MUNICH, GERMANY – Arri (www.arri.com) has introduced the Alexa Super Xtended Technology (SXT) camera line, which represent the next step in the continuing evolution of the Alexa family. The SXT cameras are based on the popular Alexa, but also offer ProRes 4K recording, improved image quality, color management tools and three fully independent HD-SDI outputs.
With in-camera recording of ProRes 4K UHD (3840x2160 pixels) and ProRes 4K Cine (4096x2637 pixels), SXT cameras are well suited for productions that need 4K UHD TV or 4K DCI cinema deliverables. The new models keep the 3.4K ALEV III sensor of previous Alexas and add electronics from Arri's Alexa 65 camera. These electronics combine the latest generation of FPGA processors with a fast internal backplane and form the basis of a completely-overhauled image processing chain, advanced pixel correction and optional noise reduction. Like the XT models, the SXT cameras retain the Open Gate, 4:3 and 16:9 sensor modes, which can be recorded in ArriRaw or ProRes.
The three fully independent HD-SDI outputs allows for a Log C image to shown to the director, a clean Rec 709 image to be fed to a video village, and a Rec 709 image with status information overlays to be displayed on the camera's on-board monitor.
The first SXT cameras are planned for release around mid-2015. The range will consist of the SXT EV, SXT Plus and SXT Studio models, replacing current Alexa XT cameras (though the Classic EV model will remain in the line-up). Alexa XT cameras (except XT M cameras) shipped between January 1, 2015 the first shipment of SXT cameras will be eligible for a full SXT upgrade, free of charge.