Arri Alexa Classic

Description

Design & Features

The Arri Alexa Classic EV is built with a 35 format ALEV III CMOS sensor. Rated at ISO 800 and 2.8K, it comes with 14+ exposure latitude with 7 stops of over-exposure and another 7 for underexposure. This allows the camera to have a lot of flexibility when it comes to color grading and allows it to capture more detail both in highlights and in dark areas.

The camera can also record up to 60 frames per second, although there might be some limitations to this depending on the recording format and recording media used. In terms of recording outputs, the camera can produce both HD-SDI video and Arri’s proprietary raw files called ARRIRAW, which contains both static and dynamic metadata. Its excellent image quality gives you the flexibility to up-sample or down-sample the final product to HD, 2K, or even 4K resolution.

Arri Alexa Classic, film camera, Arri cameras, ALEXA Classic EV FeaturesAnother great thing about the Arri Alexa Classic EV is its electronic color viewfinder, which is named the ARRI EVF-1. It’s built with ARRI LED illumination and 1280 x 784 F-LCOS micro display, paving the way to excellent image quality and accurate color reproduction. It also comes with a high-speed connection between the viewfinder and the camera itself, allowing you to enjoy fast, low-latency image display and ensuring you can see the action in the viewfinder at the same moment it happens in front of the camera.

The powerful sensor and other components generate a substantial amount of heat, but the camera is designed to handle it properly. It comes with a slow-running fan that keeps the radiator cool, while pipes transport heat to a ventilation shaft at the camera’s back. This system protects the camera’s sensor and processing boards and prevents overheating even during the hottest days and in the warmest climates.

Pros and Cons

The Arri Alexa Classic EV offers a lot of benefits, but it also has several drawbacks. We’ve listed some of them below:

PROS

Sturdy build

One of the best things about the Alexa Classic EV is that it’s designed to withstand wear and tear. Its rugged construction can take almost any beating that daily life can throw at it, while its electronics are effectively sealed and protected from dust and splashes of water. It’s a great camera to have if you’re shooting outdoors in rough locations.

Ergonomic design

With a built-in shoulder cut-out, the camera can snugly settle on your shoulder and accommodate its natural arch. It also comes with an adjustable finder so you can set the eyepiece to a comfortable position when you’re using the camera for shoulder operation.

ALEXA Classic EV specs, Alexa cameras, digital cinema camerasModular architecture

Arri built the Alexa Classic EV in a way that it can roll with the times. Its design allows you to choose from a range of modules and choose one that best suits your filming needs. As a result, your camera stays relevant and won’t need an upgrade for the years to come.

Easy to learn and operate

A lot of people want to enter the film and TV industry but are hesitant to do so because of the complexity of the equipment involved. If you feel the same way, there’s no need to fret since the Arri Alexa Classic EV has a simple, intuitive design. With just a few hours of tutorials, you’ll master the basics and learn how to operate it like a pro.

CONS

High price

The Arri Alexa Classic EV is more expensive than ordinary camcorders, making it too expensive for the average consumer. However, this isn’t really surprising since the camera is built for professional cinematographers who take their job seriously and want to invest in the best possible equipment.

Heavier weight

With its body and PL mount, the camera weighs 13.9 lbs (or 6.3 kg). If you combine the electronic viewfinder plus its cable and handle, it reaches 16.9 lbs (or 7.7 kg). This would definitely feel heavy on your shoulder, but it’s a small price to pay for the camera’s excellent features.