Buying your first RED camera can be a daunting task. Despite the fantastic image and the pedigree of a true and tested digital cinema camera, RED cameras and the whole RED ecosystem can be a bit intimidating at first for those making a giant leap from DSLR filmmaking or using compact S35 cameras. Unlike other major pro camera manufacturers (for the most part) such as Sony, Panasonic and/or Canon RED offers a completely modular system with proprietary media, monitors, camera modules with different outputs, and even lenses and their own matte boxes and handheld rigs.
Sure, there are Sony and Panasonic cameras, which use proprietary media such as SxS Pro (PMW-F5/F55) cards and Express P2 media (Varicam LT) but for the most part you can use third party media on most high-end models – C300 II uses CFast 2.0, RED arch-rival ARRI has gone for CFast 2.0 on the AMIRA and Alexa MINI, and the Sony FS7 uses XQD cards, which both Sony and Lexar make. Of course there are also adapters for SxS based cameras that allow XQD and even SD cards to be used in certain resolutions, frame rates and codecs. However, when it comes to a RED camera – you’re only choice is the proven RED Mini Mags that RED makes themselves in order to guarantee reliable performance.
Of course in the last few years, RED have opened up to a few 3rd party manufacturers, but for the most part, it’s imperative to know what’s what in a RED DSMC system (or Digital Stills and Motion Camera). So if you are about to board the RED Raven train, or still waiting for your Scarlet-W, check out the new youtube video tutorial series by RED called RED TECH. The series was released in conjunction with the latest announcement for the new Helium 8K S35 based cameras the RED Epic-W and the Weapon Helium 8K S35.
The RED TECH tutorial series was created to inform of the benefits of using RED cameras through quick instructional videos that explain RED products, features, and best practices. Each episode highlights a different stage in the image capture process, from camera configuration basics to post production insights, as well as useful third-party tools and integration options.
REDCODE RAW:
G-Technology G-Dock and File Format:
One of the main benefits of a RED camera, next to the awesome codec, is that it always captures enough dynamic range to support HDR delivery without any additional settings or unique hardware needed. Also learn to monitor HDR with the step by steps covered here:
Visit RED’s YouTube Channel, Shot on RED, for more videos and subscribe to receive notifications when new episodes are added.
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