21 Questions about the D-21

Introduction

The ARRIFLEX D-21 film style digital camera is the successor to the
D-20 and represents the significant progress ARRI has made in the field of digital image acquisition. While the sensor and camera body of the D-20 have been retained, major hardware and software improvements, as well as greatly expanded versatility of functions and workflows, make the D-21 well suited to a wide range of applications.

As a manufacturer of both film and digital motion picture cameras,
ARRI is able to offer the right tools for any type of production through its global rental network. The design and development of the D-21 has benefited from ARRI’s unrivalled knowledge of film camera technology and the result is the most film-like digital camera available today.

Cinematographers and camera crews accustomed to working with
Super 16 and 35mm film cameras adapt easily to the D-21, and the camera fits readily into established production processes.
The D-21 can be used for feature films, high quality TV drama, visual effects sequences, commercials and music videos. Decisions regarding whether to use it, and how to use it, are inextricably linked to the entire workflow of a production and involve many variables.

These pages attempt to pose and answer the questions most commonly asked by producers, directors and cinematographers considering the ARRIFLEX D-21 for a forthcoming project.

01. How is the D-21 different from other digital cameras?