As much as I like your videos, I have to say that a lot of arguments in this video don't really hold water because it is a cinecamera designed for big camera crews. So the little space on the SxS Cards is no problem, because you normally would have a 2.AC and Data Wrangler managing the cards and also you would have multiple cards, so that's no problem on a film set. It even is an advantage, because you can offload more often (so if something happens with the card, not much footage is lost) and the offload times are shorter and you don't need over an hour to copy 2TB of footage. The Startup time is also no big deal on a film set, because you normally leave the camera running the whole day. For Run-and-Gun Shooting this and the weight would be a problem. But the Alexa IS NO RUN AND GUN CAMERA. For Run-and-Gunning you would go with an Arri Amira or Sony FS7 etc. which have shorter startup times, don't need much rigging etc. The lack of mounting options is also just a problem coming from the wrong usage. On film sets, you have Camera Assistants building and rigging the camera with rigging accessories. This allows for a greater choice of how the camera rig should look like at the end. The Single Audio Input is, as you said, just for scratch audio. Because on film sets, you would NEVER record audio internally. You always have mutliple crew members recording the audio externally. So just one input with okay-ish preamps are more than enough. So yeah, these are all points making the Arri Alexa Classic (and all other Alexa modells basically...) a bad choice for Run and Gun filmmaking or small crew sizes. But that is just because this camera wasn't designed for that. Used in the right surrounding, all these 'negative' aspects just don't matter anymore. It's like complaining that a sportscar is a bad choice, because it burns through so much fuel and you can't fit your family or Shopping Bags in it. It's just the wrong use for that car as it is designed for racing and not as a family car. And that is something that a lot of people misinterpret, thinking "oh this is a cheap way to get myself a cine camera". But they don't account for the huge investment in Equipment, Rental and Crew, that is necessary for this camera. I like your videos and the Alexa-Project was really great. But this misinterpretion of what comes with owning a cinema camera is widely spread and I think you could have said this in the video more clearly. :)
This is all very true for the time this camera was built. I think the arguments mentioned in this video stand if one was to say compare it to more modern cinemas (perhaps even comparing it to say an ARRI ALEXA 35 - smaller size, lower weight, better media although still proprietary, several audio input types including +48V, and camera cages for better mounting options), which almost all these "issues" are addressed. Obviously, as you pointed out though, this camera was built with intent and for the time, this was all standard expectations for how this camera was intended to be used - BIG productions with support from dedicated production people and not some dude running and gunning.
@@CNC-Time-Lapse even the modern cameras would have the same "problems". Take a Sony Venice, same size as the Alexa classic and uses Axs cards, no audio inputs and basically the same mounting points as the Alexa classic. The Alexa 35 has the same problems but is just a bit smaller. But you need a lot of accessories to make it work (more than on the Alexa classic) So they are not "problems" with the Alexa classic, they are "problems" with cinema cameras
@@CNC-Time-Lapse That is true. Modern Cameras indeed have more options and the trend to more compact and "all-in-ish" cinema cameras is definitely real and a good thing. But if we really think about it, you could make the same arguments here: The media is, as you said, proprietary and thus expensive and doesn't last long (I mean 2TB drives are great and all. But when you film 8K in Raw and even HighFrameRate, you still burn through storage really fast.) They are still heavy (Alexa Minis or the Alexa 35 are pretty lightweight in comparison, but with the needed rigging, it still adds up. Not to mention something like the Alexa LF, which is a more fair comparison as it uses the same body form factor. Even the Alexa SXT which is one of their most used cameras is heavier.) Audio Inputs are still not enough for film sets where you often need at least 4 channels. Plus dedicated audio recorders still have way better quality than the ones built into modern cinema cameras. Also the levels can easily adjusted during takes. On the Arri, you would have to click into the menu and adjust it with buttons. This is not possible or just way to fiddely during takes. And all the modern Arri Cameras (basically the same for RED and Sony Cine Cameras) still have few rigging options on the body itself. Sure, they all come with Rigs to greatly improve rigging possibilitys, but so did the original Arri Alexa. So nothing has changed here. Arri even uses the same form factor and mounting holes for their full size Alexas to this day to assure, old rigging parts are still compatible with their up to date cameras. So all in all, cinema cameras are indeed getting better with more options and features, but they still have a lot of criteria that make them "bad" cameras when you think in the wrong context.
Well first things first: congrats on getting one of these beasts running again! Secondly as many mentioned before -this was one of the first modern digital cinema cameras, so trying to use it as a one-man-show most problems come back to this. It starts with the layout as it is obviously built for having an assistant to the right of the camera dialing in settings and pulling focus with the operator to the left of it looking through the viewfinder giving directions to light and grip. (Maybe take a look into getting the original EVF for yours, they are great) To adressing your 5 things: 1. Storage: SXS-Cards are old and quite some years passed without a new camera using them. Some commenters mentioned SD-adapters which could be for your use-case a viable workaround. 2. Startup-time: On professional shoots, no matter what genre, assistants purpose is to keep the camera running until wrap at the end of the day or to start it up on time so that it is ready when needed. One of the tools used for that are hotswap plates which keep powering the camera while you switch battery. In my region most used with V-mounts are from Bebob. That's something you could look into getting in the future. 3. Mounting points: This hasn't changed since the classic with Arri -for all their cameras there are whole acessory systems to tailor the ergonomics and mounting points to the operators needs. For example all Arri acessory systems contain a top cheeseplate which is added between top handle and body. This is essentially is just a plate covered with threaded holes in the typical diameters to add magic arms etc. Just keep a look out on ebay since there are still lots of these parts out there. 4. Size and weight: Well... Cinema Camera... big crew and so on... 5. Audio: Simply said this camera was never planned to record audio in-camera. I noticed you are missing your timecode port (camera right above the handle "TC") which would normally be used to sync camera and audio recorder either to each other or which is more reliable to a timecode generator. There is a company which developed an audio-mixer for the alexa mini but I think the more economical way for you is to get that TC port working, as well as the power outputs around it as I suspect them on the same board and get a solid external audio recorder supporting timecode-in. Looking at this list I'm reminded why I chose an Amira for myself as the type of shoots I do reach from commercial to solo and it fits this range very well. On the Amira: 1. Storage: Cfast 2.0 (Arri certified only), yes still expensive but there is at least the possibility to get bigger cards. If you want to get huge cards you should either be well in business or look into bank robery. (Try shooting UHD 50p 4444 on 128GB-Cards, you'll spend most of your time saving cards) 2. Startup-time: greatly reduced, but optimally you work the same way as mentioned -never turn it off. 3. Mounting points: Even as it's not my main-income working with the camera I got acessory-plates for it to mount audio-recievers, wireless video and so on. As they are from Arri they are not cheap but built solid like the cameras, they are just an extension of it. 4. Size and weight: Lighter but still heavy. Lens, Battery, Monitor and Acessories still add to that, so you won't get around a good tripod or easyrig. 5. Audio: 1 Stereo 5-Pin XLR and 2 XLR all with phantom power and amplification controlled from the operator side. As you see most of these problems are adressable or have been adressed in future cameras. I think your Alexa project is great but it's just not the right camera for solo shooting. Still this shouldn't spoil the fun capturing beautiful imagery with it! Enjoy your old beast of a camera ;)
I mean… It’s a true cinema camera. I know we are used to see on youtube a lot of “run and gun” rig types for smaller cameras where you are your only crew. But this camera was meant to be on the hands of BIG crews, BIG film industry crews… I don’t think they thought one day other people could get one of these. I think it’s amazing you have one, but there will be a LOT of limitations if you don’t work with it as it was intended.
On big productions you don't want big cards because your DIT needs to be constantly trading you your cards. Imagine if you are shooting a film and you have a 1 TB card in there and it gets corrupted after a full day of shooting without your DIT taking that card. Tons of money wasted. Also on set you should definitely have a boom operator and a sound mixer. We never depend on the scratch audio or shotgun-on-camera audio, that's just for reference. If you are working on any serious production you need a sound guy, if you can't afford one or two actual sound guys just get a shotgun mic on a cheap boom pole, and have a friend or PA hold the pole over the talent. Have the mic plugged into the Zoom F3, a 32 bit float field recorder that doesn't require the sound mixer to ride the faders so your PA can just hold the mic and you can adjust the gain in post. That will be WAY better than relying on a shotgun mic mounted to your camera 10 feet away from your talent.
I love the fact that it takes time to boot, it goes through all self testing and check, it is reason wy has been used in Hollywood. It is reliable as it gets. Not a toy, serious filmmaking machine.
All the things RUclips dont like about the arri alexa classic are things that are not a problem for a cinema production that is what the camera is designed for. So no problems, only wrong use of the camera
When people complain about the weight of a camera.. "yeah, you're not a goddamn tripod. Put the thing on sticks and stop complaining." It's not easy for anyone to hand hold ANY camera for a prolonged period of time.
Another good video from an Arri Alexa owner/operator. Before the video began, I was certain that battery life would have made the topic list. All your mentions are important workflow considerations. Waiting on your next video!
They have SxS adapters for SD cards, so I wonder if it would a viable option. The adapters themselves are pretty cheap, I think like $30 on Amazon. It's inexpensive enough to warrant a test.
For my F55, I have XQD to SXS adapters, and I have two 120GB XQD cards. By the way, and more to what was discussed in the video, it's truly unlimited storage! With a 1TB card, you have to stop recording and dump for however long it takes to copy all the files (and maybe do a checksum). With dual cards of any size, you give one card to your second AC to take to the DIT station, and you keep recording to your other card.
I would highly recommend against using anything except the recommended media because it is highly likely to fail and that’s the last thing you want when filming important content
@@mitchellbrinkerdp for what it's worth, I've been using my XQD cards and adapters for tons of shoots over a long time. I figure that any concrete figures can get dismissed, so largely my point is that it's been cool for me.
Great video. And you have some valid points. As far as the duration of the cards, you need to remember that a giant 1000 foot magazine can only do 10 minutes of recording 35mm film. The biggest problem I had with the Alexa was the weight. I bought one five years ago thinking that I could use it for my reel and my personal projects to improve it. However the weight would really make me not want to use the camera. By the time you set it up and you’re ready to film, you are so tired that you really can’t focus on what you’re filming. You are better off with a light weight camera and focusing all your energy on your production design, your actors, and what you were filming, and of course the story. That’s why it’s not really worth owning an Alexa today, you need a big crew. Even for the mini.
The mini is super light and a joy to use. It's barely heaver than a rigged up RED DSMC2, but the image is much better. You can put the mini on a MoVi Pro with a minimal rig (and FIZ is built in to the MoVi) and it's a very manageable weight. I can manage for a few hours like that but I think I'll need to get a readyrig when I get older lol. The Classic on a Ronin 2 would be much too heavy haha, You'd need something like the Trinity to hold a rig like that!
This is the silliest video I’ve seen. I agree with a lot of these comments. You can’t criticize a camera meant for a full camera team for being cumbersome.
About the storage: 5/6 years ago I bought my first "cinema" camera, the Canon C200, and I bought an Cfast 2.0 to SSD adapter which worked great and was much cheaper than buying the cards. Perhaps there could be a similar workaround for these cards?
I also use an Arri Alexa for my "run and gun" work and in my projects i get sweaty very fast, even in winter with cold temperatures. 😅 But i like the simplicity of this camera.
7:54 You could plug a standard xlr microphone in after all the conversion, it just cant be a condenser or anything that requires phantom power, dynamic mics and ribbons would be fine
@8:00 you forgot one more thing... you need line level too! But yeah, if you're a working professional Production Sound Mixer then the ARRI ALEXA Classic is super easy to work with, just slap a TC box on it. And give it a line level feed if they request it, no problem at all.
2 года назад
There are sxs adapter cards that let you use sd cards... do they work on the alexa?
Pretty much all points you mentioned apply to Run and Gun type shooters commonly seen here on RUclips. 1. I agree with you at media as far as the age of it does. But the Sony Venice for example is using a newer version of the sxs standard so it’s definitely not uncommon. As far as Media Size goes 20mins for 64 Gb is ok. Especially when it comes to narrative and commercial work 20min of footage can be an absurd amount of money. Again the only use case I see is Interview work as well as Run and Gun which the camera was never intended for. 2. Booting time is not an issue if you are not a Run and Gun shooter. Shooting commercials and narrative just power the camera once and leave it running until lunch and power it back on if you start shooting again. A much bigger concern with it which I am not sure why you wouldn’t bring that up it battery consumption. The classic chews through like 90 watts per hour with its EVF. 3. Mounting points are there und nobody needs 500 mounting points. Also 1/4“ 20 is a standard that came up on smaller cameras and pretty much everybody I know prefers the bigger 3/8“ threads with locating pins. Also there is pretty common why to rig the XT/Studio Style body. Also you can get the LMS 3 from ARRI which is basically a TopPlate with more mounting options and I am sure the are plenty companies out there that produce cheese plates that anchor in to an arri anti twist. 4. I agree it’s heavy and it’s sucks carrying it around the whole day but in terms of size it’s not much bigger than a Venice with its recorder on the back. 5. Normally you have a Timecode Lemo Port on that camera (which your camera unfortunately hasn’t) so absolutely no need for scratch. Also there is an accessory to solve your problem called beachtek DXA Alexa. The 5 Pin XLR which is widely used for DMX for example is a stereo line in so THERE ARE NO preamps that are not great. The audio is only as great as the preamp you plug into it.
Is there anything against recording to an external recorder via SDI? (And I’m not talking about the Q7 and ARRIRAW, but simple ProRes with e.g. a video assistant 12G)
Yeah, these are all things that are wrong with the camera if you want to use it to run and gun. You seem to chalk a lot of them up to age, but REDs, newer Alexas or a Venice have pretty much all these same issues because they're not made for run and gun. RED cameras still need something like the Wooden Camera A-box, new Alexas don't come with a cheese plate, the Venice shoots to the same internal SxS cards. You could shoot this same video about a Venice 2, haha.
I mean, you're right these are all totally issues if you're working as if it's a mirrorless camera, but it's not and it's newer siblings aren't either.
@@StansburyStudiosInc I thought this might be the case. Really fast SD cards get pretty spendy as well, and this camera sounds like a data hog. May have trouble finding an SD card that can keep up that isn't the same money as the correct media.
About the storage size, I believe 20 mins of recording time is good enough. For “real” production, I would only shoot half of the card, for “safety”. For documentaries, I would hook up to a extremal recorder with SSDs.
you can get 2 x 1TB SSD fitted in Odyssey 7Q Monitor / recorder and record almost 3hours of ARRIRAW 2.8K. nothing to complain about it. Samsung 850 Pro SSD drive now sells for $60, I personally bought 10 of them.
Awesome video as per usual. I know that there are lots of people saying that these aren't really downsides because 'cinema' but I was lusting after one of these last year and it's videos like this that helped me realise it wasn't the one for me, not at the moment anyway. Keep up the great videos. Also for the because 'cinema' folks, Arri have addressed a lot of these issues in their newer cameras so obviously they were issues even for cinema.
The only thing Arri has addressed could be the weight. There still is no audio input and yes, the new cards are bigger, but so are the files, so you still get more or less the same time on each card, so no issues at all
Also the weight wasn't decreased because it was too heavy for the operators. There are support rigs for that (Easyrig, Ergorig, etc.) They just saw that Gimbals were the next big thing and that their full size Alexas wouldn't fit in them. So they created the Alexa Minis just because of that. And not at all to make run and gun filmmaking easier.
Ok, -Do you need to record at ProRes 4:4:4? -SXS ProPlus cards are done if the most reliable media out there -no issues getting media -start up? This is not a run and gun camera, it never was -lack of mounting points? That’s why there are cages… -size and weight? Easy, do some push ups. Get rid of the monitor and arm and get the EVF, it’ll be lighter. -lack of audio? 5 pin to dual 3 pin. Or better yet, hire a sound person
nice to see that my dirt cheap camcoder is superior to this camera: - 5 hours of recording time!!! - nearly instant startup (if it was powered up before same day) - weights nothing, literally fits in my pocket (Joking ofc, only recording time is real advantage, others are just different form factors.) Also: you dont actually need phantom power to get audio. If you get dynamic microphone it works perfect without phantom power. But I would probably test microphone sensitivity anyway before going to film something.
Man that is a old Scholl cine camera like the panavision every cartridge with negative just 30 minutes I think of filming. The first Sony hd cinema come with a big laundry cleaning with the memory's. You can see in rocky
I know its aimed at top end productions which almost allways recording audio sepporatly, but it still feels a bit obnoxious to have such poor audio options on somthing that cost so much new!
I realy appreciate your opinion - You seem to have reasonable approach Many people would be glad with impressiveand beautifill piece and couldn't notice downsides at all. In my opinion there is no perfect solution which would not have any downsides after 12 years when we see what is today around and things change so fast . We need to sacriface else picture quality or comfort or impresive look. With my consumer cameras try to serve at least two - comfort with one of my cameras which looks for me small and not impressive but has best futures for outdoor. like portability and optiical stabilization And now I strive to get working bigger which would be less comfortable but Il like the outer impression just like state of art and for internal use will be ok if I success. Both have same rather only acceptable for me picture, anyway acceptable means for me perfect 😉.
Thanks for the great video! As always, fun to watch 💪 I remember doing the training when I this original Alexa came out and the weight, size & storage were proudly presented as innovative. Owning one of these forces you to think precise, stay on top of the game & plan far ahead - perfect for drama, even today. If you respect the grey beast, it’ll reward you with the best image. You can literally just slap a CST on the image - perfekt skin & roll-Off out of the box. And yes, this is a camera that requires at least 2 people to handle correctly - I’d call this the absolute nightmare for run & gun. Get a C100 mkII for that - needs no rigging, doesn’t chew batteries, has small file sizes and you get an Evf / Monitor built right in - alternatively the FS5 which is quite similar.
Movies shot on iPhones are only done for the clout, not because it is a good tool for the job. They do it because they know it has a low budget "found footage" look and they will get in the news for using an iPhone to shoot a movie. Get a Canon or Sony camera, many times cheaper than an iPhone, and you can use real lenses and have a platform built for video and the tools you need from a camera.
@@WestonNey Sorry, Weston, but I have three commercial feature films on my desk and in my resume that have paid industry rates for passable work that's been in cinemas and on network TV. So starting with "Tangerine" (2015), that a buddy of mine worked on, there are a quite a few feature films out there that have been shot in iPhones and for the money.
Or let's go the other way and compare to a Panavision cinema camera or a Sony Venice? If you look back, there were cameras like Mitchells and even something like an Eclair 16mm NPR that required someone with some strength to operate it all day.
As far as size, if you want it to be built like a tank and strong, that comes with weight. Again, it is built to be A cam, all others LF and Alexa 65 come is same form, due to cooling requirements and strong metal body. A cam should be A cam.
Audio, just connect Sound Devices pre amp /mixer, and run shot gun like 416 Sennheiser, problem solved, adapter XLR dual cable comes with camera. It is A professional camera, not a Sony handycam.
There are some SD, XQD and SSD to SXS adapters, the XQD probably is the best one. It could be an option. Or even an external recorder SDI to SSD like the Ninja V.
Finally got my hands on this and super underwhelmed 😢😂😂 this camera has been glazed so much I got it n the footage doesn't hold up to my Sony Fx6 with the atomos recorder... In the dark it's useless.. basically anywhere you can't fit this big mf it's useless... dynamic range nostalgia was not enough of a selling point when you know how to properly expose any camera
I bought the adapter years ago, it is not compatible with Alexa. Alexa knows what card you are putting in it. And if it isn’t the right card it just won’t work
Arri productions use sound crews for recording audio. With something called double system audio. Not your low budget run/gun doc or reality productions. This camera needs a sound crew or a sound man At least.
😂 Man buys a high end cinema camera released over 11 years ago and complains about it while comparing it to camera specs that are the norm roughly 11 years later. Who knew, tech tends to evolve slightly over time.
Big media cards is actually a terrible idea. The reason Red’s smaller 256GB drives are often out of stock is an indicator to this. Holding you whole days shoot on one card is an awful idea. Drives dies and you’ve lost your whole day.
That's why RUclips has taken the turn it has and there vids aren't trusted. Everyone just making one to make one. Bro just be grateful you have what you do. You could have had 5 useless pieces of scrap. You ended being blessed (if the video was true) if you don't have the money or its a problem why go into it? Why even start if everything becomes a problem now. It's an old ass camera, whether it's an Arri or not. It is a camera built for a specific purpose. Just get her ready and warmed up. Get something else for running and gunning.
He said in the video that he made a 5 things he loves about it video, and he just wants to highlight the things he doesn't like as well. He obviously isn't super experienced in the world of cinema cameras and rigging and film crews yet but we all have to start somewhere. Heck I've been a steadicam operator and drone pilot for projects for multi billion dollar brands and I still learn something new every day and wouldn't call myself "highly experienced". It all comes with time by making mistakes and spending time in the field. No need to be rude to the guy.
@@WestonNey YOU OBVIOUSLY WASN'T LISTENING WHEN THE BIG BABY YOU'RE TAKING UP FOR SAID HE DID IT BECAUSE OTHER'S DID A "5 THINGS I HATE VIDEO" JUST STOP. HE DOESN'T NEED ANOTHER GROWN KID TO DEFEND HIM.
The alexa origional is such old technology it will never live up to the luxury we have with more modern cameras. The only real reason to own one is for nostalgic purposes. Arri were the one of the origional cinema camera manufacturers back in the early 2000s hence why with limited options Hollywood used them. And people like to stick to what they know. Roll on to 2022 there are a tonne of cinema cameras available that are far more superior to the arri cameras. It's Hollywood snobbery that has made these cameras seem like the gold standard when the sony Venice, and panasonic varicams kick ass way more.
@@ChrisbottrellphotographyCoUk Alright apologies for that. Could you possibly tell me which version of an ARRI Alexa you have used? I stand with you that the classic with 16:9 sensor isn’t that great. Interesting that you praise the c70. We did shot with an Alexa SXT as A Camera and C70 as a crashcam and we did find the DR quite underwhelming on the c70.
The Alexa Classic Sensor is only beat by the Alexa LF and Alexa 35 in dynamic range. The dynamic range isn't exaggerated and neither is the color science. Alexa's dual gain sensor technology is secured with a patent which is why no other camera company has surpassed them in Dynamic range to this day. The Venice 2 is probably on the level or very close to the Alev3 sensor's dynamic range but the Alev4 sensor now surpasses it by 1-2 stops. Whenever ARRI puts out an Alev4 LF that will be even more solidified. The downside of the Classic is certainly not the sensor. It's still very unique as no other company can replicate it. The weight and power draw are problematic for productions without a 1st and 2nd AC to assist camera operations or a steadicam operator to fly a heavy package.
As much as I like your videos, I have to say that a lot of arguments in this video don't really hold water because it is a cinecamera designed for big camera crews.
So the little space on the SxS Cards is no problem, because you normally would have a 2.AC and Data Wrangler managing the cards and also you would have multiple cards, so that's no problem on a film set. It even is an advantage, because you can offload more often (so if something happens with the card, not much footage is lost) and the offload times are shorter and you don't need over an hour to copy 2TB of footage.
The Startup time is also no big deal on a film set, because you normally leave the camera running the whole day. For Run-and-Gun Shooting this and the weight would be a problem. But the Alexa IS NO RUN AND GUN CAMERA. For Run-and-Gunning you would go with an Arri Amira or Sony FS7 etc. which have shorter startup times, don't need much rigging etc.
The lack of mounting options is also just a problem coming from the wrong usage. On film sets, you have Camera Assistants building and rigging the camera with rigging accessories. This allows for a greater choice of how the camera rig should look like at the end.
The Single Audio Input is, as you said, just for scratch audio. Because on film sets, you would NEVER record audio internally. You always have mutliple crew members recording the audio externally. So just one input with okay-ish preamps are more than enough.
So yeah, these are all points making the Arri Alexa Classic (and all other Alexa modells basically...) a bad choice for Run and Gun filmmaking or small crew sizes.
But that is just because this camera wasn't designed for that.
Used in the right surrounding, all these 'negative' aspects just don't matter anymore. It's like complaining that a sportscar is a bad choice, because it burns through so much fuel and you can't fit your family or Shopping Bags in it. It's just the wrong use for that car as it is designed for racing and not as a family car.
And that is something that a lot of people misinterpret, thinking "oh this is a cheap way to get myself a cine camera". But they don't account for the huge investment in Equipment, Rental and Crew, that is necessary for this camera.
I like your videos and the Alexa-Project was really great. But this misinterpretion of what comes with owning a cinema camera is widely spread and I think you could have said this in the video more clearly. :)
This is all very true for the time this camera was built. I think the arguments mentioned in this video stand if one was to say compare it to more modern cinemas (perhaps even comparing it to say an ARRI ALEXA 35 - smaller size, lower weight, better media although still proprietary, several audio input types including +48V, and camera cages for better mounting options), which almost all these "issues" are addressed.
Obviously, as you pointed out though, this camera was built with intent and for the time, this was all standard expectations for how this camera was intended to be used - BIG productions with support from dedicated production people and not some dude running and gunning.
@@CNC-Time-Lapse even the modern cameras would have the same "problems". Take a Sony Venice, same size as the Alexa classic and uses Axs cards, no audio inputs and basically the same mounting points as the Alexa classic. The Alexa 35 has the same problems but is just a bit smaller. But you need a lot of accessories to make it work (more than on the Alexa classic) So they are not "problems" with the Alexa classic, they are "problems" with cinema cameras
@@CNC-Time-Lapse That is true. Modern Cameras indeed have more options and the trend to more compact and "all-in-ish" cinema cameras is definitely real and a good thing.
But if we really think about it, you could make the same arguments here:
The media is, as you said, proprietary and thus expensive and doesn't last long (I mean 2TB drives are great and all. But when you film 8K in Raw and even HighFrameRate, you still burn through storage really fast.)
They are still heavy (Alexa Minis or the Alexa 35 are pretty lightweight in comparison, but with the needed rigging, it still adds up. Not to mention something like the Alexa LF, which is a more fair comparison as it uses the same body form factor. Even the Alexa SXT which is one of their most used cameras is heavier.)
Audio Inputs are still not enough for film sets where you often need at least 4 channels. Plus dedicated audio recorders still have way better quality than the ones built into modern cinema cameras. Also the levels can easily adjusted during takes. On the Arri, you would have to click into the menu and adjust it with buttons. This is not possible or just way to fiddely during takes.
And all the modern Arri Cameras (basically the same for RED and Sony Cine Cameras) still have few rigging options on the body itself. Sure, they all come with Rigs to greatly improve rigging possibilitys, but so did the original Arri Alexa. So nothing has changed here. Arri even uses the same form factor and mounting holes for their full size Alexas to this day to assure, old rigging parts are still compatible with their up to date cameras.
So all in all, cinema cameras are indeed getting better with more options and features, but they still have a lot of criteria that make them "bad" cameras when you think in the wrong context.
@@peperodillacahill3638 exactly! :)
@@tomnicklaus4053 100% agree with you there. These cameras (even modern ones) all have the same issues just to varying degrees.
Well first things first: congrats on getting one of these beasts running again! Secondly as many mentioned before -this was one of the first modern digital cinema cameras, so trying to use it as a one-man-show most problems come back to this. It starts with the layout as it is obviously built for having an assistant to the right of the camera dialing in settings and pulling focus with the operator to the left of it looking through the viewfinder giving directions to light and grip. (Maybe take a look into getting the original EVF for yours, they are great)
To adressing your 5 things:
1. Storage: SXS-Cards are old and quite some years passed without a new camera using them. Some commenters mentioned SD-adapters which could be for your use-case a viable workaround.
2. Startup-time: On professional shoots, no matter what genre, assistants purpose is to keep the camera running until wrap at the end of the day or to start it up on time so that it is ready when needed. One of the tools used for that are hotswap plates which keep powering the camera while you switch battery. In my region most used with V-mounts are from Bebob. That's something you could look into getting in the future.
3. Mounting points: This hasn't changed since the classic with Arri -for all their cameras there are whole acessory systems to tailor the ergonomics and mounting points to the operators needs. For example all Arri acessory systems contain a top cheeseplate which is added between top handle and body. This is essentially is just a plate covered with threaded holes in the typical diameters to add magic arms etc. Just keep a look out on ebay since there are still lots of these parts out there.
4. Size and weight: Well... Cinema Camera... big crew and so on...
5. Audio: Simply said this camera was never planned to record audio in-camera. I noticed you are missing your timecode port (camera right above the handle "TC") which would normally be used to sync camera and audio recorder either to each other or which is more reliable to a timecode generator. There is a company which developed an audio-mixer for the alexa mini but I think the more economical way for you is to get that TC port working, as well as the power outputs around it as I suspect them on the same board and get a solid external audio recorder supporting timecode-in.
Looking at this list I'm reminded why I chose an Amira for myself as the type of shoots I do reach from commercial to solo and it fits this range very well.
On the Amira:
1. Storage: Cfast 2.0 (Arri certified only), yes still expensive but there is at least the possibility to get bigger cards. If you want to get huge cards you should either be well in business or look into bank robery. (Try shooting UHD 50p 4444 on 128GB-Cards, you'll spend most of your time saving cards)
2. Startup-time: greatly reduced, but optimally you work the same way as mentioned -never turn it off.
3. Mounting points: Even as it's not my main-income working with the camera I got acessory-plates for it to mount audio-recievers, wireless video and so on. As they are from Arri they are not cheap but built solid like the cameras, they are just an extension of it.
4. Size and weight: Lighter but still heavy. Lens, Battery, Monitor and Acessories still add to that, so you won't get around a good tripod or easyrig.
5. Audio: 1 Stereo 5-Pin XLR and 2 XLR all with phantom power and amplification controlled from the operator side.
As you see most of these problems are adressable or have been adressed in future cameras. I think your Alexa project is great but it's just not the right camera for solo shooting.
Still this shouldn't spoil the fun capturing beautiful imagery with it! Enjoy your old beast of a camera ;)
I mean… It’s a true cinema camera. I know we are used to see on youtube a lot of “run and gun” rig types for smaller cameras where you are your only crew. But this camera was meant to be on the hands of BIG crews, BIG film industry crews… I don’t think they thought one day other people could get one of these. I think it’s amazing you have one, but there will be a LOT of limitations if you don’t work with it as it was intended.
On big productions you don't want big cards because your DIT needs to be constantly trading you your cards. Imagine if you are shooting a film and you have a 1 TB card in there and it gets corrupted after a full day of shooting without your DIT taking that card. Tons of money wasted.
Also on set you should definitely have a boom operator and a sound mixer. We never depend on the scratch audio or shotgun-on-camera audio, that's just for reference. If you are working on any serious production you need a sound guy, if you can't afford one or two actual sound guys just get a shotgun mic on a cheap boom pole, and have a friend or PA hold the pole over the talent. Have the mic plugged into the Zoom F3, a 32 bit float field recorder that doesn't require the sound mixer to ride the faders so your PA can just hold the mic and you can adjust the gain in post. That will be WAY better than relying on a shotgun mic mounted to your camera 10 feet away from your talent.
Mini lf and the new 35 use 1tb cards. Just sayin….
@@BeepBoop896 thank you for explaining my job to me :)
I love the fact that it takes time to boot, it goes through all self testing and check, it is reason wy has been used in Hollywood. It is reliable as it gets. Not a toy, serious filmmaking machine.
All the things RUclips dont like about the arri alexa classic are things that are not a problem for a cinema production that is what the camera is designed for. So no problems, only wrong use of the camera
It’s quite funny
i think youtube filmmaking is most funny thing on youtube lol
When people complain about the weight of a camera.. "yeah, you're not a goddamn tripod. Put the thing on sticks and stop complaining."
It's not easy for anyone to hand hold ANY camera for a prolonged period of time.
Another good video from an Arri Alexa owner/operator. Before the video began, I was certain that battery life would have made the topic list. All your mentions are important workflow considerations. Waiting on your next video!
They have SxS adapters for SD cards, so I wonder if it would a viable option. The adapters themselves are pretty cheap, I think like $30 on Amazon. It's inexpensive enough to warrant a test.
For my F55, I have XQD to SXS adapters, and I have two 120GB XQD cards. By the way, and more to what was discussed in the video, it's truly unlimited storage! With a 1TB card, you have to stop recording and dump for however long it takes to copy all the files (and maybe do a checksum). With dual cards of any size, you give one card to your second AC to take to the DIT station, and you keep recording to your other card.
I would highly recommend against using anything except the recommended media because it is highly likely to fail and that’s the last thing you want when filming important content
@@mitchellbrinkerdp for what it's worth, I've been using my XQD cards and adapters for tons of shoots over a long time. I figure that any concrete figures can get dismissed, so largely my point is that it's been cool for me.
@@custommadename Hey it can surely work. I'm just saying it introduces a higher risk. For some, that slight risk isn't worth it.
Great video. And you have some valid points. As far as the duration of the cards, you need to remember that a giant 1000 foot magazine can only do 10 minutes of recording 35mm film. The biggest problem I had with the Alexa was the weight. I bought one five years ago thinking that I could use it for my reel and my personal projects to improve it. However the weight would really make me not want to use the camera. By the time you set it up and you’re ready to film, you are so tired that you really can’t focus on what you’re filming. You are better off with a light weight camera and focusing all your energy on your production design, your actors, and what you were filming, and of course the story. That’s why it’s not really worth owning an Alexa today, you need a big crew. Even for the mini.
The mini is super light and a joy to use. It's barely heaver than a rigged up RED DSMC2, but the image is much better. You can put the mini on a MoVi Pro with a minimal rig (and FIZ is built in to the MoVi) and it's a very manageable weight. I can manage for a few hours like that but I think I'll need to get a readyrig when I get older lol. The Classic on a Ronin 2 would be much too heavy haha, You'd need something like the Trinity to hold a rig like that!
There is a swiss plate for accessories mounting. It's an extra, unlike on the Z Cam.
This is the silliest video I’ve seen. I agree with a lot of these comments. You can’t criticize a camera meant for a full camera team for being cumbersome.
They sell accessory plates that go to those areas you want to mount accessories. There is an Alexa top cheese plate on eBay this second!
About the storage: 5/6 years ago I bought my first "cinema" camera, the Canon C200, and I bought an Cfast 2.0 to SSD adapter which worked great and was much cheaper than buying the cards. Perhaps there could be a similar workaround for these cards?
I also use an Arri Alexa for my "run and gun" work and in my projects i get sweaty very fast, even in winter with cold temperatures. 😅 But i like the simplicity of this camera.
the XLR is line level, so you need a pre-amp
A powered mic would be great for scratch
7:54 You could plug a standard xlr microphone in after all the conversion, it just cant be a condenser or anything that requires phantom power, dynamic mics and ribbons would be fine
@8:00 you forgot one more thing... you need line level too!
But yeah, if you're a working professional Production Sound Mixer then the ARRI ALEXA Classic is super easy to work with, just slap a TC box on it. And give it a line level feed if they request it, no problem at all.
There are sxs adapter cards that let you use sd cards... do they work on the alexa?
an idea i have is mod the card to be a cache card and uses some rasp pi to transfers the data to other storages in real time maybe?
Pretty much all points you mentioned apply to Run and Gun type shooters commonly seen here on RUclips.
1. I agree with you at media as far as the age of it does. But the Sony Venice for example is using a newer version of the sxs standard so it’s definitely not uncommon. As far as Media Size goes 20mins for 64 Gb is ok. Especially when it comes to narrative and commercial work 20min of footage can be an absurd amount of money. Again the only use case I see is Interview work as well as Run and Gun which the camera was never intended for.
2. Booting time is not an issue if you are not a Run and Gun shooter. Shooting commercials and narrative just power the camera once and leave it running until lunch and power it back on if you start shooting again. A much bigger concern with it which I am not sure why you wouldn’t bring that up it battery consumption. The classic chews through like 90 watts per hour with its EVF.
3. Mounting points are there und nobody needs 500 mounting points. Also 1/4“ 20 is a standard that came up on smaller cameras and pretty much everybody I know prefers the bigger 3/8“ threads with locating pins. Also there is pretty common why to rig the XT/Studio Style body. Also you can get the LMS 3 from ARRI which is basically a TopPlate with more mounting options and I am sure the are plenty companies out there that produce cheese plates that anchor in to an arri anti twist.
4. I agree it’s heavy and it’s sucks carrying it around the whole day but in terms of size it’s not much bigger than a Venice with its recorder on the back.
5. Normally you have a Timecode Lemo Port on that camera (which your camera unfortunately hasn’t) so absolutely no need for scratch. Also there is an accessory to solve your problem called beachtek DXA Alexa. The 5 Pin XLR which is widely used for DMX for example is a stereo line in so THERE ARE NO preamps that are not great. The audio is only as great as the preamp you plug into it.
Is there anything against recording to an external recorder via SDI? (And I’m not talking about the Q7 and ARRIRAW, but simple ProRes with e.g. a video assistant 12G)
Yeah, these are all things that are wrong with the camera if you want to use it to run and gun. You seem to chalk a lot of them up to age, but REDs, newer Alexas or a Venice have pretty much all these same issues because they're not made for run and gun. RED cameras still need something like the Wooden Camera A-box, new Alexas don't come with a cheese plate, the Venice shoots to the same internal SxS cards. You could shoot this same video about a Venice 2, haha.
I mean, you're right these are all totally issues if you're working as if it's a mirrorless camera, but it's not and it's newer siblings aren't either.
What about adapting SxS to SD? I can see that some adapters like that exist. Wouldn't that be a pretty good solution?
Thats a great option for some other SxS cameras, but those aren't compatible with the Alexa.
Nope. Regular SXS cards won't work -
The write speed is too slow.
The Arri uses SXS Plus cards
20 mins per card is excellent and ample. This is a cinema production camera. Not a pray and spray camera- film discipline.
@@StansburyStudiosInc Yeah, this is 2022 👍😂
@@StansburyStudiosInc I thought this might be the case. Really fast SD cards get pretty spendy as well, and this camera sounds like a data hog. May have trouble finding an SD card that can keep up that isn't the same money as the correct media.
I’ve plugged in a wireless lav to get scratch sound on a music video
About the storage: can you not crack open such a storage stick, attach a flat cable and use a different (bigger) storage media? Maybe even a M2 SSD?
Camera companies are very picky about you doing this so it probably wouldn't be compatible.
About the storage size, I believe 20 mins of recording time is good enough. For “real” production, I would only shoot half of the card, for “safety”. For documentaries, I would hook up to a extremal recorder with SSDs.
you can get 2 x 1TB SSD fitted in Odyssey 7Q Monitor / recorder and record almost 3hours of ARRIRAW 2.8K. nothing to complain about it. Samsung 850 Pro SSD drive now sells for $60, I personally bought 10 of them.
Do you think I would need a crew to use this?
Is the 5 Pinl XLR a stereo input?
didn't have the OG Alexa like more than 3k resolution?
Awesome video as per usual. I know that there are lots of people saying that these aren't really downsides because 'cinema' but I was lusting after one of these last year and it's videos like this that helped me realise it wasn't the one for me, not at the moment anyway. Keep up the great videos.
Also for the because 'cinema' folks, Arri have addressed a lot of these issues in their newer cameras so obviously they were issues even for cinema.
Gotta ask, which issues did they address in newer cameras? Bigger cards? Sure, although they're even more expensive than SxS.
The only thing Arri has addressed could be the weight. There still is no audio input and yes, the new cards are bigger, but so are the files, so you still get more or less the same time on each card, so no issues at all
Also the weight wasn't decreased because it was too heavy for the operators. There are support rigs for that (Easyrig, Ergorig, etc.)
They just saw that Gimbals were the next big thing and that their full size Alexas wouldn't fit in them. So they created the Alexa Minis just because of that. And not at all to make run and gun filmmaking easier.
This camera would be great for Short Films. But run and gun blogging and what not. Hell no. This cam is perfect
Ok,
-Do you need to record at ProRes 4:4:4?
-SXS ProPlus cards are done if the most reliable media out there
-no issues getting media
-start up? This is not a run and gun camera, it never was
-lack of mounting points? That’s why there are cages…
-size and weight? Easy, do some push ups. Get rid of the monitor and arm and get the EVF, it’ll be lighter.
-lack of audio? 5 pin to dual 3 pin. Or better yet, hire a sound person
nice to see that my dirt cheap camcoder is superior to this camera:
- 5 hours of recording time!!!
- nearly instant startup (if it was powered up before same day)
- weights nothing, literally fits in my pocket
(Joking ofc, only recording time is real advantage, others are just different form factors.)
Also: you dont actually need phantom power to get audio. If you get dynamic microphone it works perfect without phantom power. But I would probably test microphone sensitivity anyway before going to film something.
try buying an sxs to sdhc card adapter for 60$ and then put the 1tb sd card in, thats the first problem fix i'd have thought about
Man that is a old Scholl cine camera like the panavision every cartridge with negative just 30 minutes I think of filming.
The first Sony hd cinema come with a big laundry cleaning with the memory's. You can see in rocky
Let’s put the classic sensor into a small box , possible ?
I know its aimed at top end productions which almost allways recording audio sepporatly, but it still feels a bit obnoxious to have such poor audio options on somthing that cost so much new!
This is a cinema production camera, not a run-and-gun solo crew camera. Always has been.
Cue the astronaut meme
I realy appreciate your opinion - You seem to have reasonable approach Many people would be glad with impressiveand beautifill piece and couldn't notice downsides at all. In my opinion there is no perfect solution which would not have any downsides after 12 years when we see what is today around and things change so fast .
We need to sacriface else picture quality or comfort or impresive look. With my consumer cameras try to serve at least two - comfort with one of my cameras which looks for me small and not impressive but has best futures for outdoor. like portability and optiical stabilization And now I strive to get working bigger which would be less comfortable but Il like the outer impression just like state of art and for internal use will be ok if I success. Both have same rather only acceptable for me picture, anyway acceptable means for me perfect 😉.
Thanks for the great video! As always, fun to watch 💪 I remember doing the training when I this original Alexa came out and the weight, size & storage were proudly presented as innovative. Owning one of these forces you to think precise, stay on top of the game & plan far ahead - perfect for drama, even today. If you respect the grey beast, it’ll reward you with the best image. You can literally just slap a CST on the image - perfekt skin & roll-Off out of the box. And yes, this is a camera that requires at least 2 people to handle correctly - I’d call this the absolute nightmare for run & gun. Get a C100 mkII for that - needs no rigging, doesn’t chew batteries, has small file sizes and you get an Evf / Monitor built right in - alternatively the FS5 which is quite similar.
Unless you have had this for longer then iv been following the hole build I don’t think you have had enough time to say what you hate about it
Why not compare an Alexa to an iPhone???? See how many Oscars are won on an iPhone-shot camera...!??
Movies shot on iPhones are only done for the clout, not because it is a good tool for the job. They do it because they know it has a low budget "found footage" look and they will get in the news for using an iPhone to shoot a movie. Get a Canon or Sony camera, many times cheaper than an iPhone, and you can use real lenses and have a platform built for video and the tools you need from a camera.
@@WestonNey Sorry, Weston, but I have three commercial feature films on my desk and in my resume that have paid industry rates for passable work that's been in cinemas and on network TV. So starting with "Tangerine" (2015), that a buddy of mine worked on, there are a quite a few feature films out there that have been shot in iPhones and for the money.
Or let's go the other way and compare to a Panavision cinema camera or a Sony Venice? If you look back, there were cameras like Mitchells and even something like an Eclair 16mm NPR that required someone with some strength to operate it all day.
If the internals of the classic can somehow be switched into a diy mini box body with internal nd . It would be over
ok
yup, ok
Buying a cheese plate could solve your lack of mounting points problem
As far as size, if you want it to be built like a tank and strong, that comes with weight. Again, it is built to be A cam, all others LF and Alexa 65 come is same form, due to cooling requirements and strong metal body. A cam should be A cam.
Audio, just connect Sound Devices pre amp /mixer, and run shot gun like 416 Sennheiser, problem solved, adapter XLR dual cable comes with camera. It is A professional camera, not a Sony handycam.
There are some SD, XQD and SSD to SXS adapters, the XQD probably is the best one. It could be an option. Or even an external recorder SDI to SSD like the Ninja V.
Finally got my hands on this and super underwhelmed 😢😂😂 this camera has been glazed so much I got it n the footage doesn't hold up to my Sony Fx6 with the atomos recorder... In the dark it's useless.. basically anywhere you can't fit this big mf it's useless... dynamic range nostalgia was not enough of a selling point when you know how to properly expose any camera
alexa classic for run and gun shooting? like srsly bro?
You cant take a tank to fight a shoplifting thief armed with a knife.
Sony themselves make a SXS to SD adaptor.
I bought the adapter years ago, it is not compatible with Alexa. Alexa knows what card you are putting in it. And if it isn’t the right card it just won’t work
They do, but it sadly isn't compatible with the Alexa.
Get a cheeseplate for the top!
RUclipsrs should not own cinema cameras 😵💫
so true, they would complain about anything even that a phone is not like a cinema camera
Arri productions use sound crews for recording audio. With something called double system audio. Not your low budget run/gun doc or reality productions. This camera needs a sound crew or a sound man
At least.
😂
Man buys a high end cinema camera released over 11 years ago and complains about it while comparing it to camera specs that are the norm roughly 11 years later. Who knew, tech tends to evolve slightly over time.
Get an SxS to SDCard Adapter. Fixed.
1 thing I don’t like about the Arri:
I don’t have one
Amazon are selling sxs to sdcard adapters. So, problem solved :)
You can just put a cheese plate on topthat’s what I’ve done
Looks like a 57’ Chevy
"this camera can't even record 4K" :D :D :D
Big media cards is actually a terrible idea. The reason Red’s smaller 256GB drives are often out of stock is an indicator to this. Holding you whole days shoot on one card is an awful idea. Drives dies and you’ve lost your whole day.
Still WAYYY cheaper to rent than a mini
That's why RUclips has taken the turn it has and there vids aren't trusted. Everyone just making one to make one. Bro just be grateful you have what you do. You could have had 5 useless pieces of scrap. You ended being blessed (if the video was true) if you don't have the money or its a problem why go into it? Why even start if everything becomes a problem now. It's an old ass camera, whether it's an Arri or not. It is a camera built for a specific purpose. Just get her ready and warmed up. Get something else for running and gunning.
He said in the video that he made a 5 things he loves about it video, and he just wants to highlight the things he doesn't like as well. He obviously isn't super experienced in the world of cinema cameras and rigging and film crews yet but we all have to start somewhere. Heck I've been a steadicam operator and drone pilot for projects for multi billion dollar brands and I still learn something new every day and wouldn't call myself "highly experienced". It all comes with time by making mistakes and spending time in the field. No need to be rude to the guy.
@@WestonNey YOU OBVIOUSLY WASN'T LISTENING WHEN THE BIG BABY YOU'RE TAKING UP FOR SAID HE DID IT BECAUSE OTHER'S DID A "5 THINGS I HATE VIDEO" JUST STOP. HE DOESN'T NEED ANOTHER GROWN KID TO DEFEND HIM.
@@mygorgeousmedia bro you post video game recordings cool your tone.
There is faster. Arri 35. Arri Alexa mini. Arri Amira.
The alexa origional is such old technology it will never live up to the luxury we have with more modern cameras. The only real reason to own one is for nostalgic purposes. Arri were the one of the origional cinema camera manufacturers back in the early 2000s hence why with limited options Hollywood used them. And people like to stick to what they know. Roll on to 2022 there are a tonne of cinema cameras available that are far more superior to the arri cameras. It's Hollywood snobbery that has made these cameras seem like the gold standard when the sony Venice, and panasonic varicams kick ass way more.
You have clearly never used any of those Cameras you mentioned 😂
@@oleschreiterdopac696 not only have I used them I own them both, but prefer my c70, more modern sensor. Quite clearly 🙄
@@ChrisbottrellphotographyCoUk Alright apologies for that. Could you possibly tell me which version of an ARRI Alexa you have used? I stand with you that the classic with 16:9 sensor isn’t that great. Interesting that you praise the c70. We did shot with an Alexa SXT as A Camera and C70 as a crashcam and we did find the DR quite underwhelming on the c70.
The Alexa Classic Sensor is only beat by the Alexa LF and Alexa 35 in dynamic range. The dynamic range isn't exaggerated and neither is the color science. Alexa's dual gain sensor technology is secured with a patent which is why no other camera company has surpassed them in Dynamic range to this day. The Venice 2 is probably on the level or very close to the Alev3 sensor's dynamic range but the Alev4 sensor now surpasses it by 1-2 stops. Whenever ARRI puts out an Alev4 LF that will be even more solidified.
The downside of the Classic is certainly not the sensor. It's still very unique as no other company can replicate it. The weight and power draw are problematic for productions without a 1st and 2nd AC to assist camera operations or a steadicam operator to fly a heavy package.