There’s a new software upgrade for the ARRI Amira camera, that will allow it to record ProRes UHD files, the upgrade will available for purchase by the end of the year. The purchasable upgrade will offer the ability to record all ProRes codecs in UHD 3840 x 2160 resolution directly onto the in-camera CFast 2.0 cards, at up to 60 fps (via an upscale filter). The upgrade will be available via a new software license (and a sensor calibration for existing Amiras), this is a response to user feedback, collected through a number of ‘quizzes’ given to customers by resellers.
According to ARRI, the Alexa/Amira sensor has proven it’s able to deliver 4K image quality, by its ability to retain quality when up-scaling for IMAX. Which was done for the IMAX release of Hollywood feature films such as Gravity, Maleficent and Iron Man 3. The company believes, that both the Alexa and Amira cameras are future-proof.
IN-CAMERA PROCESSING
The ALEXA/AMIRA sensor has repeatedly proved its ability to deliver outstanding image quality for the 4K or even IMAX theatrical releases of high-end feature films such as GRAVITY, MALEFICENT and IRON MAN 3.
This proves that the ALEXA and AMIRA camera systems are already future-proof and more than suitable for the next generation of distribution formats.
For major feature films, an up-sample to UHD can be carried out after visual effects and other postproduction tasks have been completed at 2K resolution. For certain fast-paced AMIRA productions, however, there may not be the time or resources for such processes in post, which is why a 4K or UHD output direct from the camera has been requested.
AMIRA's UHD output utilizes the same efficient 1.2x up-sample filter that allows ALEXA's Open Gate mode to optimize the camera's image performance for UHD distribution, as well as the same best-in-class sensor pixels. The up-sample to UHD happens in camera, and in real time.
SAME GREAT IMAGE QUALITY
Outputting UHD broadens the distribution options for the superior image quality that has helped make AMIRA, and ALEXA, such a success. The wide, 14+-stop dynamic range remains unaltered, as does the accurate colorimetry, natural skin tones, and organic look and feel. By making that high-quality image data coming out of the sensor compatible with higher spatial resolution formats, the UHD upgrade answers the concerns of certain regions and productions about a 4K future, allowing AMIRA to be used on any project, no matter what deliverables are required.
Markus Duerr, ARRI’s Product Manager, says, “Feedback about AMIRA from all over the world has been overwhelmingly positive and it is clear that the camera is already a great success, being used on an amazing variety of challenging productions. Already acclaimed for its phenomenal image quality, ease of use and versatility, the new ProRes UHD output will take these benefits even further, adding value for customers in areas like China, where 4K is a major focus of industry attention.”
Wildlife cinematographer Rolf Steinmann, who was nominated for an Emmy Award this year in recognition of his work with ALEXA on the BBC's WILD ARABIA series, is currently using his AMIRA on a movie for Disney Nature. He comments, "For cameramen like me who own their gear, the UHD upgrade is a great way to stay future-proof. From now on when there's pressure from the production side to deliver UHD, I can continue to work with AMIRA and won't have to compromise on image quality or on the camera's robustness and reliability."
Excerpts from video&filmaker/newgear/ & ARRI.com August 26th 2014