The Amira is a digital cinema camera designed and developed by the knowledge folks at Arri. With over 100 years of experience serving the film and media industry they know a thing or two about crafting the perfect motion picture camera. Let’s look over why YOU might want to choose this camera for your next production.

What is the arri Amira

The Amira is a 3.2k 16:9 super 35mm sensor with recording options up to 4k in log-c or rec709. The lens mount can be interchangeable from PL, EF, or B4. It can capture images up to 200 FPS (in HD) using Arri’s award-winning color science. It has the ability for 1.3x squeeze in camera. The Amira sits in Arri’s documentary and single-user line-up, but is very versatile and has been used on just about every type of production. Records to Cfast 2.0 cards and has dual slots for an extended record time. Sports one 5-pin and two 3-pin XLR input with the ability to can connect to bluetooth mic for operator or producer talk back. Wifi is built-in (we’ll explain later). Powered by gold or v mount as well as direct AC.

Oscar-winning color science

All but one of the films shot digitally were nominated for best cinematography during the 2017, 2018, and 2019 Oscars captured exclusively with the Arri sensor and color science! What makes the Amira so special is that is shares the same sensor technology and color science as all of the other great Arri cameras. That means you are getting time-tested Oscar quality looks and image quality for YOUR production. That’s a confidence booster on your set. Save the stress when you know the best of the best are using this sensor too! Many director and cinematographers, including me, find the colors to just fall into place using the Arri cameras. The skin tones are perfect and tones feel rich and textured already on set, even before the color grade!

Build to last

The camera is built to withstand the elements. The Amira is used by the BBC Natural History Unit in the desert, National Geographic on the battlefield, and exclusively for NFL Films. It operates at a range of -4 to 122 degrees F at 95% humidity 1. This camera can take whatever you throw at it and more, yet still work reliably and without worry. When your budget is on the line and you are already stressed about X and Y, it is nice to know that, when you choose the Amira, you can forget about the camera and focus on the more important aspects of production. You will feel confident knowing that this camera will do its job, no matter what.

Easy to use and intuitive design

You might be thinking, but I am the director, or producer, I don’t care how easy the camera is to use. Well, when the camera design is easier and more intuitive you SAVE TIME and saving time is saving money! The Amira is truly a pickup and shoot style camera. It features three quick toggles, 7+ user buttons on the body, and build in ND filters, making any adjustments quick as a flick (literally). As a director of photography or a camera operator this means more control, speed, and a beautiful look easily at your fingertips. The built-in wifi allows the camera to be virtually controlled through a web portal on just about any device. Extensive metadata is captured to each clip including shot name, scene number, date, time, timecode, and production crew info. Along with RAW, the Amira captures ProRes up to 4444 XQ making editing and coloring in post-production a breeze. You can tell the folks at Arri know all aspects of the film industry intimately and brought all that knowledge into this camera.

it’s Affordable

The 4k specs, Oscar-winning color, the durability, and its ease of use, are all at a $42,000 price. Compared to it’s bigger brothers like the Arri mini (~$65,000 built) or the Arri SXT plus (~$85,000 built) the Amira gives you a bang for your buck. The Amira rents for less than those two cameras and requires the least additional accessories and parts to be shoot ready. So, you don’t have to compromise quality within your budget. it is possible to have the Amira and all of the advantages on your next set!

There is a lot to love about the Arri Amira. If you want to demo one for yourself or have it on your next project shoot me a message.

Find more info at Arri’s website.