Combining the color science expertise of our camera and lighting teams has led us to the creation of ARRI ALEXA Modes for our premium LED fixtures. By taking the specific characteristics of the ALEXA sensor into account, we can optimize our lights for the camera, so that skin tones appear more natural, and colors are more accurately portrayed.
The Color Rendering Index (CRI) as well as the Color Fidelity Index (Rf, TM30-20) reflect the accuracy with which colors appear under artificial lighting compared to a natural or ideal light source. Being a benchmark for color fidelity, they provide a numerical score (up to 100) that indicates how accurately colors are rendered. CRI and Rf are based solely on human perception, and do not directly translate to how well a camera "sees" color. This can lead to deviations within the color pipeline and leaves room for improvement. This is where ARRI’s expertise in both image science and lighting technology comes into play.
As a manufacturer for both lighting and camera equipment, ARRI can take a more integrated approach to ensure accurate color reproduction: the ALEXA Modes allow for improved color rendering by tailoring the light output to match the way our camera sensor’s interpret color to deliver the best quality and in the end the most natural result to the viewer. For example, a camera might see a slight green where the human eye sees warmth (amber or yellow).
ARRI is always aiming for the best overall image quality, so our products are constantly being optimized to deliver the best color quality right on set.
There are three ARRI ALEXA Modes available:
In these ARRI ALEXA Modes, the color is optimized for the best performance with the camera sensor. In the other operational modes, color is optimized for the best performance to the human eye. SkyPanel X, SkyPanel S60 Pro, and Orbiter have great color, plus the added benefit of the ARRI ALEXA Modes for shooting on our cameras.
| Mode settings | CRI Mode: Best quality as seen by the human eye | ARRI ALEXA Mode: Best quality as seen by ALEV3/ALEV4 sensors | Fan |
| Standard | ARRI ALEXA Standard | Low | |
| High CRI VariFan | ARRI ALEXA VariFan | Variable | |
| High Output | ARRI ALEXA High Output | High |
The images below show an extreme example of this difference in color rendition. SkyPanel X High Output mode delivers maximum intensity with a warmth that is appealing to the human eye. This warmth reads differently to the camera, which ARRI ALEXA High Output mode compensates.
The images below show an extreme example of this difference in color rendition. SkyPanel X High Output mode delivers maximum intensity with a warmth that is appealing to the human eye. This warmth reads differently to the camera, which ARRI ALEXA High Output mode compensates.
When shooting with an ALEXA or AMIRA camera in a controlled environment, with SkyPanel X, SkyPanel Pro and Orbiter only.
When shooting with an ALEXA or AMIRA while mixing other types of sources. (sunlight, ambient daylight, tungsten, HMI, etc.)
If you happen to be using a different camera, and are lighting with SkyPanel X, SkyPanel Pro and Orbiter, ARRI ALEXA Mode still is worth a look.
When using other brands’ LED fixtures alongside SkyPanel X, SkyPanel Pro and Orbiter (mixed LED sources).
Each light mode offers a matching ARRI ALEXA Mode. Although named for ARRI cameras, this mode may also enhance color rendering on non-ARRI cameras. We recommend testing to explore how it could benefit your setup.
Watch the full video and compare the different modes yourself:
