User Manual

16 Introduction to the ALEXA SXT Camera System
°
false color exposure check
°
smooth mode for better motion portrayal
°
peaking focus check
°
electronic horizon
°
compare stored image with live image
°
RETURN IN video
•
Well balanced, ergonomic body design
•
Global ARRI service network
ALEXA SXT cameras are part of a long heritage of cameras from ARRI, and we are
quite familiar with the sometimes extreme and nightmarish things our cameras have
to endure in the field. We just have to go into our own service department to see the
carnage. Keeping that in mind, ALEXA SXTs are built to be rugged and reliable with
a sealed electronics compartment, a unique cooling system and the most stable lens/
sensor mount German engineering could devise. A special method of continuously
closing and re-opening container files ensures that very little image data is lost during
a power interruption, and the camera will heal any metadata damage automatically. A
checksum for ARRIRAW ensures safe and fast downloading.
We know what it is like to try to change fps and shutter angle at 4:00 am in the
morning in the rain after a long night's shoot. Professional cameras need to be simple
to operate, and they need to make sure that a good looking image is recorded, no
matter what. For ALEXA we have developed an intuitive user interface that is easy
to learn and quick to operate. The same interface is used on all models of ALEXA,
all with the same on-camera menu, buttons, etc., so there is no learning curve when
using another ALEXA model. Remote control of an ALEXA is possible through the
wireless WCU-4, the cabled and extremely sturdy RCU-4 or through any computer
with the ALEXA Web Remote.
Using internal ND filters allows a rating at the base sensitivity of EI 800 without the
need for external ND filters, even in bright sunlight. ALEXA's Full Spectrum Neutral
Density (FSND) filters offer light attenuation that maintains a neutral color balance at
all densities.
Critically important to camera operators is the viewfinder. Based on our experience
with optical viewfinders, ALEXA's electronic viewfinder provides an exceptionally clear
image with natural skin tones and smooth motion portrayal that is easy on the eye. For
those who prefer optical viewfinders, the ALEXA SXT Studio can be operated with an
optical or electronic viewfinder. The electronic viewfinder includes powerful assistive
displays like surround view, anamorphic de-squeeze, false color exposure check,
smooth mode, peaking and an electronic horizon. In order to check previz footage or
the image from a second camera, ALEXA has a::SPACE SPACE::IN video input, and
when it is critical to perfectly line up a product shot, it is possible to compare a stored
still image with the live camera image.
The hardware of the camera is designed for the best and most ergonomic use on the
set, including a built-in shoulder cut-out, many attachment points on the camera's
precision machined housing and a large variety of accessories. With meticulous
attention to detail we have added many small but helpful design refinements, including
built-in supports for 15 mm lightweight. Additionally, the camera has various extrusions
(eyebrows) above some buttons so the operator can feel the button's position even
from the other side of the camera or when shooting in low light. The same care has
been taken to ensure compatibility with the extensive range of existing accessories.
ALEXAs are well balanced and can be quickly switched from shoulder use to tripod,
crane or Steadicam. They accept a wide range of power input from 10.5 to 34 V DC.
Multiple power sources can be simultaneously connected (with hot-plug capability)
and a smart circuit will automatically switch to the one with the highest voltage.
All ALEXA SXTs are backed by ARRI's global service network, providing a friendly
ARRI service technician accessible 24/5.