First camera with ALEV 4 sensor, 4.6K resolution, 17 stops dynamic range, and REVEAL color science.
The ARRI Alexa 35 is the first camera with the completely newly developed ALEV 4 sensor – the first new ARRI sensor in 12 years. With 17 stops of dynamic range, it surpasses all other digital cinema cameras by 2.5 stops compared to its predecessor. It is the smallest fully equipped ARRI production camera with a Mini-like form factor.
History & Development
ARRI introduced the Alexa 35 in April 2022 as the successor to the successful Alexa series, which began in 2010 with the first Alexa. Development took four years, during which ARRI used a completely newly developed sensor for the first time since the original Alexa. Early prototypes were tested by Roger Deakins and other renowned cinematographers as early as 2021. Series production started at the end of 2022, initially only for selected productions due to limited availability.
Practical Use in Film
Netflix's "The Gray Man" (2022, DoP Stephen F. Windon) was among the first productions to use Alexa 35 prototypes. "Oppenheimer" (2023) combined the camera with IMAX film for digital sequences. The improved low-light performance enables night shots without additional lighting. The expanded color space captures subtle skin tones more precisely than previous models. Workflow integration with ARRI Color Science (ACES) speeds up post-production. The limited battery life of 45 minutes during continuous 4.6K recording remains a challenge.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the Alexa Mini LF, the 35 offers higher resolution in Super35 format instead of Large Format. The RED V-Raptor achieves 8K resolution but requires more extensive color correction. The Sony FX9 costs one-third but only delivers 15 stops of dynamic range. For TV productions, the more affordable Alexa Mini is often sufficient, while high-end cinema productions prefer the 35 due to its expanded color space. Large-format productions continue to use the Alexa LF.
Technical Specifications
Sensor (ALEV 4)
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Type | ARRI ALEV 4 CMOS (Super35) |
| Sensor Size | 27.99 × 19.22 mm |
| Max. Resolution | 4,608 × 3,164 |
| Pixel Pitch | 6.075 µm |
| Dynamic Range | 17 stops |
| Sensitivity Range | EI 160–6,400 |
| Color Science | ARRI REVEAL |
| Log Encoding | LogC4 |
1.5 stops more in highlights, 1 stop more in shadows vs. ALEV 3
Recording Formats
| Resolution | Designation |
|---|---|
| 4608 × 3164 | 4.6K Open Gate 3:2 |
| 4K | Various Options |
| 3.3K / 3K | Anamorphic Modes |
| 2.7K / 2K | Downscaled |
19 Recording Formats with in-camera downsampling and anamorphic de-squeeze
Recording
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Codecs | ARRIRAW, ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 422 HQ |
| Max. Framerate | 120 fps |
| Storage Medium | Codex Compact Drives |
| SDI Outputs | 2× independent |
Body
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Weight (Body) | 2.9 kg |
| Integrated ND Filters | Clear, ND 0.6 / 1.2 / 1.8 |
| Lens Mount | PL (LPL optional) |
Comparison to Predecessor (ALEV 3)
| Property | ALEV 3 | ALEV 4 |
|---|---|---|
| Dynamic Range | 14+ stops | 17 stops |
| Resolution | 3.4K | 4.6K |
| Max. ISO | EI 3200 | EI 6400 |
| Period of Use | 2010–2022 | From 2022 |
News
ARRI is expanding the Alexa 35 system with a live variant for multi-camera productions. The Alexa 35 Live was recently used on Shirin David's concert tour, combined with Fujinon Duvo lenses. The system utilizes the ARRI Look Library for consistent image looks across cameras, demonstrating the versatility of the Alexa 35 platform beyond traditional film productions.