[by TVBEurope]

After directing his previous two 3D movies with Sony cameras, James Cameron seems intent on lensing Avatar 2 using the Alexa M, currently being developed by Arri and the Cameron Pace Group (CPG).

“Cameron Pace have been searching for their preferred camera to use on 3D projects and saw the advantages of the Alexa platform,” said Arri managing director Martin Prillmann. “We’ve been talking to them for a long while about the M concept. They will have access to prototypes which we will deliver by the autumn.”

The decision to select the Alexa M (pictured) would be the logical outcome of CPGs joint venture with Arri to develop a new version of the camera more suited to Steadicam work and for integration with the Pace Fusion rig.

“The Alexa M camera is designed for mobile 2D and 3D camera configurations, offering the same image quality, reliability and workflow options as all other cameras in the Alexa product range,” said Prillman. “CPG will have exclusive commercial access to the first systems in September pioneering its use in a variety of exciting 3D productions during which the design will be enhanced and optimized with new 3D application features unique to the CPG/ARRI collaboration.”

The design of the Alexa M links the camera head to the transmission body by fibre. It employs the same sensor as the Alexa and weighs just 2.5kg without lens making handheld operation possible.

Cameron’s Ghosts of the Abyss and Avatar were filmed using Sony HDC-F950s.Avatar 2 is scheduled for release in 2014.