ARRI ups write speed for ALEXA cameras

Amsterdam – ARRI has created a high speed mode that allows ALEXA and ALEXA Plus cameras to run from 60 to 120 fps, using newly released Sony 64 GB SxS PRO cards that offer a write speed more than two times faster than the current 32 GB cards.

This was in response to feedback from end users and the rapid take-up of the ARRI ALEXA camera system on professional productions of all kinds.

The 120 fps feature will become available with the upcoming release of ALEXA Software Update Packet (SUP) 5.0 and the appearance on the market of Sony’s new 64 GB SxS PRO cards (SBP-64A). Like the ALEXA anamorphic de-squeeze feature, 120 fps functionality can be activated with the purchase of a license.

Each license is coded to a particular camera and can be enabled by copying the license to an SD card and loading it into the camera. Licenses can also be disabled, allowing rental facilities total control over which cameras are sent out with the High Speed mode.

ALEXA’s high speed mode can record slow motion images to 64 GB SxS PRO cards using all codecs up to ProRes 422 HQ. The 64 GB cards also allow ProRes 4444 filming at up to 60 fps in Regular Speed mode. High Speed mode retains ALEXA's unique high image performance.