ARRI has announced the contents of a two new update packets soon to be released for AMIRA cameras, bringing with them 4K UHD and MPEG-2 MXF recording.
The two major software updates, SUP 2.0 and 3.0, which will become available over the next few months, are the company’s response to to customer requests and the changing trends within the industry. Due to the camera’s re-programmable system architecture, the company plans to continue expanding the AMIRA’s functionality over the coming years, similar to the ALEXA’s steady stream of updates since 2010. It’s a great way to keep the customer base happy, considering the cost associated with both cameras.
AMIRA SUP 3.0 – RELEASE MID-2015
The biggest feature for 3.0 is the ability to record the XDCAM-compatible MPEG-2 422P@HL at 50 Mbit/s in an MXF wrapper, primarily used for television productions. This will cut down conversion times, allowing a streamlined workflow through ingest, editing and post for most broadcast environments.
Some of the advantages of recording directly to the broadcast format is a reduction in the number of memory cards, postproduction and archiving costs by minimising data rates whilst integrating with standard tools.
A new audio accessory will also be released, as a portable audio tuner/receiver slot extension to the back of the camera body. Allowing wireless audio signals to be received from either the sound recordist’s mixer or straight from radio microphones. Allowing in-camera wireless audio capture, supports the needs of ENG-style productions, without tying the sound recordist to the camera and allowing freedom of movement to operators.
Other features include a camera remote control interface for multi-camera live or scripted productions; Super 16 mm lens support; an intervalometer function for time-lapse applications; and a number of general usability enhancements.
AMIRA SUP 2.0 – RELEASE MARCH 2015
4K UHD recording will finally come to AMIRA cameras, as of the 2.0 release. Although, the update will only enable the camera to record in the higher resolution, you’ll have to purchase a 4K UHD license at the ARRI License Shop (and a camera sensor calibration at an ARRI service center for cameras purchased in 2014) if you plan on using it.
The update allows ProRes codecs up to ProRes 4444 to be recorded in UHD (3840 x 2160), directly onto the in-camera CFast 2.0 cards, at up to 60 fps. Optional purchases of in-camera de-noising, sharpening and detailing tools will allow image optimisation for specific applications or matched to different cameras and lenses.
Other features include ProRes 3.2K recording (allowing cross-compatibility with ALEXA cameras running SUP 11.0); WiFi remote support; the ability to monitor audio channels individually; additional lock functions to prevent the accidental pressing of buttons or switches; frame rate adjustments while in pre-record mode; frame grabs from the live camera image; and many more.
For more info, check: www.arri.com
Excerpts from Press Release
