Cinematographer and director Mark Toia shares with us his thoughts and insights on why to choose RED cameras over other cinema cameras. In his stunning video, the advantages of the RED V-Raptor are well demonstrated. And indeed, it’s the best commercial for RED Digital Cinema that has been ever released.

It’s the man behind the camera

What’s the best cinema camera? Which cinema camera delivers the best overall image quality? The answers to these questions are not trivial. The main reasons that high-end cinema cameras produce the best images are that these cameras are being used by the best camera operators/cinematographers. It’s the man behind the camera. Put a top-tier ALEXA in the hand of an inexperienced operator, and you will be getting disappointing results. Having a RED Monstro doesn’t promise professionally grade footage unless you know what you’re doing. For instance, how much bad footage have you seen from Komodo owners? Unexperienced operators that bought this ‘affordable’ cinema camera don’t have the knowledge and expertise to shoot outstanding imagery out of it. Remember that It’s the man (or woman) behind the camera and not the camera in front of the man (or woman).

Best commercial for RED Digital Cinema

Anyway, Mark Toia is a hell of a talented director/cinematographer, which specializes in shooting with RED cameras. Put a RED in his hands, and magic will happen. Recently, this guy has released a video titled “Why RED”. In the video, Toia demonstrates the advantages of RED cameras (and V-Raptor in particular). This happens to be one of the best commercials for RED Digital Cinema. As stated in the description of the video: “So why do I choose RED? Well, it’s pretty logical. It’s a camera that’s got so much color, depth, and incredible dynamic range that it can’t be ignored. And a ton of resolution. And shoots RAW that you can edit and grade in real-time. And not forgetting it’s got great frame rates, upwards of 400 fps at different crops. And the added bonus is the new V-RAPTOR sensor has another two stops in the blacks and another stop in the highlights to play with. RED’s 8K RAW file, gives me far more creative options on set and in post, and it’s the single one reason why I shoot RED”.

So, why RED?

These are Toia’s key points on why he chooses RED as his weapon of choice: 

1. Compactness and robustness: The RED camera (especially the V-Raptor) is smaller in size and bulletproof.
2. Resolution: At least 8K resolution —Toia likes pixels. He always prefers to shoot in maximum resolution, that is, 8K. Reasons — Image preservation, future proof, VFX, advanced streaming, and more freedom in post.
3. Workflow facilitation: The R3D allows you to edit raw files with maximum information and the ability to drop the files straight into the NLE’s timeline. Toia says that REDCODE RAW format allows you to start editing and grading, even on a laptop in real-time and without the need for transcoding.
4. Simplicity: RED cameras are very simple to use.
5. High dynamic range: Here Toia tries to counterattack the claim for ‘advertised stops’. Toia says that the V-Raptor has plenty of stops —more than you actually need.

Wrapping up

Basically, Toia emphasizes three major factors that RED cameras excel in:  Raw, Resolution, and Dynamic Range, which are well explained and demonstrated in this educational video, that’s actually a beautiful commercial for RED! Check it out below: 

Have you been convinced?

Product List

Here’re the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers. 

• Red Digital Cinema V-RAPTOR 8K VV DSMC3 Camera
  • BUY on B&H
  • BUY on ADORAMA
• Y.M.CINEMA 65 – A Gift for Filmmakers