Monochromatic digital cameras have many advantages. They usually provide sharper images, better low light sensitivity, better signal-to-noise ratio, higher dynamic range, a lack of moiré with no Bayer pattern de-mosaicing, and higher available ISOs. But how has the cinematography world embraced the new ARRI ALEXA Monochrome models? Let’s take a look! In the past, ARRI had one monochrome camera model, a standard ALEXA XT model, they would rent out via their ARRI Rental program. It wasn’t until cinematographer Ed Lachman, ASC persuaded them to make a large format 4K version, that the Munich-based manufacturer decided to go even further and produce a number of cameras to choose from. Because this would be a range with limited numbers and with a higher price than their color counterparts, they would also be rental-only items. So let’s take a look! Ed Lachman, ASC at CamerImage 2022 “El Conde”: shot on the ARRI ALEXA Mini LF Monochrome camera Back in November, ARRI Rental announced three ALEXA monochrome camera models: the ALEXA 65, the ALEXA Mini LF and the ALEXA XT model. In early 2022, Lachman was shooting the South American Netflix fantasy film El Conde in Chile. Directed by Pablo Larraín, the movie is centered around the aged vampire Augusto Pinochet and is expected to become available on the streaming platform later this year. Lachman and Larraín wanted to shoot in black and white but were not happy with the camera options available to them. At his seminar at CAMERIMAGE Film Festival 2022, Lachman...
Published By: CineD - Tuesday, 14 February, 2023