Huge price drops on the RED Hydrogen One. Is that a clearance sale for the upcoming Hydrogen Two? Furthermore, what’s the link between this and RED’s new low-end camera (Komodo)? Read down below. 

Hydrogen One – $645. Titanium -$895

Quietly and secretly, RED smashes the prices of its smartphones by 50%. Now Hydrogen One costs “only” $645 and $895 for the Titanium model.

It’s been a year since the launch of one of RED’s most ambitious projects. The Hydrogen One was supposed to be the world’s first holographic 4D smartphone. RED called it “RED Media Machine.” The plan was that this Media Machine would have the option of modularity to allow cinema application within the integration of RED’s ecosystem.

I don’t blame RED. They have accepted a brave challenge because the R&D and execution needed for such a project are very complicated. We wrote here an in-depth article that demonstrates that rocky road. However, RED didn’t get any tailwind from the press. The Hydrogen One was (and still is) the product that the tech blogs love to hate. Tons of bad reviews and critics all around the web are proof of that.

Anyway, according to RED’s founder, the project is not dead, but more than that, they are sprinting to the next version, the Hydrogen Two.

Integration with RED’s new sensor (Komodo)

The current version of Hydrogen will have the compatibility of integration with RED’s new affordable camera, the Komodo.

Jim Jannard, which is RED’s founder, even stated that Hydrogen owners would get significant preferential treatment. The definition of “ preferential treatment” is unclear, in any case. Nevertheless, we know for sure that Hydrogen can be used as a screen to the Komodo. That might be the sole link between RED’s smartphone to its new low-end camera.

Hydrogen owners would get significant preferential treatment

Jim Jannard, RED’s Founder

RED Komodo specs

For those who are curious about the RED Komodo 6K, here are our assumptions regarding specs and details:

1. The Komodo has already shot a feature (Let Them All Talk).
2. 6K resolution.
3. Not a full-frame.
4. R3D files (REDCODE RAW codec).
5. Hydrogen phone can be attached and used as a screen.
6. Lens Mount = Integrated Canon RF.
7. Recording Media = CFAST 2.0.
8. Camera control via integrated LCD.
9. There is no compatibility with DSMC2 monitors.
10. The Komodo can be wirelessly controlled from any smartphone.
11. No option for wireless video feed on smartphones (even on Hydrogen).
12. It is not dedicated to slow-motion applications.
13. Size: 4 x 4 inches.
14. Weight: 2 pounds.
15. Price: ~$4,500.

Final thoughts

Significant price drops can indicate two things: Poor sales due to insufficient demand or a new product on the horizon. I guess the truth is somewhere in between. Nevertheless, I doubt if this price reduction will boost sales.

Would this price drops convince you to buy the Hydrogen One? Let’s know your thoughts in the comments section below.