Cash needed to get a workable Epic-X?

[Martin Weiss]

While we are waiting for news, I'd like to discuss the cheapest option to have a workable Epic-X. For this exercise I take it that it will be a Stage 2 or 3 Epic. For the sake of the argument I put the price at 10.500 - not at all implying that this is the camera's value. I only want to find out what cash one will have to have available to have a workable Epic setup.

What else besides the generous Epic-X package will be needed?

Media of course, with the option of going really cheap with the 8gb card, but to be realistic, it would be either 2 x 64gb CF cards or a 128gb 1.8" redmag. (The frugal minded could go with a used RED Drive 320gig which should drop to maybe 500 once the Epic starts shipping.)

Option 1: 2.200 for 2 64gig CF cards
Option 2: 3.000 for 1 128gig redmag and one SSD module

Question: What are the practical differences between the two recording media? Obviously the CF card will take up less physical space. But when buying multiple media, the SSD mag gives slightly more bang for the buck (256gb of storage would cost 4.400 with CF, and 4.500 with SSD; 512gb 8.800 on CF, 7.500 with SSD and so on). Is there a difference in max. data-rate, i.e. frame-rate? A noticeable difference in power consumption, reliability, off-loading speed, resistance to vibration? Will one format be more likely to be the future format-of-choice?

Lenses. I would argue for either Nikon or Canon still lenses, and to take advantage of the electronic lens features, it would have to be a newer electronic lens. Of course one could go for a cheap 50/1.8 type of lens, but I'll take a Canon 24-70/2.8 as a starting point, about 1.300 bucks.

Question: Other lens suggestions are very welcomed. Does it make sense to spend more money on IS lenses, is that technology useable for moving images?

Tripod. Since the Epic is lighter than the R1, a lighter head and sticks can be used. With some luck on eBay, a decent tripod can be had for say 1.500.

Question: Does the Epic attach directly to the tripod shoe, or does one need some sort of bridge plate as with the R1? Cost?

So far, the cheapest, decent set-up would require about 15.5k of extra cash for Stage 3 (minus a possible deposit). For Stage 2 it would be 19.5k (taking the already paid 5k deposit into account.)

 

[George Tsai]

As far as i understand it to record the highest frame rate using a CF would require heavy compression (I think jim in past post said redcode 18 or something?) that may not be available in the final firmware. If i remembererd right that was only experimental. I'm shootin for the SSD off the bat since at the moment it seems to be the only new option that supports the datarate to allow you to take full advantage of the epic. that or the old red raid should work too?
otherwise might as well just get the scarlet

 

[Stephen Strangways]

The SSDs are expected to record higher datarates and faster frame rates, but no official specs are out yet. Vibration resistance should be the same, the SSDs will be heavier and bulkier, but likely have a more reliable connection than the CF cards. CF card connection problems are rare, but they can happen, especially if you jam one in the wrong way.

While some people report using IS on lenses made for still photography with the RED ONE, I find that they dampen much lower frequency vibrations than the IS built into video lenses and cameras, thus leading to a strong "floating" that makes me sea-sick, so I avoid it.

The EPIC appears to have tripod threads directly in the body, but it looks like the new bridge plate, which incorporates anti-rotation "claws," will be the preferred option, for security and speed.

 

[Kevin Olsen]

In the first example you give, the one with the cheapest media comparison, it seems like a large advantage of the CF is the ability to continue to shoot while offloading files on the other. Additionally, it's a lighter and smaller configuration. That's the only other things I can think of but I agree with George and Stephen that the data rates are more important than just these factors.

Depends on your shooting style I guess. I am facing the same dilemma and more concerned about media than any other factor in the RED system for my first camera from RED (fixed Scarlet).

KO

 

[Cüneyt Kaya]

what about all the topmounts, cheeseplates, focus hooks, xl powermodules, new batteries, new baseplates or adapters to use the old bricks, upgrade to pro i/o, i am counting on another 15 k on top with all needed assecoires for a cinestyle setup.
with the RPZ you have easily an additional 21 k on top of the stage two/ or stage 3 upgrade price, dunno yet how to do the post work of 5k files yet.

 

[Ryan E. Walters]

For me, the key will be in the limitations of the recording medium. I want to be able to shoot at least 5k at 60fps on the 64GB CF cards. If I can do that, then I'll buy CF cards and go that way. Not only is 64GB more then enough run time for my style of working, but I do not want to get a full 64GB before off loading. At 128GB the size of the SSD is way too large for my comfort. I want that backed up and archived well before it gets full, which means that I'll need two of them. If I can get 60fps at 5k on a 64GB card I'll be happy renting the 128GB SSD for those projects that need 120fps in 5k.

 

[Andrew clemson]

Good God, 120fps in 5K. That sends shivers up my spine just saying it out loud.

 

[Brian Petrie]

I may be wrong but from my understanding I thought it was: up to 100 fps in a "5k" resolution mode, up to 125 fps in a "4k" resolution mode, up to160 fps in a "3k'" resolution mode, and up to 250 fps in a "2k" However, I am in no way certain about this so please correct me if I am wrong.

 

[Ryan E. Walters]

You can get 120fps in 5k- at least according to the spec sheet Red has up now:
http://epic.red.com/downloads/RED_SPEC_SHEET_EPIC.pdf