ARRI ARRIFLEX D-21 HD User Manual

ARRIFLEX D-21 / D-21 HD

The Film Style Digital Cameras

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ARRIFLEX D-21 / D-21 HD

The Film Style Digital Cameras

The ARRIFLEX D-21 and D-21 HD combine leading edge digital technology
with lm camera features that have been rened over ARRI’s 90-year history.
They allow directors and cinematographers to shoot in the same way as
they would with 35 mm lm, while taking advantage of the immediacy and
economy of digital acquisition.

As the top of the line digital cameras from ARRI, the market leader in
professional imaging, they are equipped with a number of unique features:
an optical viewnder, the MscopeTM anamorphic output, a 4:3 format sensor,
simple operation and an unequalled lm-like image quality. In addition, the
D-21 is the only camera capable of simultaneously outputting raw data and HD.

The bright optical viewnder has zero delay, works without power and
shows an image area outside the primary image. Through ARRI Imaging
Technology (AIT), both cameras produces brilliant images with a cinematic
look and feel, a high dynamic range, high contrast and the most lm-like
motion and color reproduction of any digital motion picture camera.

The cameras’ single, Super 35-sized CMOS sensor exhibits the same
cinematic depth of eld as 35 mm lm. The industry standard PL lens mount
accepts the same vast variety of prime, zoom and specialty lm lenses used
on 35 mm lm cameras. Since both cameras are the only digital high-end
cameras with a 4:3 aspect ratio sensor, they easily accommodate all im­age formats, including anamorphic 2.40:1. The anamorphic image can be
recorded in the new and innovative MscopeTM mode, utilizing a standard HD
workow, or, on the D-21, also in Data Mode.

Further lm style features include variable frame rates from 1 to 60 fps
(D-21)/1-30 fps (D-21 HD), exposure compensated speed ramps, compat­ibility with ARRI lm style accessories, simple to use controls and the robust
construction and ergonomic design for which ARRI cameras are famous.

The ARRIRAW format enables the D-21 to output raw uncompressed
data. Alternatively, both D-21 and D-21 HD can output an uncompressed
HD signal that works perfectly in the established HD infrastructure. With
such exibility, both ARRIFLEX D-21 and D-21 HD easily adapt to a variety of
production requirements and budgets.

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ARRI | ARRIFLEX D-21 / D-21 HD

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Main Features

n Two Models

ARRIFLEX D-21

· the most versatile lm style digital camera for all applications

· 1 - 60 fps maximum fps range

· raw data, MscopeTM and HD output modes

ARRIFLEX D-21 HD

· the lm style digital camera for HD productions

· 1 - 30 fps maximum fps range

· MscopeTM and HD output modes

n Cinematic Image Quality

· ARRI Imaging Technology for a cinematic look

· rotating mirror shutter for lm-like motion portrayal

· single, Super 35 sized sensor for 35 format depth of eld

· highest dynamic range of any digital motion picture camera

· super sharp, alias-free images

· extended color space for natural, lm-like color reproduction

· consistent matching between cameras

n ARRI Imaging Technology (AIT)

· custom designed CMOS sensor

· powerful imaging hardware engine

· unique ARRI image processing software

· carefully tuned system integration

n Modular Architecture

· sensor, electronics and rmware can be upgraded

· secure investment

· long product cycle

n Flexible Output Option

· 1.33:1 format sensor supports all image formats including anamorphic 2.40:1

· simultaneous data and HD outputs (D-21)

· Mscope: anamorphic images with standard HD workow

· Data Mode: 4:3 ARRIRAW
uncompressed data for lm-like data workow (D-21)

· Data Mode: ARRIRAW T-Link connects camera
to data recorders (D-21)

· HD mode: 16:9 uncompressed HD output

· HD Mode: linear or logarithmic,
4:2:2 YCbCr or 4:4:4 RGB, normal or extended range

· bre optic option allows cable length of up to 500 m/1,600'

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ARRI | ARRIFLEX D-21 / D-21 HD

n Optical Viewnder

· zero delay

· outside image area

· bright, full color image

· works without power

· fatigue-free viewing

n Industry Standard PL Mount

· use 35 format lm lenses

· unequalled variety of prime, zoom and specialty lenses

· compatible with spherical and anamorphic lenses

n Compatibility with 35 Format Film
Accessories and Support Equipment

· ARRI matte boxes, follow focus,
wireless remote control

· dollies, cranes, Steadicam, etc.

n A True ARRI Camera

· silent running

· simple operation

· robust construction

· ergonomic design

· variable speed and shutter angle

· exposure compensated speed ramps

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ARRI Imaging Technology

Each component of the D-21 and D-21 HD has been purpose-built with one goal in
mind: to create the most gorgeous cinematic images possible. Those images are the
result of a custom designed CMOS sensor, a carefully crafted optical low pass lter, a
powerful imaging hardware engine and advanced image processing algorithms. Having
full control of the imaging chain down to the smallest detail allows an optimization of
the whole system far beyond what would be possible with off-the-shelf components.
The smart orchestration of all these proprietary components is ARRI Imaging Technol­ogy (AIT).

AIT, which is in constant development, combines ground-breaking research and
development with knowledge, feedback and suggestions gleaned from an on-going dia­logue with professional lmmakers. AIT provides super sharp, alias-free images through
over sampling, a nely tuned optical low pass lter and advanced image reconstruction
algorithms.

AIT also ensures that crews can concentrate on the creative aspects of making
images, by automating many of the technical aspects. The D-21 and D-21 HD have, for
instance, an automated black balancing circuit (Correlated Double Sampling - CDS),
which continuously calibrates the black level of each pixel in each frame without any
user intervention. In addition, an automated Defect Pixel Correction (DPC) guarantees
that no single defective pixel will ever be visible. DPC is a highly sophisticated process
that analyzes every pixel plus a surrounding pixel eld in every frame (for a staggering
total of 2.5 billion pixels analyzed each second) in real-time as the camera is running.

STAT E O F T H E A R T

TECHNOLOGY

Through AIT, the D-21 and D-21 HD produce outstanding images with a cinematic
look and feel, high contrast, the highest dynamic range and the most lm-like color
reproduction of any digital motion picture camera.

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ARRI | ARRIFLEX D-21 / D-21 HD

The cameras’ CMOS sensor was
specically designed and developed
for use in ARRI high-end digital motion
picture cameras.

A number of powerful FPGAs (Field Programmable
Gate Arrays) constitute the imaging hardware engine
inside the D-21 and D-21 HD. They are a crucial
component of ARRI Imaging Technology.

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An optical viewnder is the preferred choice of both cinematographers and
camera operators. The clear, full color image enables accurate assessment of
focus and facilitates precise and comfortable operating for complex camera
moves through a complete lack of any delay. Most crucial of all is the fact that
an optical viewnder shows an image larger than that being recorded and
therefore allows the operator to see not just what is in frame, but also what is
just outside the frame. This safety area permits meticulous composition and
helps the operator prevent unwanted objects (such as a boom or microphone)
from entering a shot.

The Company; Photo: © Sony Pictures TV