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 of its smaller brother. Furthermore, the RED CEO announced a new DSMC3 adapter for the DSMC2 EVF. That would be relevant for Raptor and Komodo-X (not Komodo). Last but not least, KX (Komodo-X) is Netflix-approved.
Face Detection Auto Focus on the KX
The newly announced Version 1.1.0 Beta firmware for the Komodo-X includes one of the most requested (and complicated) features, which is the Face Detection Auto Focus. The feature has been implemented (Beta) less than a month after the V-Raptor got it (make sure to read our article about it). As stated by RED Digital Cinema CEO, Jarred Land: “Awesome Komodo-X firmware upgrade beta just went live today… engineers snuck in Autofocus Face Tracking and the over-the-air firmware upgrade along with a bunch of other great stuff. Enjoy”. Explore the Version 1.1.0 Beta release notes below:
- Added Face Detection Auto Focus
- Added Onboard LCD User Pages
- Added In-camera Online Firmware Upgrade method Added Advanced Image Flip Selection
- Added Function Toggle
- Added Top Buttons Modes
- Added Operations Guide QR Code
- Added ISO Display Mode Gain (dB)
- Added multiple Calibration management
- Added mDNS hostname discovery
- Added Web UI for S3 credentials
- Added Remote Shutdown command
- Added OWC Atlas Ultra 1TB/2TB support Added SanDisk PRO-CINEMA 640GB support Optimized Recording Mode UI
- Changed Project Settings “Format” to “Sensor Format”
DSMC3 adapter for DSMC2 EVF
Another significant announcement was made (via Land), that is related to using EVF on the DSMC3 bodies. It appears that in a few months, RED will release a DSMC3 adapter for the DSMC2 EVF. That means, DSMC3 shooters (V-Raptor and Komodo-X only) will be able to use the DSMC2 EVF through a dedicated adapter. As mentioned by Land: “Seen a mass increase of DSMC2 EVFs on the 2nd hand market this month for some reason, not sure why so just dropping a public service announcement and throwing out a cookie crumb that in a few months, we will be releasing this little adapter for DSMC3 will be able to give those DSMC2 EVFs a new life… just part of our new DSMC3 monitor program and in some ways the DSMC2 EVF on KX or Raptor or XL will be preferable to the actual new DSMC3 EVF, especially on size. Anyways… just dropping this as a heads up don’t ask questions till we get closer”. Additionally, Jarred also added that “the OG Komodo [Komodo] does not have the pins nor the power to drive the monitor”.
KX is Netflix Approved
That would be obvious, as the Komodo OG was approved by Netflix, and then the KX would be definitely approved as well. Explore below the Komodo-X Netflix Camera Production Guide (click on the slides for a full-resolution view):
Product List
Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- Red Digital Cinema V-RAPTOR 8K VV DSMC3 Camera
- Red Digital Cinema Komodo-X S35 DSMC3 Camera
