| First ARRI Alexa delivered in the Netherlands |
 Today the first ARRI Alexa camera arrived in the Netherlands at Cam-a-lot rental house. It has some big changes compared to the prototype we tested a month ago and finally we are allowed to write about it. Here the first impression of the camera. In this model we found the following formats: ProRes 422 HQ ProRes 4444 THe HD output(s) give single and dual link 4:2:2 en 4:4;4 in extended and legal mode. Everything has a max frame rate of 30fps except for the HD 4:2:2 dula link, which also runs up to 60 fr/sec. All ouputs are 1.5Gig, 3Gig will be in future updates. The HD output can also deliver T-link (ARRI RAW) signal but we had no recorders to test it yet. Gamma options are REC709 and LogC, which is the uncorrected output. We have checked the ProRes material on a Barco DP90 projector and could clearly see the difference between 4:4:4 /4:2:2 noiselevels. The image was nice and clean, beautiful subtle colors and the camera is able to compress the image very well within the REC709 space. Always details in clouds etc. The viewfinder was much improved and has a crisp image, nice controls (like zoom and whitebalance), on the viewfinder that effect only the viewfinder and not the monitor output. Also a better viewing angle if you move your head around. It also came with an viewfinder extensions set to put it on the back of the camera with a suport to the oConner or ARRI heads. Nice detail! Bootup time of the camera is around 15 secs and formatting a card is less then 10 secs. Only the time between pressing the REC button and the real moment of recording is a bit slow. The menu is, bright en perfect readable in sunlight and interiors. Adjustable brightness for screen and buttons. The white print on the buttons is very hard to read and might need a black marker... Everything within the menu is simple and easy to access. Lots of direct access buttons for the most used functions like FPS/WB/Shutter/ISO There are also plenty of user buttons to setup it up in a personal way. The body feel small and sturdy and has plenty of mounting options and connectors. It came with a small foam pad for shoulder use but you really need some extended grips to the front because the camera is pretty far back on the shoulder. The balans is OK but not prefect. It can be powered by 12 and 24 volt batteries, because you can connect power to the plug as well as on the Vlock it does hot swapping without powering down. Our 12v Vlock batteries became very hot, the camera draws about 75 watts and is screaming for 24volt systems. De SXcards are quick to copy and it is a joy to watch the ProRes 4444 instantly. IN 4444 mode you can record 2x 15 minutes on each card. The camera looks like most other ARRI camera's and even for people with a fear of 'button 'it should be an easy camera to handle. My conclusion remains that it is another step forward in digital land and ARRI delivered a really nice multipurpose camera. On my list are further testing of the ARRI RAW output and comparisons between REC709 and LogC shooting. |
