New ARRI AMIRA Showreel Plus Alexa MINI SUP 2.6 Firmware Update
The ARRI AMIRA has a lot of cinematographers excited due to the superb image quality, legendary design toughness and of course, single operator ergonomics. Predominantly geared towards single user operation, ARRI had the documentary filmmaker, corporate shooters and ENG camera professional in mind when they designed the AMIRA.The camera also shares the industry standard Super 35 CMOS sensor from the ALEXA ensuring true life-like images with high dynamic range and stunning detail. ARRI just released their AMIRA Showreel featuring a compilation of 13 projects shot with the AMIRA, comprising a mix of camera tests and real-world shoots, reflects the broad range of productions on which AMIRA is utilized – from music promos and fashion films to documentaries and branded content.
ARRI Amira Features
ARRI also recently released SUP 2.6 or software version 2.6 for the newest ALEXA - the ALEXA MINI, which is a bug-fix release to the initial software version 2.5. Software version 2.6 also includes touch functionality on the new Transvideo Starlite HD5- ARRI monitor.
In summar, for those unfamiliar with the ALEXA MINI, it is a versatile additional tool in the ARRI ALEXA camera range, combining a compact form factor with the same ALEV III sensor and unrivalled image quality as all other ALEXA models. Designed for specialized shot-making, the ALEXA Mini features a super-lightweight carbon body and titanium PL mount, frame rates of 0.75-200 fps, in-camera recording of ProRes (including 4K UHD) and state-of-the-art integrated functions.
This is a list of known issues for this particular ALEXA Mini 2.6 software package.
ACCESSORIES
• Cooke /i lenses with out of date firmware may not be recognized by the camera
Please make sure your Cook /i lenses are updated to the current firmware.
• Start/Stop on Canon HJ18 B4 is not working
Communication to a Canon HJ18 B4 lens is not working with the ARRI B4 Mount.
• Compatibility issues with embedded timecode in 3G HD-SDI
With HD-SDI outputs set to 3G, some devices may not read the timecode embedded in the signal. No limitations are seen with timecode output using 1.5G HD-SDI output settings.
• Built-in EF lens image stabilizers are not supported
Built-in image stabilizers in EF lenses are not yet supported.
• Lens data for ENG style lenses using LDS contacts vs. lens camera cable
When using an ENG style lens, the lens data readout may differ between data from the LDS contacts (and no lens camera cable connected) compared to a connected lens camera cable.
• Compatibility issues with some USB devices
You may encounter issues with some USB devices. Please test the device prior to use it for critical tasks, or use the USB stick delivered with the camera.
AUDIO
• Embedded Audio in SDI is unreliable
Embedded Audio in SDI is very unstable and must be considered unreliable in this software update. This is only a SDI related issue which does not affect Audio recording.
• Test tone can be activated despite Audio being inactive.
Please make sure to deactivate the test tone by setting it to OFF.
• Audio reference level marker in recording menu is not always visible
The reference markers are only visible if the audio level is similar or above the reference level.
MEDIA
• Creation of *_BIN.bin file on CFast cards
A file named "*_BIN.bin" (i.e. A001R3VJ_BIN.bin) is being created when recording. This is only for internal data management and can be ignored.
METADATA
• Camera may generate ALE files with unsupported high project frame rates.
ALE files for high frame rate editing modes (48p to 60p) are not supported in AVID Media Composer version 7 and lower
• No embedded metadata in SDI
ALEXA Mini only supports the record flag in embedded SDI meta-data so far. We are working to increase the set of meta-data embedded in SDI with the next release.
MONITORING
• 4K UHD/3.2K no NTSC frames rates supported on SDI 1
SDI 1 offers only framerates consisting of whole numbers at 4K UHD and 3.2K
Playback
• The camera may freeze during playback in rare occasions.
Please reboot the camera when this happens.
• Clips may not play back in camera if recording was interrupted
Clips may not play back when power to the camera has been interrupted or the card has been pulled during recording. In this case please check the clip on a PC.
• Interlaced clips jitter vertically when played back if SDI output is not set to interlaced. This only affects playback in SDI, the clip itself is all right. Make sure to always match SDI configuration to project configuration (e.g.: 60i clips played back on 60i SDI output).
• No audio playback over SDI
Embedded Audio in SDI is very unstable and must be considered unreliable in this software update.
• Display issues when changing playback speed
When changing playback speed of interlaced or psf clips on "Processed" HDSDI Outputs a short image loss may occur. This is not an issue of the played clip but a display issue on the HDSDI output.
RECORDING
• Limited scaling quality in HD-SDI outputs when recording in 2K
The resulting image quality is considered as sufficient for monitoring but may be limited for recording the signal as the master record. This is due to the downscaling of the 2K resolution to HD. Please set the recording format to HD when recording HD on the HD-SDI output as master record.
• Number of clips limited to 400 clips per CFast 2.0 card
The camera cannot record more than 400 clips on a single card. Please note that the camera gives no
further information but just refuses to record more clips.
• Error message for maximum clip size.
In testing it was possible to create clips that exceeded the currently possible max clip length of roughly 9.5hrs in which case the camera stops recording and reports "Recording stopped - maximum clip size reached". This can only occur with image content that has very little detail (e.g. closed lens cap) and using
a codec with low data rate like ProRes LT.
[caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="850"]
Image by filmandmusic.com[/caption]
SUP UPDATE
• Camera update may fail or camera may freeze during update.
If an update appears to be frozen (at least 20 minutes) or has failed, reboot the camera and wait for at least 2 minutes, then restart the update.
• Do not update SUP with camera in 3.2K/4K UHD mode
To avoid update problems always perform a factory reset prior to an SUP update.
• Timezone/daylight saving time are reset
After a SUP update, please make sure to re-set Timezone/daylight saving time accordingly.
SUP 2.6 might require two consequential installations
In order to update an internal component of the camera, it might be necessary to perform the update two times. If this is the case an information message will be displayed on the camera display.
USABILITY
• Starlite-HD5ARRI can change setting even if UI is not displayed on screen.
If the Starlite-HD5ARRI is connected to a SDI output showing "Clean" output, settings may be changed without notice when touching the respective areas on the screen. Please make sure the Starlite-HD5ARRI is connected to an SDI output that is set to "Processed" to see the touch interface.
• Jam Synced timecode is stable for approx. 3 hours - The camera currently does not tune its clock on the timecode input yet when the camera is jam synced.
Please be sure to sync the camera on a regular basis. Clock tuning will be part of a future SUP.
• Auto iris calculation for EF and ENG lenses
The Auto iris calculation with EF and ENG style lenses is based on the exposure for a neutral gray card.
Use HOME > EI > IRIS > OPTIONS > AUTO IRIS OFFSET to adjust the offset for auto iris.
• Limited number of camera files on USB sticks.
There is a limited number of camera files that can be supplied on a USB stick:
User Setups: 20; Look Files:
100; Frame lines: 100; License files: 100; SUPs: 20.
• Do not remove USB stick during read or write operation
When a USB stick is removed while the camera reads or writes data (user setup, camera log, frame lines, license keys etc.), please make sure the file transfer is finished, before removing the device. An incomplete file transfer can cause corrupt files on the camera or on the stick.
• Zebra is not available while the EVF/Monitor gamma is set to LOG C.
The Zebra function is deactivated when EVF/Monitor gamma is set to LOG C. Please switch to the false colour display or WAVEFORM to check exposure values on the Log C image.
• "REC 709" look file export
If for any reason you may want to export the look file "REC 709" to USB, you are suggested to make a DUPLICATE and just save it under a different name (i.e. "REC 709mod").
• Filename length is limited to 28 characters
Filenames longer than 28 characters (excluding extension) cannot be loaded by the camera, they are neither seen in the corresponding lists nor can be used.
• ZEBRA/FALSE COLOUR is disabled during clip playback
Exposure tools ZEBRA/FALSE COLOR cannot be activated during clip playback. Displaying the WAVEFORM is possible in EVF and on MONITOR.
• Framegrab to USB not possible during record and playback
Framegrab is only possible in standby mode. Framegrabs are always of HD 1920x1080 resolution and use the SDI Gamma setting.
• Changing Exposure Index or White Balance during record
When changing Exposure Index or White Balance during record it is possible that a single frame contains two different image characteristics.
• Using Zebra and Aperture Peaking in combination results in false exposure indication
When Zebra and Aperture Peaking are enabled you may observe a false exposure indication.
WIRELESS
• Range on WIFI connection may be limited
When experiencing frequent reloading with the webremote on WIFI connections, you have to move closer to camera or use a wired connection. The limitation is due to a driver issue and will be fixed in the next software version.
• SXU-1 record LED not reliable
Sometimes the REC LED on the SXU-1 does not reflect the correct camera state.
• WCU-3 continues to show "Please calibrate" after calibration In some occasions
WCU-3 continues to show a "Please calibrate" message after motors have been calibrated. WCU-3 works despite the message.
For update instructions and to download SUP 2.6 head over to ARRI.
ARRI Amira Features
- Same 35 mm sensor as ALEXA
- 4K UHD 3840x2160 (with license)
- 2K 2048 x 1152; HD 1920x1080
- Log C & Rec 709
- ProRes recording up to 4444 on CFast 2.0 cards
- Dynamic range of 14+ stops
- Natural colors and skin tones
- Up to 200 fps – full sensor area
ARRI also recently released SUP 2.6 or software version 2.6 for the newest ALEXA - the ALEXA MINI, which is a bug-fix release to the initial software version 2.5. Software version 2.6 also includes touch functionality on the new Transvideo Starlite HD5- ARRI monitor.
In summar, for those unfamiliar with the ALEXA MINI, it is a versatile additional tool in the ARRI ALEXA camera range, combining a compact form factor with the same ALEV III sensor and unrivalled image quality as all other ALEXA models. Designed for specialized shot-making, the ALEXA Mini features a super-lightweight carbon body and titanium PL mount, frame rates of 0.75-200 fps, in-camera recording of ProRes (including 4K UHD) and state-of-the-art integrated functions.
This is a list of known issues for this particular ALEXA Mini 2.6 software package.
ACCESSORIES
• Cooke /i lenses with out of date firmware may not be recognized by the camera
Please make sure your Cook /i lenses are updated to the current firmware.
• Start/Stop on Canon HJ18 B4 is not working
Communication to a Canon HJ18 B4 lens is not working with the ARRI B4 Mount.
• Compatibility issues with embedded timecode in 3G HD-SDI
With HD-SDI outputs set to 3G, some devices may not read the timecode embedded in the signal. No limitations are seen with timecode output using 1.5G HD-SDI output settings.
• Built-in EF lens image stabilizers are not supported
Built-in image stabilizers in EF lenses are not yet supported.
• Lens data for ENG style lenses using LDS contacts vs. lens camera cable
When using an ENG style lens, the lens data readout may differ between data from the LDS contacts (and no lens camera cable connected) compared to a connected lens camera cable.
• Compatibility issues with some USB devices
You may encounter issues with some USB devices. Please test the device prior to use it for critical tasks, or use the USB stick delivered with the camera.
AUDIO
• Embedded Audio in SDI is unreliable
Embedded Audio in SDI is very unstable and must be considered unreliable in this software update. This is only a SDI related issue which does not affect Audio recording.
• Test tone can be activated despite Audio being inactive.
Please make sure to deactivate the test tone by setting it to OFF.
• Audio reference level marker in recording menu is not always visible
The reference markers are only visible if the audio level is similar or above the reference level.
MEDIA
• Creation of *_BIN.bin file on CFast cards
A file named "*_BIN.bin" (i.e. A001R3VJ_BIN.bin) is being created when recording. This is only for internal data management and can be ignored.
METADATA
• Camera may generate ALE files with unsupported high project frame rates.
ALE files for high frame rate editing modes (48p to 60p) are not supported in AVID Media Composer version 7 and lower
• No embedded metadata in SDI
ALEXA Mini only supports the record flag in embedded SDI meta-data so far. We are working to increase the set of meta-data embedded in SDI with the next release.
MONITORING
• 4K UHD/3.2K no NTSC frames rates supported on SDI 1
SDI 1 offers only framerates consisting of whole numbers at 4K UHD and 3.2K
Playback
• The camera may freeze during playback in rare occasions.
Please reboot the camera when this happens.
• Clips may not play back in camera if recording was interrupted
Clips may not play back when power to the camera has been interrupted or the card has been pulled during recording. In this case please check the clip on a PC.
• Interlaced clips jitter vertically when played back if SDI output is not set to interlaced. This only affects playback in SDI, the clip itself is all right. Make sure to always match SDI configuration to project configuration (e.g.: 60i clips played back on 60i SDI output).
• No audio playback over SDI
Embedded Audio in SDI is very unstable and must be considered unreliable in this software update.
• Display issues when changing playback speed
When changing playback speed of interlaced or psf clips on "Processed" HDSDI Outputs a short image loss may occur. This is not an issue of the played clip but a display issue on the HDSDI output.
RECORDING
• Limited scaling quality in HD-SDI outputs when recording in 2K
The resulting image quality is considered as sufficient for monitoring but may be limited for recording the signal as the master record. This is due to the downscaling of the 2K resolution to HD. Please set the recording format to HD when recording HD on the HD-SDI output as master record.
• Number of clips limited to 400 clips per CFast 2.0 card
The camera cannot record more than 400 clips on a single card. Please note that the camera gives no
further information but just refuses to record more clips.
• Error message for maximum clip size.
In testing it was possible to create clips that exceeded the currently possible max clip length of roughly 9.5hrs in which case the camera stops recording and reports "Recording stopped - maximum clip size reached". This can only occur with image content that has very little detail (e.g. closed lens cap) and using
a codec with low data rate like ProRes LT.
[caption id="attachment_906" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Image by filmandmusic.com[/caption]
SUP UPDATE
• Camera update may fail or camera may freeze during update.
If an update appears to be frozen (at least 20 minutes) or has failed, reboot the camera and wait for at least 2 minutes, then restart the update.
• Do not update SUP with camera in 3.2K/4K UHD mode
To avoid update problems always perform a factory reset prior to an SUP update.
• Timezone/daylight saving time are reset
After a SUP update, please make sure to re-set Timezone/daylight saving time accordingly.
SUP 2.6 might require two consequential installations
In order to update an internal component of the camera, it might be necessary to perform the update two times. If this is the case an information message will be displayed on the camera display.
USABILITY
• Starlite-HD5ARRI can change setting even if UI is not displayed on screen.
If the Starlite-HD5ARRI is connected to a SDI output showing "Clean" output, settings may be changed without notice when touching the respective areas on the screen. Please make sure the Starlite-HD5ARRI is connected to an SDI output that is set to "Processed" to see the touch interface.
• Jam Synced timecode is stable for approx. 3 hours - The camera currently does not tune its clock on the timecode input yet when the camera is jam synced.
Please be sure to sync the camera on a regular basis. Clock tuning will be part of a future SUP.
• Auto iris calculation for EF and ENG lenses
The Auto iris calculation with EF and ENG style lenses is based on the exposure for a neutral gray card.
Use HOME > EI > IRIS > OPTIONS > AUTO IRIS OFFSET to adjust the offset for auto iris.
• Limited number of camera files on USB sticks.
There is a limited number of camera files that can be supplied on a USB stick:
User Setups: 20; Look Files:
100; Frame lines: 100; License files: 100; SUPs: 20.
• Do not remove USB stick during read or write operation
When a USB stick is removed while the camera reads or writes data (user setup, camera log, frame lines, license keys etc.), please make sure the file transfer is finished, before removing the device. An incomplete file transfer can cause corrupt files on the camera or on the stick.
• Zebra is not available while the EVF/Monitor gamma is set to LOG C.
The Zebra function is deactivated when EVF/Monitor gamma is set to LOG C. Please switch to the false colour display or WAVEFORM to check exposure values on the Log C image.
• "REC 709" look file export
If for any reason you may want to export the look file "REC 709" to USB, you are suggested to make a DUPLICATE and just save it under a different name (i.e. "REC 709mod").
• Filename length is limited to 28 characters
Filenames longer than 28 characters (excluding extension) cannot be loaded by the camera, they are neither seen in the corresponding lists nor can be used.
• ZEBRA/FALSE COLOUR is disabled during clip playback
Exposure tools ZEBRA/FALSE COLOR cannot be activated during clip playback. Displaying the WAVEFORM is possible in EVF and on MONITOR.
• Framegrab to USB not possible during record and playback
Framegrab is only possible in standby mode. Framegrabs are always of HD 1920x1080 resolution and use the SDI Gamma setting.
• Changing Exposure Index or White Balance during record
When changing Exposure Index or White Balance during record it is possible that a single frame contains two different image characteristics.
• Using Zebra and Aperture Peaking in combination results in false exposure indication
When Zebra and Aperture Peaking are enabled you may observe a false exposure indication.
WIRELESS
• Range on WIFI connection may be limited
When experiencing frequent reloading with the webremote on WIFI connections, you have to move closer to camera or use a wired connection. The limitation is due to a driver issue and will be fixed in the next software version.
• SXU-1 record LED not reliable
Sometimes the REC LED on the SXU-1 does not reflect the correct camera state.
• WCU-3 continues to show "Please calibrate" after calibration In some occasions
WCU-3 continues to show a "Please calibrate" message after motors have been calibrated. WCU-3 works despite the message.
For update instructions and to download SUP 2.6 head over to ARRI.