ARRI announces ALEXA 265: 65 mm at one-third the size and weight of the ALEXA 65

The new ARRI ALEXA 265 combines a small form factor with a revised 65 mm sensor, delivering higher image quality through 15 stops of dynamic range and enhanced low-light performance.

Featuring the same LogC4 workflow, REVEAL Color Science, and accessories as ARRI’s state-of-the-art ALEXA 35, plus a new filter system, ARRI says that the new ALEXA 265 makes 65 mm as easy to use as any other format.

The camera body is based on the compact ALEXA 35 and despite containing a sensor three times as large, is only 4 mm longer and 11 mm wider. Using this body design means ALEXA 265 is less than one-third the ALEXA 65’s weight (3.3 kg vs. 10.5 kg, or 7.28 lb vs. 23.15 lb) and takes advantage of ARRI’s latest cooling and power management technologies. 

This new small size and weight is going to allow the ALEXA 265 to be used in ways never imagined for 65 mm—from drones and stabilizers to the most space-constrained locations.

Boot-up time and power draw have been improved, and compatibility while the ALEXA 35 accessory set opens vastly more rigging options.

“Feedback from ALEXA 65 users over the last decade made the dramatic reduction in form factor a design priority for ALEXA 265, but also determined the approach to image quality,” says the company. “Filmmakers wanted to retain the 6.5K resolution and large pixel pitch, but were interested in higher dynamic range and improved low-light performance. A brand-new and comprehensive revision of the 65 mm sensor was therefore developed for ALEXA 265, increasing the dynamic range from 14 to 15 stops and the sensitivity from 3200 to 6400 EI (ISO/ASA), with crisper blacks, greater contrast, and a lower noise floor.”

The new-generation LogC4 workflow and 3D LUTs introduced for ALEXA 35 are now shared with ALEXA 265, which records ARRIRAW in-camera to the Codex Compact Drives used in all current ARRI cameras. Standard drive readers and docks can be used, as can Codex HDE (High Density Encoding), reducing file sizes by up to 40% without diminishing image quality. 

On-set monitors can be set up in HD or UHD, displaying SDR or HDR, or both. ARRI is also updating its SDK to ensure that ALEXA 265 images are compatible with all major third-party software tools.

One standout feature of the ALEXA 265 is its filter cartridge system, which allows special filter trays, encased in a protective cartridge, to slide in front of the sensor (below). ARRI FSND filters from zero to ND2.7 in single-stop increments will be available with ALEXA 265 at the time of launch, and many more creative filter options are in the works. An encoded chip on the filter tray conveys information about whatever filter has been inserted; this information is available in the user interface and is also recorded in camera metadata for use on set and in post.

ALEXA 265 images are processed in-camera using ARRI REVEAL Color Science, introduced with the ALEXA 35 and also compatible with ARRIRAW images from the ALEXA Mini LF. REVEAL is a suite of image processing steps that collectively help the camera to capture more accurate colors, with subtler tonal variations. Skin tones are rendered in a flattering, natural way, while highly saturated colors and challenging colors such as pastel shades are displayed with incredible realism. All ALEXA 265 and ALEXA 35 cameras are super color-matched to each other, simplifying color grading, and the ALEXA 265’s advanced LED calibration streamlines virtual production and LED volume work.

This look like a rentals only product, at least initially, and the ALEXA 265 will be available to productions from early 2025.

tl;dr

• - The ARRI ALEXA 265 features a compact design with a revised 65 mm sensor, offering 15 stops of dynamic range and enhanced low-light performance, while weighing less than one-third of the ALEXA 65.
• It retains the 6.5K resolution, with improved dynamic range and sensitivity, allowing for crisper blacks and a lower noise floor.
• A new filter cartridge system allows for easy insertion of ARRI FSND filters with encoded metadata for on-set use and post-production.
• Expected to be available for rentals starting early 2025, the ALEXA 265 shares compatibility with the ALEXA 35 accessory set, enhancing rigging options and improving workflow efficiency.