out Set the ProRes 422HO codec to enable 60 000 fps There are shortcut buttons on the FPS screen for CODEC INFO and SDI FPS In the SDI FPS screen both MON OUT and REC OUT frame rates can be adjusted within the limits of their current format Setting sensor fps through REC OUT fps When the FPS button is pressed on the HOME screen and the sensor frame rate is linked to the REC OUT frame rate a message appears instead of the list While this setting is active the sensor frame rate can only be set by setting the REC OUT frame rate To link or unlink the sensor frame rate to the REC OUT frame rate 1 Press the MENU button 2 Onthe Recording menu use the jogwheel to select REC OUT 72 Camera Controls 3 Select REC OUT fps sets sensor fps and set On or Off HIGHSPEED SENSOR FPS 4444 Max 60 fps REC 24 MODE MEDIA INFO SDI FPS Figure 45 SENSOR FPS screen with linked sensor frame rate Setting the correct frame rates when recording with external devices When recording ARRIRAW or the 444 signal from the ALEXA to an external reco
221. s saves valuable storage space and post production work Main Controls 73 The MON OUT should match the sensor and the REC OUT frame rate If the sensor frame rate exceeds the available MON OUT frame rates set the MON OUT to half the sensor frame rate if possible to maximize the smoothness of the image when panning and tilting To correctly set frame rates for the REC OUT Press the MENU button Using the jogwheel select the Recording menu Select REC OUT Set Frame rate to the desired frame rate This frame rate should match the frame rate setting on the external recorder gt 5 Ifthe desired sensor frame rate is a standard speed set REC OUT fps sets sensor fps to On 6 Press the HOME button to exit To correctly set frame rates for the MON OUT Press the MENU button Using the jogwheel select the Monitoring menu Select MON OUT Set Frame rate to the same frame rate as the REC OUT If the REC OUT frame rate exceeds the range of the available MON OUT frame rates set the MON OUT frame rate to half the value of the REC OUT frame rate 5 Press the HOME button to exit PWN gt To set a non standard frame rate for the REC OUT Press the MENU button Using the jogwheel select the Recording menu Select REC OUT Set REC OUT fps sets sensor fps to Off Press the HOME button to exit On the HOME screen press the FPS button Select the desired frame rate from the list or add a user defin
222. s the WRS button 2 Select the lens by pressing the IRIS CLM ZOOM CLM or FOCUS CLM button 3 Press the 1 or 1 buttons to increase or decrease the motor s torque Available torque settings are 1 to 4 with 1 being the lowest torque level Note Ensure that the motor torque level matches the lens to avoid lens damage 3D lens sync When two ALEXA Plus cameras are set to Sensor sync EXT master and EXT slave the slave camera will switch off its radio module and receive motor control commands from the master camera over the EXT connection Note Matching of the master and slave cameras lenses in terms of focus iris and zoom ring positions depends on the mechanical accuracy of the lenses Make sure the lenses in use are matched as closely as possible 166 ALEXA Plus 13 3 2 Hand Units For detailed information of the hand units please refer to the device s own manuals Wireless Compact Unit WCU 4 The WCU 4 is an all inclusive and yet affordable hand unit offering up to 3 axis lens control It includes a newly designed super smooth focus knob with adjustable friction and backlit optionally pre marked focus rings that are well readable in the dark without distracting performers The whole unit is completely splash proof for ARRI typical reliability The slider has its scale on the 3 display providing clearly readable T stop numbers and optional on screen markings If preferred the slider can be also set to show zo
223. sabled Audio is disabled when the sensor frame rate does not match the project frame rate Light blue markers show reference levels of 20 18 and 9 dB FS Red markers at levels 1 and 0 dBFS warn of clipping With a proper audio signal levels the red markers should almost never be visible AUDIO OUT I I 18 Co e 5 Figure 46 Audio screen Gain can be applied to the audio channels by turning the jogwheel to set both channels or by pressing the CH 1 CH 1 CH 2 and CH 2 buttons The amount of gain applied by the camera is indicated next to the levels as light gray numbers 76 Camera Controls Press the OPTIONS button to open the AUDIO IN gt OPTIONS screen and set audio parameters Channel 1 level Manual Channel 2 level Manual Channel 1 source Lin Channel 2 source Lin Soundroll Tape gt Figure 47 AUDIO IN gt OPTIONS screen Option Description Record Turns audio recording On or Off If audio recording is switched off no audio is recorded internally the HD SDI contains no audio and the Audio out is muted Channel 1 level Manual allows the user to manually apply gain to the input signal on channel 1 to reach a correct level Unity matches a 4 dBu input signal to 20 dBFS This setting leaves enough headroom for recording and avoids audio clipping When Unity is selected audio levels cannot be adjusted by the user Channel 2 level Ma
224. se files are requested that they are generated on demand and on the fly Hence the term virtual The file formats file naming and directory structure that will be presented by the VFS are fully configurable through the Codex Platform software This makes the VFS a highly flexible tool for providing exactly the material you require when you want it without redundant processing and storage overhead on your drives The default VFS configuration for the output of only ARRIRAW files uses the following file path lt Extension gt lt Roll gt lt Shot gt lt Shot gt lt TC Frames gt lt Extension gt 142 Operation of the Camera For detailed instructions on the Virtual File System configuration please visit http www codexdigital com support media stations and download the Codex VFS Guide 2 Codex VFS x 1 of 86 selected Name Size Kind v wari Folder 7 1 A001R33F Folder A001C001_130326_R33F Folder gt A001C002_130326_R33F Folder gt A001C003 130326 R33F Folder gt A001C004_130326_R33F Folder A001C005_130326_R33F 1886772 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image A001C005_130326_R33F 1886773 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image A001C005_130326_R33F 1886774 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image A001C005_130326_R33F 1886775 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image A001C005_130326_R33F 1886776 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image A001C005_130326_R33F 1886777 ari 7 MB ARRIR Image A00
225. se is pre installed on the camera and cannot be deleted Note On ALEXAs with XR module DNxHD will be available again in a later SUP version Note Do not downgrade the camera to a software version before SUP 6 1 4 3 mode In 4 3 mode the camera captures images from a vertically extended sensor area The used area is 23 76 x 17 82mm in size which translates to 2880 x 2160 sensor photo sites Note The sensors of standard ALEXA and ALEXA Plus cameras can only be operated in 16 9 mode To change the sensor mode In the System menu select Sensor 2 Select Sensor mode The current sensor mode is indicated on the top line on the SENSOR screen 3 Press the jogwheel to select 16 9 or 4 3 sensor mode Plus Camera Controls 175 4 Press the LOAD buttons simultaneously to load the new sensor mode Loading the new sensor mode takes approximately 30 seconds including a mandatory camera reboot A progress bar indicates the sensor mode loading progress Sensor temperature Standard Mirror image horizontal Off Load 4 3 sensor mode Takes 30 seconds Requires reboot Includes factory reset Press both buttons LOAD LOAD Note Switching from 16 9 to 4 3 and vice versa always includes a factory reset Frame rate The maximum sensor frame rate in 4 3 is 48 fps 4 3 and Highspeed Mode It is possible to switch from 4 3 to High Speed mode and vice versa If recording is set to ProRes
226. setup is a profile of the current settings on the ALEXA that can be saved to the SD card User setups can be given custom names saved to the SD card and loaded onto multiple ALEXAs Rather than resetting the camera to its factory default settings a user setup can be used to reset the camera to a user s default settings A user setup contains all parameters set in the camera except files that have been transferred via SD card specifically frame lines and ARRI Look Files These are not affected by loading a user setup and are only cleared by performing a factory reset Requirements e formatted SD card loaded in the SD card slot on the ALEXA To create a user setup e Set all the desired parameters on the ALEXA To save a user setup 1 Press the MENU button 2 Use the jogwheel to select User Setups 3 Select Save current setup Main Controls 127 4 To apply a custom name to your user setup press the RENAME button Erase the default user setup name by pressing the CLEAR ALL button 5 Use the jogwheel to enter a new name by scrolling to the desired character and pressing to select it Aa ERASE CLEAR ALL SET NAME BBcDEFGHIJKLMNOP QRSTUVWXYZ 1234567890 11 lt gt DONE 6 When you have finished entering the new user setup name press the DONE button 7 Press the jogwheel to save the new user setup to the SD card To load a user setup 1 Press the MENU button 2 Use the jogwheel to select User
227. slation of this name is as follows e This clip was the tenth clip recorded on the fourth reel e This clip was recorded on January 10 2013 e The camera assigned the Base 36 serial number 1JL which translates into the decimal serial number 2001 For a Base 36 to decimal converter visit http www translatorscafe com cafe units converter numbers calculator decimal to base 36 or conduct an internet search e Frame number 1886777 on a 24 fps project translates to a time of day time code of 9 50 15pm and 17 frames Additional recommendations To minimize the risk of lost data ARRI suggests the following guidelines for data management Pre format your media Format all the drives cards the camera before shooting begins This will save production time at least until all cards have been used once The media do not receive a reel number until the first clip is recorded so there is no need to use the cards in the same order they were pre formatted Formatting a 32 GB card normally takes less than 10 seconds 144 Operation of the Camera e Limit the recording time especially on the drives Compressed recording offers very long recording times Please consider limiting the recording time to 30 minutes of footage per card drive to reduce risk of loosing data e Download and back up data immediately after reloading the camera to minimize the time that data exists in just one place e On SxS cards use the write protect t
228. squeeze options on desqueeze EVF Requires a valid Anamorphic De squeeze license key installed on camera Grab still frame takes a still frame and saves it to the SD card Disabled in High Speed mode Check last clip plays the last 5 seconds of the last clip then returns to a live image Circle clip marks the clip as a good take or a print during recording or playback Auto WB Press once to open the AUTO WB sceen Press again to perform an automatic white balance Grab GUI takes a still image of the current main camera control screen on the LCD and saves it to the SD card as a png file in the ScreenCaptures folder Format media quick link to the Format media screen X Only on ALEXAs with XR module Format Card 1 quick link to the Format SxS CARD 1 X screen Only on ALEXAs with SxS module Format Card 2 quick link to the Format SxS CARD 2 X screen Only on ALEXAs with SxS module False color index displays the FALSE COLOR INDEX screen X Mirror shutter toggles the mirror shutter between View X position Gate position and running Only on ALEXA Studio Camera Controls 11 1 4 4 PLAY Clips that have been recorded internally can be played back by the camera on the EVF MON OUT and REC OUT Note The REC OUT signal cannot be used for playback when it is set to ARRIRAW on an ALEXA with SxS module To play clips that have been recorded internally Press the PLAY button 2 On the PLAY screen the last clip recorded loads Press the jogwh
229. ss e Check that the new ground glass and the ground glass holder are clean e Screw the ARRI Ground Glass Puller into the new ground glass and push it into the holder e Make sure the ground glass is inserted completely and correctly locked in place e Attach a lens or a protective cap to the lens mount Figure 105 Ground glass in camera with Ground Glass Puller attached Optics 187 Figure 106 Ground glass with attached Ground Glass Puller To remove the field lens which is located above the ground glass e Remove the ground glass first e Screw the ARRI Ground Glass Puller into the field lens e Carefully pull out the field lens Figure 107 Field lens in camera with attached Ground Glass Puller Figure 108 Field lens with attached Ground Glass Puller 188 ALEXA Studio Note Due to the risk of displacement caused by shock force we recommend to remove both ground glass and field lens before transportation and shipping of the camera Whenever removing the camera from its case check that both ground glass and field lens are properly seated before switching on the camera to prevent any damage to the mirror shutter FRAMEGLOW The FRAMEGLOW module is integrated in the optical viewfinder system of the ALEXA Studio It allows illuminated format markings to be superimposed onto the viewfinder image with adjustable brightness e Press the buttons on the left side of the OVF below the DIMMER
230. support guarantees that the weight of the lens will not influence the flange focal depth and reduces stress on the lens mount To support a lens use 15mm studio or 19mm studio rods and an appropriate lens bridge 15mm studio rods require a bridge plate with 15mm studio rod support such as a BP 3 BP 9 BPA 1 while 19mm studio rods require a bridge plate with 19mm studio rod support such as a BP 12 or BP 5 BP 8 BPA 1 Mount the lens bridge LS 10 for 15 mm studio rods by pushing it onto the rods from the front Mount the lens bridge LS 9 for 19 mm studio rods by clipping it on the rods from the top 62 Lens Mounting Slide the bridge into position on the rods directly under the lens support ring on the lens and fix it in place by tightening the lever on its side Align and tighten the center screw in the lens support ring adjusting the height of the center screw with the lever on the back of the lens bridge Figure 38 ALEXA with BP 12 19mm studio rods and lens bridge Lens Support 63 11 Camera Controls The ALEXA can be controlled through three user interfaces Main controls Operator controls EVF controls Location camera right side Interface 3 inch LCD screen with floating function buttons a jogwheel to navigate through menus and adjust parameters and a range of fixed function buttons Location camera left side Interface three assignable function buttons plus three fixed func
231. t easily noticed otherwise this icon is colored orange Warns that smooth mode is active in the EVF 1 As smooth mode alters the image reproduction in the EVF 1 this icon is colored orange Indicates that the CDL server connection has been enabled and established Shown in orange when CDL server connection has been enabled but not established Using Timecode 153 12 3 Indicates that the current Look File is applied to the EVF 1 Indicates that the current Look File is applied to the MON OUT output Indicates that the current Look File is applied to the internal recording path Indicates that the current Look File is applied to the REC OUT output Using Timecode Timecode ensures that every image of recorded media can be identified with a unique value and synced with corresponding media such as sound or the second camera in a 3D application When used with other metadata such as reel names all recorded media maintains its unique identity Following are two ways timecode can be used on a production External TC Time of day e Use This format is often used on multi camera productions with sync sound When all cameras are running at sync sound speed which is also the project frame rate sound and image time code match and allow for easy syncing in post 154 Operation of the Camera Setup The sound department acts as the timecode master and generates timecode which uses the time of day as a v
232. t notice ALEXA Studio CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Camera Bottom Camera Top Image Plane SPTAR Image Plane 9 05 46 7 mm 254mm 25 4mm 254mm 254mm 1 84 T 1 1 UNC 3 8 16 10 mm deep Ed 5 N E 8 UNC 3 816 gena 10 mm deep d 0 04 49 mm 19 mm 1 93 0 75 67 mm 21mm 2 64 0 83 69mm 272 ALEXA Studio ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2012 03 Camera Top Image Plane M4 4 mm deep 4 06 103 mm 26 5 mm REI dg 26 5 mm 1 04 364 mm 14 33 Optical Center ALEXA with XR Module CAMERA DIMENSIONS Version 2013 04 ARRI Technical Data are subject to change without notice Camera Right Camera Front Image
233. tart the camera if LDS is used The fibre signal quality of the ALEXA M camera is insufficient and requires cleaning of the connections The power level on the ALEXA M camera head is insufficient Use a power source with a power supply of at least 40 W The temperature of the camera head is too high Apply additional cooling to prevent automatic shutdown The fan of the ALEXA M camera head cannot reach a sufficient cooling speed Fan might have to be cleaned or replaced ALEXA error messages and meanings Main Bat Low power Onboard Bat Low power The battery attached to the BAT connector has reached its low level 10 below warning level Battery must be replaced The onboard battery has reached its low level 10 below warning level Battery must be replaced Warning and Error Messages Appendix 259 All Bats Low power Card 1 2 End of lifetime Media end of lifetime Card 1 2 Write speed error Media Write speed error Cards 1 amp 2 Full Cards 1 amp 2 End of lifetime Cards 1 amp 2 Wrong file system Cards 1 amp 2 Rec protected Camera overheating Low sensor temperature High sensor temperature System error Codec error Reboot Batteries on both BAT connector and onboard battery s have to be replaced The SxS PRO card in slot 1 2 has reached the end of its life cycle and has become read only Use a new card The recording medium has reached the end of its life cycle
234. ter Cannot reach sync speed No M head detected Reboot Fibre Connection Error M head Low power M head Temperature high M head Fan error Contact service ALEXA Studio only Mirror shutter continuosly not in phase with sensor If rebooting does not solve the problem contact ARRI service ALEXA Studio only Mirror shutter continuosly not reaching sync speed If rebooting does not solve the problem contact ARRI service ALEXA M was booted without head connected Connect head and reboot camera Fibre connection between ALEXA M head and backend could not be established or has terminated Check and clean connection then reboot The power level of the ALEXA M head is critical Make sure power supply can deliver at least 40 W of power Check if power warning levels are set correctly The temperature of the ALEXA M head is too high Apply additional cooling to prevent automatic shutdown The fan of the ALEXA M camera head is defect If replacing the fan does not solve the problem contact the camera service If any error that requires rebooting continues to occur regularly contact the ARRI service 262 Appendix Dimensions Weights and Menu Structure Trees A 5 Dimensions Weights and Menu Structure Trees Dimensional drawings including weights information are attached to the end of this document A version with higher resolution can be downloaded from the ARRI website http www arri c
235. th CAUTION Risk of damage and injury from improper lenses PL mount lenses with more than 31 50 mm mounting depth might damage internal filters and the camera Shards from broken filter glass might cause injury Always check the lens mounting depth before mounting or changing a lens 216 ALEXA XT models CAUTION Risk of damage and injury from insufficient shimming All internal filters require a properly shimmed lens mount Otherwise even PL mount lenses with a nominal mounting depth of less than 31 50 mm might damage internal filters and the camera Shards from broken filter glass might cause injury To ensure maximum allowable lens mounting depth and to avoid damage or injury always shim your camera correctly see Chapter Shimming the lens mount on page 222 The proper IFM 1 Shim comes with all three FSND Filter Sets Basic Full or Completion with the upgrade kit for ALEXA Classic cameras Internal Filter Module IFM 1 Set and is also available individually Use only this original shim when filtering with IFM 1 CAUTION Risk of damage from improper tools materials or negligence In camera filters are very delicate Always handle them very carefully and with proper tools e g the original Ground Glass Frameglow tool Never touch the filter glass with bare fingers sweat and physical contact might damage the sensitive coating Check and clean each filter before and after use Store it properly Use only
236. the FIRMWARE SD CARD screen 6 Press both UPDATE buttons simultaneously to update the camera s firmware Note Do not interrupt the update once it has started Make sure the camera power supply will remain sufficient for the duration of the update approx 15 minutes Select update file Select to update the camera s firmware If an SD card containing update files is loaded in the camera you can select an update file from the list and perform an update Current version Select to display the release code of current installed firmware Licensed features Select to manage licensed features on the INSTALLED LICENSES screen Note On rare occasions the update process can fail If the update procedure 124 Camera Controls fails try it again until you succeed Note If internal recording is switched off switch it back on again before performing a firmware update Licensed features gt Licensed Features The capabilities of the ALEXA can be further enhanced through licensed features available for online purchase Visit the ALEXA LICENSE SHOP at http alshop arri de and follow the instructions for purchasing and downloading license keys Available licenses include DNxHD License Key e High Speed License Key e Anamorphic De squeeze License Key License keys are linked to each ALEXA s serial number and cannot be transferred from one camera to another Before purchasing a license key you must
237. the cable to the camera make sure the cable direction is correct Line up the red guides and push the cable connector onto the camera connector piece A clicking sound indicates the connector has locked Plug the rubber caps of the connectors into each other to protect their inside from dirt To disconnect the cable from the camera head pull on the rubber end of the connector in the direction of the cable To disconnect the cable from the body push the metal ring of the camera connector piece and pull on the cable connector in the opposite direction 208 ALEXA M Connect the camera head to the body via the optical link before powering the camera Disconnecting the head from the body during operation requires both parts to be powered down and reconnected before powering up the system again Figure 137 Correctly aligned fibre connectors Cleaning of fibre connectors Cleaning of the fibre connectors is an important task Only use cleaning devices certified for SMPTE 311 connectors like the IBC M20 which is delivered with the camera package Never use compressed air or any other uncertified cleaning method as this could permanently damage or destroy the fibre connectors Both dry and wet cleaning tools are available with the dry cleaners having proved to be more efficient for regular cleaning while the wet cleaners are better with strong and sticky contaminations Regular cleaning of at least one time per day is recomme
238. the camera is running at sync sound speed If the camera is over or under cranking the timecode frame rate will no longer match the sensor framerate and timecode values would either be duplicate or dropped To prevent this the ALEXA will automatically switch to Int TC source and Regen mode when the sensor frame rate is changed Internal TC Rec Run Use Record run timecode is often used on single camera productions that are either MOS or use a dumb slate to sync picture and sound Record run timecode guarantees continuous timecode on all recorded data Record runtime code also works with over and under cranking Setup The timecode source must be set to Int TC the mode to Rec Run and the generator to Regen Timecode counts up only during recording by one frame for each image generated by the sensor The timecode counts at the project frame rate set on the camera Normally the timecode hour value advances by one hour for each new reel using only hours 01 20 for reel 1 20 and then restarting at hour 01 for reel 21 Variations Record run timecode might be used for off speed work on productions that use external timecode sources for all sync sound Syncing the Sensors of Two Cameras 155 12 4 Restrictions None Syncing the Sensors of Two Cameras Two ALEXAs can be synced for 3D applications or any application requiring sensor sync using the EXT connectors and corresponding cable When synced images are captured fro
239. the camera s base plate facilitating rapid changes in camera support i e from a tripod to a crane or Steadicam A special anodizing process is used on all moving parts for a very hard yet low friction surface Also available as a separate accessory is the new Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB 3 with a new and sturdy design and a fold out arm that holds the viewfinder securely in place when moving the camera Super silent XT fan ALEXA cameras are already among the quietest digital cameras but an even quieter fan has become available and ARRI has incorporated this new fan into the ALEXA XT models providing an extra safety margin in very quiet or very hot environments In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 The In Camera Filter Module IFM 1 is standard to all ALEXA XT models except ALEXA XT Studio For ALEXA Classic models except ALEXA Studio there is an IFM 1 upgrade Both replace the conventional reflex tube that is located inside the PL lens mount tube with the IFM filter holder and allow the use of ARRI Full Spectrum Neutral Density FSND filters available separately By using internal filters you can rate the camera at the base sensitivity of El 800 without the need for external filters even in bright light conditions In camera filters for IFM 1 add only 14 grams of weight DO NOT POINT THE CAMERA INTO DIRECT SUNLIGHT VERY BRIGHT LIGHT SOURCES OR HIGH ENERGY LIGHT SOURCES e g laser beams This may cause permanent da
240. tion buttons for easy operator access Location Electronic Viewfinder EVF 1 Interface fixed function buttons and a jogwheel for adjustment of viewfinder parameters and primary shooting parameters 64 Camera Controls 11 1 11 1 1 11 1 2 Main Controls The main controls can be used to set all camera parameters ON OFF Figure 39 Main controls Display The 3 inch LCD has a resolution of 400x240 pixels The back lit transflective display has exceptional contrast even in bright sunlight To adjust the LCD brightness Onthe HOME screen rotate the jogwheel while pressing the BACK button A removable plastic shield protects the display from scratches It can be removed by pulling it off the four pins Screen Buttons Six screen buttons are located above and below the LCD display Their function varies depending on the screen content and is shown directly above or below each button If no function is shown above or below a button on the LCD it has no function for that screen Main Controls 65 As a failsafe operations that cannot be reversed and can result in the loss of data require pressing two buttons simultaneously to confirm the operation 11 1 3 HOME screen SHUTTER 2 4 9 00 paan RN 1 7 2 8 H TC EXT00 04 21 24 16 9 REEL A001 ProRes 2K BAT1 14 8V CLIP C003 5 51 38 33 lt BAT2 50 DUR 0 01 23 SxS2 800 gc 3200 Figure 40 HOME screen with SxS module SHUTTER Hu 2
241. to Sensor sync EXT slave its radio module automatically switches itself off and the camera receives CLM control commands from the Master camera via the EXT cable Wireless Remote System Lens Motors The ALEXA Plus supports ARRI CLM 2 CLM 3 and CLM 4 motors CLM 1 motors are not supported CLM 2 CLM 3 and CLM 4 motors can be used in a mixed setup Note Use only one lens motor per lens axis Lens motors should be connected according to their position on the lens to the IRIS FOCUS and ZOOM sockets on the camera right side Motor calibration After connecting a lens motor to the camera and the lens it must be calibrated The lens motor must be recalibrated under the following conditions e when the lens motor is detached from the lens Wireless Remote System 165 e after a camera reboot e after changing lenses e after a change in motor position while powered down Note Omitting motor calibration might lead to damage of the lens due to the high level of motor torque Motor direction The direction of the motors can be set in the ALEXA s menus To set the direction of a motor 1 Press the WRS button 2 Select the lens by pressing the IRIS CLM ZOOM CLM or FOCUS CLM button 3 Press the LEFT or RIGHT button to set the direction of the lens motor Motor torque For CLM 3 and CLM 4 motors the motor torque can be set in the ALEXA s menus To set the torque on a CLM 3 or CLM 4 lens motor 1 Pres
242. to set the LDS lens information overlay to On or Off Only available on ALEXA models with LDS lens mount Select to display the camera index letter in the top right corner of the MON OUT image Valid for SUP 8 1 ALEXA XT XR but not SUP 8 0 ALEXA Classic 114 Camera Controls Frame Lines Frame line 2 gt User rectangles Off gt Color Red Intensity 2 Frame lines are an image overlay that can be applied to either the EVF image the MON OUT image or both ALEXA frame lines are stored as XML files that define the frame lines aspect ratio marker style line width center marker and more The color of the frame lines is set on the camera The following default frame lines are loaded onto the ALEXA e 1 3341 e 1 66 1 e 1 7841 e 1 85 1 e 2 3911 e 2 39 1 2 0 anamorphic Additional frame lines be loaded from the SD card create additional frame lines use ALEXA Frameline Composer a free web tool at http Awww arri com camera digital_cameras Save the new frame lines as XML files to an SD card formatted on the ALEXA in the Frame lines folder The ALEXA supports up to 16 frame line templates To load additional frame lines Inthe FRAME LINES menu select Frame line 1 or Frame line 2 2 Press the ADD button 3 Onthe FRAME LINES SD CARD screen use the jogwheel to select the frame line you wish to add 4 Press the jogwheel to add it to the FRAME LINES list 5 Using the jogw
243. top Camera Controls 11 1 3 2 FPS Press the FPS frames per second button on the HOME screen to open the SENSOR FPS list screen which lists the default frame rates as well as user defined frame rates DELETE 5 ADD 4444 MODE Max 60 fps MEDIA INFO Figure 44 SENSOR FPS screen REC 24 SDIFPS Note Access to this screen is disabled during record The maximum frame rate that can be set is dependent on the type of media and the codec The following table shows the maximum available frame rate for all codec media combinations Codec 16 9 HD ProRes 422 Proxy ProRes 422 LT ProRes 422 ProRes 422 HO ProRes 4444 DNxHD 115 120 145 DNxHD 175 185 220 16 9 2K ProRes 422 Proxy through 422 HO SxS PRO 8 32 GB 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 60 fps 40 fps 60 fps 60 fps 60 fps SxS PRO 64 GB 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps XR Capture Drive 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 120 fps 60 fps 60 fps Main Controls 71 ProRes 4444 40 fps 60 fps 60 fps 16 9 ARRIRAW 60 fps 120 fps 4 3 2K ProRes 422 Proxy 48 fps 48 fps 48 fps through 422 ProRes 422 40 fps 48 fps 48 fps ProRes 4444 30 fps 48 fps 48 fps 4 3 ARRIRAW 48 fps 90 fps Require
244. ts and User 68 S Safety Guidelines 25 M Safety instructions for in camera filtration 214 222 227 Main Controls 5 nicae 64 SCODO nani tie GEHE 12 Mains Unit NG 12 26 31 Screen Buttons essen 64 Maximum lens mounting depth 214 217 227 SD Cardi uelut cis 122 Man cd br etc b doc ce 100 SD GI ie iem ist pedet 53 Minimum Equipment Recommended For Operation Em 118 pH ER Ih aie iain e RR eee Ue De 36 Sensor modes 16 MON OUT 50 111 9 4 Monitoring 2 25 Den 109 148 3 158 212 Mounting in camera filters 227 233 N ND Fille itte hee tete 192 Onboard 32 Operation of the Camera 133 Operator controls 128 Optical Viewfinder eseeeeeeee 184 OPCS i nA 182 P Parallel 147 98 Plus Camera 168 csset tees se sa te owed va ad 32 118 Index 239 Shimming the lens mount 216 217 222 227 231 Shoulder Pad 3
245. tted on the camera The reel number is reflected in clip names on media Select to open the PRODUCTION INFO screen where the user can enter metadata information specific to the production Note The user should set the value of the Next reel count to 001 at the beginning of a shoot Rec resolution HD 1920x1080 Codec ProRes 4444 Project frame rate 24 fps Camera index A Next reel count 001 Main Controls 117 Production Info The PRODUCTION INFO screen has fields to enter metadata information specific to the production The user can enter the names of the director cinematographer location production scene and take Two additional fields allow to enter other data Production Enter the name of the production Prod Company Enter the name of the production company Director Enter the name of the director Cinematographer Enter the name of the cinematographer Camera Operator Enter the name of the camera operator Location Enter the name of the location Scene Enter the name number of the scene Take Enter the name number of the take User Info 1 Enter other info User Info 2 Enter other info Prod Company EFGH gt Director Jane Doe gt Cinematographer John Doe gt Camera Operator Jim Doe gt Location The Shack gt Aa ERASE CLEAR ALL SET DIRECTOR BecDEFGHIJKLMNOP QRSTUVWXYZ 1234567890 11 lt gt DONE 118 Camera Controls 11 1 5 4 System The System menu c
246. ttings are synced when syncing two ALEXAs WB gt White Balance CC Tint El gt Exposure Index FPS gt Sensor FPS FPS gt HIGH SPEED gt High Speed mode SHUTTER gt Shutter Angle COLOR gt Gamma gt SxS COLOR Gamma REC OUT COLOR gt Gamma gt MON OUT COLOR Gamma REC OUT COLOR gt Gamma gt EVF COLOR gt GammasLOG C film matrix MENU gt Recording gt Internal gt Mode MENU gt Recording gt Internal gt Codec MENU gt Recording gt Internal gt High Speed codec MENUsRecording gt REC OUT gt Frame rate MENU gt Recording gt REC OUT gt HD SDI format MENU sRecording gt REC gt 5 format MENU gt Recording gt REC OUT gt Output range MENU gt Recording gt REC OUT gt REC OUT fps sets sensor fps gt gt OUT gt SDI remote gt gt gt flag MENU gt Monitoring gt EVF gt Status info MENU gt Monitoring gt EVF gt Surround view MENU gt Monitoring gt EVF gt Surround mask 158 Operation of the Camera 12 6 MENU gt Monitoring gt EVF gt Framelines MENU gt Monitoring gt EVF gt Anamorphic desqueeze MENU gt Monitoring gt MON OUT gt Frame rate MENU gt Monitoring gt MON OUT gt Scan format MENU gt Monitoring gt MON OUTsStatus info MENU gt Monitoring gt MON OUT gt Surround view MENU gt Monitoring gt MON OUT gt Surround mask MENU gt Monitoring gt MON OUT gt Framelines MENU gt Monitoring gt MON OUT gt Anamorphic desqueeze MENU gt Project gt Project fps In addit
247. tware licenses for the others All this combined with our long product cycles create a sustainable business model for all owners of ARRI cameras ALEXA XT CAMERAS Second generation ALEXAs are called ALEXA XT cameras Xtended Technology They were released in 2013 and in addition to all the features of the ALEXA Classic camera they are equipped with the XR Module Xtended Recording internal ND filtration a 4 3 Super 35 sensor built in CDL server and an LDS PL mount In addition they have a new viewfinder mounting bracket include anamorphic de squeeze and high speed licenses as well as a new super silent fan ALEXA XT cameras are the ALEXA XT ALEXA XT M ALEXA XT Plus and ALEXA XT Studio The XR Module is on the left side of the camera It has one slot for either an XR Capture Drive or an SxS Adapter that allows the use of one SxS PRO card e Faster lighter and more affordable ARRIRAW recording in camera ARRIRAW recording up to 120 fps onto XR Capture Drives onto fast rugged and reliable 512 GB XR Capture Drives proven efficient and versatile Codex ARRIRAW workflow e Faster and longer ProRes DNxHD in camera recording ProRes 2 or DNxHD 1 up to 120 fps onto XR Capture Drives in camera ProRes or DNxHD up to 60 fps onto SxS PRO cards with SxS Adapter ProRes 4 3 2K proven efficient and versatile ProRes DNxHD workflow 4 3 Super 35 sensor ideal for anamorphic lenses increased post flexibility for spherical
248. udes powerful assistive displays like surround view false color exposure check or anamorphic de squeeze The hardware of the camera is designed for the best and most ergonomic use on the set including the built in shoulder cut out many attachment points on the camera s precision machined housing and a large numbers of accessories like the low mode set the Remote Control Unit RCU 4 or the Wireless Compact Unit WCU 4 With meticulous attention to detail we have added many small but helpful design refinements including built in supports for 15 mm lightweight rods or differently shaped extrusions eyebrows above some buttons so the operator can feel the button s position even from the other side of the camera or shooting in low light The same care has been taken to ensure compatibility with the extensive range of exiting accessories ALEXAs are well balanced and can be quickly switched from shoulder use to tripod crane or Steadicam They accept a wide range of power input from 10 5 to 34 V DC Multiple power sources can be simultaneously connected with hot plug capability and a smart circuit will automatically switch to the one with the highest voltage Open Future Proof Architecture e Compatibility with industry standards PL mount lenses Apple ProRes Avid DNxHD HD SDI and SxS PRO cards Gold mount or V lock on board batteries 12or 24 V power inputs and outputs Support for ARRI and cmotion cvolution wireless lens contro
249. udio material along with associated metadata The internal structure of MXF files is defined by the so called Operational Patterns ALEXA cameras record DNxHD encoded images together with sound and embedded metadata in an MXF container file using the Operational Pattern 1a OP1a file structure An Avid Media Composer does not need to transcode this material as it already is available in a native DNxHD codec The OP1a MXF format packages picture sound and metadata in a single file This is ideal for both camera acquisition and archiving since audio and video is always kept together and no data is lost if recording is interrupted for any reason Recording 137 Format Sensor Reso Color Data Recording Recording Mode lution Coding Rate time on 64 time on XR 24 GB SxS Capture fps PRO 24 Drive 24 fps fps DNxHD 16 9 1920x 8 bit 115 72 min 255 min 115 120 1080 YCbCr Mbit s 145 DNxHD 16 9 1920x 10 bit 175 48 min 170 min 175x 1080 YCbCr Mbit s 185x 220x DNxHD is a fixed bitrate codec The codec naming convention indicates the codec s project frame rate DNxHD 115 23 976 24 fps DNxHD 120 25 fps DNxHD 145 29 97 fps 30 fps is not available DNxHD 175x 23 976 24 fps DNxHD 185x 25 fps DNxHD 220x 29 97 fps 30 fps is not available For a detailed table of available frame rates and possible codec card combinations please refer to the Chapter FPS on page 70 ARRIRAW ARRIRAW data delivers unencrypt
250. uick format SxS Select to format an SxS PRO card or XR CARD Capture Drive Capture Drive To complete the action press both FORMAT buttons on the confirmation prompt A quick format erases only the file allocation table Erase SxS CARD Select to erase an SxS PRO card To Only available for complete the action press both ERASE SxS PRO cards buttons on the confirmation prompt This action takes longer than the quick format but ensures that all data on the card is erased Erasing an SxS PRO card can increase its write speed Note Before formatting or erasing an SxS PRO card make sure the write protect tab on the back edge of the SxS PRO card is disengaged Do not engage or disengage the write protect tab while the card is loaded in the SxS slot Note Formatting or erasing an SxS PRO card or XR Capture Drive removes all data irreversibly from the card Follow data management best practices to prevent loss of data If media without a valid file system is loaded in the camera you will be prompted to format the media ARRI recommends immediate formatting of media that trigger this warning Apple ProRes codecs Apple ProRes codecs supported by the ALEXA 104 Camera Controls Format Sensor Mode ProRes 4 3 422 Proxy 16 9 16 9 ProRes 4 3 422 LT 16 9 16 9 ProRes 4 3 422 16 9 16 9 ProRes 4 3 422 HQ 16 9 16 9 ProRes 4 3 4444 16 9 16 9 Reso lution 2048 x 1536 2048 x 1152 1920 x
251. umber of function buttons and a jogwheel CAM EVF ZOOM EXP Press the CAM button to open the EVF 1 s CAM menu Press the EVF button to open the EVF 1 s EVF menu Press the ZOOM button to magnify the EVF 1 image 2 25x for focus check The magnification ratio is 1 1 or one sensor pixel to one EVF 1 display pixel Active magnification is indicated by an orange frame around the image Frame lines are deactivated while zoom is active Press the EXP button EXP EXPOSURE to toggle false color display on and off 130 Camera Controls 11 3 1 When the LOCK button on the main controls is engaged the CAM and EVF buttons are locked with the main controls and operator controls The ZOOM and EXP buttons are not affected by the lock The message Button is locked is displayed in the EVF 1 when the CAM or EVF button is pressed while the main controls are locked Viewfinder EVF menu Press the EVF button to open the Viewfinder EVF menu in the EVF 1 display and set the viewfinder parameters Use the jogwheel on the EVF 1 to select and set menu options Press the EVF button to exit the Viewfinder EVF menu Brightness Select to set the brightness of the EVF from 1 least bright to 5 brightest A brightness level of 5 is recommended for normal shooting scenarios Rotate image When mounting the EVF to the right side of the camera the image can be flipped to orient the image correctly in the viewfin
252. user defined values can be selected in the WB list Recording 133 12 12 1 12 1 1 12 1 1 1 Operation of the Camera This chapter covers tasks the user will encounter while using the ALEXA While previous chapters contained specific procedures for basic use this chapter will outline broader tasks and offer recommendations and best practices including camera configuration Recording Internal recording This chapter contains information and recommendations for internal recording The user is encouraged to adapt the recommendations and workflow to individual and production needs Note ARRI cannot be held responsible for the loss of any data in conjunction with internal recording ALEXA cameras can be equipped with an SxS Module or the new XR Module for internal recording The XR Module is a camera side panel that was co developed with Codex offering in camera ARRIRAW ProRes and DNxHD recording up to 120 fps onto the exceptionally fast XR Capture Drives The new recording module replaces the SxS Module for all new ALEXA XT models and is available as an upgrade for all ALEXA Classic cameras Cameras that are upgraded with an XR Module will no longer output ARRIRAW over HD SDI T Link Note DNxHD recording not possible with XT cameras and ALEXA Classic cameras with the XR Module upgrade as of SUP 8 0 ALEXA XT XR planned for SUP 9 0 ALEXA XT XR DNxHD is possible with ALEXA Classic cameras with SUP 7 x and SUP 8
253. ust Barrel Friction Move the dot structured ring according to the engravings LOOSE and FRICTION to loosen or tighten the friction of the OVF barrel Contrast Filter To achieve a temporary subjective reduction of viewfinder contrast range a contrast filter density 0 6 can be pivoted into the optical beam path Use the lever next to the level bubble to pivot the contrast filter into the optical path Releasing the lever pivots the contrast filter back out of the optical path 186 ALEXA Studio Ground glasses The ground glass is the equivalent to the image sensor for the optical viewfinder The image created by the lens is projected to the ground glass from where it is picked up by the optical viewfinder Ground glasses contain frame and format markings to show the recorded image area and the area of interest The sensor aperture of the ALEXA Studio is different from the camera aperture of ANSI and DIN Super35 formats Therefore Super35 ground glasses of the ARRICAM system do not provide exact frame markings in the ALEXA Studio viewfinder image For exact framing use only ground glasses made specifically for the ALEXA Studio To exchange a ground glass e Press the VIEW button so that the sensor is protected by the mirror shutter e Turn off the camera and disconnect it from power supply e Remove the lens or protective cap e Screw the ARRI Ground Glass Puller into the ground glass e Carefully pull out the ground gla
254. vity and its ability to hold up very well even when extremely under or overexposed speed up work on any real world set ALEXA s color processing was developed by our own color scientists who are the same people that have been working on the ARRILASER and ARRISCAN so are intimately familiar with both film and digital color science and creates clean and natural colors especially noticeable in ALEXA s great looking skin tones The low noise floor and great color separation helps greatly in color correction and compositing Our goal is creating the best looking images and when assessing imaging technologies we always ask if it improves the image disregarding the marketing hype With ALEXA we have as the visual effects supervisor of The Avengers put it created better pixels Efficient and Versatile Workflows e Multiple output options ARRIRAW ProRes DNxHD HD SDI Log C or Rec 709 gamma ARRI Look Files for custom looks Audio recording Metadata embedded in all file formats and outputs e Apple ProRes In camera file based recording Onto SxS PRO cards XR Capture Drives All five Apple ProRes codecs HD or 2K 16 9 or 4 3 Native Final Cut Pro support e ARRIRAW uncompressed unencrypted raw sensor data greatest image quality from ALEXA greatest flexibility in post best option for future proof archiving DNxHD in camera recording MXF wrapped files SMPTE standard compliant DNxHD 145 a
255. wer Outpults essen 35 INTERNAL ER rte 102 Power Supply 0 30 Internal recording 133 Powering 12 V 35 Internal Recording 134 Powering 24 V 35 Introduction to the 14 Preparing Internal Filtration 217 223 Production Info aa 117 42000000 a a 115 L Layout of the 21 R Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 1 LDS 60 163 183 Radio System oes 163 Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS 183 REG OUT actetuer 106 Lens Adapter PL Mount LA PL 2 with LDS 162 QUT 2 deo he ete 50 212 Recording eaaeo er tee rid 101 133 Lens Data Display LDD FP ccce 167 Remote Control Unit 4 235 Lens Data 211 Required shimming and maximum lens mounting Lers Motors terno enne 164 depth iex PRIRRERDR RES 217 60 BET SYNG INN rine eene 50 Lens 61 ER 52 Leveling 1 22 45 Licensed Features 124 198 210 Lis

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