On 15 October ARRI released Software Update Package 6.2.0 for the ALEXA 35, ALEXA 35 Xtreme, ALEXA 35 Live and ALEXA 265. It is not a cosmetic update: it touches the daily work of the focus puller and the DIT on set.

What changes, point by point

  • Shared focus marks: marks set on the camera or on the Hi-5 hand unit sync between the two and show in the EVF and SDI status overlays.
  • Live distance readout: the status overlay can display measurements from a rangefinder such as the Focusbug Cine RT.
  • Full Focusbug Cine RT integration: two-way communication through the SERIAL port. The Focusbug licence for Hi-5 and Hi-5 SX no longer needs a RIA-1 or LCUBE CUB-1.
  • Depth-of-field ramping: exposure compensates automatically as the iris changes, so brightness stays constant during live DOF transitions.
  • Multicam: SDR and HDR look names now carry an “SDR” or “HDR” prefix, handy on panels with short displays.
  • SDI Play Mode for HFR: a new setting to review high-frame-rate clips at project rate (slow motion) or at the recorded rate.

Our take

The real news, in our view, is the shared focus marks. On set the focus puller works with the hand unit while the operator watches the EVF: if marks live in two places, sooner or later one is wrong. Now there is only one. DOF ramping with exposure compensation is another thing you appreciate when you rack from f/2 to f/8 and don’t want the monitor to pump. There is no price to pay: it is firmware. The only real cost is test time before the shoot day. Official source: the ARRI software update packages page; the feature details are also on Newsshooter.

What it means if you shoot in Abruzzo

If you rent an ALEXA 35 elsewhere, ask which SUP it runs and whether it was tested with your accessories: updating on the morning of day one is the fastest way to lose hours. A rule we apply ourselves: firmware changes in prep, never on set. The package also covers the ALEXA 265, the small sibling many productions use for second unit and action work.

In house we have the ARRI ALEXA Mini, which this update does not cover, and we often pair it with a Sony BURANO when you need a lighter A-camera. Have a look at our kits and all the equipment, or call us: we will tell you the right camera for your budget, even if it is not one of ours.