ARRI 35mm studio camera with swappable magazines and viewfinders for quick reconfiguration between takes. Operates below 18 dBA—silent enough for direct sound recording without interference.
What is the ARRICAM ST?
The ARRICAM ST (2000) – "ST" stands for Studio/Theatre – is ARRI's quietest 35mm film camera and part of the revolutionary ARRICAM system. With an operating noise of under 18 dBA, a fully modular design, and digital integration, it became the gold standard for premium feature film productions in the final era of analog film.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | ARRICAM ST |
|---|---|
| Noise | <18 dBA |
| Weight (Body) | 7.0 kg |
| Frame Rate | 1–60 fps |
| Shutter | 11.2°–180° |
| Registration | ±0.0025mm |
| Mount | PL (LDS) |
| Format | 4-perf / 3-perf |
Key Features
- <18 dBA – World's quietest 35mm camera
- LDS (Lens Data System) – Lens metadata
- Modular Design – Interchangeable components
- 3-Perf/4-Perf – Format selectable
- Digital Control – Full electronics integration
- Excellent Registration – VFX-ready
The ARRICAM System
The ARRICAM system consists of two bodies with interchangeable components:
| Component | ST | LT |
|---|---|---|
| Body | Studio | Lite |
| Magazines | Shared | Shared |
| Viewfinder | Shared | Shared |
| Motors | Shared | Shared |
| Accessories | Shared | Shared |
Advantage: One set of magazines, viewfinder, and accessories works with both cameras.
ARRICAM ST vs. LT
| Feature | ST (Studio) | LT (Lite) |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | <18 dBA | <20 dBA |
| Weight | 7.0 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Max fps | 60 | 60 |
| Strength | Quietest | Lightest |
| Usage | Dialogue, Studio | Steadicam, Handheld |
Typical Workflow: ST for dialogue, LT for movement – same magazines and accessories.
Notable Films
| Film | Year | DP | Usage |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Aviator | 2004 | Robert Richardson, ASC | Primary Camera |
| Batman Begins | 2005 | Wally Pfister, ASC | Dialogue/Studio |
| The Departed | 2006 | Michael Ballhaus, ASC | Dialogue Scenes |
| No Country for Old Men | 2007 | Roger Deakins, ASC | Primary Camera |
| There Will Be Blood | 2007 | Robert Elswit, ASC | Primary Camera |
| The Dark Knight | 2008 | Wally Pfister, ASC | Beside IMAX |
| Inglourious Basterds | 2009 | Robert Richardson, ASC | Primary Camera |
| Inception | 2010 | Wally Pfister, ASC | Dialogue/Studio |
| The Artist | 2011 | Guillaume Schiffman, AFC | Entire Film |
The LDS (Lens Data System)
The ARRICAM introduced the Lens Data System:
Data Captured
- Focus Distance – Meters/Feet
- Aperture – T-Stop
- Focal Length – For zooms
- Depth of Field – Calculated
Applications
- VFX – Automatic tracking data
- Focus Control – Assistant's display
- Metadata – For post-production
- Motion Control – Repeatable settings
Noise Levels Compared
| Camera | Noise |
|---|---|
| ARRICAM ST | <18 dBA |
| ARRI 535B | <19 dBA |
| Panavision Millennium | <20 dBA |
| ARRICAM LT | <20 dBA |
| ARRI BL-4 | <19 dBA |
Context:
- 20 dBA = Quiet rustling of leaves
- 18 dBA = Practically inaudible to the human ear
Typical Configurations
Studio Dialogue
- ARRICAM ST Body
- 300m Magazine
- Zeiss Master Prime with LDS
- Arri Wireless Follow Focus
- HD Video Assist
- Weight: ~14 kg complete
Dolly/Crane
- ARRICAM ST Body
- 300m Magazine
- Master Zoom or Prime
- Preston MDR
- Weight: ~15 kg complete
VFX Setup
- ARRICAM ST Body
- 600m Magazine (for long takes)
- Calibrated Primes
- LDS enabled
- Motion Control Interface
- Weight: ~16 kg complete
Electronics and Control
CCU (Camera Control Unit)
- External control unit
- Frame rate setting
- Shutter control
- Status display
- Error diagnostics
Timecode
- ARRI Code
- SMPTE Timecode
- Integrated Timecode Generator
- Jam Sync via BNC
LDS Interface
- RS-232 Data Output
- Real-time lens data
- Storage on film edge
- VFX integration
Accessories
Magazines
| Type | Capacity | Run Time @ 24fps |
|---|---|---|
| 120m | 400 ft | 4 Min |
| 300m | 1000 ft | 11 Min |
| 600m | 2000 ft | 22 Min |
Viewfinders
- ARRICAM Viewfinder – HD quality
- Swing-Away – Quick film check
- Eyecup – Various sizes
Video Assist
- SD (Standard)
- HD (Upgrade)
- Wireless HD
From ARRICAM to Alexa
The ARRICAM was ARRI's last major film system:
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2000 | ARRICAM Introduction |
| 2005 | D-20 Digital Prototype |
| 2010 | ARRI Alexa Launch |
| 2012 | ARRICAM Production Ceased |
| Today | Film Revival Brings Demand Back |
Today
The ARRICAM ST is no longer in production, but:
- Premium Rental – Available at ARRI Rental and specialist providers
- Film Renaissance – Demand is continuously increasing
- Collectors – Stable value investments
- Service – ARRI continues to provide support
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Used Price | €30,000–€50,000 |
| Rental/Day | €900–€1,200 |
| Availability | Specialized Rental Houses |
| Service | ARRI Worldwide |