ARRI ALEXA HD
Where It All Began
The original ALEXA turned the movie world upside down. For the first time, a digital camera made images that looked like the actual film despite its modest 1080p output.
Camera Specs
| Part | What You Get |
|---|---|
| Sensor | Super 35mm CMOS (8.9MP) |
| Resolution | 2K (2048 × 1152) |
| Top Speed | 60 fps |
| Recording | Apple ProRes (1080p focus) |
| Lens Mount | PL |
| Focus | Manual only |
Why It’s Still Important
THE FIRST FILM-KILLER
First digital camera that made film purists say “good enough”
THE LOOK THAT LAUNCHED ARRI
Created that famous ARRI image that later models built upon
BUILT TO LAST
Tough body stands up to years of hard use on movie sets
HD WHEN HD WAS NEW
Made 1080p look so good that higher res seemed less important
Who Still Uses This Pioneer
Some filmmakers still use this old workhorse for its unique look. Crews pull it out for art films, old-time stories, and jobs where that warm look beats sharp edges. Some top directors won’t shoot with anything else even with all the new gear. They say it has a look that the new stuff can’t copy.
Bottom Line
The ALEXA HD looks basic now, but it kicked off a revolution. It showed that suitable sensors and color matter more than just counting pixels. This box changed filmmaking forever by proving that digital could work, whereas only film had succeeded. Though old now, it still makes pretty pictures and holds a special spot in movie history.