With so many cameras to choose from, you might want to research before making a sound investment. As a proud ARRI Amira owner, I spent months looking up as many details as I could find online. While information is out there, I’d love for you to save time and find 7 commonly asked questions about the ARRI Amira camera in one place.
1. How Much Does the ARRI Amira Weigh?
The ARRI Amira weighs in at 9lbs / 4.1 kg.
2. How much does an ARRI Amira cost?
Currently, the ARRI Amira basic kit retails for $37,800 through AbelCine. It is important to note that to shoot 4K UHD and Apple Pro Res 3.2, you’ll need to order the ARRI Amira Camera Kit with Premium License and MVF-1 Multi-Viewer, which retails for $43,540 through AbelCine.
3. What kind of memory cards for an ARRI Amira?
You’ll need a fast memory card to keep up with 4K & Full HD video recording. For this reason, the ARRI Amira requires a CFast 2.0 memory card.
CFast memory cards supersede Compact flash cards by pairing the original size of Compact flash cards with the Serial ATA (SATA) terminal for faster read and write speeds. CFast cards come in various sizes from 64 to 512 gigs and are available in two types, Type 1 and Type 2.
Because of ARRI’s Software Package (SUP) 5.2, the Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Memory Card is arguably the best CFast 2.0 memory card to pair with your ARRI Amira. Sandisk Extreme PRO CFast 2.0 Memory Card has a maximum read speed of 525 MB/s (3500x), a maximum write speed of up to 450MBps (2933x), and a minimum write speed of 130 MB/s.
Extreme data transfer speeds up to 525MB/s and write speed up to 450MB/s
Don’t forget to ensure you get a memory card reader that can transfer your footage from your CFast 2.0 card to your computer. I made that mistake during a crucial filming weekend and almost couldn’t complete my edit. I recommend the Xcellon CFast 2.0 USB 3.1 Gen 2 Type-C Card Reader as it can read CFast 2.0 cards and is compatible with CFast 1.1 & 1.0 Cards.
4. What kind of media does the ARRI Amira record?
One of the first things to note is that an ARRI Amira can record several different formats, but some require license keys.
An ARRI Amira can record MXF/ARRIRAW, Apple ProRes 4444 XQ, Apple ProRes 4444, Apple ProRes 422 HQ, Apple ProRes 422, Apple ProRes 422 LT and MPEG-2 HD.
5. Where is the sensor on ARRI Amira?
The ARRI Amira boasts a Super 35 ARRI ALEV III CMOS sensor with an aspect ratio of 16:9 and dimensions of 28.17×18.13.
ARRI Amira’s sensor is visible upon removing the lens mount cover.
6. How do I check usage on ARRI Amira?
To check how many working hours on your ARRI Amira, go to the Menu Home screen, I (Info), System info, and you will find operating hours.
7. How do I add LUTs to the ARRI Amira?
First, create your LUT for free through ARRI’s website using the ARRI Color Tool.
To import a LUT (lookup table) to the ARRI Amira, go to File, Open Look/LUT File. Select the 3D LUT to import it. As soon as your LUT loads into your ARRI, you can turn it off/ on or see the Log C image.
Video Overview of the ARRI Amira
Here’s a GREAT video overview of the ARRI Amira directly from the ARRI YouTube Channel:
Conclusion
Coming from an indie film background, the ARRI Amira has served me well. I can record stellar onboard audio while being run and gun in a minimal crew situation. While I answered 7 common questions about the ARRI Amira, I know there are tons more that you may have.
Feel free to comment below with any questions, and I’ll do my best to answer them. With a beautiful sensor, the ability to adapt to changing scenarios quickly, and an outstanding reputation, I’ll be recording my films on the ARRI Amira for years to come.
Ashleigh Coffelt is a Filipina writer, director, and cinematographer. Passionate about collaboration and education, you can find her woodburning, creating art and playing emo music with her best friend. Ashleigh loves working with people to create beautiful things and is constantly striving to learn more so she can share her knowledge with the world.
ARRI Amira
With so many cameras to choose from, you might want to research before making a sound investment. As a proud ARRI Amira owner, I spent months looking up as many details as I could find online. While information is out there, I’d love for you to save time and find 7 commonly asked questions about the ARRI Amira camera in one place.
Product SKU: ARRIAmira
Product Brand: ARRI
Product Currency: USD
Product Price: 47950
Price Valid Until: 2024-10-12
Product In-Stock: InStock
4.9
Pros
- Amazing film quality
- Lightweight Camera
- Stellar onboard audio
Cons
- Licencing can be expensive
Hey Ashleigh. Thanks so much for this. I’m about to purchase a preowned Amira (advanced license). I forgot about getting a card reader so thanks for that tip. Do you have any links to some of your work on the Amira or in general.
Hi Peter! Thank you for reading!
The advanced license is the way to go with getting an Amira & the card reader is super important! I learned the hard way about Compact Flash card readers not being cross-compatible and hope to keep you from making that mistake. Thanks for asking about my work on the Amira.
Two films I’d love to share are “On This Day” https://youtu.be/-g1jX9IFsWo & “First Impressions” https://youtu.be/PLdkIsH9zAc. I hope you enjoy them & your new Amira 🙂