EPIC, DR, HDR and stuff...

[Jannard]

EPIC uses the same sensor as the RED ONE M-X. People seem to be very happy with the R1 M-X. However, it should be noted that the RED ONE M-X processes at 12 bit. EPIC is 16 bit. And that doesn't count the EPIC HDR mode. While the HDR mode may not (or may) be available when EPIC ships, we can tell you that it is quite a feat. Some people wish that RED just shipped cameras that were done. Sorry. That is never likely to happen. Since the release of the RED ONE, we have improved everything, and almost everything for free. We see that as a good thing. Don't ever expect that concept to change.

There seems to be some confusion about our philosophy. I have been told that some think we put resolution ahead of dynamic range. Not true. We believe in both. We think those that put dynamic range ahead of resolution are short-sighted. Both matter. There is no question that the industry is moving to a 4K delivery. Sony, Sharp, Panasonic, Samsung, Epson, Barco, Christie, Chimei and others have, or are poised, to release 4K displays. There is no turning back.

Every new sensor design from RED will have more DR than the last. And more resolution. Both. Not one. And we make upgrading as painless as possible for our customers. I am a customer. That's the way I want it.

We love the fact the other companies are moved by our example to improve their cameras. That is really terrific for the industry. But make no mistake, we are not done pushing the industry along. Until others actually give you enough resolution to be "future-proof", plenty of DR and at a price that everyone can afford, we will stay in business. When they provide all of the above, we just might take a vacation. Until then...

Jim

 

[Tom Lowe]

Your predictions about 4K are coming true, Jim, and faster than nearly anyone believed.

Epic will usher in a new "4K presentation" era that will remain the gold standard for a decade or longer.

And if Epic and Alexa are any indication of trends, the dynamic range needed to retire chemical film is near at hand.

 

[Shawn Nelson]

Thanks for the update!

In light of this news, how do you feel MX Red and an EpicX will cut together? I'd been planning on keeping my Red MX for it to be a perfect B cam with my Epic, now I wonder about 12 bit vs 16 bit and more. Thoughts on this?

 

[Matt Uhry]

Thanks for the update. I'm excited to take those 16bits out for a test drive.
We're still thinking it's going to be this year, for stage II ?

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

 

[Andy Jarosz]

What does the HDR move give us, in terms of numbers?

 

[Jannard]

Thanks for the update!

In light of this news, how do you feel MX Red and an EpicX will cut together? I'd been planning on keeping my Red MX for it to be a perfect B cam with my Epic, now I wonder about 12 bit vs 16 bit and more. Thoughts on this?

They will cut together perfectly. Even though EPIC processes more data, have you ever had an issue with holding highlights and noisy shadows with an R1 M-X? I get reports every day that the RED ONE M-X has fulfilled dreams. From Peter Jackson, JJ Abrams, David Fincher, Steven Soderbergh, Doug Liman, Dariousz Wolski (to name-drop a few)... there is nothing wrong with a RED ONE M-X. Quite the contrary. It is the single most used camera in the industry right now. And no one is complaining about anything (except those trying to push it through an antique post pipeline).

Jim

 

[Jannard]

What does the HDR move give us, in terms of numbers?

Lots. Remember, after a certain point... it is much easier to light for DR than it is to manufacture resolution. I have yet to hear "I'm out of DR with my R1 M-X".

Jim

 

[Peter Majtan]

How's the Tattoo program going along?

:sifone: Peter

 

[Zach Gray]

Really looking forward to the HDR mode and the freedom that it might bring back to set!

When shooting film, our DP would only have to worry about getting exposure "pretty close" on set and be guaranteed a rich image. With RED, exposure is a bit more exacting. (Plenty of other benefits to digital acquisition, but I'm just sayin')

 

[Shawn Nelson]

They will cut together perfectly. Even though EPIC processes more data, have you ever had an issue with holding highlights and noisy shadows with an R1 M-X? I get reports every day that the RED ONE M-X has fulfilled dreams. From Peter Jackson, JJ Abrams, David Fincher, Steven Soderbergh, Doug Liman, Dariousz Wolski (to name-drop a few)... there is nothing wrong with a RED ONE M-X. Quite the contrary. It is the single most used camera in the industry right now. And no one is complaining about anything (except those trying to push it through an antique post pipeline).

Jim

I just took it out to the badlands of Oregon and was able to do a shot 40 ft deep in a below-ground crevice with deep shadows and blue sky in the same frame and it held both great

I'm now thinking the 16bit Epic might have more DR, by simple virtue of more recorded info. If so, will you offer a 'Red MX compatibility mode' that'd make it go down to 12 bit? Lol, love the idea of 'going down' to 12 bit

 

[Dan Kanes]

I went to a presentation on Alexa this week at Alternative Rentals.

Gorgeous camera, gorgeous German Design, nice pictures.

Direct Quote from the presentation:

"We designed this camera to meet today's production needs."

Whoops. Today quickly became yesterday, and then the day before that.

You have to throw the ball to where the receiver is GOING TO BE. Not where he is right now. Nothing like competition to help open people's minds though.
arty:

 

[Jannard]

I went to a presentation on Alexa this week at Alternative Rentals.

Gorgeous camera, gorgeous German Design, nice pictures.

Direct Quote from the presentation:

"We designed this camera to meet today's production needs."

Whoops. Today quickly became yesterday, and then the day before that.

You have to throw the ball to where the receiver is GOING TO BE. Not where he is right now. Nothing like competition to help open people's minds though.
arty:

The Alexa is a great example of moving forward in technology. Now, all they need is to up the resolution for the future. I can't see anyone shooting 1080P for anything except "today". The Arri folks are on the right track. Great DR. That is half of it.

Jim

 

[C. Jagan Mohan]

I am eagerly waiting to work with EPIC. Any specific date please?

 

[Adrian Pruett]

i love hearing this stuff and i'm so happy you're such an active participant in the discussion, creation and direction of digital imaging in my generation. we're very lucky to have you jim.

 

[Zach Gray]

I am eagerly waiting to work with EPIC. Any specific date please?

It's posted right here.

"Everything in life changes... including our camera specs and delivery dates..."
Jim

 

[Nook Kim]

Hi Jim,

Your statements are truly remarkable. Just a quick question, do you have a plan for something like Red Rocket GT or are you going with the daisy-chaining RR's for processing the massive data from Epic? Will anything like this be available when Epic ships?

I'm thinking of purchasing another RR, but if there will be an upgraded version, I might want to hold off.

Exciting times..

 

[C. Jagan Mohan]

The Alexa is a great example of moving forward in technology. Now, all they need is to up the resolution for the future. I can't see anyone shooting 1080P for anything except "today". The Arri folks are on the right track. Great DR. That is half of it.

Jim

Yes it is true. I just came from Cinema Today exhibition yesterday. Alexa was launched there for the first time in India. I could see lot of today videographers showing interest. But the price is shocking them. One even asked me why a 1080p camera is costing so much?

 

[Jannard]

Thanks for the update. I'm excited to take those 16bits out for a test drive.
We're still thinking it's going to be this year, for stage II ?

Matt Uhry
www.mattuhry.com

Yes. I'm holding "Snake Oil". It is pretty close.

It records 5K at 120fps. It shutter-syncs for 3D. It records to CF and SSD. It is badass.

Jim

 

[Jannard]

Hi Jim,

Your statements are truly remarkable. Just a quick question, do you have a plan for something like Red Rocket GT or are you going with the daisy-chaining RR's for processing the massive data from Epic? Will anything like this be available when Epic ships?

I'm thinking of purchasing another RR, but if there will be an upgraded version, I might want to hold off.

Exciting times..

We are working toward a firmware upgrade that will support EPIC 5K to existing RED Rockets. Just as you would expect.

Jim

 

[Nook Kim]

We are working toward a firmware upgrade that will support EPIC 5K to existing RED Rockets. Just as you would expect.

Jim

Okay, I'm sold.. again!