The ARRI Group, a world wide supplier of the highest quality motion picture film equipment since1917, has introduced a camera concept combining the handling, functionality and creative options of film cameras with the immediacy of digital cameras. Over the last century cinematographers, innovators and equipment manufacturers have created a set of sophisticated tools for visual storytelling. At the heart of these tools is a 35 mm film camera with certain characteristics, including the size of the aperture, a large variety of lenses, a bright optical viewfinder, the ability to run at variable speeds, simple to use controls, robust and ergonomic construction and an extensive array of specialized accessories. Video cameras, on the other hand, have been based on the 2/3“ chip standard and have been designed for Electronic News Gathering, making them less than deal for narrative film making.
Arri has recently developed the Arriflex D-20 high definition camera. The camera uses a 35 mm CMOS sensor (instead of CCD) to allow cinematographers to utilize standard 35 mm lenses. Other recent products of note include the Arriflex 235, a compact 35 mm camera; the Master Prime lens series; the Ultra 8R, an 8 mm rectilinear lens; Arrimax, an HMI light which can use 18 kW or 12 kW bulbs; and the Arriflex 416, a 16 mm camera optimized for high-end production.