Jim Jannard has posted new pics of the upcoming new 5K camera to be released by Red, the Epic-X:
Jim says there’ll be an announcement by the end of October on Epic (presumably on schedule for release and perhaps more details on specs). I’m taking advantage of Red’s generous offer and trading in my Red #1304 for the Epic-X. Main advantages I see in Epic-X for my filmmaking:
- Bootup time is 2 seconds (instead of 80 seconds). This means much less hassling on location with batteries. Because the 1st AC can shut the camera off between takes. And if he/she sees the DP or director walking over to look through the viewfinder and line up a shot, just hit the “on” button. With the current Red, both cameras on a 2-camera shoot have to be “on”, running on batteries all the time. This eats up a lot of batteries (and necessitates having a generator and UPS on site).
- Batteries are much smaller and can be carried on planes safely.
- Overall weight is greatly reduced (smallest rig is roughly half the weight of smallest Red rig).
- Improved design, ergonomics, everything. The second time you build something or make something (e.g., a house) is always better than the first time.
- And, of course, better picture. More pixels (at 5K). But more important: better image and more dynamic range (at least one stop more than Red).
With the Red Pro Primes and shooting in 2.35:1 these images will just pop and be beautiful… Can’t wait! My educated guess says that the first Epic-Xs will begin shipping in Jan 2010 or so (going to current Red owners, according to their original serial number) and that I’ll have mine by March/April 2010.
Its really amazing .The design is outstanding
Actually, there is no need to shut down the camera to swap batteries, as the camera takes two batteries.
Also, I see the main benefit in the 2 second boot-up-time that the camera will be useable in an ENG/documentary setting.
A very cool feature of the Epic/Scarlet is that RED also offers electronic lens mounts for Canon and Nikon lenses – this is fantastic news for indie/lower budget filmmakers.
Thanks for the comments, Martin. Totally agreed that (good) Nikon and Canon mounts for Epic/Scarlet will be awesome. And the new Red zooms (with auto-focus) look amazing too.
On swapping batteries without, I know that’s possible with a relatively new fancy and not-cheap 3rd party gizmo that I’ve seen on the web recently. But not using Red’s own gear. Right?