ARRI announced that it is now taking orders for its new AMIRA documentary-style camera, with prices starting at $39,999 for the camera and viewfinder. Customers can choose from a wide range of features and accessories to build their ideal package. Temporary and permanent software upgrades will enable owners to adapt AMIRA according to their professional needs.
AMIRA offers an ergonomic design optimized for the shoulder-mounted lone operating typical of run-and-gun documentaries. The camera is rugged enough to take anywhere and suits a wide range of different production types and shooting environments.
There are three camera configurations to choose from, differentiated by their software feature sets. Customers then select a lens mount, battery mount and bottom plate to assemble a complete camera. These are configured separately because there are various options for each. Whichever AMIRA camera set is initially chosen, it can be upgraded with additional functionality by purchasing a license at the ARRI website.
The entry-point AMIRA camera set allows Rec 709 ProRes 422 recording up to 100 fps and might suit owner-operators working mainly in the corporate, online and television markets. Next is the advanced set configuration, which adds features such as Log C, ProRes 422 (HQ) at 200 fps, in-camera grading and a pre-record function. The premium set incorporates features for high-end productions, perhaps using AMIRA as a companion to ALEXA, including ProRes 4444 and 2K up to 200 fps, as well as support for custom 3D LUTs.
The company plans to start shipping AMIRA cameras early in Q2, 2014.
