RED has announced its new invention called Komodo. Before shooting in the dark trying to guess what Komodo is, RED’s president has thrown us some solid and practical information about Komodo and the upcoming HYDROGEN Two. Let’s make some assumptions regarding the definition of RED’s new camera.   

Komodo and the HYDROGEN Two

RED teased this week about two new inventions. First was Jim Jannard announcing the HYDROGEN TWO which is designed from scratch and contains a new sensor. A short time after, Jarred Land declared about a whole new device called Komodo (which is the largest living species of lizard). Jim said that the new device is a new camera module for the HYDROGEN Two, with compatibility to HYDROGEN One as well. On the other hand, Jarred emphasized that the Komodo is not a module. So, what can we know for sure about the Komodo according to Jarred’s post: 

• It is not DSMC3.
• It is not a replacement for DSMC2.
• It is not 8k VV.
• It is not a Dragon or a Helium or a Gemini or a Monstro Sensor.
• It does not have an HDMI port.
• It does not use proprietary media.
• It is not a “module.”
• It is not under $5k unless you own a Hydrogen.
• It has no XLR ports.
• It does not have a fixed lens.
• Its body does not weight more than 2 pounds.
• It is not larger than 4 inches in any dimension.

Jarred also mentioned that: “Komodo is alive and breathing and you will probably see it pop up over the next few weeks and months in the hands of some very talented people banging on it to try and break it.”

Furthermore, if we look carefully at the picture posted on REDUser, we can see a unit with mount and a sensor, which means that the Komodo is most likely a camera. But how’s this camera connected to the HYDROGEN project (if it’s not defined as a module)?

RED new affordable camera: Assumptions

If we’ll take all the info posted by Jim and Jarred, we can get into some reliable assumptions (high-level requirements list):

1. Komodo is a new camera for the HYDROGEN Two, with compatibility to the HYDROGEN One as well.
2. Komodo is a DSMC complimentary camera for cinema-grade images at lower pricing.
3. The Komodo is not a module, which means it can run independently without the need of the HYDROGEN phone.
4. The resolution of the Komodo is less than 8K, and its sensor is smaller than VV.
5. The Komodo will cost around $4,500 for the body only.
6. Komodo will be able to connect to one of RED’s displays.
7. Komodo will be able to connect and synchronize to the HYDROGEN (One or Two). 

Komodo is alive and breathing and you will probably see it pop up over the next few weeks and months in the hands of some very talented people banging on it to try and break it

Jarred Land, RED President

Price and availability

According to Jarred, the cost of the Komodo will be above $5,000 “unless you own a Hydrogen.” Furthermore, “It does not have an HDMI port.”  RED LCD costs about $1,500 (the most affordable version). Let’s suppose that there will be dedicated LDCs for the Komodo. You can purchase this LCD, or use your HYDROGEN as a screen. Don’t forget that according to Jarred, the Komodo is not a module, so it can be used independently and without the HYDROGEN. 

Price prediction: $4,500. 

Komodo is supposed to ship towards the end of the year.

Hypothesis:

The Komodo is an affordable low-end camera (sensor) by RED. This camera can work as a standalone (brain plus accessories), or to be connected and synchronize to the HYDROGEN One and Two. The HYDROGEN can be used as an LCD, sound station and more. Users will be able to purchase the Komodo + accessories, or the Komodo plus HYDROGEN (probably much more efficient package).

Codec (no REDCODE RAW)

The big question is, what is going to be the codec? Probably it’s not going to be R3D. Would it be H4V? Would Komodo be able to produce 3D imagery for/with the HYDROGEN? All of those questions are premature for now. Anyway, we’ll keep you posted. For live updates, you can ask to join the brand new Komodo group on FB.

What do you think is Komodo? Take your guess in the comment section below!