ARRI ALEXA 35 Base Entry Set (LPL, CCM) Review

ARRI has repositioned its flagship ALEXA 35 sensor and image pipeline into a more accessible package with the Base Entry Set. This version delivers the same Super 35 CMOS sensor, 17 stops of dynamic range, and renowned ARRI color science as the Premium model, but ships with a reduced feature set that can be unlocked later through paid licenses. Out of the box, you get ProRes recording up to 4.6K at 60 fps, the built-in ND filter wheel, and spherical workflows, but miss higher frame rates (120 fps), ARRIRAW capture, and open-gate shooting for anamorphic production. The new Codex Compact Drive Express media brings recording costs down as well, though it's ProRes-only.

Starting around 50,000 euros, the Base Entry Set lowers the threshold for owner-operators and smaller production houses that want the ALEXA 35 look without the full freight of the Premium configuration. The ability to add capabilities via software licenses over time makes this a genuine stepping stone rather than a permanently crippled option. For productions that don't need anamorphic or RAW workflows immediately, it's a practical way into ARRI's ecosystem without sacrificing image quality.