ALEXA Mini LF
Large format, small camera
Features
Best overall image quality in large format
- Immersive large-format look
- Lower noise with higher usable sensitivity
- Highest dynamic range of any production camera
- ARRI color science for natural skin tones, easy color correction and clean VFX
- Perfect for High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Wide Color Gamut (WCG) displays
Best overall production value
- Robust and reliable
- Easy to operate and use on set
- Fast and efficient workflows
Internal recording to new Codex Compact Drive
- Uncompressed and unencrypted MXF/ARRIRAW
- Fast and efficient MXF/Apple ProRes
- New Codex Compact Drive 1TB is small, tough and cost-efficient
- Affordable Compact Drive Reader works without license or extra software
- Compact Drive Adapter is compatible with SXR Capture Drive Docks
New MVF-2 high-contrast HD viewfinder
- HD OLED display, color science and ARRICAM eyepiece like ALEXA LF EVF-2
- Optimal judgement of focus, dynamic range and color
- Stable color balance through temperature-controlled display
- Large 4” flip-out monitor shows image or camera menu
- Three operation modes: single operator, crew or remote
- New flexible and reliable CoaXPress VF cable, up to 10 m/33 ft
Additional new features
- Three internal, motorized large-format FSND filters: ND 0.6, 1.2 and 1.8
- New dedicated, regulated 12 V and 24 V accessory power outputs
- New SYNC IN and improved AUDIO connectors
- Two built-in microphones
- Six user buttons on camera's left side
- One LOCK button each for camera and viewfinder
- Additional external WiFi antenna
- Easier access to media, VF and TC connectors
Great system compatibility
- Same sensor and recording formats as ALEXA LF
- Compatible with LPL and PL mount lenses, Super 35 and full frame
- Supports all anamorphic de-squeeze ratios
- Compatible with almost all ALEXA Mini accessories
- Compatible with ARRI and cmotion wireless remote systems
- Works with 12 V and 24 V on-board batteries (∼65 W power draw)
Quotes
The ALEXA Mini LF has made possible what i thought was previously impossible with large-format photography. The freedom it allows me as a DP, to move the camera in whatever way i feel is best, is unbeatable. Congratulations on successfully, and constantly pushing the boundaries in technology, making my job even more exciting!
Cinematographer Greig Fraser ACS, ASC
The new Mini LF: Less, much less, in many respects; especially weight and size but not less powerful than its big sister, the ALEXA LF, in image quality. Truly, for a cinematographer, less is now more.
Cinematographer Tom Stern AFC, ASC
I was absolutely impressed to be holding a large-format camera this small. On the shoot, I never really put the camera down. It’s built to work in every condition, and this is how it feels when you hold it in your hands.
Cinematographer Heiko Knauer
With the ALEXA LF, you have everything you need in one body, including higher frame rate. The ALEXA Mini LF would be my first choice regarding flexibility and versatility. It’s incredible how so much technology, with such a big sensor, can find its place in such a small, but still robust, camera body.
Cinematographer Tom Faehrmann BVK
FAQ
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What sensor are you using in the ALEXA Mini LF?
The ALEXA Mini LF uses the same sensor as the ALEXA LF. This is the ALEV 3 A2X sensor, which has the same photosite size and type as the Super 35 ARRI digital cameras. It has 4448 x 3096 photosites (yes, it is therefore a 4.5K sensor) and measures 36.70 x 25.54 mm.
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What recording formats and frame rates does the ALEXA Mini LF support?
The ALEXA Mini LF supports the same recording formats as the ALEXA LF. Recording formats and maximum frame rates of both cameras are shown in the table below.
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What is the size and weight of the ALEXA Mini LF?
The ALEXA Mini LF (left) has the same dimensions and the same mounting points as the ALEXA Mini (right), except for the media bay on the camera left side. Our current prototypes weigh in at 2.6 Kg/5.7 lbs for the camera body with LPL lens mount and 800 g/1.7 lbs for the MVF-2 viewfinder.
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What is the ALEXA Mini LF input voltage range and power draw?
The ALEXA Mini LF has a voltage input range from 11 V to 34 V. Therefore, it can be easily powered by any 14.4 V on-board battery as well as by 24 V on-board batteries.
The ALEXA Mini LF has a power draw slightly higher than the ALEXA Mini, we estimate currently at around 65 W when recording ARRIRAW at 24 fps with the MVF-2 viewfinder connected. Note: electronic accessories will increase power draw based on the accessories’ power draw.
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What recording media can I use with ALEXA Mini LF?
The ALEXA Mini LF uses the new, small and cost-effective Codex Compact Drive 1 TB.
The Compact Drive has been specifically designed for the small form factor of the ALEXA Mini LF, using new flash technology in a miniaturized tough casing. The ALEXA LF Mini accepts Compact Drives directly, without the need for an adapter. ALEXA LF or ALEXA SXT W do not support the Compact Drive.
The Compact Drive 1 TB contains one industrial SSD and both ARRIRAW and Apple ProRes recording can utilize the drive's full recording capacity of 960 GB. The drive will be formatted by the ALEXA Mini LF in the UDF format for ARRIRAW and ProRes. Therefore, both ARRIRAW and ProRes can be recorded onto the same media without reformatting or switching drives. The drive offers sustained write rates of up to 8 Gb/s. We will also use this drive for future cameras.
Lens options for ARRI large-format cameras
Optimized for large-format lenses, the LPL lens mount fitted to ALEXA LF and ALEXA Mini LF cameras accepts ARRI Signature Primes, ARRI Rental DNA LF and 65 format optics, and third-party LPL lenses. The PL-to-LPL adapter, which attaches securely to the LPL lens mount without tools, offers backwards compatibility with all PL mount lenses, be they Super 35 or full frame. LDS-2 or /i lens metadata is accessible via the LPL mount, and LDS-1 or /i via the PL-to-LPL adapter. ARRI’s Frame Line and Lens Illumination Tool, available in the Learn & Help/Tools section of the ARRI website, illustrates how much of the large-format sensor is covered by a given lens.
Other manufacturers, such as Panavision and Vantage, offer proprietary lens mounts for the ALEXA LF and ALEXA Mini LF cameras, to support their own lens ranges. Cinematographers therefore have an almost unlimited lens choice when shooting with ARRI large-format cameras.
Related products
40% savings of time and budget with High Density Encoding
Codex High Density Encoding (HDE) uses sophisticated, loss-less encoding to reduce ARRIRAW file sizes by around 40% during downloading or later in the workflow. This lowers storage costs, shortens transfer times, and speeds up workflows, which translates to a direct 40% saving in time and money. HDE is free-of-charge for use with Codex Capture and Compact Drives, openly shared, and fast: ARRIRAW Open Gate 4.5K can be encoded comfortably at 24 fps on a modern MacBook Pro.
ALEXA Mini LF Showreel
Experience behind the scenes with the ARRI ALEXA large-format camera system and its new family member, the ALEXA Mini LF. Flexible, lightweight, spontaneous, and reliable, the ALEXA Mini LF is always up to the task!
Tech Talks
Technical Data
Model
ALEXA Mini LF
Sensor Type
Large Format ARRI ALEV III (A2X) CMOS sensor with Bayer pattern color filter array
Sensor Maximum Resolution and Size
4448 x 3096
36.70 x 25.54 mm / 1.444 x 1.005"
⌀ 44.71 mm / 1.760"
36.70 x 25.54 mm / 1.444 x 1.005"
⌀ 44.71 mm / 1.760"
Sensor Frame Rates
0.75 - 90 fps
Weight
∼2.6 kg / ∼5.7 lbs
(camera body with LPL lens mount)
800 g (MVF-2)
(camera body with LPL lens mount)
800 g (MVF-2)
Photosite Pitch
8.25 μm
Sensor Active Image Area (photosites)
LF Open Gate ProRes 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
Sensor Active Image Area (dimensions)
LF Open Gate ProRes 4.5K: 36.70 x 25.54 mm / 1.445 x 1.006"
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 36.70 x 25.54 mm / 1.445 x 1.006"
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 36.70 x 15.31 mm / 1.445 x 0.603"
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 36.70 x 15.31 mm / 1.445 x 0.603"
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 36.70 x 25.54 mm / 1.445 x 1.006"
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 31.68 x 17.82 mm / 1.247 x 0.702"
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 36.70 x 15.31 mm / 1.445 x 0.603"
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 36.70 x 15.31 mm / 1.445 x 0.603"
Recording File Container Size (pixel)
LF Open Gate ProRes 4.5K: 4480 x 3096
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 1920 x 1080
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 2048 x 1152
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 4480 x 1856
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 1920 x 1080
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 2048 x 1152
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 4480 x 1856
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
Recording File Image Content (pixel)
LF Open Gate ProRes 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 1920 x 1080
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 2048 x 1152
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 3096
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 1920 x 1080
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 2048 x 1152
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 3840 x 2160
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 4448 x 1856
Exposure Latitude
14+ stops over the entire sensitivity range from EI 160 to EI 3200 as measured with the ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart (DRTC-1)
Exposure Index
Adjustable from EI 160-3200 in 1/3 stops
EI 800 base sensitivity
EI 800 base sensitivity
Shutter
Electronic shutter, 5.0°- 356° or 1s - 1/8000s
Recording Formats
MXF/ARRIRAW
MXF/Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
MXF/Apple ProRes 4444
MXF/Apple ProRes 422 HQ
MXF/Apple ProRes 4444 XQ
MXF/Apple ProRes 4444
MXF/Apple ProRes 422 HQ
Recording Media
Codex Compact Drives
Recording Frame Rates
LF Open Gate ProRes 4.5K: 0.75 - 40 fps
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 0.75 - 40 fps
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 0.75 - 90 fps
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 0.75 - 90 fps
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 0.75 - 60 fps
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 0.75 - 60 fps
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 0.75 - 60 fps
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 0.75 - 60 fps
Note: maximum fps values are preliminary information
LF Open Gate ARRIRAW 4.5K: 0.75 - 40 fps
LF 16:9 ProRes HD: 0.75 - 90 fps
LF 16:9 ProRes 2K: 0.75 - 90 fps
LF 16:9 ProRes UHD: 0.75 - 60 fps
LF 16:9 ARRIRAW UHD: 0.75 - 60 fps
LF 2.39:1 ProRes 4.5K: 0.75 - 60 fps
LF 2.39:1 ARRIRAW 4.5K: 0.75 - 60 fps
Note: maximum fps values are preliminary information
Recording Modes
Standard real-time recording
No Pre-recording
No Intervalometer
No Pre-recording
No Intervalometer
Viewfinder Type
Multi Viewfinder MVF-2 with 4" flip-out monitor
Viewfinder Technology
OLED viewfinder display
LCD fold out monitor
LCD fold out monitor
Viewfinder Resolution (pixel)
1920 x 1080
Viewfinder Diopter
Adjustable from -5 to +5 diopters
Color Output
Rec 709
Rec 2020
Log C
Custom Look (ARRI Look File ALF-2)
Rec 2020
Log C
Custom Look (ARRI Look File ALF-2)
Look Control
Import of custom 3D LUT
ASC CDL parameters (slope, offset, power, saturation)
ASC CDL parameters (slope, offset, power, saturation)
White Balance
Manual and auto white balance, adjustable from 2000K to 11000K in 10K steps
Color correction adjustable range from -16 to +16 CC
1 CC corresponds to 035 Kodak CC values or 1/8 Rosco values
Color correction adjustable range from -16 to +16 CC
1 CC corresponds to 035 Kodak CC values or 1/8 Rosco values
Filters
Built-in motorized ND filters 0.6, 1.2, 1.8
Fixed optical low pass, UV, IR filter
Fixed optical low pass, UV, IR filter
Image Outputs
1x proprietary signal output for MVF-2 viewfinder
SDI 1: 1.5G 422 HD (SMPTE ST292-1, up to 30 fps), 3G 422 HD (SMPTE ST425-1, up to 60 fps), 3G 444 HD (SMPTE ST425-3, up to 30 fps), 6G 422 UHD (SMPTE ST2081-10, up to 30 fps)*
SDI 2: 1.5G 422 HD (SMPTE ST292-1, up to 30 fps), 3G 422 HD (SMPTE ST425-1, up to 60 fps), 3G 444 HD (SMPTE ST425-3, up to 30 fps), 6G 422 UHD (SMPTE ST2081-10, up to 30 fps)*
*If one SDI output is switched to 6G UHD, the other one will have to be 1.5G HD or 3G HD
Both SDI outputs carry uncompressed video with embedded audio and metadata. SDI 1 and 2 can be either “clean” (HD or UHD) or “processed” (only HD). Clean is an image without any overlays (status, false color, zebra, framelines, etc.). Both SDIs can be clean at the same time. If one SDI is switched to processed, the other can be a clone of that one, or has to be clean.
SDI 1: 1.5G 422 HD (SMPTE ST292-1, up to 30 fps), 3G 422 HD (SMPTE ST425-1, up to 60 fps), 3G 444 HD (SMPTE ST425-3, up to 30 fps), 6G 422 UHD (SMPTE ST2081-10, up to 30 fps)*
SDI 2: 1.5G 422 HD (SMPTE ST292-1, up to 30 fps), 3G 422 HD (SMPTE ST425-1, up to 60 fps), 3G 444 HD (SMPTE ST425-3, up to 30 fps), 6G 422 UHD (SMPTE ST2081-10, up to 30 fps)*
*If one SDI output is switched to 6G UHD, the other one will have to be 1.5G HD or 3G HD
Both SDI outputs carry uncompressed video with embedded audio and metadata. SDI 1 and 2 can be either “clean” (HD or UHD) or “processed” (only HD). Clean is an image without any overlays (status, false color, zebra, framelines, etc.). Both SDIs can be clean at the same time. If one SDI is switched to processed, the other can be a clone of that one, or has to be clean.
Lens Squeeze Factors
1.00
1.25
1.30
1.50
1.65
1.80
2.00
1.25
1.30
1.50
1.65
1.80
2.00
Exposure and Focus Tools
False Color
Zebra
Zoom
Aperture and Color Peaking
Zebra
Zoom
Aperture and Color Peaking
Audio Input
1x LEMO 6pin balanced stereo line in with 12V power output
(Line input max. level +24dBu correlating to 0dBFS)
(Line input max. level +24dBu correlating to 0dBFS)
Audio Output
SDI (embedded)
3,5mm stereo headphone jack (on MVF-2)
3,5mm stereo headphone jack (on MVF-2)
Audio Recording
2 channel linear PCM, 24 bit 48 kHz
Remote Control Options
MVF-2 viewfinder can act as wired remote control with 10m/33ft cable
Web-based remote control from smart phones, tablets and laptops via WiFi & Ethernet (beta version)
Camera Access Protocol (CAP) via Ethernet & WiFi
GPIO interface for integration with custom control interfaces
WCU-4 hand-unit with control over lens motors and operational parameters via built-in white radio
SXU-1 hand-unit with control over one lens channel
OCU-1 and Master Grip control of lens and user buttons
Web-based remote control from smart phones, tablets and laptops via WiFi & Ethernet (beta version)
Camera Access Protocol (CAP) via Ethernet & WiFi
GPIO interface for integration with custom control interfaces
WCU-4 hand-unit with control over lens motors and operational parameters via built-in white radio
SXU-1 hand-unit with control over one lens channel
OCU-1 and Master Grip control of lens and user buttons
Interfaces
1x LEMO 5pin LTC Timecode In/Out
1x LEMO 10pin Ethernet for remote control and service
1x BNC SYNC IN
1x LEMO 7pin EXT multi purpose accessory interface w. RS pin and 24V power output
1x LEMO 4pin LBUS (on lens mount) for lens motors, daisy chainable
1x USB 2.0 in media bay (for user setups, look files etc)
1x LEMO 10pin Ethernet for remote control and service
1x BNC SYNC IN
1x LEMO 7pin EXT multi purpose accessory interface w. RS pin and 24V power output
1x LEMO 4pin LBUS (on lens mount) for lens motors, daisy chainable
1x USB 2.0 in media bay (for user setups, look files etc)
Wireless Interfaces
Built-in WiFi module (IEEE 802.11b/g)
Built-in White Radio for ARRI lens and camera remote control
Built-in White Radio for ARRI lens and camera remote control
Lens Mounts
LPL lens mount with LBUS connector
PL-to-LPL adapter
Leitz M mount (availbale from Leitz)
PL-to-LPL adapter
Leitz M mount (availbale from Leitz)
Flange Focal Depth
LPL mount: 44 mm
with PL-to-LPL adapter: 52 mm
with PL-to-LPL adapter: 52 mm
Power Input
1x LEMO 8pin (11-34 V DC)
Power Consumption
Around 65 W when recording ARRIRAW at 24 fps with MVF-2 attached (preliminary information)
Power Outputs
1x Fischer 3pin 24V RS
1x LEMO 2pin 12V
1x LEMO 7pin EXT 24V power output
1x LEMO 2pin 12V
1x LEMO 7pin EXT 24V power output
Power Management
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Measurements (HxWxL)
140 x 143 x 188 mm / 5.5 x 5.6 x 7.4"
(camera body with LPL lens mount)
(camera body with LPL lens mount)
Operating Temperature
-20° C to +45° C / -4° F to +113° F @ 95% relative humidity max, non condensing, splash and dust proof through sealed electronics
Storage Temperature
-30° C to +70° C / -22° F to +158° F
Sound Level
< 20 dB(A) at 24fps
Software Licenses
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Downloads
