ARRI ALEXA 265: Innovation and 65 mm format future in filmmaking

Introduction Arri Alexa 265 Camera

Technological advancement in the film industry is defined by moments of innovation that transform both the creative process and the technical possibilities. The introduction of the ARRI ALEXA 265 is one such watershed moment, ushering in a new era in large format cinematography. Designed as the successor to the acclaimed ARRI ALEXA 65, this camera introduces a more compact and lightweight design, along with technological innovations that redefine the visual and practical standards of the 65mm format. This paper delves into the technical features, aesthetic implications and cultural impact of this camera, establishing its relevance in the contemporary landscape and its future potential in the industry.

Carlos F. Tejada
Actualizado: 09/12/2024 714
ARRI ALEXA 265: Innovation and 65 mm format future in filmmaking
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ARRI ALEXA 265: Innovation and 65 mm format future in filmmaking


Introduction Arri Alexa 265 Camera

Technological progress in the film industry is defined by moments of innovation that transform both the creative process and the technical possibilities. The presentation of the ARRI ALEXA 265 is one of those watershed moments, ushering in a new era in large-format cinematography. Designed as the successor to the acclaimed ARRI ALEXA 65, this camera introduces a more compact and lightweight design, along with technological innovations that redefine the visual and practical standards of the 65mm format. This paper delves into the technical features, aesthetic implications and cultural impact of this camera, establishing its relevance in the contemporary landscape and its future potential in the industry.


Historical evolution of the 65 mm format

The 65mm format has a long history associated with high-budget film productions of exceptional visual quality. Introduced as an alternative format to the standard 35mm, it was used in classic films such as Lawrence of Arabia y 2001: A Space Odyssey. This format offers higher resolution, wider dynamic range and a level of detail that captures the viewer's attention, creating an immersive experience.

In the last decade, the ARRI ALEXA 65 revitalised interest in the 65 mm format, establishing itself as the tool of choice for renowned filmmakers in projects such as The Revenant y Dune. However, their size and weight presented logistical challenges that restricted their use in smaller productions or with technical limitations.

With the introduction of the ARRI ALEXA 265, the 65 mm format evolves into a more accessible and versatile model, eliminating traditional barriers without compromising the visual quality that characterises it.


Technical characteristics of the ARRI ALEXA 265

The Chamber ARRI ALEXA 265 is positioned as a revolutionary camera thanks to a set of technical features that not only enhance the filming experience, but also boost filmmakers' creative capabilities.

  1. 65 mm sensor
    The heart of the ALEXA 265 is its 65 mm sensor, a completely redesigned version that overcomes the limitations of its predecessor. It offers:

    • 15-stop dynamic range, the new camera is designed to capture details in shadows and highlights with unparalleled precision.
    • Native dual ISO sensitivity ranging from 3200 to 6400, optimising capture in low light conditions.
    • A 6.5K resolution, which provides extremely detailed picture quality suitable for UHD projection and streaming formats.
  2. Compact and lightweight design
    Compared to the ALEXA 65, which weighed 10.5 kg, the ALEXA 265 is significantly lighter at only 3.3 kg. This was achieved through a redesign inspired by the structure of the ALEXA 35, which integrates advanced cooling and power management technologies into a compact body that is just 4 mm longer and 11 mm wider.

    This small size expands the possibilities of use, allowing for drone mounts, stabilisers and space-constrained scenarios. In addition, its portability encourages experimentation with shooting styles previously unthinkable in the 65mm format.

  3. Integrated filter system
    The ARRI ALEXA 265 introduces an innovative filter cartridge system, which improves set efficiency by reducing set-up times. This system allows the insertion of filters ARRI FSND in one-stop increments up to ND2.7, and additional creative filters are expected to be added in future updates.

    Each filter is encoded with a chip that records information directly into the camera's metadata, facilitating management in post-production.

  4. REVEAL Color Science and LogC4 Workflow
    ARRI integrates REVEAL Color Science, a technology introduced with the ALEXA 35, which ensures accurate colour reproduction with smooth tonal transitions. This system is particularly valuable for skin tones and saturated colours, maintaining fidelity in challenging scenarios such as LED lighting or virtual productions.

    The LogC4 workflow, combined with the ability to record ARRIRAW on compact Codex units, simplifies image capture and processing. This includes tools such as Codex HDE, which reduces file size without loss of quality, optimising data management on large-scale productions.


Impact on the film industry

The ARRI ALEXA 265 is not just a camera; it is a paradigm shift in the way the 65mm format is approached. Its affordable design and advanced features expand the range of productions that can benefit from this technology, from big-budget feature films to TV series and commercials.

  1. Democratisation of large format
    While the 65mm format has historically been exclusive to high-end productions, the ALEXA 265 allows more modest productions to access this visual quality. By reducing logistical and technical constraints, it opens up new opportunities to explore narratives that take advantage of the depth and scale of the format.

  2. Refined cinematic aesthetics
    The ability to capture images with superior detail and dynamic range transforms the visual aesthetics of productions. This is particularly relevant in a context where streaming platforms demand 4K and higher quality standards.

  3. Efficiency on the set
    The compact design of the ALEXA 265, along with improvements such as faster start-up times and lower power consumption, streamlines filming processes. This not only reduces costs, but also enhances the creative experience, allowing filmmakers to concentrate on storytelling.


Future perspectives

The ARRI ALEXA 265 sets a standard that will influence the development of future technologies in the film industry. Its success could inspire other manufacturers to explore similar innovations, driving competition and accelerating technological evolution.

Furthermore, integration with emerging technologies such as virtual production and LED volumes underlines their relevance in the context of current industry trends. The ability of the arri cameras ALEXA 265 for capturing high-quality images in these hybrid environments positions it as an essential tool for the cinema of the future.

The ARRI ALEXA 265 represents a milestone in contemporary cinematography, combining the best of the 65mm format with a practical and accessible design. Its launch redefines the creative, technical and logistical possibilities in audiovisual production, ushering in a new era in large-format cinema. With its focus on quality, efficiency and versatility, the ALEXA 265 not only honours the legacy of the ALEXA 265, but it also offers a new era in large format filmmaking ARRI, but also lays the foundation for the future of visual storytelling.

In an innovation-driven industry, the ARRI ALEXA 265 stands out as a symbol of what is possible when technology and creativity combine to push the boundaries of what cinema can achieve.

The Film cameras ARRI ALEXA 265 is the new star in the world of cinematography, designed to take the 65mm format to new levels of accessibility and performance. Introduced as the successor to the acclaimed ARRI ALEXA 65, this camera offers a compact and lightweight design, without sacrificing the exceptional quality that has defined the ARRI in the audiovisual industry.

Main characteristics of the ARRI ALEXA 265

  1. Improved 65 mm sensor

    • 6.5K resolution for unrivalled detail.
    • Dynamic range of 15 stops, ideal for capturing highlights and deep shadows.
    • Sensitivity optimised for low light conditions, with an ISO reaching up to 6400.
  2. Compact and lightweight design

    • At only 3.3 kg, it is easier to handle on sets, drones and stabilisers.
    • Inspired by the body of the ALEXA 35, but adapted to accommodate a large format sensor.
  3. Advanced workflow

    • System compatible LogC4 and colour REVEAL, the natural tones and accurate colours are guaranteed.
    • Ability to record in ARRIRAW with Codex storage, optimised to reduce file sizes by up to 40%.
  4. Filter cartridge system

    • Innovative ND filter integration, with creative options and automated metadata recording.

Advantages of the ARRI ALEXA 265

The ARRI ALEXA 265 redefines the possibilities of the 65mm format by combining portability and superior quality. Its benefits include:
  • Mayor versatility in production, adapting to complex environments.
  • Improved performance in virtual productions and environments with LED technology.
  • Democratisation of the large format, making it more accessible for projects with a variety of budgets.
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