Long before the market was flooded with options, there was a camera that set the standard—a camera that showed the world how digital could not only match, but embrace the beauty of film. That camera is the ARRI ALEXA XT (eXtended Technology). It stands as a pillar of modern filmmaking, a testament to engineering that prioritizes image quality and on-set reliability above all else. At Unicorn Films, we believe in providing tools with a legacy, and we are proud to offer this iconic camera for hire to discerning filmmakers in Delhi and across the nation.
The magic of the ALEXA XT begins and ends with its revered Super 35 format ALEV III CMOS sensor. This is the canvas that produces the “ARRI Look,” a visual signature that is instantly recognizable and endlessly pleasing to the eye. With a foundation of 14+ stops of dynamic range, the sensor captures the world with the same gentle grace as film stock. It allows an artist to work with light in its entirety, from the subtle texture in a dark costume to the ethereal glow of a blown-out window, all held within a single, cohesive frame. The colour rendering is pure and honest, delivering skin tones that breathe with life and a palette that is rich yet profoundly natural. This is why, even years after its release, it remains a top choice for narrative features.
The “XT” in its name marked a true workflow revolution: the integration of in-camera ARRIRAW recording. Before the XT, capturing ARRI’s raw sensor data required external recorders, adding complexity and potential points of failure on set. The ALEXA XT streamlined this process entirely:
This camera has anamorphic filmmaking in its DNA. The ALEXA XT features a 4:3 aspect ratio sensor mode, which is the ideal height for pairing with classic 2x anamorphic lenses. This allows cinematographers to achieve the iconic widescreen aesthetic with its distinctive oval bokeh, horizontal lens flares, and unique spatial quality. With a dedicated anamorphic de-squeeze function for monitoring, what you see on set is what you get, a core tenet of our hassle-free rental philosophy.
The ALEXA XT is built as a serious production tool. Its solid, durable chassis is designed to be the reliable A-camera on a demanding film set. It’s a workhorse, not a show horse. Every element, from its industry-standard PL Mount with Lens Data System (LDS) to its clear and functional electronic viewfinder (EVF-1), is designed for intuitive, professional operation. When our knowledgeable crew prepares an ALEXA XT for your project, it’s more than just a checkout; it’s a guarantee of a meticulously maintained, set-ready system that will not let you down. Choose the ARRI ALEXA XT when your story demands a timeless, cinematic soul.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Super 35 format ARRI ALEV III CMOS sensor with a native 3.2K resolution. | Delivers the world-renowned “ARRI Look” with film-like texture and color rendition. |
| Recording Codecs | Internal recording to uncompressed ARRIRAW (up to 2.8K) and Apple ProRes (up to 3.2K). | Provides a choice between the highest possible image quality and highly efficient post-production workflows. |
| Dynamic Range | Exposure latitude of 14+ stops, preserving detail in extreme highlights and deep shadows. | Offers incredible flexibility for color grading and creates a natural, gentle image. |
| Anamorphic Mode | Features a 4:3 sensor mode and in-camera 2x anamorphic de-squeeze for monitoring. | Perfect for classic anamorphic cinematography, utilizing the full sensor area for widescreen projects. |
| Lens Mount | Standard PL Mount with integrated Lens Data System (LDS) support. | Compatible with a vast array of professional cinema lenses while capturing valuable lens metadata. |
| Frame Rates | 0.75 – 120 fps, providing a wide range for creative expression. | Capable of capturing everything from dramatic slow-motion to stylised time-lapse sequences. |
| Recording Media | Records to robust XR/SXR Capture Drives for ARRIRAW and ProRes. | Ensures a reliable, high-speed, and secure data workflow designed for professional sets. |
| Base Sensitivity | Native EI 800, optimized for the best signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range. | Produces exceptionally clean and rich images at its ideal sensitivity setting. |
| Viewfinder | Comes with the classic ARRI EVF-1, known for its accuracy and durability. | Provides a clear, high-quality image for precise camera operating and focus pulling. |
| Build Quality | Solid, durable construction designed for the rigors of a professional film set. | A highly reliable A-camera platform that ensures stable performance on long shooting days. |
XT stands for "eXtended Technology." Its main innovation was integrating features that were previously external modules, most importantly the ability to record uncompressed ARRIRAW directly in-camera to XR Capture Drives.
Absolutely. The sensor that creates the "ARRI Look" is timeless. The images it produces are still considered world-class and are often preferred for their film-like quality over many newer cameras, especially for narrative projects.
The SXT is an evolution of the XT, offering more advanced color management, support for 3D LUTs, and higher resolution recording options, such as in-camera 4K UHD ProRes. The core image look, however, is very similar.
It is one of the best. Its 4:3 sensor is perfectly proportioned to work with traditional 2x anamorphic cinema lenses, and it features a built-in de-squeeze function for accurate monitoring on set.
The primary media for the ALEXA XT, especially for recording ARRIRAW, are the XR/SXR Capture Drives. While some adapters allow for ProRes recording to other media, we provide the official XR drives with our Unicorn Films rental kits for maximum reliability.
