PDG Film Services have successfully integrated a hard wired control system for the Arri Alexa Mini camera for use inside their Shotover F1 camera system.

The Arri Mini is a very popular camera and many companies rely on wifi to control it but this method is not reliable in a helicopter so the technicians at PDG developed a hard wired interface.

The control system works over Ethernet and uses an iPad or laptop to control all menus and features of the Alexa camera.

In use the new control system delivers rock solid reliability and allows the camera operator to harness the full creative capability of the superb Arri Alexa Mini camera.

The Arri camera can be fitted with a wide selection of cinema lenses and mounted within our Shotover F1 camera system for aerial filming, the results are stunning!

The overwhelming advantage of the ALEXA Mini is that it marries such a compact and lightweight form factor with the same unparalleled image quality that has made the ARRI ALEXA system a gold standard for the industry. Combine the Mini with any other ALEXA camera and you will have perfectly matched images, even on anamorphic productions – thanks to the 4:3 sensor and automatic de‑squeeze function. Workflows will also be identical, with options to record ProRes or uncompressed ARRIRAW either in-camera to CFast 2.0 cards

The ALEXA Mini’s camera body has been designed with gimbals in mind. It is compact enough in the lens direction to allow the use of standard PL mount lenses even on lightweight and space-constrained rigs, such as gyro-stabilized aerial systems. The camera’s superb low-light performance makes it perfect for night shots.

The motorized and remotely-controllable internal ND filters permit rapid responses to changing light conditions, making it ideal for use on helicopters

Alexa Mini

Shotover F1 Camera System