Not many are aware of RED’s Rapid Replacement Program for selected camera models. That means, when your in-warranty RED has a malfunction on-set, the company will send you an immediate Certified Replacement so you can continue shooting ASAP.

RED’s Rapid Replacement Program

Although this plan is not new (was announced in March), not many shooters are aware of it. This program was created to get your covered and send you a replacement ASAP. As stated by RED: “In the rare instance that your in-warranty camera fails or has an operational issue, RED is ready to send you an immediate Certified Replacement to ensure you’re back on set right away”. It’s important to note that this program is for selected cameras which are the recent DSMC2 and the rangers: MONSTRO 8K VV, HELIUM 8K S35, GEMINI 5K S35, DRAGON-X 6K S35, RANGER MONSTRO 8K VV, RANGER HELIUM 8K S35, RANGER GEMINI 5K S35. According to RED, the cameras in the Rapid Replacement Program have been hand-picked to be factory refurbished. They have light usage up to 300 hours with minor cosmetic blemishes and have passed the same rigorous testing as new cameras coming off the production line.

In the rare instance that your in-warranty camera fails or has an operational issue, RED is ready to send you an immediate Certified Replacement to ensure you’re back on set right away.

RED Digital Cinema

How does it work

If through troubleshooting, the Technical Support team determines that your camera is in need of repair, RED will provide a Service Order (SOR) number AND return shipping label to return your product to RED via expedited service. Upon receipt of the SOR, RED will immediately ship a replacement camera via expedited service. Customers will need to provide a valid credit card. If the damages on the returned camera are not warrantied, the repair charges will be billed to the credit card provided on the default card on your red.com account. If the customer unable to unwilling to provide a credit card, we will be unable to offer a replacement and will proceed with a repair request.

About the program

This program is available in the United States, through RED HQ as well as in the UK and EU via our RED Europe branch office. If you are located outside of the United States, UK, or EU, you may participate – understanding that you will be responsible for the export/import procedures related to receiving a replacement camera. RED has determined that the following countries are able to participate in this program (with the customer still responsible for following proper export/import procedures): Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and Singapore.

What conditions are not covered?

• Cameras with physical damage, water damage, or modifications not covered under warranty
• Shipping damage due to improper packaging
• Customer-caused failures including sensor damage
• Any other cause that does not relate to the material or workmanship of the camera

Go here to read more about the program

Wrapping up

It’s far from ideal to explore camera malfunctions in the middle of shooting. Back then, you had only two options. Take more REDs for a backup, or send the camera to service which led to long days waiting to get it back. Therefore, the Rapid Replacement Program might seem like a valid solution for many shooters.

The program is in the air for three months. Have you used it?