ARRI News September 2009 - ARRI Media

04 Camera
A New ARRI Digital
ARRI is announcing a new range
of digital cameras that will
redefine digital production.
While our engineers have
developed a new and unique
technology platform,
we have carefully looked at
current market requirements for
digital motion picture cameras,
analyzed our experience with
the D-21 and discussed future
applications with prominent
industry insiders. The result is a
comprehensive digital camera
system based around a new
CMOS sensor with unsurpassed
sensitivity and dynamic range.
k The Camera Line-up
The new range of cameras will provide a
compact, lightweight and affordable tool
set to address every level of the broadcast
and feature film markets. The three camera
models will be in a price range from 50,000
to 130,000 Euros. The two entry level
models utilize a 16:9 area from the sensor
and are complemented by the ARRI EVF,
the most advanced electronic viewfinder
on the market. The high-end camera will
continue ARRI’s tradition of offering a 4:3
sensor and a rotating mirror shutter linked
to an optical viewfinder. A number of recording
options, including several unique
and innovative on-board solutions, have
been designed specifically with modern
workflows in mind to provide the greatest
versatility both on the set and in post-production.
k Camera Features
As the result of our extensive market research,
we have identified image performance,
workflow efficiency and product
quality as the most important features for
our new digital camera system.
First and foremost, all three cameras deliver
an unequalled base sensitivity of
800+ EI equivalent and a spectacular
wide exposure latitude. High sensitivity
and a wide exposure latitude not only
allow greater flexibility and efficiency
on the set, they also reduce effort and
cost during post production. The three
cameras also share the same gentle,
organic look of the D-21. The use of a
single 35 format CMOS sensor provides
the same depth of field as 35 mm film
cameras while allowing the use of all 35
mm PL mount lenses.
While image performance is a crucial
factor, work speed and budget are also
greatly affected by how well the cameras’
outputs integrate with post production.
To ensure the most effective and flexible
workflow from the set to post, all three
cameras provide a generous number of
output signals and methods, including
on-board recording options, as well as
multiple live HD and ARRIRAW outputs.
The ARRIRAW features build on the
wide spread industry support for the
ARRIRAW Partner Program.
Last but not least, these new cameras are
endowed with a whole range of high quality
characteristics for which ARRI is famous. This
includes a first rate viewing system, an extremely
robust and reliable build, thoughtful
ergonomic design and simple and safe operation.
To ensure that the cameras withstand
even the most extreme environmental conditions,
our unique thermal concept includes
completely sealed electronics.
k The ALEV III Sensor
At the heart of the cameras is the new ALEV III
sensor, which is used in all three cameras.
It is a 35 format single sensor, Bayer mask
CMOS device with a 3.5k pixel count, the
same film-like look and image sharpness as
the D-21, a spectacular base sensitivity of
800+ EI equivalent and an unprecedented
exposure latitude. To create a sensor with
such qualities, a number of novel approaches
had to be invented by ARRI engineers on the
pixel, sensor and signal-processing levels.