Just a few months back RED dropped the RHINO – a special edition greyed out V-RAPTOR that packed a Super 35mm sensor capable of recording 8K at a wild 120 fps.
Much like the white “Stormtrooper” models of prior models, this was a limited run that previewed what was on the way.
Now, we actually have the full production V-RAPTOR 8K S35 and V-RAPTOR XL 8K S35 cinema cameras to check out.
If you are hoping to take a look at these new V-RAPTORs you are in luck as B&H Photo Video got their hands on the newest cameras and ran through all the key specs.
There is also a sampling of footage shot with the cameras to watch.
RED has been doing well with the DSMC3 lineup. Kicking things off with the KOMODO and moving into the V-RAPTOR series next they have continued to push forward with new models and variations that will fit different filmmakers’ requirements.
The V-RAPTOR lineup was impressive with an eye-catching 8K Vista Vision sensor in both the standard and XL models. Now, we have Super35 versions of each of those cameras – and they kept that 8K resolution.
That 8K Super 35mm sensor in the latest cameras will deliver around 16.5 stops of dynamic range.
It also offers phase-detection AF and keeps the same Canon RF mount as the others.
This means that you can use a wide array of lenses and even adapt full-frame optics via a speedbooster for a large-format look.
Image Credit: RED
The V-RAPTOR XL does have some model-specific lens mount options, including Canon EF, for a native solution.
Third-party manufacturers have also gotten in the game with LPL and PL mounts.
Frame rates are impressive on the V-RAPTOR S35 models. It’ll do 8K 17:9 at up to 120 fps. Go for 2.4:1 and you can hit 150 fps and it only gets better as you choose lower resolutions.
4K can hit 240 fps in 17:9 and if you want the fastest you can drop down to 2K 2.4:1 for an amazing 600 fps.
REDCODE RAW is the format of choice here and there are the HQ, MQ, LQ, and ELQ quality options to pick from.
You can choose ProRes if you prefer in 4444 XQ, 4444, 422 HQ, 422, and 422 LT flavors at up to 4K resolution.
One great change with the DSMC3 lineup has been a move from proprietary media to more common formats.
In this case, we are using CFexpress Type B. You will want to stick to tested media for the top resolutions and frame rates though.
RED has now made their cameras ready to shoot right out of the box.
Image Credit: RED
Looking at the V-RAPTOR you’ll have a CFexpress card slot, dual SDI outputs, a built-in 2.4” display, and a choice of V-mount or Gold-mount battery plate.
There is a solid ecosystem of accessories from both RED and third parties. Some even have super tight integration, such as SmallHD, for remote control of the V-RAPTOR.
Finally, we need to mention that RED has a mobile app for iOS and Android devices for controlling the camera from a smartphone.
The RED_CONTROL app will show a live view from the camera and provide plenty of control options.
If you though Super35 was fading away in favor of large-format options you would be wrong. These V-RAPTORs are proof of that with their impressive specs.
What do you think about these new Super 35mm RED cameras?
[source: B&H Photo Video]
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