ARRI has announced the Hi-5 SX, a more affordable single-axis version of the ARRI Hi‑5 hand unit. The Hi-5 SX has different upgrade options and third-party compatibility with any camera and any lens. Let’s take a look at it!ARRI has announced the new Hi-5 SX, a single-axis hand unit that joins the Hi-5, their flagship three-axis wireless camera and lens controller. With an attractive price and weatherproof, the new unit shares the same ergonomic design as its big brother.Hi-5 SX key featuresThe new hand unit has ruggedized housing that is sealed, dustproof, and weatherproof. It features an easy-to-read touchscreen display based on a camera GUI. Interchangeable radio modules are also available to adapt to different frequency regulations. Existing Hi‑5 licenses (Cinefade, RED camera control, Focusbug licenses) are compatible with the unit, but users can upgrade it with two new software licenses to access diverse functions. Camera, lens, and distance-measurement metadata are shared by both units. – Source: ARRIFor example, the Hi‑5 SX Plus License enables lens mapping, Custom Smart Ring creation, six additional user buttons, and tail slate mode, among other features. The Hi‑5 SX All-Axis License adds simultaneous use of the knob, slider, and force-pad for three-axis lens control, complete display information, AUX axis, and full virtual T-stop and focal length features. The unit’s functions are indistinguishable from the Hi-5 with both licenses installed. Without additional licenses, users can choose between the knob, slider, or force-pad to control a single lens axis, whether focus, iris, or zoom. ARRI offers custom Smart Rings, allowing users to program any spread of focus or iris marks to any blank Smart Ring. This will be automatically recognized on all Hi‑5 and Hi‑5 SX hand units, and the ring file can be exported as a vector file to a USB for graphical personalization and printing, offering customization for different needs.ARRI offers custom Smart Rings for the Hi-5 SX. – Source: ARRI.The Hi-5 SX is a more affordable option for 1st ACs looking for their first-hand unit and a single lens control motor. The unit is also an exciting option for those already working with a three-axis hand unit and several lens motors since it makes it easy to separate iris pulls operated by the cinematographer or DIT. Finally, users can hot-swap ARRI-branded batteries based on the NP-L interface without powering the unit down while the display screen shows their remaining capacity. Each battery supports a run time of more than twelve hours.Price and availabilityThe new Hi‑5 SX will be available to order from July 1, 2024, and will begin shipping on October 1, 2024. It replaces the ARRI SXU-1 single-axis hand unit, which will be phased out. For more information, please visit ARRI’s website here.
