A new announcement from RED: RANGER HELIUM and RANGER GEMINI are available for order, which means you can buy them. However, the first version of the RANGER (MONSTRO VV) is still rental only.

RED has just announced two more versions of its all-in-one camera: RANGER HELIUM and RANGER GEMINI. More importantly, these new cameras are available for purchase, and not just for renting. However, the first version of the RANGER (MONSTRO 8K VV) is still available only for rent through RED Authorized Rental Houses.

RANGER to the masses

The RANGER that was announced in January this year was RED first attempt to build an all-in-one production-ready camera, contrary to RED tradition to emphasize modularity. The purpose was to make an integrated and less complicated platform for filmmakers. The first RANGER, which owns the MONSTRO 8K VV sensor, was (and still is) available only to authorized rental houses. RED’s president, Jarred Land, was explaining the reason for the rental-only option: “These cameras as you can imagine are pretty expensive to make in low quantities. It doesn’t really make sense unless you buy at least 10 of them. The rental houses were smart, and after a discussion, I had with them as a group at CineGear, this is the result”.

These cameras as you can imagine are pretty expensive to make in low quantities. It doesn’t really make sense unless you buy at least 10 of them

RED’s President on the first RANGER

However, it seems that consumers love the production-ready solution, so RED has decided to make another two more variants of the RANGER, now with the HELIUM and GEMINI sensors.

RANGER HELIUM 8K and RANGER GEMINI 5K Super 35

Highlights for the HELIUM version are 35.4 Megapixel CMOS Sensor (29.90 mm x 15.77 mm) and 60 fps at 8K Full Format. Highlights for the GEMINI version are 15.4 Megapixel Dual Sensitivity CMOS Sensor (30.72 mm x 18 mm) and 96 fps at 5K Full Format.

General info:

The RANGERS weigh around 7.5 pounds, support wide input voltage (11.5V to 32V), and boast more independent SDI and AUX power outputs as well as an integrated XLR audio input. They also have a more massive fan for quieter and more efficient temperature management.

Included:

• RED RANGER BRAIN
• Shimmed PL Mount and PL Mount Shim Pack
• Production Top Handle
• LCD/EVF Adaptor D
• RED RANGER AC Power Adaptor
• 3-Pin XLR-to-RED RANGER Power Cable (10’)
• Compatible Hex and Torx tools
• 2 Year Standard Warranty

Price:

The price for the RANGER HELIUM 8K is $29,950, and the price for the RANGER GEMINI 5K is $24,950.

From modularity to integration (DSMC3…?)

DSMC3 is on the horizon. There is no doubt about that. The DSMC2 models have some time, though (2020). Developing those all-in-one camera systems (RANGER’s structure) could be indicating on RED’s new strategy, from modularity to integration. That’s a fascinating point since the other manufacturers are going the opposite, for instance, Canon’s new C500 Mark II (from integration to modularity).

What do you think? Will the upcoming DSMC3 be all-in-one design, like the new RANGERS? Let’s know your insights in the comments section below.