ARRI Alexa 35 XTREME camera rental: speed and efficiency

Alexa 35 XTREME rental is designed for productions that need high frame rates and an optimized workflow without giving up the Alexa 35 REVEAL look. XTREME keeps the features of the original ALEXA 35 while adding key upgrades: up to 660 fps (format dependent), the new RGB codec ARRICORE, and a pre-record buffer up to five times longer—up to 5 minutes depending on format.

The camera follows the same Base and Premium model approach, keeping set and license pricing consistent. Licenses purchased for ALEXA 35 remain valid on XTREME, making it easy to upgrade your camera fleet without additional software costs. Our technical team can advise on the best license and configuration for your post workflow.

• Faster main processor and optimized memory for high-speed recording.
• New RGB codec ARRICORE for premium quality with lower data rates.
• Redesigned cooling and around 10% lower battery consumption.
• Improved dual-antenna Wi‑Fi with 5 GHz support and better roaming.

Alexa 35 XTREME: one camera for main unit and high-speed

The idea behind ARRI Alexa 35 XTREME is simple: higher efficiency and less need to rent a second dedicated high-speed body. Your A‑camera can also be your high-speed camera, which means:

• Lower costs by avoiding an extra high-speed camera rental.
• Color continuity and a consistent workflow with the same REVEAL color science.
• Easier postproduction matching between normal speed and high-speed shots.

While Alexa 35 XTREME can reach up to 660 fps, it is not intended to replace ultra high-speed cameras such as Phantom Flex 4K for extreme applications. In those cases, consider dedicated high-speed camera hire.

Alexa 35 XTREME rental in Madrid, Málaga, Seville, Barcelona and Bilbao

We manage Alexa 35 XTREME rental in Madrid, Málaga, Seville, Barcelona and Bilbao with office pickup or direct delivery to set across Spain and Portugal. For a full overview of our services, visit our camera rental page. We also support international productions looking for a local partner with proven experience in ARRI camera rental.

ARRICORE codec on Alexa 35 XTREME: high quality at lower data rates

ARRI introduces the new codec ARRICORE with Alexa 35 XTREME, available only on XTREME bodies (or cameras updated to XTREME). While ARRIRAW delivers maximum image quality, many productions need premium quality with significantly lower data rates. With XTREME's added processing power, this becomes a practical, efficient option—helping faster offloads and smoother shooting days.

ARRICORE is a next-generation RGB codec: the camera performs debayering internally and then encodes and compresses the signal, offering:

• High image quality with strong postproduction flexibility.
• Data rate roughly half of ARRIRAW and slightly lower than ProRes 4444.
• Fast proxy generation (half or quarter resolution).
• Key parameters (EI, white balance, tint) remain adjustable in post.

ARRICORE embeds metadata in the file header within an MXF container, aligned with SMPTE RDD 61 and RDD 55. With the ARRI SDK, third-party tools like FilmLight and Blackmagic can integrate decoding for professional color and finishing workflows.

For maximum frame rates, a Codex Compact Drive 2 TB is recommended (1 TB reduces maximum rates slightly). In return, record times can roughly double compared to ARRIRAW and download times can be cut significantly, while maintaining Alexa 35 workflow compatibility.

In summary, ARRI now offers three integrated codecs: ARRIRAW, ARRICORE and Apple ProRes.

Extended pre-record on Alexa 35 XTREME

Thanks to additional processing power and expanded memory, Alexa 35 XTREME offers pre-record up to five times longer than the original ALEXA 35 when using ProRes and ARRICORE.

For high-speed shooting, pre-record is essential to avoid capturing large amounts of irrelevant footage before the action. XTREME can deliver around 30 seconds in ProRes 4444 Open Gate at 24 fps, and up to 5 minutes in ProRes 422 HQ HD at 24 fps (without audio).

This places Alexa 35 XTREME among cinema cameras with the longest pre-record times on the market—ideal for high-speed work as well as wildlife, sports or unpredictable documentary situations where you cannot repeat the action.

Sensor Overdrive mode on Alexa 35 XTREME

ARRI adds Sensor Overdrive on Alexa 35 XTREME Premium, cutting sensor readout time in half to achieve extreme frame rates: 165 fps in 4.6K Open Gate, up to 240 fps in 3.8K 2.39:1, and up to 660 fps in 2K.

This mode is available only with the ARRICORE codec. In Sensor Overdrive, native ASA is 1600 and exposure index is limited between 800 and 6400, with a maximum shutter of 340°. To reach these rates, effective dynamic range is reduced to around 11 stops, compared to 17 stops in standard mode.

Sensor Overdrive on Alexa 35 XTREME works best on sets with controlled lighting. If the desired speed is available without Overdrive, ARRI recommends using standard mode to maintain maximum dynamic range. Our camera team can help you decide which mode to use based on your scene.

Improved Wi‑Fi and lower power consumption

Alexa 35 XTREME improves efficiency with around 10% lower power draw, translating to roughly 10% more battery life—helpful on long location days or when running wireless accessories and monitors.

ARRI has also significantly improved the Wi‑Fi system:

• Support for 5 GHz band and better performance on 2.4 GHz.
• Wi‑Fi roaming for mesh networks and automatic reconnection to known networks.
• List of remembered networks and signal strength display.
• Automatic adjustment to maximum legal power based on router-detected region.

The camera retains its compact body and all connectors, maintaining compatibility with the ARRI accessory ecosystem: lens mounts, supports, handles, AEM‑1 audio module, PDM‑1 module, Camera Companion App, Hi‑5, LPS‑1 system and Codex Compact Drive 2 TB, 1 TB and Express 1 TB units. At Camaleon Rental we can integrate Alexa 35 XTREME into complex cinema, multi-camera or remote production setups.

Updated recording formats on ARRI Alexa 35 XTREME

ARRI simplified recording formats based on real-world usage (around 60% in Open Gate) and removed less-used modes, as well as internal resolution reduction and decompression. Now there are only eight recording formats, where sensor mode matches recorded resolution exactly. This simplifies on-set configuration and reduces mistakes.

All recording modes are the same for ARRIRAW, ARRICORE and Apple ProRes:

4.6K 3:2 Open Gate Alexa 35 XTREME

Maximum image quality, maximum resolution and maximum postproduction flexibility with spherical and anamorphic lenses. The image area is larger than traditional Super 35 film, so not all S35 lenses cover it. This is the mode with the highest data rate, recommended for high-budget projects seeking maximum reframing and VFX margin.

4.6K 16:9 Alexa 35 XTREME

Uses the full sensor width in 16:9, compatible with many Super 35 spherical lenses and all large-format lenses, offering extra margin for reframing and stabilization. Data rate lower than 4.6K 3:2 Open Gate, very balanced for series, commercials and indie film.

4K 16:9 Alexa 35 XTREME

Format designed for projects with spherical lenses and final delivery in 16:9 or 1.85:1 with 4K Cinema resolution (4096 px horizontal). Offers some extra area for repositioning or stabilization and maintains a sensor area similar to traditional spherical Super 35, very familiar to cinematographers used to film.

3.8K 16:9 (UHD) Alexa 35 XTREME

Aimed at projects with spherical lenses and final delivery in 16:9 UHD. This is the 4K format with the lowest data rate and smallest image circle, maximizing compatibility with S35 lenses. Ideal for television productions, premium documentary and platform content.

3.3K 6:5 Alexa 35 XTREME

Designed for projects with Super 35 2x anamorphic lenses and final delivery 2.39:1. Eliminates the need to crop Open Gate and meets 4K requirements, respecting the classic character of anamorphic lenses.

2K 16:9 S16 Alexa 35 XTREME

Format aimed at achieving maximum frame rate with or without Sensor Overdrive activated. Approximates traditional Super 16 film format, so many S16 lenses cover it. Very useful for creative high-speed and projects seeking a more organic look.

HD 16:9 S16 Alexa 35 XTREME

Same maximum speed as 2K 16:9, but in native HD, ideal for live production or strictly HD workflows without rescaling. Also close to traditional Super 16 format, highly valued in documentary and television.

FAQs: ARRI Alexa 35 XTREME rental

What are the main benefits of Alexa 35 XTREME vs Alexa 35?

Alexa 35 XTREME keeps the same image quality and REVEAL color science as Alexa 35, while adding a faster processor, optimized memory, redesigned cooling, around 10% lower power consumption, improved Wi‑Fi and the new ARRICORE codec. It also allows speeds up to 660 fps and a pre-record buffer up to five times longer, making it more efficient for high-speed shoots.

Where can I rent Alexa 35 XTREME with Camaleon Rental?

You can rent Alexa 35 XTREME through our offices in Madrid, Málaga, Seville, Barcelona and Bilbao. We also deliver equipment anywhere in Spain and Portugal, and support international productions shooting in the Iberian Peninsula.

What types of productions is Alexa 35 XTREME recommended for?

Alexa 35 XTREME is ideal for narrative film, TV series, commercials, premium documentary and any shoot combining standard speed with high-speed shots. Thanks to ARRICORE codec and Sensor Overdrive mode, it is especially interesting for action scenes, sports, wildlife and VFX, while maintaining an efficient postproduction workflow.

What are the differences between ARRIRAW, ARRICORE and ProRes on Alexa 35 XTREME?

ARRIRAW offers maximum possible quality and is the standard for large productions needing full postproduction latitude. ARRICORE is a next-generation RGB codec with very high quality and data rate roughly half of ARRIRAW, ideal for high-speed and efficient workflows. Apple ProRes remains a widely adopted format with excellent quality, exposure parameters fixed on set, and broad support in most editing software.

Does Alexa 35 XTREME replace an ultra high-speed camera like Phantom Flex 4K?

No. While Alexa 35 XTREME can record up to 660 fps in 2K and offers very long pre-record times, it is not designed to replace dedicated ultra high-speed cameras like Phantom Flex 4K for extreme applications. For projects requiring even higher frame rates or very specific uses, it is advisable to combine it with high-speed camera hire solutions.

What does a typical Alexa 35 XTREME rental package include?

A typical Alexa 35 XTREME rental package can include camera body, lens mount, Codex Compact Drive, cinema lenses (Super 35 or large format), viewfinder, batteries and chargers, follow focus, shoulder support, matte box and wireless control accessories. At Camaleon Rental we configure the package according to your shoot's specific needs and budget.

How do I request a rental quote for Alexa 35 XTREME?

You can request an Alexa 35 XTREME rental quote by contacting our team via email at hello@camaleonrental.com or by phone at +34 913 40 78 97. Share shoot dates, locations, project type and what additional equipment you need (lenses, audio, grip, stabilizers) and we will send you a tailored proposal.

Summary: ARRI Alexa 35 XTREME rental with Camaleon Rental

ARRI Alexa 35 XTREME rental in Madrid, Málaga, Seville, Barcelona and Bilbao with Camaleon Rental gives you direct access to an evolution of the successful ALEXA 35, designed for high-speed, data efficiency and full compatibility with the ARRI ecosystem. With ARRIRAW, ARRICORE and ProRes, extended pre-record, Sensor Overdrive and improved Wi‑Fi connectivity, Alexa 35 XTREME meets the needs of the most demanding productions without sacrificing the reliability and color science that have made ARRI a global cinema standard.

As specialists in ARRI camera rental, we can integrate Alexa 35 XTREME into complete camera, lighting and grip packages, also adding high-speed camera hire solutions when your project requires it.

Explore our camera rental catalog from our offices in Madrid, Málaga, Seville, Barcelona and Bilbao.