Arri Unveils Alexa 35 Xtreme, Introduces Arricore Codec
The upgraded camera system offers greater high-speed capability, a new codec and extended pre-recording times.
Just released from Arri as an improvement upon the Alexa 35, the Alexa 35 Xtreme delivers frame rates of up to 660 fps, eliminating the need for secondary high-speed cameras on most shoots. These enhanced capabilities are enabled by a new main processor, which is equipped with more and faster on-board memory. Frame rates up to 330 fps retain the camera’s full 17 stops of dynamic range, and a new Sensor Overdrive mode allows frame rates up to 660 fps at a dynamic range of 11 stops.
The Alexa 35 Xtreme is complemented by Arricore, a new RGB codec designed to deliver the camera’s image quality at a more accessible cost by reducing data rates. To ensure users' ease of transition, Arricore is compatible with existing on-set and postproduction Alexa 35 workflows. This compatibility includes support for Arri Look File ALF4, Arri Textures, metadata handling, MXF wrapper and audio processing. Most third-party tools that already support the current Alexa 35 codecs will also support Arricore. In a statement, Arri announced that it is launching Arricore in beta, aiming "to actively engage users and drive rapid enhancement of its capabilities through direct feedback."
The Xtreme extends pre-recording times by about five times longer than the Alexa 35, helping to simplify high-speed capture and especially catering to documentary-filmmaking demands. The camera's pre-recording time is 30 seconds when shooting 24-fps Apple ProRes 4444 in the highest resolution (4.6K Open Gate), or a full five minutes when shooting 24-fps Apple ProRes 422 HQ in HD.
Additional improvements include 10-percent power savings over the Alexa 35, as well as improved wireless connectivity to accessories and tools such as the Arri Camera Companion App, through compatibility with the WiFi 5 GHz band, WiFi roaming in a mesh network, and auto-reconnect to previously-known networks.
The Xtreme retains the compact housing of the Alexa 35, as well as all connectors and mechanical interfaces, ensuring compatibility with Arri's ecosystem of electronic and mechanical accessories. This includes lens mounts, brackets, handles, the Audio Extension Module AEM-1, Power Distribution Module PDM-1, Camera Companion App, Hi-5 and Live Production System LPS-1, as well as the Codex Compact Drive 2TB, 1TB and Express 1TB.
The Xtreme will be available in sets that include either a Base license or a Premium license. Existing feature licenses for the Alexa 35 Base can also be applied to the Alexa 35 Xtreme Base, offering additional functionality on a weekly, monthly, yearly or permanent basis. The pricing for Alexa 35 Xtreme sets and licenses will remain consistent with current Alexa 35 prices.
Arri will provide its services to upgrade any Alexa 35 Base, Alexa 35 Premium or Alexa 35 Live camera to an Alexa 35 Xtreme. An upgrade can be applied at select Arri Service Centers and will retain any installed licenses. Alexa 35 Xtreme cameras and upgrades will be available from August 2025.
Watch a guided tour of the Alexa 35 Xtreme:
For more information, visit Arri's website.
