what do you think of the 1" palm-size cameras like the Panasonic CX350 or the Sony PXW-Z280? The would give you similar DoF of a 2/3" broadcast camera, long zoom, good stabilization. For ENG, broadcast work they seem to be very lightweight and convenient. Of course, for corporate the FX9 is miles ahead.
Just enjoying your channel. Ive only tried an amera at a show.. but I dont think people note how narrow it is.. and how that makes it a million times better on the shoulder than a Mini that is built up. Personally Id have two symetrical handles.. because its more stable if you put it on the ground and harder for someone to kick over.
It just works! Many many jobs mic direct patched to camera. I do wish there was more mic pre range and ability to route and record split audio levels, from one input.
Nice. Yea I would love an Amira, but your reasons for solo operating at times. It’s why I jumped on the Sony FX9 for me. It’s a long camera, but balances well on my shoulder and I got a VCT connection for it for quick release as well. Thanks for sharing your tips.
I need to find a sliding VCT shoulder pad (like the Amira) for the FX9. I have to run duel gold mount batteries on the rear end to counter balance my 17-120mm zoom.
Great video, I'd love to own an Amira sometime soon! Call me crazy, but I thought that I was like the only one who likes the form factor of traditional ENG cameras. A lot of the the video shooters I know around my age (24), all use the small DSLR cameras. I went through that phase, and I was not in it for long!
Haha, it's the truth. For some odd reason, it is an unteachable experience. The younger cube camera shooters make comments all the time, my response is "someday you will understand."
There are two versions of the Amira shoulder pad, the second gen is much improved. For extended shoulder work I've used an aftermarket leather shoulder pad, I don't recall the manufacture. Past few years I avoid extended shoulder assignments, If I had to go back I would buy a Ready Rig vest.
Great video! I used to own an Alexa Classic and man that camera was a back breaker. Add to that a preamp for the audio and I hated using it on solo jobs, also all controls on other side. So I sold it. How much lighter is the Amira? I know it's heavy, but is it more manageable than the Alexa Full size? I like that I can plug in mics and get phantom on Amira. Thanks
I presently shoot (solo operator) on the classic for a broadcast sports client. The Amira is the same length and height but thinner and lighter. It is still a heavy camera. I'm currently on a documentary-style airline travel project with the Amira, EF mount, EF primes and a Vocus flat base in place of the shoulder plate. This setup makes the camera very compact vs a "ENG" style build. Boom mic direct patch with phantom. The FX9 is smaller and lighter, but I still prefer to shoot on the Amira and happily tolerate the additional weight and power consumption for the image and friendly operation.
@@CrankyCameraman Thanks for the reply. Yeah, there's nothing like the Alexa image, and it doesn't matter what lens you use, Rokinon, Sigma, it always gives a beautiful image and people and skin always looks pretty. The specs say the Amira body weighs 9 lbs? would you say this is correct for camera, viewfinder, and shoulder and handle? I used an Ursa Broadcast G2 and the camera with viewfinder, handle and shoulder kit is 9.36 lbs and I found it heavy-ish, but fine. Thanks.
@@CrankyCameraman great. Yeah, the Alexa classic weighs 16.9 lbs and those extra 8 pounds is unbearable for me. Even just having to raise the tripod with camera on it. Thanks for your help.
Wow, thank you! I think the only one today that is competing with it is the FX9, but it is not the same. I saw footage of FX9 that looks somewhat like electronic noise, and with the ARRI Amira it just feels smoother. But it is only from seeing videos'. I wish I could get budget for Mini LF but it's so much
There are arri rosettes on the sides to attach grips. I have a set of Wooden Camera grips, but I haven't bothered to use them in over 3 years. Most of my handheld the past few years has been on the Canon 17-120 which has a right-hand grip on the lens.
I just started a new job creating executive messaging videos and other content. I'm part of a new department being reborn within this organization. But on my first day in the office, they showed me a brand new Amira with a Sigma prime lens set. I knew they had an Alexa, but I didn't know they bought a 10-year-old camera. I thought it was one of the Alexas. needless to say I have to learn this camera and get it ready to shoot and travel with.
Great insight, I love watching this. I've been a camera operator for a while now and I always find myself using smaller cameras but end up building it back up to an ENG size/form factor. I also struggle, as I am 6'4", most my work can't be on the shoulder size I'm taller than most of the subjects I shoot. I think an EasyRig would best, but I have the same issue with you in corporate environments. I'm debating on getting a hipshot. At the moment, my compromise is just a cinesaddle, I wear it like a shoulder bag and rest the camera just about the hip.
I've used the cine saddle a few times. Nice simple solution, I love simple. I'm 5-11" so less of a height issue but I do spend a lot of time with a wide stance and squatting for short takes. I try to knock out 30-60 squats a day which makes the shoulder shots less of a struggle. During the early DSLR days, I used a monopod like a hipshot with a 5DII and 7D. Thanks for sharing.
Ignoring subtle technical differences (4:3, RAW, media type, internal ND) and cost. One is a heavy studio camera, setup to run primarily on a dolly, with a dedicated assistant controlling the panel on the "assistant side" of the camera. One is a cube, designed for gimbal and drone use. And one is designed for single operator, on the right shoulder, with microphones patched directly into the camera. You have to choose which type is best for your project, business, or clients. All output a matching image. I frequently work on projects with all three shooting the same scene. A=Dolly, B=Shoulder / steadicam, C=Gimbal / car mount / drone.
I just bought a used Arri Amira with about 6500 hrs. The camera is great, but the fan noise is pretty audible even in low noise mode. Is this normal? I'm wondering if I should replace the fans. My Amira fan noise is way louder than the fans on my Alexa classic. Thanks in advance.
Does it sound like worn fan bearings, like when a computer fan is on the way out? Both of my Amiras have had the fans replaced one time, due to use as both cameras were manufactured in 2014. There are multiple fans in the camera, but should be quiet. I've never had an issue with location sound people due to camera noise.
Amazing video! thank you for the insight. I have a question.. So i'm shooting a music video for an artist, and we're going for an early noughties aesthetic. I want to extend this to the type of camera used as well as the aesthetics. Can you recommend the ideal Camera for this?
Early '90s was mostly 35mm film captured in "big tv" 4:3 aspect ratio which yield smaller tighter grain vs a crop inside a" academy" area. It's been so long I no longer have my ASC manuals. From memory I think at that time the most popular film stock was Kodak Vision 500T (5277 ? ). I worked on many projects which were then transferred on the Bosch FDL 60 telecine with a Davinci color unit. I would look for film stock emulators which plug into your NLE app. And captured on a quality high dynamic range "cinema" camera (Sony, Red, Arri, Panasonic, Canon). Hope that helps.
Are you still in possession of the Arri Amira camera? If this is the case, it would be amazing if you could produce a film demonstrating the camera's performance in various scenarios and test image footage samples, including ND.
Yes. Shooting a show on Amira right now. There is much test footage out there already. All of the present Arri cams use the same sensor at various sizes and crops. I don’t want to reinvent what has been done by many since late 2010. With that said I’m curious to work the new sensor Mini 35 vs my Amiras.
I’ve been a c300 and c200 shooter for corporate work, I’m getting note into doc work and have always been interested in this camera. Is the ProRes easy to work with? Are you satisfied with the monitor?
winty this is incredible insight. Mapping to the 709 in FCP is going to be an efficient process, although there will not be metadata like r3d files or raw I imagine. But I am used to getting my look in camera so that’s not a big deal.
Still my favorite camera, sold one, have one. Ordered a Burano but has not shipped. I moved from Los Angeles to San Antonio (small market) and my clients have changed, now mostly Sony bookings, FX3 and FX9. Had I stayed in California I think I would own one Alexa 35, and Amira as B.
@@CrankyCameraman I have a FX9, but since I shot with the AMIRA, I was shocked at how much better the image was on the AMIRA. Next year I'm gonna sell my FX9 for the AMIRA, and keep my FX6 as a B cam. And maybe someday I would have the ARRI Alexa35 (my dream camera!) 🤞
You can buy new directly from www.arri.com available used from various sources, but I highly recommend Arri Service to evaluate any used camera before purchase.
Glad you never sold your first "real" camera. Same here. I used it so many years that i am still in love with it ;). But then the same journey began... DSLRs, "Cinema"-cameras, shoulder rigs, gimbals... I never was so happy again like i was with my old, shouldermount "tank". And i never had the balls to invest in an ARRI camera. Believe it or not, the camera that comes close the most to my old "happieness" is the tiny Sony PXW-Z90 eg. X70. It has a learning curve and needs customization to work fully manual in a pleasant way. But in the end i got what i want: A camera that i can just grab and shoot.
And in 2024, it's still the best documentary camera ever made!
Nothing weird about loving beautiful animals. Thanks!
Using the Amira as a handheld television camera might be insane lol, that's such a large camera omg, people normally use camcorders nowadays
Nice one. I still dream with this camera. You know it's perfect the moment you look at it. I would add a small side handle.
Yes, right side handle is great for shoulder work. I have a few different grips and arm lengths.
Can't wait till they come out with the Amira Full Frame 4K. Use to film with the HPX3000 and Fujinon; great lens.
what do you think of the 1" palm-size cameras like the Panasonic CX350 or the Sony PXW-Z280? The would give you similar DoF of a 2/3" broadcast camera, long zoom, good stabilization. For ENG, broadcast work they seem to be very lightweight and convenient. Of course, for corporate the FX9 is miles ahead.
Oh man, love the video! Currently saving to get one :)
Just enjoying your channel. Ive only tried an amera at a show.. but I dont think people note how narrow it is.. and how that makes it a million times better on the shoulder than a Mini that is built up. Personally Id have two symetrical handles.. because its more stable if you put it on the ground and harder for someone to kick over.
Great video, wasn't what I was looking for but defiantly informative.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks for this video! Would love to see more about your workflow and thoughts on the Amira.
Thanks for the comment. I have many ideas spinning in my head, need to make time to record them.
no mention of audio?
It just works! Many many jobs mic direct patched to camera. I do wish there was more mic pre range and ability to route and record split audio levels, from one input.
Cranky! A Legend! In his own mind! Great stuff m8!
Hey! Making a path to insanity. Miss you guys, hope we can shoot something soon, as media or 2A.
Nice. Yea I would love an Amira, but your reasons for solo operating at times. It’s why I jumped on the Sony FX9 for me. It’s a long camera, but balances well on my shoulder and I got a VCT connection for it for quick release as well. Thanks for sharing your tips.
I need to find a sliding VCT shoulder pad (like the Amira) for the FX9. I have to run duel gold mount batteries on the rear end to counter balance my 17-120mm zoom.
Great video, I'd love to own an Amira sometime soon! Call me crazy, but I thought that I was like the only one who likes the form factor of traditional ENG cameras. A lot of the the video shooters I know around my age (24), all use the small DSLR cameras. I went through that phase, and I was not in it for long!
Haha, it's the truth. For some odd reason, it is an unteachable experience. The younger cube camera shooters make comments all the time, my response is "someday you will understand."
Lol. I’m going through this with my brother about small cameras.
You ever use one of those slanted shoulder pads for cam oping? Ive very sloped shoulders and always struggle with keeping cams level on long takes.
There are two versions of the Amira shoulder pad, the second gen is much improved. For extended shoulder work I've used an aftermarket leather shoulder pad, I don't recall the manufacture. Past few years I avoid extended shoulder assignments, If I had to go back I would buy a Ready Rig vest.
Great video! I used to own an Alexa Classic and man that camera was a back breaker. Add to that a preamp for the audio and I hated using it on solo jobs, also all controls on other side. So I sold it. How much lighter is the Amira? I know it's heavy, but is it more manageable than the Alexa Full size? I like that I can plug in mics and get phantom on Amira. Thanks
I presently shoot (solo operator) on the classic for a broadcast sports client. The Amira is the same length and height but thinner and lighter. It is still a heavy camera. I'm currently on a documentary-style airline travel project with the Amira, EF mount, EF primes and a Vocus flat base in place of the shoulder plate. This setup makes the camera very compact vs a "ENG" style build. Boom mic direct patch with phantom. The FX9 is smaller and lighter, but I still prefer to shoot on the Amira and happily tolerate the additional weight and power consumption for the image and friendly operation.
@@CrankyCameraman Thanks for the reply. Yeah, there's nothing like the Alexa image, and it doesn't matter what lens you use, Rokinon, Sigma, it always gives a beautiful image and people and skin always looks pretty. The specs say the Amira body weighs 9 lbs? would you say this is correct for camera, viewfinder, and shoulder and handle? I used an Ursa Broadcast G2 and the camera with viewfinder, handle and shoulder kit is 9.36 lbs and I found it heavy-ish, but fine. Thanks.
9lbs looks correct to me. But yes, it's a bit heavy but with perfect centerline balance.
@@CrankyCameraman great. Yeah, the Alexa classic weighs 16.9 lbs and those extra 8 pounds is unbearable for me. Even just having to raise the tripod with camera on it. Thanks for your help.
You can also run smaller lighter batteries on the Amira vs Classic. Hypecore 95wh is 40-60min based on camera settings.
Wow, thank you! I think the only one today that is competing with it is the FX9, but it is not the same. I saw footage of FX9 that looks somewhat like electronic noise, and with the ARRI Amira it just feels smoother. But it is only from seeing videos'. I wish I could get budget for Mini LF but it's so much
Amira image is so much better than FX9 and I’m now shooting 95% FX9. Always makes be happy framing a shot on the Amira.
@@CrankyCameraman It seems you don't worry about the ProRes with the FX9. You think it doesn't matter much in the end of the day?
Is there a simple right hand grip for the handheld set-up?
There are arri rosettes on the sides to attach grips. I have a set of Wooden Camera grips, but I haven't bothered to use them in over 3 years. Most of my handheld the past few years has been on the Canon 17-120 which has a right-hand grip on the lens.
I just started a new job creating executive messaging videos and other content. I'm part of a new department being reborn within this organization. But on my first day in the office, they showed me a brand new Amira with a Sigma prime lens set. I knew they had an Alexa, but I didn't know they bought a 10-year-old camera. I thought it was one of the Alexas. needless to say I have to learn this camera and get it ready to shoot and travel with.
It is a fantastic camera, super easy to use, makes an excellent image.
Great insight, I love watching this.
I've been a camera operator for a while now and I always find myself using smaller cameras but end up building it back up to an ENG size/form factor.
I also struggle, as I am 6'4", most my work can't be on the shoulder size I'm taller than most of the subjects I shoot.
I think an EasyRig would best, but I have the same issue with you in corporate environments. I'm debating on getting a hipshot. At the moment, my compromise is just a cinesaddle, I wear it like a shoulder bag and rest the camera just about the hip.
I've used the cine saddle a few times. Nice simple solution, I love simple. I'm 5-11" so less of a height issue but I do spend a lot of time with a wide stance and squatting for short takes. I try to knock out 30-60 squats a day which makes the shoulder shots less of a struggle. During the early DSLR days, I used a monopod like a hipshot with a 5DII and 7D. Thanks for sharing.
great video
Excellent camera
What is the better arri for music videos around same price range , This or the Arri plus that has same sensor as the Arri mini ?
Ignoring subtle technical differences (4:3, RAW, media type, internal ND) and cost. One is a heavy studio camera, setup to run primarily on a dolly, with a dedicated assistant controlling the panel on the "assistant side" of the camera. One is a cube, designed for gimbal and drone use. And one is designed for single operator, on the right shoulder, with microphones patched directly into the camera. You have to choose which type is best for your project, business, or clients. All output a matching image. I frequently work on projects with all three shooting the same scene. A=Dolly, B=Shoulder / steadicam, C=Gimbal / car mount / drone.
I just bought a used Arri Amira with about 6500 hrs. The camera is great, but the fan noise is pretty audible even in low noise mode. Is this normal? I'm wondering if I should replace the fans. My Amira fan noise is way louder than the fans on my Alexa classic. Thanks in advance.
Does it sound like worn fan bearings, like when a computer fan is on the way out? Both of my Amiras have had the fans replaced one time, due to use as both cameras were manufactured in 2014. There are multiple fans in the camera, but should be quiet. I've never had an issue with location sound people due to camera noise.
Both cameas are under approx 2,000 hrs.
Amazing video! thank you for the insight. I have a question.. So i'm shooting a music video for an artist, and we're going for an early noughties aesthetic. I want to extend this to the type of camera used as well as the aesthetics. Can you recommend the ideal Camera for this?
Early '90s was mostly 35mm film captured in "big tv" 4:3 aspect ratio which yield smaller tighter grain vs a crop inside a" academy" area. It's been so long I no longer have my ASC manuals. From memory I think at that time the most popular film stock was Kodak Vision 500T (5277 ? ). I worked on many projects which were then transferred on the Bosch FDL 60 telecine with a Davinci color unit. I would look for film stock emulators which plug into your NLE app. And captured on a quality high dynamic range "cinema" camera (Sony, Red, Arri, Panasonic, Canon). Hope that helps.
@@CrankyCameraman you’re truly awesome for this response. Thank you so much it’s really helpful.
@@CrankyCameraman what are film stock emulators ?
@@creativegreats6924 Do a search for "film stock luts" and "film look plugin."
Amira doesn't do 4K though, right?
3.2k sensor recorded as UHD. I prefer the image in every aspect over my other 4k and 6k sensor cameras.
Are you still in possession of the Arri Amira camera? If this is the case, it would be amazing if you could produce a film demonstrating the camera's performance in various scenarios and test image footage samples, including ND.
Yes. Shooting a show on Amira right now. There is much test footage out there already. All of the present Arri cams use the same sensor at various sizes and crops. I don’t want to reinvent what has been done by many since late 2010. With that said I’m curious to work the new sensor Mini 35 vs my Amiras.
@@CrankyCameraman Thanks
@@maxcmax5211 Still my favorite camera. Yes heavier, needs more power, bigger files, less resolution. But continues to output the most pleasing image.
I’ve been a c300 and c200 shooter for corporate work, I’m getting note into doc work and have always been interested in this camera. Is the ProRes easy to work with? Are you satisfied with the monitor?
Thanks for this awesome review video!
winty thanks that is very helpful information. I think that is similar to the c300mkii monitor, you really need peaking settings, or magnified view.
winty this is incredible insight. Mapping to the 709 in FCP is going to be an efficient process, although there will not be metadata like r3d files or raw I imagine. But I am used to getting my look in camera so that’s not a big deal.
winty great points that makes sense, a good thing indeed
Just realized I replied with my other YT user ID. I'm going to repost and delete the originals. Apologies for the redundancy.
5 Years later! Did you upgrade? I guess no! right?
Still my favorite camera, sold one, have one. Ordered a Burano but has not shipped. I moved from Los Angeles to San Antonio (small market) and my clients have changed, now mostly Sony bookings, FX3 and FX9. Had I stayed in California I think I would own one Alexa 35, and Amira as B.
@@CrankyCameraman I have a FX9, but since I shot with the AMIRA, I was shocked at how much better the image was on the AMIRA. Next year I'm gonna sell my FX9 for the AMIRA, and keep my FX6 as a B cam. And maybe someday I would have the ARRI Alexa35 (my dream camera!) 🤞
Sorry. That last comment was meant for a different video.
What is the price of Arri Amira?
I'm from Calcutta, India. From where can I get it? Please tell me Sir.
You can buy new directly from www.arri.com available used from various sources, but I highly recommend Arri Service to evaluate any used camera before purchase.
Nice!
atr prace koto vai
Excellent
Where are you country friend
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Glad you never sold your first "real" camera. Same here. I used it so many years that i am still in love with it ;). But then the same journey began... DSLRs, "Cinema"-cameras, shoulder rigs, gimbals... I never was so happy again like i was with my old, shouldermount "tank". And i never had the balls to invest in an ARRI camera. Believe it or not, the camera that comes close the most to my old "happieness" is the tiny Sony PXW-Z90 eg. X70. It has a learning curve and needs customization to work fully manual in a pleasant way. But in the end i got what i want: A camera that i can just grab and shoot.