ARRI's new ALEXA SXT (Super Xtended Technology) cameras represent the next exciting step in the continuing evolution of the ALEXA family. Retaining the rock-solid foundation on which ALEXA is built, ALEXA SXT cameras additionally offer ProRes 4K recording, improved image quality, powerful color management and three fully independent HD-SDI outputs.

The first ALEXA SXT cameras are planned for release around mid-2015; the full range will comprise ALEXA SXT EV, SXT Plus and SXT Studio models, replacing current ALEXA XT cameras (though the ALEXA Classic EV model will remain in the line-up). ALEXA XT cameras (except ALEXA XT M) shipped between 1st Jan. 2015 and the first shipment of SXT cameras will be eligible for a full SXT upgrade, free of charge.

• ProRes 4K UHD (3840 x 2160)
• ProRes 4K Cine (4096 x 2637)
• 3D Look-up Tables, ASC Color Decision List, Rec 2020 gamma

Easy ProRes 4K recording
With in-camera recording of ProRes 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels) and ProRes 4K Cine (4096 x 2637 pixels), ALEXA SXT cameras are the ideal choice for productions that need 4K UHD TV or 4K DCI cinema deliverables, so filmmakers can continue using the ARRI ALEXA platform they know and love.

Improved image quality
ALEXA SXT cameras keep the acclaimed 3.4K ALEV III sensor of previous ALEXAs and add the state-of-the-art electronics of ARRI's groundbreaking ALEXA 65 camera. These high-performance electronics combine the latest generation of FPGA processors with a lightning-fast internal backplane and form the basis of a completely overhauled image processing chain, advanced pixel correction and optional noise reduction. This results in a further improvement in overall image quality. Like their XT predecessors, ALEXA SXT cameras retain the unique and popular Open Gate, 4:3 and 16:9 sensor modes, which can be recorded in ARRIRAW or ProRes.

New Looks and smoother workflow
The creation of new, powerful and unique looks has been made possible by utilizing the advanced color management engine originally developed for the ARRI AMIRA. Taking advantage of the extremely wide native color gamut of the ALEXA sensor, this new engine allows unprecedented control, which in the end means greater creative freedom for the filmmaker. In addition, previewing of looks on-set is improved, including the option to use the wide color gamut of Rec 2020 gamma, while dailies creation is made more efficient and final grading made faster.

A new type of look file, the ALF-2 (ARRI Look File 2), contains an ASC CDL (American Society of Cinematographers Color Decision List) as well as a 3D LUT (look-up table). ALF-2 files can be created with a new ARRI Look Tool, which can also import standard 3D LUTs. ALF-2 files and the tools that create them are compatible between ALEXA SXT, ALEXA Mini and AMIRA. Once loaded into the camera, CDL parameters and/or 3D LUTs can be applied to any of the three HD-SDI outputs or the viewfinder. For those who need faster workflows, CDL parameters and/or 3D LUTs can also be applied directly to the ProRes recording.

The new color management engine can easily match the look of current ALEXA cameras, but also provides the basis for radically different looks.

Super flexible on-set monitoring
To further streamline on-set workflows and deliver what has been asked for by crews all over the globe, ALEXA SXT cameras include three fully independent HD-SDI outputs. This allows, for instance, a Log C image to be used to show the director a pristine image with live grading, a clean Rec 709 image to be fed to video village, and a Rec 709 image with status information overlays to be displayed on the camera's on-board monitor.

Future-proof technology
ALEXA SXT cameras are designed to keep up with the growing needs of changing production methods: their powerful electronics offer significant potential for future hardware and software upgrades, illustrating ARRI's continuing commitment to the future-proof technology concept behind the ALEXA system.

http://www.arri.com/camera/alexa/cameras/camera_details/alexa-sxt/subsection/overview/