User Guide ARRI ALEXA Printed on 21 June, 2010
All rights reserved The system contains proprietary information of ARRI; it is provided under a license agreement containing restrictions on use and disclosure and is also protected by copyright law. Reverse engineering of the system is prohibited. Due to continued product development this information may change without notice. The information and intellectual property contained herein is confidential between ARRI and the client and remains the exclusive property of ARRI.
Contents 1 Disclaimer 4 2 Scope 7 3 What's New In This Version 7 4 ALEXA Images 8 5 Introduction to ALEXA 5.1 6 7 8 10 How to Read This Manual ..................................................... 11 Safety Instructions 12 6.1 Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications ................... 12 6.2 General Safety Instructions ................................................... 12 6.3 Specific Safety Instructions ...................................................
II Contents 9 Installation of The Camera 24 9.1 Minimum Equipment Recommended For Operation ......... 24 9.2 Tripod and Remote Heads..................................................... 24 9.3 Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 .................................................. 25 9.3.1 Viewfinder Cables .................................................................. 26 9.3.2 Viewfinder Mounting Bracket ............................................... 26 9.4 Center Handle CCH-1 ..................
12.1.3.3 USER........................................................................................ 47 12.1.4 Homescreen ............................................................................ 48 12.1.4.1 Lists and User Lists ................................................................ 50 12.1.4.2 FPS........................................................................................... 51 12.1.4.3 SHUTTER ................................................................................
4 DisclaimerHow to Read This Manual 1 Disclaimer Before using the products described in this manual be sure to read and understand all respective instruction. The ARRI ALEXA is only available to commercial customers. The customer grants by utilization that the ARRI ALEXA or other components of the system are deployed for commercial use. Otherwise the customer has the obligation to contact ARRI preceding the utilization.
Disclaimer How to Read This Manual 5 In the case one or all of the foregoing clauses are not allowed by applicable law, the fullest extent permissible clauses by applicable law are validated. ARRI is a registered trademark of Arnold & Richter Cine Technik GmbH & Co Betriebs KG. Note: This product and the accessories recommended by the manufacturer fulfill the specifications of the European Directive 2004/108/EC (15th December 2004).
2 Scope This instruction manual applies to the following ARRI ALEXA hardware, software and firmware versions: ARRI ALEXA basic camera with ARRI EVF-1 Camera software packet: 1.
8 ALEXA ImagesHow to Read This Manual 4 ALEXA Images Figure 1: Camera right side Figure 2: Camera left side Figure 3: Camera top
ALEXA Images How to Read This Manual 9
10 Introduction to ALEXAHow to Read This Manual 5 Introduction to ALEXA ALEXA is a 35 format film-style digital camera made by ARRI, the world leader in professional cinematographic imaging. It combines leading edge digital technology with film camera features that have been refined over the more than 90 years of ARRIs history. The result is a camera that allows classic cinematographers to shoot digitally without the need for a excessive training when transforming from film.
Introduction to ALEXA How to Read This Manual 11 ALEV III sensor The ALEV III sensor has a horizontal pixel count of 3.5K resulting in true 2K resolution. It covers the full Super-35 format and it provides a latitude of more than 13.5 stops at a base sensitivity of 800 ASA. The result is a superior image quality. The sensor temperature is kept stable by a Peltier element to ensure optimum image quality under all operating conditions.
12 Safety InstructionsExplanation of Warning Signs and Indications 6 Safety Instructions Any violation of these safety instructions or non-observance of personal care could cause serious injuries (including death) to users and affiliates and damage to the equipment or other objects. 6.1 Explanation of Warning Signs and Indications Indicates a possible risk of injury or damage to the equipment Indicates the risk of electric shock or fire danger that could result in injury or damage to the equipment.
Safety Instructions 6.
14 Safety InstructionsSpecific Safety Instructions • If the sensor cover glass has been contaminated by solid dirt or grease, special optical cleaning kits should be used for dirt removal under very high care! If the contamination cannot be removed, the camera should be taken to an ARRI service center for cleaning.
General Precautions Storage and Transport 15 7 General Precautions 7.1 Storage and Transport • To prevent damage to the optical filters and the sensor, a protective cap must be on the lens mount receptacle while no lens is attached. • All cables have to be unplugged from the camera when it is transported or stored inside a camera case. • Do not store the camera in places where it is subject to extreme temperatures, direct sunlight, high humidity, severe vibration, or near strong magnetic fields. 7.
16 General PrecautionsCondensation • In ambient temperatures above 30°C/86°F and/or humidity above 60%, always attach the air-drying cartridge to the PL-Mount of the camera when not in use. This not only applies to storage, but also to shooting breaks and situations when the camera remains without an attached lens for an extended time. • MAKE SURE THE SILICA BOTTLE IS SECURELY FASTENED.
Power Supply 8 Power Management 17 Power Supply • Only use recommended power supply solutions. • Manipulation of power supplies can result in severe damage to the equipment and humans, including death. ALEXA accepts an input voltage range from 11 to 34 V DC. The camera can be powered through the BAT connector or can be quipped with battery adapters accepting V-Mount or Gold mount batteries. The power supply should deliver an output of more than 90 W to power the camera sufficiently.
18 Power SupplyBAT Connector 8.2 BAT Connector The BAT connector of ALEXA is a Fischer 2-pin socket located on the bottom back of the camera right side. The socket accepts power cables KC-20S and KC-29S. The cables can either be connected to the mains unit NG 12/26R or to 24V Cine-style batteries with three-pin XLR outputs. Figure 4: BAT connector 8.3 Mains Unit NG 12/26 R Use of the mains unit is recommended for shooting in the studio and when using electronic accessories with high power consumption.
Power Supply Onboard Batteries 19 Available from ARRI is the battery CINE VCLX/2 battery (280 Wh) with charger. To connect the battery to the camera: • Ensure that the main switch on the camera is off. • Plug the battery cable KC-20S or KC-29S (spiral cable) into the power supply socket on the camera and the battery 28 V output socket. Note: When the battery voltage drops below the warning level, the BAT1 level in the camera display will start flashing.
20 Power SupplyV-Mount Batteries Anton Bauer Gold Mount batteries and ID-X V-Mount batteries transmit their remaining capacity to the camera, which is displayed in percent on the Homescreen of the camera display. For these batteries, the user does not need to set the battery warning level due to the communication between the camera and the battery. 8.6 V-Mount Batteries V-Mount batteries are available from a number of manufacturers.
Power Supply Gold Mount Batteries 21 • Move the battery upwards and remove it. Figure 5: ALEXA with BAB-V and V-Mount battery Note: Not all V-Mount batteries deliver enough power to supply the camera. We recommend to not use any batteries with a capacity of less than 90 Wh to prevent damage to the battery and unpredictable camera behaviour. Any camera-battery combination should be tested prior to use, especially when accessories are powered through the camera. 8.
22 Power SupplyGold Mount Batteries • Make sure it is connected correctly and sits tight. Releasing the battery • When facing the battery, move the lever located on the left side of the mount down. • Move the battery left, then pull it towards you and remove it. Figure 6: Camera with BAB-G and Gold Mount battery Note: Not all Gold Mount batteries deliver enough power to supply the camera.
Power Supply 8.8 Power Outputs 23 Power Outputs The camera has three power outputs for accessories, 2x 24 V and 1x 12 V. Figure 7: 24 V outputs (RS) and 12 V output 8.8.1 12 V Accessories The 12 V output is located on the right side of the camera. It has a 2-pin LEMO connector and can supply a device with a current of up to 3 A, depending on the camera power supply. 8.8.2 24 V Accessories The two 24 V outputs are located on the right side of the camera.
24 Installation of The CameraMinimum Equipment Recommended For Operation 9 Installation of The Camera 9.1 Minimum Equipment Recommended For Operation • ARRI ALEXA body including DTE-SxS module and lens adapter PL mount (LA-PL-1) • EVF-1 electronic viewfinder • VMB-1 viewfinder mounting bracket • KC 150-S viewfinder cable short 0.35m/1.
Installation of The Camera 9.3 Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 25 Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 The EVF-1 employs an LCOS imaging device together with a temperature stabilized LED light source to provide an accurate and bright view of the sensor image under all operating conditions. The viewfinder is calibrated to match the image of the camera's HD outputs. The image area of the EVF-1 has a size of 1280x720 pixels.
26 Installation of The CameraElectronic Viewfinder EVF-1 9.3.1 Viewfinder Cables The viewfinder cables are unidirectional with a male plug to connect to the camera and a female plug to connect to the EVF. Cables are available in the following lengths: Model Length Purpose (m / ft) KC-150-S 0.35 / 1.2 For use of EVF-1 on camera left side in handheld mode KC-151-S 0.65 / 2.1 For use of EVF-1 on camera right side or when using Viewfinder Extension Bracket VEB-1 KC-152-S 2.00 / 6.
Installation of The Camera Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 27 It can be flipped over by first removing the cap at the end of the side adjusting rod, then removing the rod itself and inserting it into its mount from the other side. Note: This is not possible with the standard EVF cable KC-150-S. Instead, cable KC-151S is needed.
28 Installation of The CameraElectronic Viewfinder EVF-1 The viewfinder extension bracket VEB-1 extends the mounting point of the EVF further back. It can be attached to a tripod head for use with geared heads or greater comfort when using fluid heads. The VEB-1 has a standard attachment point for the ARRI eyepiece leveler EL-3.
Installation of The Camera 9.4 Center Handle CCH-1 29 Center Handle CCH-1 The center handle CCH-1 is attached to the camera top with 3 screws, two at the front and one at the back. Make sure the screws are well tightened with a 3mm allen key. The center handle extension mounts to the front end of the CCH-1 and adds one more focus hook to the camera.
30 Installation of The CameraCamera Side Handle CSH-1 9.5 Camera Side Handle CSH-1 The CSH-1 is used in conjunction with a BAT-V or BAT-G battery top mounting adapter. It is attached to the camera with 3 screws, two at the front and one at the back. Make sure the screws are tightened firmly with a 3 mm allen key. Figure 13: CSH-1 Figure 14: Camera with CSH-1, side view 9.6 Bridge Plate BP-12 The bridge plate BP-12 has been newly developed for ALEXA.
Installation of The Camera 9.7 Bridge Plate adapter BPA-1 31 Bridge Plate adapter BPA-1 The bridge plate adapter BPA-1 can be used to attach a BP-5/BP-8 to ALEXA. First attach the BPA-1 to the camera with the two screws. Then attach the BP-5/BP-8 to the adaptor with its two screws. Make sure the screws are tightened firmly with a screwdriver. 9.8 Leveling Block LB-1 The leveling block LB-1 attaches to the bottom of the ALEXA back foot.
32 Installation of The CameraShoulder Pad SP-3 Note: The SP-3 can only be used with a BP-12 and 19 mm rods or with 15 mm rods and a WA-1+quick-release base plate. When using the BPA-1 with a BP5/BP-8, the bridge plate has to be removed prior to attaching the SP-3.
Connectors 10 Shoulder Pad SP-3 33 Connectors Camera back Figure 17: Connectors at back From top to bottom: MON OUT, RET/SYNC IN, EXT, REC OUT 1&2, BAT, ETHERNET Camera right Figure 18: Connectors on right side From left to right, top to bottom: 2x RS (24 V) out, AUDIO OUT, TC, 12V out, AUDIO IN, SD CARD (camera bottom)
34 ConnectorsShoulder Pad SP-3 Camera left Figure 19: Camera left: SxS slots Top to bottom: SxS slot 1, SxS slot 2 Camera front Figure 20: Camera front connector EVF connector
Connectors BAT 35 10.1 BAT The BAT connector can be used to power the camera from an external power source with cables KC-20S and KC-29S. It is located on the camera back lower right. 10.2 REC OUT 1&2 The REC OUT consists of two BNC plugs capable of carrying 1920x1080 1.5G HD-SDI signals with frame rates from 23.976 to 60 fps according to SMPTE standards 274M, 292M and 372M. It is located on the camera back mid right. 10.3 RET/SYNC IN This BNC connector is currently not in use.
36 ConnectorsEthernet 10.6 Ethernet Regular Ethernet connectors do not deliver the durability and reliability required by ARRI, so ALEXA uses a 10-pin LEMO connector. An special cable, available from ARRI (model KC-153-S), is required to connect the Ethernet socket to a standard RJ-45 Ethernet socket. It is located on the camera back lower right. 10.7 EVF The EVF connector is used to connect to an EVF-1 electronic viewfinder.
Connectors TC 37 10.11 TC The TC connector is a 5pin LEMO socket. It accepts and distributes LTC time code signals. It can be used to • Jam sync the camera to a Clockit, TC Slate or another camera • Transmit the camera's time code to Clockit, TC Slate or another camera • Tune the camera crystal oscillator's frequency with an Ambient ACC Clockit Controller It is located on the camera right lower front. 10.12 3.5mm TRS connector The 3.5mm TRS connector is currently not in use.
38 ConnectorsSxS 10.14 SxS The SxS slots on the left side of the camera are currently not in use. Make sure the door is always closed to prevent dirt and moisture from entering the camera.
Optics Lens Adapter PL Mount LA-PL-1 (no LDS) 39 11 Optics ALEXA is equipped with an exchangeable lens mount. By using different adapters, not only PL-mount lenses are supported, but a wide range of Cine and still photo lenses. Note: Lenses must cover an image circle of at least 30 mm diameter to eliminate the risk of vignetting 11.1 Lens Adapter PL Mount LA-PL-1 (no LDS) The lens adapter LA-PL-1 is the standard lens mount delivered with ALEXA. It can be used to attach any PL-mount lens to the camera.
40 OpticsLens Support Figure 21: PL mount LA-PL-1 with index pin 11.2 Lens Support Heavy lenses may require additional lens support. This guarantees that the flange focal depth is not influenced by the lens weight and reduces stress on the lens mount. To support a lens, use 15mm or 19mm rods and a fitting lens bridge. 15mm rods can be directly inserted into the camera housing. 19mm rods require a bridge-plate with 19mm rod support (BP-12 or BP-5/BP-8 + BPA-1).
Optics Lens Support 41 When the bridge is in the right position on the rods, it is fixed with the screw or lever on its side. It is attached to the lens support ring with its center screw. The lever on the back of the lens bridge fixes the height of the center screw.
42 User interfaceLens Support 12 User interface Structure The camera user interface consists of three parts: • Main UI: Located on the camera right side. Consists of a 3" LCDscreen with screen buttons changing their behaviour depending on the screen content, a jogwheel to navigate through menus and adjust parameters and a range of function buttons with dedicated behaviour. • Operator UI: Located on the camera left side.
User interface Main UI 43 12.1 Main UI The main UI can be used to set all camera parameters. Figure 23: Main user interface 12.1.1 Display The LCD display on the right side has a diameter of 3" and a resolution of 400x240 pixels. The display is back illuminated and transflective which results in exceptional contrast even in bright sunlight. The brightness of the display can quickly be adjusted by simply turning the jogwheel when the Homescreen is displayed.
44 User interfaceMain UI Operations that cannot be reversed and can result in the loss of data require the simultaneous pressing of two buttons to prevent them from accidental use. 12.1.3 Function Buttons The following function buttons are available on the main UI: • ON/OFF: Press shortly to switch the camera on. To switch off the camera, the button must be pressed for several seconds. In the Homescreen, a countdown is displayed.
User interface Main UI 45 − Rec Run: is currently without use as the camera cannot record internally. − Free Run: TC is running free in real time. Only possible if sensor fps matches Project fps (=TC timebase) • Counter: − Regen: Rec Run TC is regenerated from the last valid recorded TC value. − Jam sync: Ext LTC can only be jam synced. This means that the external TC source is connected to the camera, then the camera read the external TC count and continues counting on its own.
46 User interfaceMain UI USER BITS The content of the User binary group in the time code. Can contain 8 letters of Hex values (0-9, A-F). Press the SET UB screen button to adjust the User Bits values. Figure 25: User bits screen 12.1.3.2 INFO System Info The first info page contains information on the current state of the camera system. If no info is displayed, everything behaves normally. Messages can either contain a warning or an error message.
User interface Main UI 47 Version Info • Firmware: version number of the camera firm- and software packet • EVF serial number • EVF firmware: version number of the EVF firmware. Figure 26: Version info screen 12.1.3.3 USER By pressing the USER button the User screen is loaded where the screen buttons can be assigned with user defined functions. The upper three screen buttons of the User screen mirror the behaviour of the three assignable buttons on the camera left side (labeled 1, 2, 3).
48 User interfaceMain UI By pressing the lower mid EDIT screen button, a screen opens where the functions can be assigned to the buttons. Figure 27: User screen Assign functions to the buttons by using the jogwheel. Figure 28: Edit User Button assignment 12.1.4 Homescreen Figure 29: Homescreen The Homescreen is the default screen of the main UI. It shows the most important camera parameters and gives quick access to changing them through the screen buttons.
User interface Main UI 49 Following parameters are displayed: • Sensor Fps: Currently set frame rate of sensor, adjustable from 0.750-60.000 fps. • Shutter Angle: Currently set shutter angle of sensor, adjustable from 5.0-358.0°. Shutter Angle and sensor fps determine exposure time of the sensor in seconds by the following equation: 1/(360*Fps/Angle) • Exposure Index: Currently set exposure index rated in ASA. ALEXA has a base sensitivity of 800 ASA, the camera rating can be adjusted from 160-1600 ASA.
50 User interfaceMain UI 12.1.4.1 Lists and User Lists The Homescreen screen buttons FPS, SHUTTER, WB (White Balance) and EI (Exposure Index) open lists that contain preconfigured values for the respective setting. Except for EI, all lists are user lists where the user can store a selection of his preferred settings for quick access. To select a preset, turn the jogwheel until the selection bar is on the desired value and press the jogwheel.
User interface Main UI 51 12.1.4.2 FPS Pressing the FPS screen button opens the Fps user list. It contains the default framerates 23.976, 24.000, 25.000, 29.970, 30.000, 48.000, 50.000, 59.940 and 60.000 fps. The user can store a selection of his preferred fps settings for quick access. To select an fps preset, turn the jogwheel until the selection bar is on the desired value, then press the jogwheel again.
52 User interfaceMain UI Note: It is not possible to delete a list completely. When the last list entry is reached, deletion is disabled. Figure 32: Delete fps list entry If the sensor fps is linked to the REC OUT frame rate, a message appears instead of the list. While this setting is active, sensor fps can only be changed by changing the REC OUT frame rate. To change this setting, press the REC OUT screen button to access the REC OUT menu screen and set "Link sensor fps" to "Off".
User interface Main UI 53 The REC OUT is the recording output path. It is connected to an external recorder where the images are stored. Its frame rate can only be set to standard speeds.
54 User interfaceMain UI • All frame rate settings should be correct now. 12.1.4.3 SHUTTER Pressing the SHUTTER screen button in the Homecreen opens the Shutter user list. By default, shutter angles 11.2, 22.5, 45, 90, 172.8, 180, 270 and 358 are contained in the list. Figure 34: Shutter list To add a new entry to the list, press the ADD button. This opens the Set shutter screen. In this screen, the new list entry can be set with the jogwheel.
User interface Main UI 55 Press the DELETE button to delete list entries. Entries must first be selected with wheel. Deletion must be confirmed by pressing the two lower screen buttons simultaneously. Note: It is not possible to delete a list completely. When the last list entry is reached, deletion is disabled. Figure 36: Shutter list delete screen 12.1.4.4 EI The Exposure Index is the applied sensitivity of the camera.
56 User interfaceMain UI At high ASA ratings like 1600 ASA, the images behave the opposite way. Noise is increased, which makes it important to judge the dark parts of the image, while the clipping behaviour will be even smoother. Figure 37: Exposure Index screen 12.1.4.5 WB White Balance adjusts the color balance of the camera according to the lighting in use. Typical presets are 3200K for Tungsten, 4300K for Fluorescent and 5600 for Daylight.
User interface Main UI 57 If the list lacks the required setting, press the ADD screen button. This opens a screen where the desired setting can be set. Either use the jogwheel to set the desired value, or additionally use the screen buttons for bigger adjustment steps. When the desired value is set, press the wheel to add the value to the list. Note: A maximum of 16 entries is supported by the list.
58 User interfaceMain UI White balance and color compensation should be adjusted only with the help of appropriate equipment. This can either be a color meter or a vectorscope together with a calibrated grey card. List values no longer required can be deleted by pressing the DELETE screen button. this opens a screen where the values desired for deletion can be selected with the jogwheel. To delete the selected value, press the two lower outer screen buttons simultaneously.
User interface Main UI 59 12.1.5 Menu The menu contains parameters for the basic camera setup. It has a tree structure and the current path in the menu is displayed in the top section of every screen. To access a new menu level, select the group with the jogwheel and press the jogwheel. This will open the next level. To go one level back up, press BACK. A parameter has its value displayed at the right part of the screen. Select it with the jogwheel and press the jogwheel to edit it.
60 User interfaceMain UI Figure 43: MENU>RECORDING REC OUT The camera has two HD-SDI outputs that carry the camera image to be recorded with external recording devices. • HD-SDI format: Select the format that is used to transmit images. See following table for format details. Format Links Used Image Raster Sampling Structure Color Mode Possible Frame Rates (fps) 422 1 1920x1080 4:2:2 YCbCr 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, 30 422 1.5G DL 2 1920x1080 4:2:2 YCbCr 48, 50, 59.
User interface Main UI 61 − Legal: Uses values 64-960. − Extended: uses values 5-1019. Results in about 10% more steps. Note: Check which mode your recorder supports. If you set the camera to extended, but your recorder only supports legal, you will end up with clipped images! • Link sensor fps: If set to "On", the sensor will always follow the REC OUT frame rate setting. This ensures no frames are dropped on the output.
62 User interfaceMain UI Figure 45: MENU>MONITORING Electronic Viewfinder • Brightness: Select the brightness of the EVF. A level of 5 is recommended for normal circumstances. • White point: Sets the color temperature of the EVF. Default is 6500K. Can either be matched to the white point of other monitoring devices on set, or to match the white point of the illumination source.
User interface Main UI 63 Figure 46: MENU>MONITORING>EVF MON OUT The MON OUT is a 422 1.5G single link HD-SDI output. The output range is fixed to legal range. • Frame rate: The MON OUT frame rate can be set to 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 or 30 fps. The frame rate should, if possible, match the sensor frame rate to avoid frame drops or duplicate frames on the output, which would result in jittering images when image content is moving. • Scan format: Defines how images are transmitted. − P: Progessive.
64 User interfaceMain UI • Frame lines: Frame lines are a reference for framing that typically consist of an image frame, a center cross and an aspect ratio reference. See the appendix for more information on the ALEXA frame line format. • Status info: At the upper and lower edge of the MON OUT image, additional status info can be overlayed to the image. The upper area contains camera image parameters, the lower area contains camera status infos.
User interface Main UI 65 Figure 48: MENU>MONITORING>FRAMELINES Manage Frame Lines • Load frame lines from SD: Loads all frame lines contained on the SD card to the camera. • Reset to default frame lines: Deletes all frame lines in the camera and then loads the ARRI default frame lines. • Delete camera frame lines: Deletes all frame lines currently stored in the camera.
66 User interfaceMain UI 12.1.5.3 Project • Project fps: Currently determines only the timebase of the time code. Figure 49: MENU>PROJECT The timebase of the time code determines how many frames the time code counts per second. 12.1.5.4 System Contains groups of system settings. Figure 50: MENU>SYSTEM Power • BAT1 (Plug) warning: The level at which a power warning is exhibited for the power source connected to the BAT plug. Can be adjusted to match the used battery type.
User interface Main UI 67 Note: At a level 10% below the set warning level, a battery error is emitted. this means that the power source is treated as insufficient to power the camera any further. Figure 51: MENU>SYSTEM>POWER Display • Display brightness: Set the brightness of the camera right side LCD display. The brightness can also be adjusted when the Homescreen is active by turning the jogwheel. • Button brightness: Set the brightness of the button illumination.
68 User interfaceMain UI System Clock/Date Set date and time of the camera to match your current location. Figure 53: MENU>SYSTEM>CLOCK/DATE External Sync Two ALEXA cameras can be synced on their sensor readout so their images are created at exactly the same time. Choose between "Off" for single camera mode, "Master" for the master camera and "Slave" for the slave camera. Cameras must be connected via EXT-CC cable.
User interface Main UI 69 • Current version: Release code of currently installed firmware. Figure 55: MENU>SYSTEM>FIRMWARE 12.1.5.5 User Setups In this section the user can store the current setup to the SD card or load previously stored setups from the SD card. An SD card must be present in the camera to perform these operations. Only complete camera setups can be stored or loaded! Note: It is recommended to create a default starting setup to load into any new camera you work with.
70 User interfaceOperator UI 12.2 Operator UI The operater UI is located on the camera left side and consists of three function buttons plus three assignable buttons. • 1, 2, 3: The assignable buttons (labeled 1, 2, 3) can be assigned with functions through the USER button on the main UI. • REC: Currently not in use. • PLAY: Currently not in use. • LOCK: long pressing of the button locks the main and the operator UI. LED indicates if lock is active. Long pressing again deactivates the locking.
User interface EVF UI 71 Note: This only works when the Recording gamma is set to Log C (no matrix). If the Recording gamma is set to REC709 video, the EVF gamma is always set to Video. 12.3.1 Viewfinder EVF menu Pushing the EVF button opens a menu in the EVF display to set the viewfinder parameters. Select the setting to be changed with the jogwheel, press the wheel and set it to the desired value. Press again to confirm. To quit the menu, press the EVF button.
72 User interfaceEVF UI • Select frame lines: Choose a frame lines file from those stored in the camera. Note: Switching surround view ON and frame lines OFF is a dangerous combination, as there is no indication in the EVF image that it shows more than is recorded, which can lead to framing errors. 12.3.2 Viewfinder CAM menu Pressing the CAM button on the EVF opens the cam menu. The settings displayed in the upper section of the viewfinder can be adjusted.
Appendix In this appendix Camera Dimensions 73 Camera Accessory List 74 ARRIRAW 77 ALEXA Frame Lines 78 ALEV III Sensor Specification 81 12.
A.1 Camera Accessory List The following accessories from ARRI are fully compatible with ALEXA.
Others • monitors: • spare parts: cable KC-153S • transport: HDM-7 HD onboard monitor SFM-1 spare fan module, SD card 2GB, Ethernet ALEXA case For further information on these accessories and availability, please visit the ARRI website: www.arri.com, contact an ARRI sales agent (find your nearest through the ARRI website) or contact the camera service: cameraservice@arri.
Overview
12.5 ARRIRAW ARRIRAW is the name of raw data from ARRI cameras. Raw data is the sensor image data before it is converted to RGB images. As ALEXA has a single sensor with a Bayer pattern color filter array, this means that every pixel only has information of one color channel. With normal HD images, the missing color channel information is calculated from the adjacent pixels in the camera.
A.2 ALEXA Frame Lines ALEXA frame lines are stored as XML files. A standard set of frame lines is stored in the camera. Additional frame lines can be loaded from the SD card to the camera. Once the idea behind the frame lines system is understood, personal frame lines can be created with little effort. Description The different sections in the file are: • camera: describes the camera that the frame lines file is made for.
XML example The best way to understand the frame lines system is by looking at an example. The following example describes a frame lines file for a 2.35 centered aspect ratio inside the cameras 1.78 recorded image. 0.46355 0.5 0.50868 4 user 0.50868 0.5 0.46335 4 user 0.5 0.43519 0.51543 4 user 0.5 0.51543 0.
A.3 ALEV III Sensor Specification Pixel pitch: 8.25 µm Active pixels (including surround view): 3112x1782 Image pixels (recorded area only): 2880x1620 Image size after downscale: 1920x1080 Recorded aperture: 23.76x13.365 mm Image aperture (incl. surround view): 25.674x14.
13 Index 1 12 V ...................................................................... 36 12 V Accessories .................................................. 23 E EI .......................................................................... 55 Electromagnetic Interference................................ 15 Electronic Viewfinder ............................................ 62 Electronic Viewfinder EVF-1 ................................. 25 Ethernet ..........................................................
Monitoring ............................................................. 61 O Onboard Batteries................................................. 19 Operator UI ........................................................... 70 Optics.................................................................... 39 V Viewfinder Cables................................................. 26 Viewfinder CAM menu .......................................... 72 Viewfinder EVF menu ...........................................
