Arriflex 416 Super 16mm introduced at IBC
"In response to market demand, ARRI is introducing a new Super 16 camera, the ARRIFLEX 416. Based on years of camera engineering, market research and focus groups with renowned industry professionals, the ARRIFLEX 416 brings features previously only found in high end 35 mm cameras to Super 16 productions."
History of the Format:
"Developed by Kodak in 1923 as a format for hobby cinematographers, 16 mm soon dominated the market with a huge number of diverse cameras. After the Second World War, the 16 mm format became one of the most successful professional formats ever."
"The 16 mm cameras were the backbone of the quickly growing television industry as they became the standard tool for capturing sport, news and documentaries. The portability and reliability of 16 mm assured a steady stream of content that allowed television to ascend to its current popularity."
"In the early 70s, 16 mm evolved further with the introduction of Super 16, invented by Rune Ericson. By utilizing the area previously occupied by a second row of perforations on camera negative and reserved for the soundtrack on release prints, Super 16 uses the maximum image area available on 16 mm film."
Basics:
"A Super 16 frame is 20 to 40% larger than a regular 16 mm frame depending on the aspect ratio chosen. The native aspect ratio of a Super 16 frame is 1.66:1, which is a good fit for the HDTV aspect ratio of 1.78:1 (19 x 9) or the theatrical release format of 1.85:1."
Advantages:
"Long Term Archivability
Productions shot decades ago on film can be transferred to HD now, and look as if they were shot yesterday. Many TV shows, documentaries and NASA space flight sequences have returned to DVD and broadcast because they had been originated on film.
Programs produced on film today will retain their value tomorrow, disregarding the constant changes in electronic video formats. Since film contains an actual image that is always visible and readable, it can be transferred to whatever new electronic standards will reign in years to come. Thus film is the champion when it comes to protecting your investment for the future."
ARRI Introduces ARRIFLEX 416 Super 16mm Camera At IBC
"The ARRIFLEX 416 is a lightweight, modern Super 16 film camera with a 35-style viewfinder and an amazingly low sound level (less than 20 dbA) similar to that of the ARRICAM. Its speed is variable from 1 to 75 fps, and the mirror shutter can be manually adjusted from 45 to 180 degrees. "
"The camera’s viewfinder optics have been redesigned from the ground up, incorporating fewer lens elements of higher quality and a shorter optical path. The results are significantly higher contrast, higher resolution and a brighter image. The viewfinder can be freely rotated, extended or flipped to the other camera side for comfortable viewing in any camera position. In addition, a new ARRIGLOW system has been implemented which provides evenly illuminated and user selectable frameline color options."
Denny Clairmont, President of Clairmont Camera said: "The 416 is a fantastic camera. It has a nice size and is very quiet. The biggest issue for operators is the viewfinder, and the 416 viewfinder is outstanding. We have Super 16 and HD cameras for rent, but I personally think Super 16 makes more financial sense. Super 16 is certainly a format with a future, especially if you consider the archival issue."
