RED made something quite tempting in the KOMODO. It’s an ultra-compact full-on RED cinema camera with all the goodies you have come to expect. And, while relatively affordable, it’s still a pricey system. Considering that there is a lot more competition in this space today, the KOMODO has to work hard to convince people that it is still the most worthwhile option for the money.
On that note, RED did do some work to distinguish the KOMODO from the rest of the pack. If you want to know about three of the features you may have missed then this video from filmmaker Brandon Washington should help fill you in.
Don’t get me wrong, the RED KOMODO is objectively a great camera. However, the RED name alone isn’t enough to sell people with the variety of similar options now available for even less from other brands.’
1. Pre-Roll Recording
This is a useful function for run-and-gun shooting or action shots. Pre-roll recording allows you to configure the camera to maintain a buffer recording of the past few seconds so that when you hit record you actually have a chunk of footage from before you literally hit record. For getting the timing right, it helps give you some safety and ensure you nail the shot.
Image Credit: RED
2. Built-In Wi-Fi
RED, like many other cameras, has built-in Wi-Fi. It’s a solid 2.4/5GHz system that is quite stable. You can obviously connect your phone and use the app to remotely control and monitor the KOMODO.
A bonus feature is that it is a bit more open than your average camera. Monitors, such as the Portkeys BM5 III, can connect to the camera as well so that you can get remote control of the camera via your external display. It’s a lot nicer than the small built-in touchscreen.
Image Credit: Port Keys
3. Audio
RED has an obvious focus on image quality. Still, they do have nice audio controls. The KOMODO can actually record up to four channels of audio. This includes two from an external 3.5mm microphone and two from the built-in microphones.
The KOMODO does allow you to turn off channels independently and change the gain on each channel. You can link and un-link channels as well. An example where this comes in handy is setting one channel at a high level and another at a lower level, providing you with a safety recording in-camera.
Image Credit: Wooden Camera
While there are no XLR ports built-in, Wooden Camera does have the A-Box that gives you two XLR inputs for the KOMODO. It’s not ideal compared to native inputs with good pre-amps and the A-Box doesn’t have phantom power, but it’s one way to add the feature.
These aren’t the flashiest of features but it is this type of stuff that might just separate some closer options from one another. Consider your own workflow and how this may help you.
[source: Brandon Washington]
Order Links:
- RED KOMODO 6K Cinema Camera (B&H)
- Portkeys BM5 III On-Camera Monitor (B&H, Amazon)
- Wooden Camera A-Box (B&H)
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate partner and participant in B&H and Adorama Affiliate programmes, we earn a small comission from each purchase made through the affiliate links listed above at no additional cost to you.
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