Press release from Well Above
Sydney-based Red Apple Camera Rentals has purchased and taken delivery of the first ARRI ALEXA Plus 4:3 camera in Australia and New Zealand.
Red Apple MD Viv Scanu said, “We’ve been looking forward to the ARRI ALEXA Plus 4:3 since it was announced at this year’s NAB Show. We already had a fleet of ALEXAs and we wanted our next addition to have the 4:3 Super 35 sensor and specifically the ability to switch from 16:9 sensor mode to 4:3 sensor mode. With its built-in licenses the ALEXA Plus 4:3 is perfect for high speed and anamorphic work.”
Shooting with anamorphic lenses results in unique images. The fundamentals of the process apply to digital acquisition in exactly the same way as they always have done to film, so long as one has a sensor that is the size and shape of a film frame and a viewfinder that can de-squeeze the compressed image.
“The ALEXA Plus 4:3 ticks a lot of boxes for camera operators and DOPs,” continued Scanu. “With anamorphic, you want to be able to de-squeeze the image while utilising the entire sensor. The ALEXA Plus 4:3 lets you do this while still retaining the beautiful picture quality and high dynamic range that made the original ALEXA so famous. When you’re using it to shoot a TVC the 4:3 sensor allows you to scan up and down a frame like you can with film. This means you can rack the frame up or down giving more flexibility in post.”
The ALEXA Plus 4:3 joins the ALEXA Studio and ALEXA M, which already have 4:3 sensors and are currently being used on anamorphic productions worldwide.
Viv Scanu concluded, “Our clients have been asking for and waiting for this camera for some time. They love the built-in Lens Data System (LDS), its seamless integration with the ARRI Wireless Remote System and the 3D lens synchronisation function to name a few of the many other benefits this camera brings them. The camera went out soon after it arrived on a shoot for AFTRS where it was used with Hawk V-Plus anamorphic lenses and a Codex Onboard Recorder. From there it’s been booked for a major TVC in New Zealand and the bookings keep coming. The fact that the ALEXA Plus 4:3 comes with built-in licenses for high speed shooting, DNxHD recording and anamorphic de-squeeze really is the icing on the cake. I think what’s also made this such an easy experience is the relationship we have with ARRI Australia. Stefan and his team offer unparalleled service and 24/7 support which is a pretty powerful combination that’s hard to beat.”
For more information on Red Apple Camera Rentals go to: www.redapplecamerarentals.com