Arri has announced a new line of digital cameras at IBC 2009. The A-EV, A-EV Plus, and A-OV Plus (EV stands for electronic viewfinder and OV stands for optical viewfinder). These cameras all share the same 3.5K ALEV III CMOS Sensor which is designed to provide 12.1 f-stops of dynamic range (tested with the new Arri Dynamic Range Test Chart), and support 1-60fps image capture. Unlike the Arri D-21, all of these cameras will have on-board HD recording, and the ‘plus’ models support uncompressed recording as well. The EV models will utilize Arri’s first electronic viewfinder, which has F-LCOS 1280×720 screen. Jon Fauer at Film & Digital Times has posted a great article on the new cameras – view it here: Arri Blue. Read more about the new cameras at Arridigital.com/Teaser

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We just received our first batch of Canon 5D Mark II cameras in, and of course we had to kit them out with the Arri MMB-1 Mattebox. We love the mattebox and have put together a custom kit that makes the 5D Mark II and Canon L Series Primes fit just right. Check out the video showing this awesome combination, and see how we made everything work together.

Update: In the video I use a Tiffen 72-77mm filter step up ring on the Canon lens. This ring is normally used to put a 77mm screw on filter on a 72mm lens, but in this kit we are using it as a step-up ring. The outer diameter of the Tiffen ring is 80mm, so it fits perfectly with the Arri step-down rings.

Arri has officially released their new 6×6 compact mattebox, the MB28. It is similar to the MB20-II in design, and is far more compact, lightweight, and less expensive than the supermax MB14.

The MB28 features three 6.6×6.6 trays.  The front two rotate together, and the rear rotates independently. Top and side flags are included, as well as a swingaway arm for 19mm or 15mm studio rods and full clearance on even the Optimo 24-290.

ARRI decided to really go for broke with their new WLCS; it has performance options beyond that of their competition, yet they’ve dropped the price point below them. This is ARRI showing that they really want to play in this arena, and they really deliver.

…continue reading ARRI’s New Wireless Lens Control System

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Released last year, the Arri MMB-1 mattebox is a well-made, low cost mattebox that was originally conceived for compact HD cameras such as the Sony PMW-EX1 and EX3. Now Arri has released a group of accessories to expand the use of the MMB-1 for any camera. Watch the video to see how they all work together.

Visit Abel’s Booth C8537 at NAB to see these Arri matteboxes and accessories.