ARRI announced a handful of new accessories and products to improve workflow for camera operators and lighting designers. Among the offerings include a new follow focus, matte box, bracket, and a very intuitive lighting app called Stellar.
Before diving into the tech, let's get inspired from its latest show reel.
AV PRO AR 256 CFast 2.0
The ARRI edition AV PRO AR 256 CFast 2.0 card by Angelbird is compatible with Alexa Mini and Amira cameras to record ProRes and MXF/ARRIRAW. The cards were designed specifically for ARRI cameras to reduce heat from the chip and secure electronic components against damage. For now, only a 256GB version is available.
It is worth noting this CFast 2.0 card does not support Alexa XT, SXT (W), and LF cameras. If you need additional storage, an ARRI Edition 512GB Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 memory from SanDisk is available. SanDisk also makes a 256GB and 128GB editions.
Operator Control Unit OCU-1
The OCU-1 is a companion tool to the Wireless Control Unit WCU-4 which is ARRI's remote control for lenses that combines three axes of control and lens data in a compact, handheld design. The OCU-1 allows camera operators to override and return focus, zoom, and iris control locally. It can also serve as an inexpensive alternative follow focus system when compared to its Master Grips.
Small and lightweight (165.51 g / 5.84 oz), it has three assignable user buttons and the same control wheel, display, and LBUS integration as the Master Grips. The camera operator can have full lens control even when motors are attached. An indicator light appears on the WCU-4 screen when OCU-1 overrides the system. When using the OCU-1 with Canon EF lens on an Alexa Mini or Amira, it can control the lens without any extra motors. It's also compatible with common 15mm or 19mm rods, ARRI Rosette, or 3/8” mounts.
Additionally, ARRI says it compatible with its Stabilized Remote Head SRH-3 as it can control its roll axis as well as the following cameras and support system: Alexa Mini, Amira, UMC-4, SMC-1, EMC-1, AMC-1 Sony/Red/Canon, Blackmagic (LANC) via CUB-1 and ENG Lens via CUB-2. ARRi plans to ship by end of year.
Vertical Format Adapter Set
With the Vertical Format Adapter set, ARRI has responded to the need for the Alexa Mini to shoot in portrait mode. It comes with a set of our brackets allowing the Alexa Mini and its viewfinder to be rotated 90° on its lens axis with full stability.
ARRI has several accessory options that support vertical content capture like the Compact Bridge Plates CBP-1 and CBP-2 (more on them below). Both its Broadcast Plate or the Mini Adapter Plates (MAP-1 and MAP-2) for the Alexa Mini will mount the same as horizontal footage. ARRI also says the Vertical Format Adapter set can be combined with the TRINITY stabilizer system or the aforementioned Stabilized Remote Head SRH-3.
Advanced Power Unit Smart APU
ARRI has added it to its power supply accessories with an Advanced Power Unit Smart APU. What is it? It's basically a power supply that keeps the camera and accessories running during battery changes. It's mounted between the camera and the battery supply and features an on-board battery buffer and six independent outputs to power accessories. The technology is lithium-free with no travel restrictions and is available in V-mount or Gold-mount.
Lightweight Matte Box LMB 6x6
ARRI offers different Mini and Studio matte boxes as well as its Lightweight Matte Boxes. The LMB 6x6 is its third in the series offering the same functionality as the LMB 4x5 with the added benefit of being optimized for 6.6 x 6.6 inch filters and support for 15 mm and 19 mm studio rods. 15mm lightweight rods are supported via adapter. The matte box can also be clamped to a lens.
When used in a single-filter configuration, it can be used with gimbals, drones or Steadicam. It can be tilted 10° up or down when combined with an optional swing-away tilt module. Flags fold flat for easy storage and the LMB 6x6 is available as a complete set or as individual elements. All common lens diameters are available as clamp adapters to fit the matte box directly to a lens.
Compact Bridge Plate CBP-4
Three new Compact Bridge Plates are being offered for Amira and Alexa Mini cameras. The CBP-2 joins the existing CBP-1 for the Alexa Mini, offering 15mm studio rod support. CBP-1 supports 19mm rods. The CBP-3 (19mm) and CBP-4 (15mm studio) take aim at Amira.
Lightweight 15mm rods can also be on the Amira Compact Bridge Plates models. To use lightweight 15mm rods for Alexa Mini Compact Bridge Plates, you will need a 15mm LWS adapter.
Digital Remote Wheels DRW-1
Good news for Stabilized Remote Head SRH-3 operators: ARRI is developing a new set of crank wheels dubbed the Digital Remote Wheels DRW-1 inspired by ARRIHEAD. ARRI says it will bring a mechanical touch and feel to a digital workflow for maximum control and precision. Mechanical friction can be added to the crank wheels to be more or less responsive and its brake lever will have a familiar ARRIHEAD operation.
Controls will be assignable and interchangeable components will make it adaptable; even the angle of the wheels can be adjusted. Wheels will also use the LBUS standard, making them daisy-chainable with minimum cabling. A third wheel can be added to the system and accessories can be attached via screw holes. The DRW-1 can be mounted on tripod or stand.
Stellar Lighting App
Stellar is the "final link" in ARRI's lighting control products. Available for iOS or Android devices, the advanced lighting control software works with SkyLink, SkyPanel, and L-Series hardware. If you've ever been confused by complex DMX settings, Stellar simplifies everything in a clean graphic interface.
ARRI made setup a breeze, adding options for color mode switching, an auto layout feature that automatically sets a DMX start addresses for fixtures and continues to manage them as you add more to the setup, an automatic fixture discovery feature, built in RDM and DMX technology, a light plot view and the ability to store and share color looks and effects. The app can even set gels and sources on all L-Series fixtures.
ARRI will be adding more features along the way. It's free for iOS or Android.
