The ARRI Alexa 35 is one of the most trusted cinema cameras in professional film and video production. Built around ARRI’s next-generation ALEV 4 Super 35 sensor, it delivers the organic image quality and wide dynamic range that cinematographers and directors of photography have relied on for decades. Whether you are planning a commercial campaign, a branded content series, a documentary, or a narrative project, the Alexa 35 gives your production an image foundation that holds up on every screen and in every color pipeline.
How We Use the ARRI Alexa 35
At Two Stories Media, we use the ARRI Alexa 35 across a wide range of video production services — from ad campaigns and brand films to product launches and documentary work. This page covers everything you need to know about the camera, including technical specs, production considerations, frequently asked questions, and how to rent one through our camera rentals program in Tampa.
ARRI Alexa 35 Product Overview
The ARRI Alexa 35 represents a generational leap in cinema camera technology. Specifically, it is the successor to the widely used ARRI Alexa Mini and ARRI Alexa Mini LF. The camera introduces a new sensor, expanded recording formats, and a redesigned image processing pipeline. As a result, it raises the bar for what a Super 35 camera can deliver on set.
ARRI designed the Alexa 35 for professionals who need reliable performance across every lighting condition. Its sensor and processing chain produce a natural, film-like texture. In addition, the camera delivers smooth color gradation, clean shadows, and highlight handling that recovers detail where other cameras clip. Consequently, the image requires less correction in post. This gives editors and colorists a stronger starting point in the grade.
Key Specifications
The Alexa 35 is built around the ARRI ALEV 4 CMOS sensor in a Super 35 format. It captures up to 4.6K resolution at 4608 x 3164 pixels with a Cine license. Furthermore, the camera supports both MXF/ARRIRAW and MXF/Apple ProRes 4444 XQ recording formats. It delivers up to 17 stops of dynamic range, giving cinematographers exceptional latitude in mixed lighting environments.
Frame Rates, Mount, and Build
Frame rates range from 0.75 fps to 120 fps depending on resolution and codec. The camera uses an LPL lens mount that accepts both ARRI Signature Primes and PL-mount lenses through an adapter. In addition, the body weighs approximately 6.3 pounds without accessories. This makes it manageable on handheld rigs, Steadicams, gimbals, and studio configurations alike.
The Alexa 35 also introduces ARRI Textures, a camera-native feature that lets you shape the character of the image directly at capture. When combined with the ALF4 ARRI Look File system, this gives operators creative control on set without baking in destructive changes. Moreover, the camera supports metadata-rich workflows. It outputs clean timecode, lens data, and exposure information that carries through from set to the edit suite.
Why Cinematographers Choose the Alexa 35
The core reason professionals choose the ARRI Alexa 35 is image quality. ARRI cameras are known for producing an organic, natural image that closely resembles film negative. Furthermore, the Alexa 35 takes that heritage further with its expanded dynamic range and improved color science. For example, when you are shooting a commercial with talent under mixed lighting, the Alexa 35 gives you the latitude to protect highlights and open shadows. Similarly, it handles uncontrolled daylight in documentary scenes without sacrificing texture.
Beyond the image, the camera is built for reliability. On professional sets where time is money, the Alexa 35 delivers consistent performance take after take. As a result, reshoots due to camera issues are rarely a concern. In addition, its menu system, ergonomics, and accessory ecosystem are familiar to ARRI crews. This means less time configuring and more time shooting.
Production Resources and Workflow Tips
Getting the most out of the ARRI Alexa 35 starts with understanding how it fits into your production workflow. Below are the key areas to consider when planning a shoot with this camera system.
Codec Selection and Media Management
For codec selection, ARRIRAW gives you maximum flexibility in post. However, it generates large file sizes that require fast media and substantial storage. On the other hand, Apple ProRes 4444 XQ provides an excellent balance of quality and file size. As a result, many productions choose ProRes as their primary format. It integrates smoothly into DaVinci Resolve, Premiere Pro, and Final Cut Pro timelines without transcoding.
For media management, the Alexa 35 records to Codex Compact Drives. Therefore, building a reliable on-set data workflow is essential. This includes redundant backups, checksum verification, and clear drive labeling. Also, plan for enough drives to cover your shoot day with room for pickups.
Lighting and Lens Pairing
For lighting, the Alexa 35’s wide dynamic range means you can lean into naturalistic setups. The camera reliably holds detail in both highlights and shadows. That said, the sensor also responds beautifully to shaped, intentional lighting. Consequently, DPs working with this camera often light for mood rather than exposure.
For lens pairing, the LPL mount gives you native access to ARRI Signature Primes and Zooms. Additionally, with an LPL to PL adapter, you can run Cooke, Zeiss, Angenieux, and other PL-mount glass. If your production calls for a vintage look, the Alexa 35’s sensor pairs well with older lenses. This is because its clean rendering lets the glass define the texture.
When you are ready to move into post-production, footage from the Alexa 35 grades smoothly. It responds well to color correction because of the wide gamut and high bit-depth recording. In fact, colorists often note that ARRI footage requires fewer nodes to reach a polished final look.
ARRI Alexa 35 FAQ
What resolution does the ARRI Alexa 35 shoot?
The Alexa 35 captures up to 4.6K resolution at 4608 x 3164 pixels. In addition, it supports multiple recording windows and aspect ratios. These include Open Gate, Super 35 4:3, and 16:9 framing options.
How many stops of dynamic range does the Alexa 35 have?
ARRI rates the Alexa 35 at up to 17 stops of dynamic range. This is the widest of any current digital cinema camera. As a result, you get more detail in highlights and shadows. It also reduces the need for HDR bracketing and provides greater latitude in post for color grading.
What recording formats does the Alexa 35 support?
The camera supports MXF/ARRIRAW and MXF/Apple ProRes in multiple flavors. These include ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ, and ProRes 422. Ultimately, the choice between ARRIRAW and ProRes depends on your post-production pipeline and storage capacity.
What lens mount does the ARRI Alexa 35 use?
The Alexa 35 uses the LPL (Large Positive Lock) mount. This is ARRI’s modern lens mount designed for both large-format and Super 35 optics. As a result, you can use ARRI Signature Primes natively and mount PL lenses with the LPL to PL adapter.
How much does the ARRI Alexa 35 weigh?
The camera body weighs approximately 6.3 pounds (2.9 kg). However, when built out with a lens, battery, monitor, and accessories, the rigged weight varies depending on your configuration.
Technical Details
What frame rates does the Alexa 35 support?
The Alexa 35 supports frame rates from 0.75 fps up to 120 fps. The available range depends on resolution and codec. For standard production work, 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97, and 30 fps are the most common. Additionally, higher frame rates are available in reduced resolution windows for slow-motion work.
What are ARRI Textures?
ARRI Textures is a feature unique to the Alexa 35 that allows you to adjust the texture and grain character of the image directly in camera. This gives cinematographers creative control over the look of the footage at capture without destructive processing, and the settings are stored as metadata so they can be adjusted later if needed.
Rental and Production Information
Can I rent the ARRI Alexa 35 in Tampa?
Yes. Two Stories Media offers the ARRI Alexa 35 as part of our camera rental program in Tampa Bay. Each rental is prepped, tested, and packaged with the accessories you need. In addition, we offer lens kits, lighting packages, and full gear rental support to pair with the camera.
What kind of productions is the Alexa 35 best suited for?
The Alexa 35 is used across virtually every category of professional production. These include commercials, branded content, feature films, television series, documentaries, and music videos. Its image quality and reliability make it a go-to camera for high-end projects. Specifically, visual consistency and post-production flexibility are critical on these shoots. At Two Stories Media, we use it regularly for video production across ad campaigns, brand storytelling, and documentary work.
How does the Alexa 35 compare to the ARRI Alexa Mini?
The Alexa 35 is the next-generation successor to the Alexa Mini. It features a newer sensor (ALEV 4 vs. ALEV III) and wider dynamic range (17 stops vs. 14+). Furthermore, it offers a higher native resolution and new features like ARRI Textures and the ALF4 Look File system. The Alexa Mini remains an excellent camera, particularly where smaller form factor and budget are priorities. However, the Alexa 35 delivers a measurable step forward in image quality and creative control.
Where can I find official ARRI resources for the Alexa 35?
ARRI maintains detailed technical documentation, sample footage, and workflow guides on their website. For example, you can explore their official resources below. You can visit the ARRI official Alexa 35 page for the latest specs and firmware updates, and explore the ARRI Look Library for sample footage and creative references.
Rent the ARRI Alexa 35 in Tampa
If you are planning a production that calls for cinema-grade image quality, the ARRI Alexa 35 is available through Two Stories Media’s rental program. We serve productions across Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg, Sarasota, Orlando, and throughout Florida. Whether you need the camera for a one-day commercial shoot or a multi-week schedule, we can help. Every rental includes a prepped, tested camera body with accessories and support. Simply contact our team with your project dates and gear requirements. From there, we will help you build the right package for your shoot.