ARRI’s ALEXA 35 can now be purchased as lower-cost Base model, upgradeable to Premium spec via flexible software licenses. Codex is also releasing new low-cost ProRes-only drives.
To make its ALEXA 35 camera system more accessible for a wider range of users and production types, ARRI has introduced a new entry model and flexible licenses. The existing camera, with all of its software-based features, will now be known as the ALEXA 35 Premium model, and is joined by the new, lower-priced ALEXA 35 Base model, with a core feature set that can be upgraded via temporary or permanent licenses. Costs are further reduced with the new Codex Compact Drive Express for ProRes recording.
In terms of hardware, the ALEXA 35 Base model is identical to the ALEXA 35 Premium model, other than a blue jog wheel that will help identify Base cameras at rental houses. Both models have the same Super 35 sensor, 17 stops of dynamic range, REVEAL Color Science and ARRI image quality. The core features of the ALEXA 35 Base model include ProRes recording up to 60 fps in 4K 16:9 and other formats, ARRI Look File (CDL and 3D LUT) support, Enhanced Sensitivity modes up to EI 6400, and three independent 10-bit monitoring outputs in SDR and HDR colour spaces.
Licensable Features
While the ALEXA 35 Base model feature set currently meets the shooting requirements of many users, ARRI's new feature-licensing option extends the camera’s applications over time. Specialised and higher-end features may be added whenever they are needed and each license can be installed for seven days, 30 days, one year or permanently, fitting in with a short-form job, a longer-term project or a new career direction. The concept of the ALEXA 35 Base model is to adapt and grow with owner-operators, giving them a more accessible route to ARRI image quality and also helping them to progress.
The five individual licenses are '120 fps' for higher frame rates, 'ARRIRAW' for uncompressed image quality, 'Open Gate/Anamorphic' for the full 4.6K sensor area and anamorphic modes, 'Pre-record' for up to 20 seconds of buffered pre-recording before the record button is pressed, and 'Look' for in-camera ARRI Textures, the ARRI Look Library and Custom Colour Management.
With these five licenses installed, a Base model will have the same features as the Premium model. There is also a temporary or permanent Premium License that combines all five individual licenses in an economical bundle. If it is purchased permanently, without any other license having previously been installed, then the customer will have spent no more than the price of a Premium model.
ARRI has made feature licenses available since the ALEXA Mini and AMIRA cameras, but the online ARRI Shop is now much easier to use. A new third-party backend provider has enabled more payment options, including many local currencies as well as PayPal, Google Pay, Alipay, and Amazon Pay. License purchases are no longer restricted to the camera owner, so productions can pay for them as well.
Accessory Sets
In terms of accessories, the ALEXA 35 Base model is available in a choice of eight sets that all bring accessory savings, grouped within three categories – Base Entry Sets, Base Operator Sets, and Base Production Sets. The Entry Sets are the most affordable way to acquire a lightweight, ready-to-shoot camera package and put the ALEXA 35 at a price point comparable to the original ALEXA Mini. Owner-operators and sports productions will find what they need in the Operator Sets, while the Production Sets are suited to entertainment narrative productions and include accessories that would come as standard from a rental house.
At the same time as the ALEXA 35 Base model release, Codex is announcing its new Compact Drive Express 1TB, which has the same write speeds and fps range as the Compact Drive 1TB, but costs about 40% less. Recording only ProRes and identified by a white ring, the Compact Drive Express is a practica match for the ALEXA 35 Base model and will be included in ARRI sales sets, making the camera more affordable both to buy and use.
The ALEXA 35 Base model and Premium model sets are available to order now. They reflect ARRI's longer-term intentions for the ALEXA 35 system platform, for which further upgrades are already being planned. www.arri.com/alexa35
