Why Did the ARRI ALEXA 265 Not Get Added to Netflix’s Approved Camera List? (April Fools)
Well, we certainly didn’t see this coming. According to some dubiously dated reports online, Netflix has officially declined to approve the ARRI ALEXA 265 to be included on Netflix’s approved camera list. If it wasn't for the April 1st publish date, this would be huge blow for ARRI and filmmakers who might be owners or fans of the camera and hoping to create Original 4K productions for the streaming giant.So, again, despite this apparently being an April Fools joke, let's explore what the ALEXA 265 still has to offer. And we can also cover what other ARRI cameras are included on the Netflix approved camera list.The ARRI ALEXA 265Announced back in 2024 as the current flagship camera for the ARRI ALEXA line of cinema cameras, the ALEXA 265 offers some of the best specs and performance on the market.Featuring a new-generation 65 mm camera that responds to feedback from users of the ALEXA 65, its predecessor, the ALEXA 265, combines a small form factor with a revised 65 mm sensor to deliver higher image quality through 15 stops of dynamic range and enhanced low-light performance. The camera features the same LogC4 workflow, REVEAL Color Science, and accessories as ARRI’s state-of-the-art ALEXA 35, plus it offers a new filter system that makes 65 mm as easy to use as any other format.April 1st Camera ConcernsAccording to internal source reports cited in an article on Y.M. Cinema Magazine, the crux of Netflix’s "issues" with the ARRI ALEXA 2265 have to do with complaints Netflix has received from high-end home theater users who have noticed “stitched lines” in specific high-contrast scenes when viewing Netflix Originals on ultra-premium displays.Even in this April 1st scenario, the stitched line complaints are admittedly faint and only affect a small number of viewers, but persist enough for Netflix to make the call that the ALEXA 265 should not currently be added to the company’s approved camera list.According to the same sources, it sounds like Netflix and ARRI have communicated about these concerns and possible fixes are on the way, however for now any updated results are pending validation from a third-party source.Which ARRI Cameras Are Netflix Approved?While this is obviously an April Fools joke, it would also obviously be big news for ARRI and any ALEXA 265 owners or renters. It’s not quite the end of the world for those looking for high-quality cinema camera options for their Netflix Original 4K productions though. Four other ARRI cameras are currently on Netflix’s approved camera list, including the ALEXA LF, ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA 65, and the ARRI 35.This is also, perhaps, good news for indie filmmakers and video professionals overall, as Netflix’s approved camera list includes many cinema camera options that are much more affordable and accessible than the ultra-high-end ALEXA 265.Will the ALEXA 265 eventually make it onto Netflix’s approved camera list? Only time will tell but for now. It’s an interesting discussion and one that hopefully can be a positive for all involved—including up-and-coming filmmakers looking to create content for Netflix one day.
Well, we certainly didn’t see this coming. According to some dubiously dated reports online, Netflix has officially declined to approve the ARRI ALEXA 265 to be included on Netflix’s approved camera list.
If it wasn't for the April 1st publish date, this would be huge blow for ARRI and filmmakers who might be owners or fans of the camera and hoping to create Original 4K productions for the streaming giant.
So, again, despite this apparently being an April Fools joke, let's explore what the ALEXA 265 still has to offer. And we can also cover what other ARRI cameras are included on the Netflix approved camera list.
The ARRI ALEXA 265
Announced back in 2024 as the current flagship camera for the ARRI ALEXA line of cinema cameras, the ALEXA 265 offers some of the best specs and performance on the market.
Featuring a new-generation 65 mm camera that responds to feedback from users of the ALEXA 65, its predecessor, the ALEXA 265, combines a small form factor with a revised 65 mm sensor to deliver higher image quality through 15 stops of dynamic range and enhanced low-light performance.
The camera features the same LogC4 workflow, REVEAL Color Science, and accessories as ARRI’s state-of-the-art ALEXA 35, plus it offers a new filter system that makes 65 mm as easy to use as any other format.
April 1st Camera Concerns
According to internal source reports cited in an article on Y.M. Cinema Magazine, the crux of Netflix’s "issues" with the ARRI ALEXA 2265 have to do with complaints Netflix has received from high-end home theater users who have noticed “stitched lines” in specific high-contrast scenes when viewing Netflix Originals on ultra-premium displays.
Even in this April 1st scenario, the stitched line complaints are admittedly faint and only affect a small number of viewers, but persist enough for Netflix to make the call that the ALEXA 265 should not currently be added to the company’s approved camera list.
According to the same sources, it sounds like Netflix and ARRI have communicated about these concerns and possible fixes are on the way, however for now any updated results are pending validation from a third-party source.
Which ARRI Cameras Are Netflix Approved?
While this is obviously an April Fools joke, it would also obviously be big news for ARRI and any ALEXA 265 owners or renters. It’s not quite the end of the world for those looking for high-quality cinema camera options for their Netflix Original 4K productions though. Four other ARRI cameras are currently on Netflix’s approved camera list, including the ALEXA LF, ALEXA Mini LF, ALEXA 65, and the ARRI 35.
This is also, perhaps, good news for indie filmmakers and video professionals overall, as Netflix’s approved camera list includes many cinema camera options that are much more affordable and accessible than the ultra-high-end ALEXA 265.
Will the ALEXA 265 eventually make it onto Netflix’s approved camera list? Only time will tell but for now. It’s an interesting discussion and one that hopefully can be a positive for all involved—including up-and-coming filmmakers looking to create content for Netflix one day.
