Summary
Although the camera is not yet fully featured and there are necessary work-arounds due to the beta status of the first units, RED ONE is here and making stunning images. It has a silky subtlety that is far beyond any HD camera and is quite filmic. It does not yet match the quality and dynamic range of 35mm film, but it’s awfully close.
Target Apps Documentaries, independent and feature films, TV, medical
What It Costs You $17,500 (camera body); $35,000 (basic package); $80,000 (fully loaded)
What's Cool Stunning DV, HD, 2K and 4K digital images; fixes and updates coming quickly via firmware updates sent by e-mail; easily accessorized for a variety of apps (for more details, see "Smart Advice," page 16).
What's Missing The camera can’t record audio yet, and only one viewing output can be enabled at a time; there’s also no playback (but it’s likely coming since there are VTR-like controls built into the camera body); no auto focus or exposure mode.
Ratings: Products are rated for features, performance, ease of use and overall value.
Specs
Weight: 10 pounds (without lens, battery, viewfinder) Sensor: 12 Megapixel MYSTERIUM Acquisition Formats: 2540 (via RAW Port option), 4K, 2K Delivery Formats: 4K RGB, 2K RGB, 1920x1080 progressive, RGB or 4:2:2, 1280x720 progressive, RGB or 4:2:2 Digital Media: FireWire 800/400, USB-2 and e-SATA interfaces, RED-DRIVE hard disk drive (320GB), RED-RAM flash memory drive (64 GB),REDFLASH (CF) compact flash module (8 GB); (SATA Flash coming soon), REDCODE: 12-bit RAW 4K, 2K (windowed sensor), 1-30 fps 4K, 1-100 fps 2K
Smart Advice
RED ONE camera deliveries are currently on hold, waiting for feedback and fixes on the first 50 cameras, which were delivered with the caveat that they were definitely beta versions, not fully featured, and users could expect bugs. There have been a few, but the fixes and updates have been coming quickly via firmware updates sent by e-mail and loaded into the camera.
Is RED right for your next job? Consider RED ONE;s many acquisition and delivery formats by project: features (2540p. 4K, 2K), indies (4K,2K, 1080p), HDTV (4K, 2K, 1080p, 720p) TV spots (4K, 2K, 1080p, 720p), HD news/b-roll (1080p, 720p) industrials (2K, 1080p, 720p) ...and many more.
This is an unconventional review of a very unconventional camera. First, full disclosure: Although I was hired by RED to do some testing in the early development of this camera, I am now also an owner of the first iteration of the RED ONE. This review is my own independent evaluation of the camera, beta software and camera components I purchased.
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In the studio, Mathers configured his camera with a Cooke 25-250 MkII lens and Arri Matte Box.
Mathers and DP/Operator/DIT Conrad Hunziker grade test images on an Apple MacBook Pro running RED Alert beta software.
Out of the box: Mathers’ camera (upper right) is surrounded by the many RED add-ons he also purchased.
The RED Alert beta software in action.
On Location
Mathers prepares to take a glorious wide shot of the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francicso Bay.
T3 Zoom Lens + Rails
Mathers fit his camera with RED’s 18-50mm T3 Zoom lens ($6,500). RED RAIL components are available individually or as part of the Base Production Pack ($1,250).
Control Panel
The "dumb side" opposite the camera operator reveals the MiniBNC and MiniXLR connectors. Also note the HDMI and Dual Link HD/SDI outputs.
Bottoms Up
The dual maker’s marks under the camera say, "Designed, Engineered, and Tested in Orange County, CA, USA" and "Made in Singapore."
Comments (10) for "REVIEW: RED ONE Digital Cinema Camera"
1.
great post. exciting times with Redcine out this week sometime. thanks!
Posted by Mike Hedge on Monday, November 12, 2007 @ 03:30 AM
2.
Terrific article Jim. Very informative. Let's shoot!
Posted by Christopher Scott Kn on Monday, November 12, 2007 @ 04:56 PM
3.
Great review, was good to hear a technical treatment of what makes this a very unique camera.
We are aware of some auxilaiar support gear for the RED ONE which will further enhance the experience of shooting. Following is a press release of the product I'm talking about.
-----------------------------------------
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Zacuto
www.Zacuto.com http://www.zacuto.com/
Steve Weiss
888.294.FILM
steve@zacuto.com mailto:steve@zacuto.com
Zacuto Releases Accessories for Red One Cinema Cameras
Chicago, IL - Zacuto is announcing the release several camera configurations http://www.zacuto.com/RED.htm for the RED ONE CINEMA camera. They have created both a lightweight handheld http://www.zacuto.com/red5.htmas well as Tripod http://www.zacuto.com/red2.htm setups. These configurations integrate Zacuto products with RED products such as the RED LCD Screen and RED camera handle. All setups are of course balanced and completely quick-releasable (Zacuto trademark) for quick setup and fast company moves.
Z-grips http://store.zacuto.com/product.php?productid=263&cat=0&page=1 give you that Zacuto low hand position that DP’s say is much less fatiguing when shooting for many hours. Plus, the handgrips themselves fully articulate for further comfort. The Zamerican http://www.zacuto.com/three_zamericans.htm arms allow you to quickly remove the articulating arm or monitor and move it in seconds. The Z-Mount http://store.zacuto.com/product.php?productid=70&cat=0&page=1 allows you to attach The Zamerican arm to any 15mm rod anywhere.
All these and more features, makes the Zacuto’s lightweight setup more desirable then the RED brand accessories which use traditional screw on, screw off techniques, 19mmm studio rods and are very heavy. Using lightweight 15mm camera accessories vs. Studio 19mm can cut the cost of the Matte Box and Follow Focus by as much as $10,000.
Existing Zacuto customers should have all the pieces necessary to create these Zacuto RED ONE setups excluding one new part the Z-Riser http://www.zacuto.com/Z-Riser.htm, which will raise/lower their rods in front of the Zacuto Baseplate to reach camera accessories.
The Z-Riser can also be used on small HD camera systems using 35mm DOF adapters that have "flip" modules which will require the lenses to be mounted lower/higher, left/right relative to the camera and the adapter.
The setups are beautiful and a natural for RED ONE camera users considering Zacuto products are already red.
For more information about the Zacuto Accessories for Red One Cinema Cameras visit http://www.zacuto.com/RED.htm[MH1]
About Zacuto:
Zacuto offers custom HD video camera packages and accessories for sale and rent. Zacuto.com carries the latest technology in HD 24p cameras and specializes in its all inclusive camera packages and accessories featuring the Zacuto USA brand.
Zacuto
Buy – Rent – Lease HD Video Cameras & Accessories
http://www.zacuto.com/
401 West Ontario
Chicago, IL 60610
Steve Weiss
312-863-3452
Posted by Jim Hockin on Monday, November 19, 2007 @ 01:48 PM
4.
Hey, here's some video clips from HD EXPO November 2007 presentation with RED's Ted Schilowitz presenting on the camera and Assimilate's Lucas Wilson on the post side of things...
http://www.hdexpo.net/virtual/panels_RED.html
http://www.hdexpo.net/virtual/panels_RED.html
Posted by Katie Fellion on Monday, December 3, 2007 @ 05:03 PM
5.
I would like to know more about the film transfer aspect.
Posted by Mohan on Friday, August 22, 2008 @ 05:03 AM
6.
Great review. This pointed out some crucial details to me. Doesn't sound like this is the next step for your basic 3chip dv user but it sounds amazing none the less. I'll wait and see what happens next in the coming year or two with RED products.
Posted by Travis on Thursday, September 11, 2008 @ 09:10 PM
7.
Great Red Tutorials over at WonderHowTo.com
http://www.wonderhowto.com search for Red One Tutorials.
Enjoy!
Posted by Mike on Wednesday, November 5, 2008 @ 12:08 PM
8.
I,m going to shoot a feature with red one camera, is going to be a B/W film any tips for the set up on the camera
Posted by pablo on Tuesday, November 11, 2008 @ 11:32 PM
9.
i just got 2 Reds last week and my serial numbers were 2303, 2304, does that mean there are 2000 camera's out there? when do you expect the drives and 16 gig cards to be ready, Rock and Roll!
Posted by cool breeze on Tuesday, November 18, 2008 @ 06:32 PM
10.
I need to buy the following. we are looking traing equipment for the school(used) CAMERAS:
RED-ONE 2k/4k digital cinema camera ()
Sony EX1 solid-state HD cameras
JVC 251 ProHD cameras with Gen-Lock and SDI output
JVC 201 ProHD cameras
Sony Z1 HDV 1080 cameras
Panasonic DVC30 Standard Definition cameras
Bauer and Canon 8mm film cameras
Steadicam Flyer camera suppourt system
P+S Technic Mini35 lens systems with prime lenses
RedRock lens systems
17mm-300mm prime lenses
Wide-angle lenses
Miller and Wako tripods
Pro Jib Field System
Cambo Artes Jib system
Manfrotto FigRig handheld system
HiDef LCD field monitoring systems
Portable Greenscreen
Wally Dollys
Sekonic L758C light meters
Kish Optics Directorʼs Viewfinders
LIGHTING:
HMI lighting systems
Kinoflo style fluorescent lighting
Blondie light kits
RedHead light kits
Lowel light rigs
Dedo light systems
Reflectors, cutters and a full compliment of lighting accessories
SOUND:
Sennheiser and Sony radio microphone kits
Rode NTG1 and NTG2 hyper-cardiod ʻshotgunʼ microphones
Marantz digital field recorders
Sound Devices 302 production audio mixers
Shure production audio production mixers
Rycote windshields
Boom poles, shock mounts and al accessories required for field recording
Sennheiser and Takstar professional monitoring headphones
Posted by MEGA HOOD FILM ACADE on Tuesday, March 17, 2009 @ 08:49 AM
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