As with other ARRI cameras, such as the Alexa Mini and Alexa Mini LF, the ARRI Amira has different sensor modes. These modes determine how much of the physical sensor is used to record an image.
Because the sensor area differs between modes, the mode you choose has an impact on:
  1. The image circle required from a lens to cover the sensor area without portholing or vignetting.
  2. The angle of view of a given lens.
  3. The maximum frame rate you can select.
  4. The pixel resolution of recorded clips.

Visualising The Sensor Modes

Below is an interactive depiction of the different sensor modes in the Amira and how much of the sensor they use. You can also see the image circle required to cover each mode, which will help you determine if your lens choice will cover the mode you want to use.
Arri Amira sensor modes. Hover over a mode, or click/tap it to see a summary of the mode.

Recording Resolution, Codec and Maximum Frame Rate

Here's a summary of the sensor modes and the clip resolution, codec and maximum frame rate available in each mode.
Arri Amira Sensor Mode Comparison
Sensor ModeClip ResolutionCodecsMax FPS
ARRIRAW 16:9 2.8K
2880 x 1620
ARRIRAW
48
4K UHD
3840 x 2160
ProRes
60
3.2K
3200 x 1800
ProRes
60
2K
2048 x 1152
ProRes
200
HD
1920 x 1080
ProRes
200
S16 HD
1920 x 1080
ProRes
200