CVP has taken an impressive deep dive into the newly announced RED V-Raptor [X] 8K VV camera. One of the tests that captured our eyes, is the comparison of DR between the Raptor [X] with Extended Highlights (EH) turned On, compared to the ARRI ALEXA 35, in over over-exposed environment. In short: Highlights retention of RED V-Raptor EH On = Highlights retention of ARRI ALEXA 35.

If you need ALEXA 35 highlights retention, you can toggle On the Extended Highlights on the Raptor [X].

New sensor, new potential

The V-Raptor [X] 8K VV combines the strengths of RED’s two families of cameras into one powerful all-purpose workhorse. The frame rates, low light performance, and resolution of the V-Raptor line, combined with the global shutter advancements of Komodo, the V-Raptor [X] 8K VV sensor is the culmination of the latest advancements in digital cinematography. Using RED’s newest 8K VV sensor, V-RAPTOR [X] leverages the benefits and flexibility of large format, global shutter, high framerate, and 8K acquisition, all together inside of a compact and feature-rich body, weighing just over 4lbs. V-Raptor [X] is the first large-format global shutter camera available. It is built off the same keystone features found in the original V-Raptor, such as two 12G SDI ports capable of unique monitoring views, a locking Canon RF style lens mount for rigid and flexible lens selection, and CFexpress Type B media for up to 800MB/s formats such as 8K 120P. Improvements include in-camera audio pre-amps, and a redesigned sensor cavity designed to mitigate stray light and improve contrast performance, further building upon the V-Raptor legacy. You most probably will not succeed in reproducing the optics phenomena regarding the stitched sensor in the [X]. CVP has failed to reproduce that. However, CVP made a comprehensive [X] review. We want to focus on one of the most intriguing conclusions of that review.

Raptor [X] vs. ALEXA 35

One of the most solid features of the [X] is the EH (Extended Highlights). EH (Beta) is a feature that allows to extension of the ISO/gain highlights dynamic range. It was designed to capture more color and detail in the extremely bright portions of your image. It uses multiple exposures and advanced image processing to reconstruct this detail in the most faithful way possible. There are no adjustments or levers for the Extended Highlight process, it is simply an On or Off feature and is completely reversible in post-production. When Extended Highlights are enabled, the maximum frame rate per format is reduced by half in most cases. In addition, data rates are doubled, and in some cases, available R3D Qualities may be reduced. In-camera ISO selection is also limited to a maximum of ISO 1600. EH is not recommended when shooting within an LED Volume, or any other environment where sync is critical. It is also not recommended to use Extended Highlights in high-action handheld scenes. Furthermore, there may be additional motion blur or “ghosting” in the image if excessive motion is present in the region of reconstructed highlight detail. Now, let’s take the camera that has the highest DR (Dynamic Range) which is the ARRI ALEXA 35, and compare it to the RED V-Raptor [X] with EH turned on. That’s what CVP did.

RED V-Raptor EH On = ARRI ALEXA 35

CVP made a comparison between the RED V-Raptor OG, the [X], and the ARRI ALEXA 35. One of the most intriguing comparisons was the examination of highlights in 5+ stops. The ALEXA 35 performed way better than the Raptor OG and [X] when EH was turned Off. However, when the EH turned On, then the stamina of the highlight was much similar to the ALEXA 35. Hence, we can say that the V-Raptor [X] EH On performs like the ALEXA 35 in 5+ stops and beyond. There was no shift on the skin and no clipping. CVP summarized it pretty well by saying: “ If you need ALEXA 35 highlights retention, you can toggle On the Extended Highlights on the Raptor [X]”. Explore the slides below:

Initial thoughts

The ARRI ALEXA 35 outperforms a way better than the RED V-Raptor regarding DR, especially in very bright environments. However, the RED V-Raptor [X] can compensate and break even by utilizing the EH feature. It’s important to remember that this feature is on Beta and thus will be evolved and improved, and most probably the motion artifacts will be reduced in the future. But for now, we can conclude that when referring to highlights retention, the RED V-Raptor EH On equals the ARRI ALEXA 35.

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