In the world of filmmaking, few names carry as much weight as ARRI, and if recent social media posts are to be believed, the legendary camera manufacturer might be preparing to release something truly extraordinary: the ALEXA 35 Xtreme. The rumor has set the cinematography world buzzing, especially after ARRI’s Instagram reels showcased breathtaking, extremely slow-motion footage, leading many to believe that an ultra-high-speed camera is on the horizon. But is it true? Could ARRI be set to unveil the ALEXA 35 Xtreme tomorrow?
Let’s break down the pieces. ARRI has been dropping hints on Instagram with three intriguing posts, each featuring stunning extreme slow-motion footage that pushes the limits of what’s currently possible in cinematography. The posts include shots of high-speed action, emphasizing the camera’s ability to capture motion at mind-boggling frame rates. With the slow-motion shots reaching 500 fps and possibly even beyond, it’s clear that ARRI is gearing up to take things to a whole new level. These hints have sparked widespread speculation that ARRI is preparing to announce the ALEXA 35 Xtreme, a successor of sorts to their previous “Xtreme” models, such as the ARRIFLEX 435 Xtreme. The ARRIFLEX 435 Xtreme, released in the late 1990s, was renowned for its high-speed capabilities for ultra-slow-motion shots. ARRI’s decision to resurrect the “Xtreme” moniker seems entirely logical given its legacy in creating cameras designed for high-speed cinematography.
It’s hard to ignore the weight of the evidence. The ALEXA 35 Premium, ARRI’s current flagship camera, already supports up to 120 fps, which is quite impressive for a camera built for 4K cinematography. However, if ARRI is indeed working on a high-speed version of this camera, it makes sense that they would build on the ALEXA 35’s core technology and push the limits even further. With the rumored ALEXA 35 Xtreme, we could be looking at a camera capable of capturing footage at 500 fps or more, offering new creative possibilities for filmmakers who need to capture rapid motion with unparalleled clarity.
The cinematography community has been clamoring for faster, more versatile cameras for years. While the standard ALEXA 35 caters to a wide range of filmmaking needs, there’s a growing demand for higher frame rates to capture motion in even greater detail. By releasing a high-speed model like the ALEXA 35 Xtreme, ARRI could provide filmmakers with a tool capable of handling everything from fast-paced action shots to stunning slow-motion sequences for music videos, commercials, and big-budget blockbusters. Moreover, the demand for high-speed cameras isn’t just driven by filmmakers. The rise of VR and immersive media also requires faster frame rates for smooth, lifelike experiences. By tapping into this emerging market, ARRI could solidify its position as the go-to manufacturer for high-performance cameras.
Though official details are still sparse, we can make some educated guesses. Given the impressive specs of the ALEXA 35 Premium, we can expect the Xtreme version to build upon this foundation. Ultra-high frame rates (500 fps or higher) could be supported, as indicated by ARRI’s Instagram teasers. The Xtreme version might also include enhancements to its sensor and image processing capabilities, ensuring top-tier image quality even at those extreme frame rates. Filmmakers could also see new, groundbreaking slow-motion effects that were previously unimaginable with current cinema cameras.
