RED Dragon-X Kit: 50% Price Drop
RED Dragon-X Kit: 50% Price Drop

RED Dragon-X Kit: 50% Price Drop

2023-05-08
2 mins read

A huge discount is being offered on the RED Digital Cinema DSMC2 Dragon-X camera kit. Instead of $19,950 USD, you can purchase it for $9,950 USD. Does this price drop indicate the EOL (End OF Life) of DSMC2 bodies?

RED DIGITAL CINEMA DSMC2 DRAGON-X Camera Kit
RED DIGITAL CINEMA DSMC2 DRAGON-X Camera Kit: Now for $10,000 USD

50% price drop on the RED Dragon-X Kit

RED has smashed the price of the RED Dragon-X Kit — $9,950 USD instead of $19,950 USD. That means a 50% discount. The RED DSMC2 Dragon-X Camera Kit includes the camera brain, and the minimum gear needed to make a functional shooting package. The Dragon-X brain features a Super35 sensor and can shoot and record at 6K uncropped up to 75 fps. The kit includes a DSMC2 Dragon-X camera, Sigma 18-35mm f/1.8 DC HSM Art lens, RED Touch 4.7″ LCD, IDX Dual Charger, DSMC2 Outrigger Handle, G-Technology RED MINI-MAG Reader, DSMC S35 Aluminum Canon Mount, V-Lock I/O Expander, 2 x IDX DUO-C98 Batteries, 480GB RED MINI-MAG, and RED Camera Kit Case. Hence, all those goodies will cost you less than $10,000 USD. It is worth mentioning that the Dragon-X is still a capable camera that can produce stunning imagery, and can be perfectly utilized in high-end productions. However, the support of the DSMC2 lineup is fading. And that’s something you should consider before entering the DSMC2 adventure.

The RED DIGITAL CINEMA DSMC2 DRAGON-X Camera Brain
The RED DIGITAL CINEMA DSMC2 DRAGON-X Camera Brain

The smashed price symbolizes EOL (?)

As explained, the DSMC2s are great cameras. However, DSMC3 is being quickly evolved and adapting. Furthermore, the next DSMC3 will be announced soon (RED Komodo-X), establishing this lineup further. On the contrary, DSMC2 shooters claim they suffer from a steep devaluation of their cameras, and a lack of firmware updates (read: R.I.P DSMC2? RED Removes DSMC2 Bodies From its Store). For instance, the last firmware update was in 2020, and moreover, the DSMC2 brains have been removed from the RED.com store, although you can still find a new DSMC2 body here and there, from online retailers. We wrote about the DSMC2 users’ petition to RED, begging for bug fixes, more anamorphic options, and mainly that media issue to be unlocked so that 3rd media can be used. Hence, We don’t see a lot of shooters jumping on this deal. Nevertheless, that can be an attractive offer for those who want to try RED and enter the RED DSMC2 temporarily ecosystem.

R.I.P DSMC2? RED Removes DSMC2 Bodies From its Store
R.I.P DSMC2? RED Removes DSMC2 Bodies From its Store

Waiting for the Komodo-X

On the other hand, why take this deal if the Komodo-X will be announced soon (estimated pricing will be around $10,000 USD)? Thus, this value feels more like a liquidation sale of DSMC2, and we assume we’ll see more DSMC2 deals like this one soon. Anyway, it seems that the forthcoming Komodo-X will replace the Dragon-X. We’ll update you when we have more info about the Komodo-X. 

Product List

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

  • RED DIGITAL CINEMA DSMC2 DRAGON-X Camera Kit

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

YMCinema is a premier online publication dedicated to the intersection of cinema and cutting-edge technology. As a trusted voice in the industry, YMCinema delivers in-depth reporting, expert analysis, and breaking news on professional camera systems, post-production tools, filmmaking innovations, and the evolving landscape of visual storytelling. Recognized by industry professionals, filmmakers, and tech enthusiasts alike, YMCinema stands at the forefront of cinema-tech journalism.

1 Comment

  1. I would say the final nail in the coffin after 15 years. Makes a former not-so-cheap investment almost worthless and cements the decision to not throw a single more dollar into REDs mouth.
    What about rendering obsolence obsolete ?
    Dunno if that‘s just after Jim left, but before the claim was there will always be an upgrade path.
    And that ended completely 2 years ago when they announced DSMC2 cannot be upgraded anymore.
    Now they are dumping the last bodies out and smash rental and used-market values.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

Recent Posts

Get the best of filmmaking!

Subscribe to Y.M.Cinema Magazine to get the latest news and insights on cinematography and filmmaking!

RED Komodo-X Introduced: Hybridization Between Komodo and Raptor
Previous Story

RED Komodo-X Introduced: Hybridization Between Komodo and Raptor

Meet Cinematographer and Director John De Menil
Next Story

Meet Cinematographer and Director John De Menil: Making it Into Festivals

Latest from News

Atomos Kills Its 8K Global Shutter Dream

Atomos Kills Its 8K Global Shutter Dream

In an industry full of big talk and bigger promises, it’s always refreshing (or sad, depending on your mood) when someone finally admits they couldn’t pull it off. That’s what happened this…
Go toTop

Don't Miss

How Trump’s Tariffs Could Raise the Price of Your Favorite Cinema Cameras

How Trump’s Tariffs Could Raise the Price of Your Favorite Cinema Cameras

This is a forecast based on current trade policy and industry analysis—not an official announcement from most manufacturers. That said, filmmakers should prepare:…
Face-Tracking-Auto-Focus Comes to RED Komodo-X

Face-Tracking-Auto-Focus Comes to RED Komodo-X

The ultra-requested Face Detection Auto Focus comes to the RED Komodo-X as well. Just after the V-Raptor got it, it was the turn…