The ARRI Alexa Mini is a compact cinema camera featuring the proven ALEV III CMOS sensor, which debuted in the original Alexa. The camera combines legendary Alexa image quality with a mobile form factor for gimbal, drone, and handheld applications.
History & Development
ARRI developed the Alexa Mini in response to the growing demand for more compact cinema cameras for gimbal, drone, and handheld use. Following the success of the original Alexa (2010), the Munich-based company recognized that filmmakers needed the proven image quality in more mobile formats. In 2019, the Alexa Mini LF with a large-format sensor was released, followed in 2021 by the Alexa 35 as a technological successor with an improved sensor and expanded recording modes.
Practical Use in Film
The Alexa Mini quickly established itself in Hollywood productions: "Rogue One" (2016) utilized it for complex fight sequences, and "1917" (2019) for its famous seemingly continuous shots using gimbal systems. Typical workflows include combining it with ARRI Wireless Video Receivers for wireless monitoring and seamless integration into ARRI Lens Data Systems for VFX productions. The Color Science ensures problem-free matching with other Alexa cameras in multi-cam setups. Disadvantages include limited battery life (approx. 90 minutes with standard batteries) and the lack of an integrated viewfinder.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the RED Komodo (1.9 kg), the Alexa Mini offers superior dynamic range but lower resolution. The Sony FX6 excels with longer battery life but does not achieve the color science of the Alexa. Modern alternatives like the Alexa 35 Mini LF offer 4.6K resolution and improved low-light performance. For pure handheld work, the Alexa Mini remains competitive, while for VFX-heavy productions, higher-resolution cameras are often preferred today.
Technical Specifications
Sensor
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Sensor Type | ARRI ALEV III CMOS (Super35) |
| Sensor Size | 23.76 × 13.36 mm |
| Effective Pixels | 3,424 × 2,202 |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Dynamic Range | 14+ stops |
| Native Sensitivity | EI 800 |
| Sensitivity Range | EI 160–3200 |
Recording Formats
| Resolution | Designation |
|---|
| 3424 × 2202 | ARRIRAW Open Gate 3.4K |
| 3200 × 1800 | 3.2K / 4K UHD (upscaled) |
| 2880 × 2160 | 4:3 2.8K |
| 2880 × 1620 | HD |
| 2868 × 1612 | 2K |
| 1600 × 900 | S16 HD |
Recording
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Codecs | ARRIRAW, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ/LT |
| Storage Medium | CFast 2.0 |
| Max. Framerate | 200 fps (2.8K ARRIRAW) |
| Rolling Shutter | 3.2 ms @ 24 fps |
Body & Connections
| Property | Value |
|---|
| Dimensions | 185 × 125 × 140 mm |
| Weight (Body + PL) | 2.3 kg |
| Body | Titanium/Carbon |
| Protection Class | IP54 |
| Operating Temperature | -20°C to +45°C |
| Power Supply | 11.5–34V |
| Integrated ND Filters | 0.6 / 1.2 / 2.1 |
| Lens Mount | Titan PL Mount |
