From the outset, ARRI developed ALEXA as an upgradeable camera system to remain an enduring investment for years to come. Now established as the gold standard of movie production, ALEXA was the camera of choice for Gravity, winner of Best Cinematography and Best VFX Academy Awards. This is the third year in a row these two categories were awarded to a film captured on ALEXA (2012: Hugo, 2013: Life of Pi). ARRI is proud to announce further enhancements to this camera with ALEXA Software Update Packet SUP 10.0, to be available free of charge in Q3 2014.

We carefully evaluated customer feedback and what would benefit productions to select the following features:

180º Image Rotation
This feature rotates the image 180º in the viewfinder, on REC OUT and MON OUT and sets a metadata flag. The recorded image is not rotated, but can be easily rotated in almost all post software, with some rotating even automatically based on the metadata flag (like the ARRIRAW Converter or Codex software).

This feature allows Steadicam operators to quickly grab a low perspective when flipping the Steadicam upside down. It also supports the ARRI Ultra Wide Zoom UWZ 9.5 – 18 mm lens, since the image is rotated 180º in relation to what most other lenses deliver.

REC OUT = CLEAN MON OUT
This feature brings back a clean REC OUT for those modes where in the past the REC OUT became a MON OUT clone. These modes include high speed, ProRes 2K, 4:3 and Open Gate.

Fast Switch Between Regular and High Speed
Switching from regular speed (0.75 to 60 fps) to high speed (60 to 120 fps) currently takes about 40 seconds – an eternity when the entire cast and crew are ready for the next take. This switching procedure will be optimized for a quicker turnaround.

Open Gate for ALEXA M
Open Gate mode, i.e. recording all available photo sites on the ALEXA sensor, has been available since SUP 9.0 for ALEXA XT, ALEXA XT Plus and ALEXA XT Studio. With SUP 10 we are extending this feature to the ALEXA XT M, after numerous requests from aerial cinematographers worldwide.

About ARRI:
With headquarters located in Munich, Germany, Arnold and Richter Cine Technik (A&R) was founded in 1917 and is the world's largest manufacturer and distributor of motion picture camera, digital intermediate (DI) and lighting equipment. The ARRI Group comprises a global network of subsidiaries and partners that covers every facet of the film industry, including worldwide camera, grip and lighting equipment rental through ARRI Rental; turnkey lighting solutions through the ARRI System Group; lab services, postproduction and visual effects through ARRI Film & TV; and film distribution through ARRI Worldsales. Manufactured products include the ALEXA camera system and AMIRA documentary-style camera; Master Anamorphic lenses; L-Series LED and M-Series HMI lights; Pro Camera Accessories; and ARRISCAN archive technologies. The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has recognized ARRI’s engineers and their technical contributions with 18 Scientific and Engineering Awards. For locations and more information please visit www.arri.com