Yesterday was an exciting day for R3D lovers. A completely new high-end (‘flagship’) RED camera was introduced, the V-Raptor, which is RED’s first DSMC3. The Raptor can be defined as hybridization between the Komodo and DSMC2’s Monstro. Let’s discuss that.
The Velociraptor
For those that weren’t posted, yesterday RED Digital Cinema introduced the V-Raptor VV 8K DSMC3 camera. The V-Raptor can be considered as some kind of hybridization between the DSMC2 flagship (Monstro) and the RED Komodo. The “V” stands for velociraptor which is a small and fast dinosaur. The V-Raptor is armed with a new VV (Vista Vision) sensor that allows more than 17 stops in DR. The camera is capable of shooting 8K REDCODE RAW up to 120FPS and owns very impressive specs. For the whole tech stuff, head over to read our coverage.
RED Komodo as the first DSMC3
Although the V-Raptor is defined as the first DSMC3, it will be more correct to think about the Komodo as the first camera in the lineup. The V-Raptor was born from the Komodo and can be compared more easily to the Komodo. As opposed to the comparison between DSMC to DSMC2, the delta is higher when comparing DSMC2 to DSMC3. The evolution is not noticeable, and thus the definition of DSMC3 is not 100% correct in that case. However, this is what it is. But if we want to be accurate, then we should think about the Komodo as the first DSMC3, and a game-changer in the RED ecosystem.
Menus are visually like an advanced Komodo but in-depth like the DSMC2.
Jarred Land – RED CEO
Not global, but a fast shutter
The V-Raptor is meant to be a fast camera, in terms of readout, and operation. RED has ingested its shooters’ desire to make a more user-friendly camera. The engineers executed orders to make a slick product that can be compact, and easier to operate in the field, even for indie shooters. “Menus are visually like an advanced Komodo but in-depth like the DSMC2,” said RED CEO, Jarred Land. Thus, specific parameters have been improved, like reduction of black-shading needed (due to more advanced heat management apparatus), better interface, and even faster readout. For instance, the V-Raptor owns a fast shutter. Although the Komodo is the king of the global shutter, the rolling shutter of the Raptor is twice as fast compared to the Monstro. However, it’s not global, so if you want a true global shutter, go for the Komodo- “that’s the reason it exists” added Land.
Accumulation of other RED cameras
We can think of the V-Raptor as an accumulation of all the other RED cameras. As explained, heat management is far more advanced than other RED cameras. Also, regarding the dynamic range, the shadows are “night and day” on Raptor compared to the Monstro. Sure, there’s a bit of cannibalization here, as the more expensive camera suddenly turned obsolete. However, RED emphasized that the DSMC2 lineup will continue to be fully supported. As for the pricing of the Monstros, I guess we’ll see a significant drop in the price of the battle-tested models. Anyway, there will be NO trade-in program for DSMC2 nor Komodos for Raptor. “It goes for everything… We just can’t do the upgrade/trade-in process it is way too consuming and way too expensive, especially right now” said Land.
It goes for everything… We just can’t do the upgrade/trade-in process it is way too consuming and way too expensive, especially right now.
Jarred Land – RED CEO
Ranger Raptor
The Ranger version of Raptor is coming as well this year or in the next year. The Ranger version will be armed with the most requested feature by RED shooters, which is built-in ND filters. Land said that the Ranger version will be a much bigger camera, that will grant high-end production a lot of privileges.
ProRes is on the horizon
For those who want to shoot ProRes, or just make proxies, it must be noted that the ProRes codec will be implemented as well, in the next couple of weeks.
“Cheapest as it can be”
Land stated that RED made an extreme effort to make this camera as cheapest as it can be. Indeed, the price is pretty affordable (compared to other high-end DSMC2 cameras) which is about $25,000. That’s a ‘low’ price tag for a RED high-speed VV sensor. As for the availability, the ST (white Stormtrooper) cameras have been sold out already. Preparing a new batch will take some time. Furthermore, there’s no schedule for the black (regular) version.
Between Netflix to Hollywood
RED cameras star on Netflix but are barely utilized in Hollywood. Most acclaimed DPs prefer ALEXA or VENICE. RED understands that, and that’s one of the reasons for this mid-price range. The upcoming ARRI ALEXA S35 4K will be priced much higher than the Raptor. Also, other high-end alternatives like Sony VENICE, ALEXA LF, Mini LF, and Panavision DXL2 (all are playing in the large format field, which becomes mainstream in modern productions) are much more expensive. RED knows that Hollywood will pass on the Raptor. However, RED also knows that Netflix will adopt it close to its heart, for sure.
Final thoughts
The V-Raptor is RED’s new affordable flagship. Although $25,000 is not so affordable price point, when compared to the Monstro, the pricing is much more reasonable. Is there a real justification to buy a Monstro? Not so much. That’s the reason that prices will drop soon. Is there a reason to sell your Monstro? No. The RED Monstro still constitutes a flagship for heavy-duty cinema productions. And what with that Komodo? Well, it’s the best solution for action shooters that insist on filming fast objects with zero distortion, as this is the only RED camera that is armed with a global shutter. Furthermore, Komodo’s price is the main advantage. It will be interesting to reveal the fate of other DSMC2 cameras (Gemini, Dragon-X, and Helium). Definitely, we are going to see a significant reduction in demand, as there’s no logical reason to buy those anymore. As for the V-Raptor, if everything goes well, it will sell like hotcakes, by professionals.
Product list
Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- RED V-RAPTOR 8K VV DSMC3
- RED Komodo 6K Digital Cinema Camera
