Known EPIC issues/faults

[Stephen Williams]

I had the touch screen freeze yesterday, rather than a reboot I just unplugged & re plugged. It's pretty stable, things change slightly build to build but nothing major. I would do a black calibration on any rental camera.

[Justin Marx]

Just to add some minor things:

Stock RED battery plate + 2b-1b cable + RED bricks, for me will not produce a voltage readout, never has.. Many people have this same issue.. This is big because unless you press the button on the battery frequently, the camera will just shut itself off when the battery dies, no warning.. I know Deanan and the RED team are working in this, but be aware..

Not a fault, but just more info/temporary issues to keep in mind:
RED Bomb EVF and RED touchscreen can not operate at the same time (yet) but you can unplug and plug while camera is powered up..

A Lift, gamma, and gain you set in Red Cine X can not be saved to camera (yet)

You can not make toast with it (yet) but I'm sure that module will be coming soon..

Like with any camera, whether brand new or 20 years old, test it before you get on set, or hire someone who has..

[Gunleik Groven]

If you need audio, check that you have the right cables (minijack.)

Only one sdi out. You have to be a bit a'cautioas as to what you put last and first in the chain, as some devices strip the signal (if you want audio, TC start/stop and such to float down the cable)

No 1080 psf. No 720 p50 (yet)

Sounds small, but make sure your other equipment is compatible.

Make sure that the renter have all the neccessary cables + 1 each of TC, LCD, audio

Enjoy the cam and make great images! (Not really a bug, just easy to forget)

[Stephen Williams]

Just to add some minor things:

Stock RED battery plate + 2b-1b cable + RED bricks, for me will not produce a voltage readout, never has.. Many people have this same issue.. This is big because unless you press the button on the battery frequently, the camera will just shut itself off when the battery dies, no warning.. I know Deanan and the RED team are working in this, but be aware..
.

I had voltage readouts until last firmware upgrade, sure it will come back!

[James Drake]

1) Be sure to do a black shading when switching frame rates
2) High frame rate footage likes a LOT of light

Otherwise, the thing is a workhorse. We've been shooting 14 hour days, no dropped frames, no problems!

[Julio Quintana]

1) Be sure to do a black shading when switching frame rates

Why do you recommend this? I never had to do that with my RED ONE. Have you noticed something different?

[jimhare]

Anyone had a glitch that stopped a take, or are most of the glitches start up/standing by related? The R1 used to stop recording if there were Codec Faults/Audio Error etc.

My next live shoot will be the first with Epics and I haven't heard a lot about issues with shooting long takes.

Mine arrives tomorrow so will start some comprehensive tests.

The good thing is a 12 second startup is a get out of jail free card. When the R1 used to stop during a take (hasn't happened for two years but in the early days was an issue) it would kill 2 minutes + from that angle, which caused problems back then.

If anyone has any stories or advice about 70 minute takes on the Epic, would love to hear it!

[Justin Marx]

Hmm, never done one that long.. Honestly don't think I would risk it.. I'd cut when possible, give the fan at least a few seconds to let the little baby breath.. You would be quite sad if there was an issue with a 70 min take.. Good question though..

Also if sound is not an issue, I'd have that baby cranking while rolling!

[Ken Corben]

Hmmm,

Good thread idea.
No gotcha's to report at all my end though.

Been shooting the EPIC-X out of the box since Sept.
The first day felt, looked and worked as if the darn thing had been beamed in from the future.
And a very distant one at that :-)


My RED adventure began with build number 12? on Gibby's #8 R1 in Aug '07.
Required a few tweaks to adapt the early builds to our applications.
Such as our re-useable underwater cooling system that also made a great snack after shooting several hours.

I will POST any challenges I encounter in the field as well as solutions as EPIC-X begins to travel with me around the planet underwater and in the air.

We'll see...

[Josh Beadle]

Nice gear Ken!