Introduction
The ARRI Amira is a specialized camera for news, documentary, and Electronic News Gathering (ENG) work. It combines professional ARRI image quality with a shoulder-mounted design and integrated monitoring, enabling single operators or small teams to work independently – particularly valuable in fast-paced documentary shooting.
History & Development
ARRI developed the Amira in response to the need for a more manageable alternative to the Alexa for documentary work and smaller productions. In 2015, the Amira Premium followed, offering expanded recording modes and ARRIRAW support. In 2020, firmware update 6.0 was released, introducing Log C4 and improved HDR workflows. Production concluded in 2022 with a focus on the Alexa Mini LF series.
Practical Use in Film
The Amira primarily established itself in documentary and TV production. Joachim Trier used it for handheld sequences in "Thelma" (2017), while the BBC deployed it as standard for nature documentaries. Its shoulder mount and intuitive menu system allow for quick setups without additional camera personnel. The internal ND filter stages (0.6/1.2/2.1) eliminate the need for external matte boxes in available light situations. Its low noise level, below 20dB, makes it ideal for interviews and wildlife recordings.
Comparison & Alternatives
Unlike the modular Alexa Mini, the Amira features an all-in-one design with a permanently integrated monitor and recorder. The Sony FX9 began to supersede it as a preferred ENG camera from 2019, but it does not offer the same color science. While the Amira is limited to Super35, the Alexa Mini LF allows for full-frame capture. For budget productions, the Canon C300 Mark III offers comparable features but does not achieve the Amira's typical image quality in available light.
Technical Specifications
Sensor & Resolution
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Sensor Type | ALEV III CMOS (Super 35mm) |
| Sensor Size | 23.76 × 13.365 mm |
| Resolution (Max) | 3200 × 1800 Pixels (3.2K) |
| Resolution (HD) | 1920 × 1080 Pixels (Full HD) |
| Photosite Size | 7.41 μm |
Exposure & Dynamic Range
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Native ISO | 800 (nominal) |
| ISO Range | 160 - 3200 (14+ stops across the full range) |
| Dynamic Range | 14 stops |
| Color Depth | 10-bit (ProRes) / 12-bit (ARRIRAW) |
| Format | Resolution | Max. Frame Rate | Codec |
|---|
| UHD 4K | 3840 × 2160 | 30 fps | ProRes 4444 XQ |
| 3.2K (Open Gate) | 3200 × 1800 | 48 fps | ProRes / ARRIRAW (with license) |
| HD | 1920 × 1080 | 200 fps | ProRes / XDCAM |
| 2.8K (ARRIRAW) | 2880 × 1620 | 48 fps | ARRIRAW (with license key) |
Recording & Media
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Formats | ProRes LT, 422, 422 HQ, 4444, 4444 XQ, XDCAM MPEG-2, ARRIRAW (optional) |
| Storage Medium | 2 × CFast 2.0 (Hot-swap capable) |
| Internal Storage | 240 GB SSD (as cache/backup) |
| Data Rate (ProRes 422 HQ HD) | ~200 Mbps |
| Recording Time | ~30 minutes (256GB CFast, ProRes 422 HQ HD) |
Optics & Mount
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Lens Mount Options | PL (Standard), EF Mount Adapter, B4 Broadcast Adapter |
| Focus Assist | Peaking, False Color, Zebras, Vectorscope, Waveform Monitor |
| Follow Focus | 3-Pin Fischer or USB interface possible |
Display & Monitoring
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Integrated Monitor | 4" LCD Display (180° flip) |
| Monitor Resolution | 800 × 480 Pixels (VGA) |
| Monitoring Functions | False Color, Peaking, Waveform, Vectorscope, Histogram |
| External Video Out | HD-SDI (1080i/p or 720p), USB-C |
Physical Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Weight (Body only) | 2.3 kg |
| Weight (with viewfinder) | 3.1 kg |
| Weight (complete camera set) | ~4.1 kg |
| Weight (with battery & media) | ~5.3 kg |
| Dimensions | 310 × 380 × 195 mm (with monitor) |
| Body Material | Magnesium Alloy |
Power Supply & Operation
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Power Supply | 14.4V Gold Mount or V-Mount Batteries |
| Power Consumption | 60-80 W (depending on recording mode) |
| Battery Life | Up to 3 hours continuous recording |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +45°C |
| Storage Temperature | -40°C to +60°C |
Other Specifications
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Shutter Type | Electronic Shutter (variable opening time) |
| Shutter Range | 1.8° - 357° |
| Frame Rate Range | 1-200 fps (depending on format) |
| Integrated ND Filters | 0.6 (2 stops), 1.2 (4 stops), 2.1 (7 stops) |
