ARRI AMIRA Team Beverly Boy Review
While looks aren’t the strongest part of this camcorder, the provided functionality definitely is. With the ability to customize and personalize on a level most video cameras can’t compete with, it is looking like the AMIRA truly is a documentor’s best friend.
Features
The construction of the camcorder isn’t really awe inspiring. In fact, on first glance, it looks like something right out of the 90’s with a noticeable lack of that metallic black finish w have grown so accustomed to. The camera also does not come with a lens mount, so no mounting right out of the box unless you have one yourself. The kit does come with a great viewfinder though, so you won’t be completely lacking functionality from the get go. I has a portside slot for CFast card, and there is a small display on the same side as well.
The menu
The menu operation is the standard ARRI menu, offering a great amount of functionality and customization. There aso function buttons on the other side as well that are backlit. These buttons can be programmed to set for predetermined actions such as timed recording or pre-recording that can be set for buffer times. There are 4 more function buttons that are able to memorize two separate functions for a total of 8 individual preset functions.
LensPro ToGo goes over the exterior features on the Arri Amira
The customization really is the big selling point of the ARRI AMIRA camcorder, and the more we dive into these user friendly functions the more we see that. More functionality comes out of the three switches, which are able to quick adjust different camera setting between three different modes each. The second switch is ISO, which can be preset for three different levels for quick changing upon entering low light.
The third switch controls your white balance, which includes a fourth setting called “white balance tracking”. This setting will allow the camera to auto-adjust the white balance based on the current environment. There is a lock slide, 2 audio channel programming, and basic menu operation knobs. Underneath the lens mount is an ND filter setting knob as well. The camcorder sports the same sensor as the Alexa, which is welcome, since it is a great sensor to begin with.
Specs
The sensor type is a 35mm format ARRI ALEV III CMOS (28.17×18.13), the same one we see on the Alexa from Arri. The compatible lens mounts are the PL mount w/ Hirose connector and LDS, B4 mount w/ Hirose connector, EF mount, PL mount titan (ALEXA Mini). The camcorder has an impressive exposure index, adjustable from EI 160-3200 in 1/3 stops (EI 800 base sensitivity) and a dynamic range at 14+ stops over the entire sensitivity range from EI 160 to EI 3200 as measured with the ARRI Dynamic Range Test Chart (DRTC-1). 4 channels of audio recording, at 24 bit PCM, 48 kHz.
The included viewfinder is a AMIRA Multi Viewfinder MVF-1 (OLED and LCD) with flip-out LCD screen, and Camera Control Panel (CCP-1) LCD control panel with option to daisy-chain MVF-. The available recording formats are HD 1920×1080 (interlaced and progressive) or 3.2K ProRes 3200×1800 and also 4K UHD 3840×2160 and your framerates will be 0,75 – 100 Fps (progressive) HD, 2K 0,75 – 60 Fps 4K UHD & 3.2K MPEG-2: 23.98p, 25p, 29.97p, 50i, 59.94i.
Performance
The ISO range was not very optical for low light shooting, and there was a bit of visible noise noticeable in the shoots involving moving objects. The camera is documentary friendly, given the wide range of customization options and the ease of adaptability. I was able to preset all of my favorite setting for the conditions I expected to shoot in.
Though it did take some time, I was ready for anything, an able to change over to different ISO ranges, etc. in no time at all. I could see how, in the field of documentaries, this camcorder has been so popular. The included slow-mo is a nice touch as well, allowing you to add a little spice to any particular shoot.
You can do this directly from the rangefinder that is included with the device. The AMIRA really is prepared for anything you throw at it, and it doesn’t care how it looks at the same time