ARRI designs the new Alexa 265, a compact cinema camera with a 65 mm sensor

At one-third the size and weight of the Alexa 65 and a revised 65mm sensor, the new Alexa 265 camera comes to complement Alexa's family of cinema cameras. ARRI.

The Alexa 265 It is defined as a new generation 65 mm camera that responds to user feedback from the Alexa 65, its predecessor. The 265 combines a small format with a revised 65mm sensor, delivering greater image quality through 15 stops of dynamic range and improved low-light performance. Featuring the same LogC4 workflow, REVEAL Color Science and accessories as ARRI's next-generation Alexa 35, plus a new filter system, the Alexa 265 aims to make the 65mm “be so easy to use” like any other format.

The body of the Alexa 265 is based on the Alexa 35 and, despite containing a sensor three times larger, it is only 4 mm longer and 11 mm wider. In this way, the Alexa 265 weighs less than a third than the Alexa 65 (3.3 kg versus 10.5 kg), taking advantage of the latest ARRI technologies in cooling and energy management. While the small size and weight of the camera allow it to be used “in shapes never imagined” for a 65mm (from drones and gimbals to the most space-constrained locations) its efficiencies make it faster to work with on set: startup time and power consumption have been improved, and compatibility with the Alexa 35 accessory set opens up many more shooting options. rigging.

Feedback from Alexa 65 users made the drastic reduction in form factor a design priority for the Alexa 265, but it also determined the focus on image quality. The filmmakers wanted to preserve the 6.5K resolution and the big pixel pitch, but they were interested in a highest dynamic range and a better low light performance. Therefore, a complete new revision of the 65mm sensor was developed for the Alexa 265, increasing the dynamic range from 14 to 15 stops and the sensitivity from 3200 to 6400 EI (ISO/ASA), with sharper blacks, higher contrast and lower background noise.

The workflow LogC4 new generation and 3D LUTs Introduced for Alexa 35 are now shared with Alexa 265, which records ARRIRAW on camera to the Codex Compact Drives used in all current ARRI cameras. Standard drive readers and docks, as well as Codex HDE (High Density Encoding), can be used, reducing file sizes by up to 40% without decreasing image quality. On-set monitors can be configured in HD or UHD, displaying SDR or HDR, or both. ARRI is updating its SDK to ensure Alexa 265 images are compatible with major third-party software tools.

A unique filter cartridge system

A differentiating feature of the Alexa 265 is its filter cartridges, which allows special filter trays, encapsulated in a protective cartridge, to slide in front of the sensor. The filters Arri FSND from zero to ND2.7 in one-stop increments will be available with the Arri 265 at launch, and many more creative filter options are in the works. A coded chip in filter tray transmits information about any filters that have been inserted; This information is available in the user interface and is also recorded in the camera metadata for use on set and in post.

Alexa 265 images are processed in-camera using ARRI Reveal Color Science, introduced with the Alexa 35 and also compatible with ARRIRAW images from the Alexa Mini LF. Reveal is a set of image processing steps that together help the camera capture more accurate colors, with more subtle tonal variations. Skin tones are rendered in a natural and flattering way, while highly saturated colors and challenging colors, such as pastel tones, are displayed with incredible realism. All Alexa 265 and Alexa 35 cameras share the color balance, which simplifies grading, and the Alexa 265's advanced LED calibration speeds up virtual production and work with LED volume.

Alexa 265 It will be available in early 2025.