Arri Introduces Alexa Mini LF
The compact large-format camera will begin shipping this summer.
Arri has expanded its large-format camera system with the release of the Alexa Mini LF, which integrates the compact size and light weight of the Alexa Mini with the large-format Alexa LF sensor. The camera will begin shipping this summer.
The Alexa Mini LF features three internal motorized FSND filters, 12-volt power input, extra power outputs, a new Codex Compact Drive and a new MVF-2 high-contrast HD viewfinder.
Built for a long life in challenging professional conditions, the Alexa Mini LF features a carbon body and can withstand a temperature range of -4°F to 113°F. Every camera is put through a vigorous stress test before leaving the Arri factory and is then supported by the company’s global service network.
Although the Alexa Mini LF is compatible with almost all Mini accessories, it brings significant enhancements to the Mini camera design. Among them are extra connectors, including regulated 12-volt and 24-volt accessory power; a new six-pin audio connector; built-in microphones and improved WiFi.
Six user buttons adorn the camera’s operating side, and the camera and viewfinder each has its own lock button. User access to the recording media and VF and TC connectors has been made easier.
The Alexa Mini LF allows internal recording of MXF/ArriRaw or MXF/Apple ProRes in a variety of formats and aspect ratios. It is the first camera to feature Codex’s new Compact Drive, a 1TB drive that offers a competitively priced recording solution. With it comes a USB-C Compact Drive Reader that can be used without any extra software or licenses on Mac or Windows computers. In addition, a Compact Drive Adapter can be used in any dock that accepts SXR Capture Drives, an advance that can potentially more than double download speeds.
Another development from Codex now makes large-format shooting a more practical and budget-friendly option: Codex High Density Encoding uses sophisticated, loss-less encoding to reduce ArriRaw file sizes by around 40 percent during downloading or later in the workflow. This lowers storage costs, shortens transfer times and speeds up workflows. HDE is free-of-charge for use with Codex Capture or Compact Drives and fast; ArriRaw Open Gate 4.5K can be encoded at 24fps on a modern MacBook Pro.
At the heart of the new MVF-2 viewfinder for the Alexa Mini LF are the same high-contrast HD OLED display, color science and eyepiece as in Alexa LF’s EVF-2 viewfinder, allowing optimal judgment of focus, dynamic range and color on set. In addition, the MVF-2 features a 4" flip-out monitor that can display the image or the camera-control menu, providing maximum flexibility for different camera configurations. The MVF-2 can be used on either side of the camera and connects via a new, flexible CoaXPress VF cable that has a reach of up to 32' for remote camera operations. It features a refined user interface, a built-in eyepiece lens heater for de-fogging and a built-in headphones connector.
“The Alexa Mini LF is a fantastic addition to our large-format system and will complement the Alexa LF rather than replace it,” says Stephan Schenk, managing director of Arri Cine Technik.
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