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Professional Profile - November 09

ARRIFLEX D-21

The Filmmaker’s Digital Camera

The ARRIFLEX D-21 Film Style Digital Camera has arrived in Australia.

This camera combines leading edge digital technology with film camera features, allowing directors and cinematographers to shoot in the same way as they would with 35mm film and taking advantage of the immediacy and economy of digital acquisition.

It is equipped with a number of unique features including an optical viewfinder, rotating mirror shutter, MscopeTM true anamorphic output, 4:3 format sensor, simple operation and an unequalled film-like image quality. In addition, the D-21 is the only camera capable of simultaneously outputting data in both raw and HD in 4:4:4 or 4:2:2 formats. This feature allows the capture of uncompressed data for post production and an HD source for on set imaging and reference.

The optical viewfinder has zero delay, works without power and shows an image area outside the primary image. The camera produces brilliant images with a cinematic look and feel, a high dynamic range, high contrast and the most film-like motion and colour reproduction of any digital motion picture camera.

The camera’s single, Super 35-sized CMOS sensor exhibits the same cinematic depth of field as 35mm film. The industry standard PL lens mount accepts the vast variety of prime, zoom and specialty film lenses. Since the D-21 is the only digital high-end camera with a 4:3 aspect ratio sensor, it easily accommodates all image formats, including anamorphic 2.40:1. The anamorphic image can be recorded in the innovative MscopeTM mode, utilizing a standard HD workflow, or in Data mode.

Further film style features include variable frame rates from 1 to 60 fps, exposure compensated speed ramps, compatibility with ARRI accessories, simple to use controls and the robust construction and ergonomic design for which ARRI cameras are famous.

The ARRIRAW format enables the camera output raw uncompressed data. Alternatively, the D-21 can output an uncompressed HD signal that works in the established HD infrastructure. With such flexibility, the ARRIFLEX D-21 easily adapts to a variety of production requirements and budgets.

Adrian Hauser, Senior DI Colorist at Cutting Edge in Sydney, Australia, resumes his experiences with the D-21 as follows:

“This has to be one of the first digital cameras that really seems to understand and interpret a true LOG encoding of real world linear light and hence has a great response to grading in a Log or Linear environment. It makes sense that ARRI does this correctly. Their extensive background, knowledge and experience in film imaging and color rendering is evident in the color and images the D21 is producing. Unlike other digital cameras D21's output gives the DOP confidence and the ability to immediately realize and convey the true visual intent of the live images."
 

 

 The D-21 in action: DP Tony Luu ACS

 

 

Cineoptix-Arri D21

Further details about the camera at www.arridigital.com  The D-21 is now available in Australia at Cinoptix.

Enquiries can be forwarded to info@cinoptix.com.au. Check the website at www.cinoptix.com.au