That was quick! Netflix has just approved the RED Komodo. That means the Komodo meets the requirements of image capture regarding Netflix productions. Komodo is the fourteenth RED Digital Cinema camera to be approved by the streaming giant. Read the production guide below.
Komodo is Netflix approved
As expected, the RED Komodo has just been approved by Netflix. The Komodo joins the other REDs (14 DSMC2 and Rangers cameras) that are included in this prestige list. The truth is that many modern cameras meet Netflix’s requirements which include a true 4K UHD sensor (equal to or greater than 3840 photosites wide) and capture requirements which allow RAW (REDCODE, ARRIRAW, etc) as well as COMPRESSED (XAVC, ProRes, or other I-Frame capable formats). Netflix also requires a minimum of 16-bit Linear or 10-bit Log processing, and a minimum data-rate of Bitrate of 240 Mbps at 23.98 fps. Those requirements are considered basics among cinema cameras that have been developed over the last 2 years. However, for now, the URSA 12K is not included, and also the Z-Cam which both of them are over specced compared to other cameras in the list. The URSA 12K will get there, no doubt about that. Nevertheless, the Komodo was approved almost immediately.
Komodo production guide
As defined by Netflix, only the R3D shooting format is allowed (no ProRes). Furthermore, although HQ and MQ are the recommended R3D quality settings for Komodo, the LQ will be accepted as well. Regarding max FPS, resolution, and minimum compression, the guide dictates 40 fps 6144 x 3240 LQ, 60 fps 4096 x 2160 MQ, and 120 fps 2048 x 1080 MQ. Moreover, the guide defines best practices for the Komodo exposure setting and black-shading calibration in order to optimize camera performances.
For further specifications, read the Komodo Netflix production guide below:
[pdf-embedder url=”https://ymcinema.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Camera-Production-Guide-RED-KOMODO-6K.pdf” title=”Netflix Camera Production Guide – RED KOMODO 6K”]
According to Jarred Land from RED in a promo video for Songbird, the Komodo was made because Netflix asked them if they could make a camera like that so that Netflix Originals could have better options than Go Pro style cameras for crash cams or action sequences. Based on that, no wonder the camera was quickly approved.