The RED Komodo has been one of the most unique cinema cameras in the market since its release in 2020. Originally positioned as an entry-level RED camera for independent filmmakers and as a compact crash cam for high-budget productions, the Komodo has gained a cult following. Now, with RED slashing its price by roughly $2,000—bringing it down to just $2,995—the question arises: should you buy one? The short answer: absolutely. Let’s break down why this price drop makes the Komodo an unbeatable deal.
The Evolution of the RED Komodo
The RED Komodo was first teased in 2019 as a compact, affordable cinema camera that would bring RED’s signature image quality to a wider audience. In Komodo: A New Affordable Camera by RED Digital Cinema, early details emerged, generating excitement among filmmakers. Its small form factor and global shutter made it an attractive choice for professionals looking for a powerful yet compact solution. Filmmaker Michael Bay quickly recognized the potential of the Komodo, utilizing a specialized “Bayhem” version of the camera for his action-packed films. In Michael Bay’s 6 Underground: RED Bayhem Camera and the Komodo Bayhem, we saw how the Komodo was pushed to its limits in high-intensity cinematography. Later, the camera was again used for a Hard Rock commercial, further cementing its reputation as a versatile action camera.
RED Komodo’s Impact on the Industry
The Komodo has made waves in the industry, finding its way into major productions and experimental filmmaking setups. Notably, it was used in the opening scene of Saturday Night Live (Shot on RED Komodo: The Opening Scene of SNL) and even in high-speed drone cinematography for action-packed racing scenes (Watch RED Komodo Flying at 100 MPH on FPV Drone Shooting Race Cars). The Komodo’s success in professional settings is further evidenced by its use in Hollywood productions like The Suicide Squad (The Suicide Squad Trailer Released: Shot on IMAX-Certified RED Monstro and Komodo) and Extraction 2 (Extraction 2 Trailer Was Shot on RED Komodo). The Komodo’s reputation was solidified when it became a Netflix-approved camera, making it a viable choice for filmmakers seeking to meet the platform’s strict technical requirements. It was also used in the first feature film shot entirely on the Komodo, as highlighted in The Trailer of the First Shot by Komodo Feature Released. The camera was also instrumental in FPV drone cinematography for major productions like Red Notice (Watch All Red Notice FPV Drone Sequences) and Michael Bay’s Ambulance (Michael Bay’s Ambulance Trailer Dropped: Cinema FPV Rules). Additionally, the introduction of Canon’s EF-EOS R 0.71x adapter (Canon’s New Mount Adapter EF-EOS R 0.71x Transforms the RED Komodo into a Full-Frame Cinema Camera) expanded the Komodo’s versatility, making it compatible with a wider range of lenses while enhancing its low-light performance. The Komodo’s influence even led to speculation about upcoming Canon cinema cameras resembling its form factor (Is This the Next Canon Boxy Cinema Camera?), further proving its impact on the industry.
A Cinema Powerhouse at a Good Price
6K Super 35 Global Shutter Sensor
One of the key reasons the Komodo stands out is its 6K Super 35 global shutter sensor. Unlike rolling shutters found in most cameras, a global shutter captures the entire image at once, eliminating motion distortions, skewing, and jello effects. This makes the Komodo a fantastic choice for action sports, high-speed motion, and even virtual production setups. Despite being over four years old, no other camera at this new price point offers a global shutter with such a high-resolution sensor.
RED’s Legendary Image Quality and RAW Recording
The Komodo’s ability to record in RED’s proprietary 16-bit R3D RAW format is another game-changer. This is the same RAW format used in RED’s flagship cameras, like the V-Raptor X. The ability to shoot compressed RAW internally at different compression ratios allows for exceptional flexibility in post-production. Additionally, the camera supports Apple ProRes, giving users an alternative for projects that require faster turnaround times.
Four Years of Firmware Updates: A Camera That Keeps Getting Better
Since its launch, the Komodo has received 10 major firmware updates, significantly improving its usability and feature set. The latest firmware update (1.8.3) brings enhancements like customizable user pages, improved touchscreen functionality, refined autofocus, and better UI navigation. The fact that RED continues to refine and upgrade the Komodo after four years shows their commitment to the camera and its users.
Compact Yet Versatile Form Factor
At its core, the Komodo is a true box-style cinema camera. Its small size and lightweight design make it ideal for gimbal work, drones, and tight spaces where a larger camera wouldn’t fit. Despite its compact nature, it can be fully rigged out with accessories to function as a full-fledged A-camera setup.
RED Komodo vs the Others
While the price reduction makes it an incredible deal, how does it compare to other popular cinema cameras in the market? Let’s compare the RED Komodo with other cameras like the Canon C300 Mark III, Sony FX6, Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K, and the Panasonic Lumix GH6 to help you decide if it’s the right camera for your next project.
1. RED Komodo vs. Canon C300 Mark III
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Price: ~$2,995 vs ~$8,000
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Sensor: 6K Super 35 Global Shutter vs Super 35mm (Canon)
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Shutter Type: Global Shutter vs Rolling Shutter
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RAW Recording: 16-bit R3D RAW, ProRes vs Canon RAW Light, ProRes
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Industry Use: Major Hollywood productions, Netflix-approved vs Widely used in TV and film
The RED Komodo offers unbeatable value for its price. At just $2,995, the Komodo provides global shutter technology, which helps eliminate distortion from fast-moving scenes—an essential feature for action films or sports cinematography. In comparison, the Canon C300 Mark III, though an excellent camera, costs significantly more at around $8,000 and lacks the global shutter. The Canon C300 Mark III excels with Canon’s famous color science and dynamic range, but for filmmakers who prioritize high-speed shots without distortion, the RED Komodo emerges as a more budget-friendly and practical choice.
2. RED Komodo vs. Sony FX6
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Price: ~$2,995 vs ~$6,000
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Sensor: 6K Super 35 Global Shutter vs Full-frame
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Shutter Type: Global Shutter vs Rolling Shutter
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RAW Recording: 16-bit R3D RAW, ProRes vs XAVC
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Industry Use: Major productions, versatile indie filmmaking vs Documentary-style work, versatile in various genres
While the Sony FX6 offers a full-frame sensor and impressive autofocus features, it’s still more expensive than the RED Komodo at $5,500. The full-frame advantage of the FX6 gives better low-light performance and a shallower depth of field, making it suitable for a different type of cinematic look. However, the RED Komodo’s global shutter and 6K resolution give it a distinct advantage for action shots and high-speed motion sequences. The Sony FX6 may be better suited for documentary work and situations where a full-frame look is essential, but for filmmakers who want a compact, action-ready camera with top-tier image quality, the RED Komodo is the better deal.
3. RED Komodo vs. Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K
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Price: ~$2,995 vs ~$$6,400
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Sensor: 6K Super 35 Global Shutter vs 12K Super 35
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Shutter Type: Global Shutter vs Rolling Shutter
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RAW Recording: 16-bit R3D RAW, ProRes vs Blackmagic RAW (BRAW), ProRes
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Industry Use: Action filmmaking, indie projects vs High-end professional productions
The Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K offers a higher resolution (12K vs 6K), but it comes at a much higher price tag—$6,000. While 12K resolution provides incredible detail, it’s unnecessary for most filmmakers who aren’t shooting for ultra-high-resolution formats. The RED Komodo’s global shutter and 6K resolution are more than enough for most high-end productions, and its compact form makes it easier to handle on set. For filmmakers working with high-speed motion or those on a budget, the RED Komodo offers far more value. If you require extreme resolution, the URSA Mini Pro 12K is a good choice, but for versatility and price-to-performance ratio, the RED Komodo wins.
4. RED Komodo vs. Panasonic Lumix GH6
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Price: ~$2,995 vs ~$2,200
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Sensor: 6K Super 35 Global Shutter vs Micro Four Thirds
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Shutter Type: Global Shutter vs Rolling Shutter
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RAW Recording: 16-bit R3D RAW, ProRes vs ProRes, Blackmagic RAW (via external recorder)
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Industry Use: Professional cinema vs Indie filmmakers, YouTubers
The Panasonic GH6 is significantly cheaper at $2,200, but it’s also a Micro Four Thirds camera, meaning its image quality, especially in low light, won’t match the RED Komodo’s larger Super 35mm sensor. While the GH6 is a fantastic option for independent filmmakers and those starting out, the RED Komodo offers higher-quality image capture and professional-grade features like global shutter and 16-bit R3D RAW recording. If your budget allows, and you’re looking to invest in a camera that offers unparalleled flexibility in post-production, the RED Komodo is the better choice for professional filmmaking.
Final Thoughts: Is the RED Komodo Worth It?
After considering the RED Komodo in comparison to other cinema cameras, it’s clear that the Komodo offers an incredible value proposition. Its combination of global shutter, 6K resolution, and RED’s signature image quality make it an ideal choice for filmmakers who want professional-grade footage without the price tag of higher-end RED cameras. For filmmakers who need a camera for action scenes, high-speed motion, or versatile production environments, the RED Komodo stands out as one of the best options on the market. While other cameras like the Canon C300 Mark III, Sony FX6, and Blackmagic URSA Mini Pro 12K offer unique advantages, they come with higher price points and limitations such as rolling shutters and larger form factors. Ultimately, the RED Komodo is a cinema powerhouse at a price that’s hard to beat, offering filmmakers of all levels the chance to capture stunning footage with RED quality without breaking the bank. Whether you’re an indie filmmaker, a drone operator, or a pro looking for an affordable second camera, the RED Komodo is an investment that will pay off for years to come.
Final Verdict: Is the Komodo Worth Buying Now?
At its new price of $2,995, the RED Komodo offers incredible value for filmmakers looking to get their hands on a RED camera. With its 6K Super 35 global shutter sensor, RED’s signature image quality, and the camera’s compact design, the Komodo is a formidable choice for both independent filmmakers and professionals. The fact that RED continues to enhance the Komodo with regular firmware updates only adds to its appeal. If you’ve been considering a RED camera but were deterred by the price tag, the Komodo at this new price is an opportunity you shouldn’t miss. It combines RED’s industry-leading image quality with the flexibility and affordability that filmmakers have been craving. Whether you’re shooting high-action sports, cinematic drone footage, or indie features, the RED Komodo is a camera that delivers top-tier performance without breaking the bank.
Special thanks to CVP for their excellent video on whether it’s worth buying the RED Komodo nowadays, which provided valuable insights into the camera’s current value and performance. You can watch the full video below:
Shouldn’t it be compared with the Blackmagic PYXIS 6K product?