ARRI introduces the new Alexa 265, a compact film camera with 65 mm sensor

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

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

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

Feedback from Alexa 65 users made the drastic reduction in form factor a design priority for the Alexa 265, but also determined the focus on image quality. Filmmakers wanted to retain the 6.5K resolution and high pixel pitch, but were interested in higher dynamic range and better low-light performance. Therefore, a complete new revision of the 65mm sensor was developed for 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 new generation LogC4 workflow and 3D LUTs introduced for Alexa 35 are now shared with Alexa 265, which records ARRIRAW in-camera on the Codex Compact Drives used in all current ARRI cameras. Standard drive readers and docks can be used, as well as Codex HDE (High Density Encoding), reducing file size by up to 40% without reducing image quality. On-set monitors can be set to HD or UHD, displaying SDR or HDR, or both. ARRI is updating its SDK to ensure that Alexa 265 images are compatible with leading third-party software tools.

A unique filter cartridge system

A differentiating feature of the Alexa 265 is its filter cartridge system, which allows special filter trays, encapsulated in a protective cartridge, to slide in front of the sensor. Arri FSND filters 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 pipeline. A coded chip in the filter tray transmits information about any filters that have been inserted; this information is available on the user interface and is also recorded in the camera’s metadata for use on set and in post.

Images from the Alexa 265 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 colours, with more subtle tonal variations. Skin tones are rendered in a natural and flattering way, while highly saturated colours and challenging colours, such as pastels, are shown with incredible realism. All Alexa 265 and Alexa 35 cameras share colour balancing, which simplifies colour grading, and the Alexa 265’s advanced LED calibration streamlines virtual production and LED volume work.

Alexa 265 will be available in early 2025.