ARRI has announced the “ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.1” upgrade. This release adds several new features and responds to user update requests.
In response to the positive evaluation of the camera control monitor CCM-1, it is now possible to use the CCM-1 and viewfinder MVF-2 in parallel, further increasing the options when monitoring images. Additionally, the CCM-1 now has an in-camera magnification function. Sensor zoom without upscaling is now possible with just a double tap.
ALEXA 35 is equipped with a revolutionary color management system to take full advantage of dynamic range and color fidelity. Part of the system includes ARRI LogC4 Display Render Transforms (DRT) for outputting SDI signals in the most commonly used color spaces, which the company says is the best option for most productions. The company plans to continue promoting the project. However, some clients have asked for more control over the color management process, and with the update of ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.1 and the corresponding ARRI Reference Tool ART 1.4.0, users can now use PFE (Print Film Emulations), ACES. Contrarily, users can now use their own color management.
The update includes the ability to change EI while recording, a new Wi-Fi power user button, and many stability improvements.
Important Updates
- Be sure to perform the update process twice
- In some cases, a problem may occur with Return In or the image may not be displayed, and we are currently working on a fix. If Return In is required, downdate to ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.0 required
- Webremote may become unstable. There is no problem with Windows computers. This bug is fixed with this update. To run Webremote on a non-Windows machine, downdate to ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.0 required
- SDI color bar levels may not be displayed correctly on some cameras. Currently undergoing corrections
Installing the new update
ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.1 can be installed on all previously shipped ALEXA 35 cameras, so updating from previous ALEXA 35 SUPs to SUP 1.2.1 is recommended. However, it is not recommended to update to a new SUP during a current production. Before updating the camera, please refer to the release notes for detailed update instructions. ARRI recommends waiting until after photography is completed on a project before updating the camera.
Also, the previous CCM-1 SUP 5.5.1 is not compatible with ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.1. Users need to update CCM-1 first, or update it alone.
Downdate ability
It is possible to downdate from ALEXA 35 SUP 1.2.1 to older SUP. However, MVF-2 viewfinders with serial numbers 6849 or higher and Compact Drive 2TB units with serial numbers starting with “273xxxxx” require ALEXA 35 SUP 1.0.4 or later. ALEXA 35 SUP 1.x requires a different sensor calibration than the field test SUP (0.8.x), so downdating the camera from the SUP 1.x to the field test SUP must not be done.
User registration
Users that have not yet registered as a user, please be sure to use online registration. By registering, users will be the first to receive information about future software updates. By registering within one month of purchase, users will receive a free one-year extended warranty. Registration is here .
