ARRI ALEXA SXT Studio Basic Camera Set

ARRI's ALEXA SXT (Super Xtended Technology) cameras represent the next exciting step in the continuing evolution of the ALEXA family.

Ever since its launch, the ALEXA system's fundamental advantage has been its unique combination of the highest overall image quality with the most efficient workflows on set and in post. Based on extensive market feedback, the ALEXA SXT line of cameras further improves upon those qualities, raising the widely-accepted gold standard set by ALEXA still higher.

Features:

• Easy in-camera ProRes 4K recording
  • ProRes 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
  • ProRes 4K Cine (4096 x 2637)
• Improved image quality
  • Completely overhauled image processing chain
  • Advanced pixel correction
  • Optional noise reduction
• New Looks and smoother workflow
  • 3D Look-up Tables, ASC Color Decision List, Rec 2020 gamma
  • Matches current ALEXA images, but provides basis for radically different looks
  • Improved on-set preview, more efficient dailies and faster final grading
  • Same tools for ALEXA SXT, ALEXA Mini & AMIRA
• Super flexible on-set monitoring
  • Three fully independent HD-SDI outputs

Future Proof Images for 4K, HDR, WCG, & HFR

ALEXA offers the great overall image quality with their SXT cameras. For content producers who are increasingly concerned about compatibility with next-generation standards for deliverables and displays, there is no better choice than the ALEXA SXT. By striking a  balance between pixel size and resolution, ALEXA SXT is able to produce beautiful images in HD, 2K, 4K UHD or 4K Cine, while also delivering the highest dynamic range of any camera on the market (at time of release), with 16-bit in-camera processing.

It is therefore  suited to the creation of content for emerging HDR (High Dynamic Range) display technologies. Since ALEXA SXT records a WCG (Wide Color Gamut) signal larger than any current displays can show, its images are ready for new color space standards like Rec 2020. In addition, the ability to record at up to 120 fps in full image quality means that HFR (High Frame Rate) approaches to enhancing viewer experience can also be easily accommodated

(14) In-Camera Recording Formats

ALEXA SXT offers (14) different in-camera recording formats, seven of which are completely new. All sensor modes can now be recorded in ARRIRAW or ProRes. Whatever the budget, intended market, resolution requirements, aspect ratio, lens choices or post production plans, there is an ideal ALEXA SXT recording format to ensure easy operation on set and a seamless image pipeline.

Here are the highlights:

16:9 ProRes 4K UHD

The easiest and fastest path to the best 4K UHD image, offering the immediacy and speed of ProRes in the UHD distribution standard of 3840 x 2160 pixels. 

Open Gate ProRes 4K Cine

A format unique to SXT cameras; it not only provides the cine standard of 4096 pixels across, but allows for VFX markers or up/down repositioning in post through the extra height of 2636 pixels. 

6:5 ProRes 2K Anamorphic

The most economical path to the best overall 2K image quality with anamorphic lenses. The camera creates a ready-to-view ProRes file in the 2K DCI delivery format (2048 x 858), so no debayering, cropping, rescaling or de-squeezing is needed in post. 

6:5 ProRes 4K Cine Anamorphic

The most economical path to the best overall 4K image quality with anamorphic lenses. The camera creates a ready-to-view ProRes file in the 4K DCI delivery format (4096 x 1716), so no debayering, cropping, rescaling or de-squeezing is needed in post.

4:3 ProRes 2.8K

Popular for spherical 16:9 or 1.85:1 shows (marked with red dotted rectangle below), this format provides extra height for VFX tracking markers and repositioning in post. It has the immediacy and speed of ProRes, plus a lower data rate than Open Gate and works with smaller image circle than Open Gate.

Open Gate ProRes 3.4K

Designed for those who want the maximum image area and pixel count from a Super 35 ALEXA (3424 x 2202) in combination with the immediacy and speed of ProRes.

16:9 ARRIRAW 3.2K

The largest number of pixels that can be processed at 120 fps (3168 x 1782). Use the full image area with ARRI Super 35 PL mount lenses, or gain extra room for repositioning, stabilizing and tracking when using lenses with an image circle covering a 2.8K image area.

NOTE: The 3.2K recording formats require an illumination circle of 29.95 mm and the Open Gate formats require an illumination circle of 33.50 mm from the taking lens. While most ARRI Super 35 lenses cover 3.2K, some wide angle lenses will not cover the full Open Gate. ARRI provided a Lens Illumination Guide to help you determine which lens covers which sensor mode and target aspect ratio.

Suited to True Anamorphic

Anamorphic cinematography produces a widescreen look that has long been appreciated by filmmakers and audiences worldwide. The unique tall sensor of ALEXA cameras maximizes resolution when using anamorphic lenses and ensures that the distinct optical qualities of those lenses are rendered faithfully in the digital image. Since ALEXA's sensor has almost exactly the same dimensions as a 35 mm film image, anamorphic lenses maintain their field of view. With the new sensor modes (6:5 and 8:9) and the option to record and monitor squeezed or de-squeezed images, the ALEXA SXT system presents the perfect solution for anamorphic productions.

6:5 Sensor Mode

For the most efficient recording and post-processing of anamorphic images, the 6:5 sensor mode has been introduced. Dividing the CinemaScope aspect ratio of 2.39:1 by the lens' horizontal squeeze factor of two results in a 1.195:1 image area, which can also be expressed as 6:5. The 6:5 sensor mode captures only the image area needed by anamorphic lenses for a 2.39:1 deliverable. In contrast to the old 4:3, this allows higher frame rates, avoids loss of resolution in ProRes recordings and results in fewer post-processing steps for ProRes and ARRIRAW.

8:9 Sensor Mode

For productions intended for 16:9 HD or UHD TV distribution, the 8:9 sensor mode is the best option when shooting with anamorphic lenses (from ALEXA SXT Software Update Package 3.0).

Retain the Look from Prep to Post

ALEXA SXT incorporates a completely new look management architecture, offering total control of looks from preproduction through post in order to protect and share the cinematographer's creative intentions. ARRI offers a FREE Color Utility to create ARRI Look File 2 (ALF-2) and allow creation of looks compatible with the ARRI ALEXA Mini and AMIRA. With all look information stored in the metadata of recorded files, this new system enables live grading on set, as well as automated dailies and editing with looks. Early and wide adoption of the system by third parties ensures that the desired look is maintained throughout a smooth workflow, no matter what your preferred grading, dailies or editing tools. 

Live Grading On Set

ALEXA SXT cameras can replace a LUT box on set. Live grading to fine-tune the cinematographer's look on set is already supported by Pomfort LiveGrade, Codex Live, Colorfront On-Set Live, and others in progress.

Automated Dailies

The ALF-2 look file is always stored in metadata, so dailies and editing proxies that show the same look as was seen on set can be generated automatically and fast. This is supported by DaVinci Resolve, Colorfront OSD, Codex Production Suite, Pomfort Silverstack, and others in progress.

Editing with Looks

Non-linear editing programs such as Avid Media Composer, Apple Final Cut Pro X and Adobe Premiere Pro can apply looks from metadata automatically, allowing the editor to see the same look as was seen on set and in dailies. ARRI wrote an ALEXA SXT Look Management White Paper PDF, if you want more detailed information on this topic. 

Monitor on Set WYSIWYG

While images recorded with ALEXA have been High Dynamic Range (HDR) since 2010, ALEXA SXT can be used with the latest HDR monitors to allow monitoring of HDR images on set. This is ensure your creative intent of a scene is appropriately represented on both SDR and HDR displays, without the audience’s attention being distracted when bright elements or strong colors within the frame become too prominent in HDR. 

Monitoring is possible with the ALEXA SXT in standard or High Dynamic Range (HDR), as well as Rec 709 or Rec 2020. Rich metadata is recorded into every format and the new ARRI look management maintains, protects and shares the cinematographer's look on set, in dailies creation and in editing.

Four independent monitoring outputs (EVF-1 and three MON OUTs) cater to the needs of different crew members. Each output has completely independent settings such as image processing, surround view, status info, peaking and false color. Be sure to review the graphic representing how four independent monitoring outputs might be used on set.

The color range captured by ALEXA (ALEXA Wide Gamut) far exceeds the ability of current displays. ALEXA SXT can provide an independent display color space for each MON OUT, either the HD standard of Rec 709 or the new UHD standard of Rec 2020. 

You can also capture better frame grabs in all sensor modes. The frame grabs include the image area of the recording format without any frame lines, status info, peaking or false color superimposed. The source of the frame grab can be freely assigned: either as a .jpeg, .tif or .dpx from one of the three monitor outputs (MON OUT 1, 2 or 3) or as a .ari from a step earlier in the processing chain where the image is available in ARRIRAW in the full resolution of the recording format. 

Improved Image Quality

A completely overhauled image processing path provides additional improvements to the ALEXA best overall image quality. Developed in-house, the ARRI Noise Reduction (ANR) is a mild noise reduction that avoids the artefacts of most other such attempts. An advanced defect pixel correction will provide cleaner images. Projects that are time-sensitive can now create burned-in looks with the full power of 3D Look Up Tables (LUTs).

Single Speed Mode

Switching between normal and high speed mode is a thing of the past with ALEXA SXT cameras, as all frame rates can be chosen directly in one single speed mode.

Media Bay Drive Update

ALEXA SXT cameras can accept a wide range of media, including the new, high-performance SXR Capture Drives, with the use of an adapter. The faster processing capabilities allows faster frame rates for most recording formats than were possible with ALEXA XT cameras, and the addition of RAID technology brings additional safety through Redundant recording to XR and SXR Capture Drives. 

It now accepts:

• XR and SXR Capture Drives
• SxS PRO and SxS PRO+ cards
• CFast 2.0 cards

NOTE: Verify current recording media compatibility with ARRI's Supported Recording Media Overview.

The new SXR Capture Drives represent the next generation of professional solid-state media for ALEXA SXT and ALEXA 65 cameras. Sophisticated selection of memory, careful manufacturing processes and a modern, robust housing design make these the most reliable media on the market. Their lightning-fast maximum write speed of 20 Gb/s allows for higher maximum frame rates with some recording formats, while the 1 TB (red collar) or 2 TB (blue collar) capacity permits longer recording times. The new drives are accompanied by a new SXR Capture Drive Dock (TB). 

ALEXA On Set

ALEXA is simple to operate, and everything about its design ensures that you get a good image, no matter what. Its user interface has been specifically developed to be easy to learn and quick to operate. The camera's hardware is designed for most ergonomic use on the set, including the built-in shoulder cut-out, large number of accessories like the Low Mode Support LMS-3, the Remote Control Unit RCU-4 or the Wireless Compact Unit WCU-4, down to little details like differently shaped extrusions (eyebrows) above some buttons so the operator can feel the button’s position from the other side of the camera or when shooting in low light.

ALEXA cameras are part of a long heritage of cameras from ARRI. This manufacturer states they are very familiar with the sometimes horrid conditions their cameras must endure in the field. ALEXAs are built rugged and reliable with a sealed electronics compartment, a unique cooling system, plus the most stable lens/sensor mount that German engineering could devise.

Rugged Hardware

The camera's electronics are housed in a sealed compartment in the center of the body. The heat generated is transported via heat pipes to a radiator located in a ventilation shaft at the back of the camera. A single, silent and slow running silent fan cools the radiator. This system ensures effective, active cooling of the sensor and processing boards even in the hottest climates. At the same time it protects the electronics, thereby rendering the camera splash and dust proof.

To further improve the legendary stability of the ARRI lens mount, ALEXA's stainless steel lens mount is attached to a stainless steel distance barrel, which itself is attached to the sensor mount. The whole unit is then attached to the camera body. By creating a fixed link between lens and sensor (all the orange parts in the second drawing), a super stable flange focal depth is ensured - even if strong mechanical influences are applied to the lens mount, such as when a heavy zoom lens is not properly supported. Using stainless steel ensures minimum material expansion or contraction during temperature changes.