EPIC U TURN?

[JD Holloway]

I, for one, would love to hear/see about forthcoming I/O module(s).
I understand that the old base I/O has been cancelled.
Frankly, its not a surprise. The "Brain" has become so capable its hard to call it just "The Brain".
Its clearly a fully functioning camera itself (thanks to DSMC concept integration); an amazing one at that.

Of course for 2D studio shoots, ACs and Ops aren't going to appreciate the small form factor Brain-only kit-out.
Sitting atop a Fisher 10, size and weight cease to become an issue. The bigger issue becomes connectivity,
ergonomics and "user friendliness".

With all the new data through-put options coming to market these days (Light Peak etc.)
It wouldn't be a surprised that changes to the original I/O modules have been made to future proof it
against emerging technologies. Could LP be used for monitoring? For live stream data throughput?
Any conflicts with Dragon (and larger) sensor design and data? What else is out there? Who knows?

Nothing is "Future Proofed". In fact, its a ridiculous expression. We just do our best with what we have in "The Now".

...and "The Now" keeps rolling along.

 

[Nik Harper]

Jim J: You didn't answer my question. Are modules still coming or have they been supplated by something else? Your skin has worn too thin. Nothing mean spirited in my post. How can I logically determine if any of your new toys work for me until I know what else goes with the camera so I can anticipate possible configurations. You clearly have Redusers out there that buy every bell and whistle you produce regardless of whether or not they need it (or think they need it). I did that with Red One and I still have items still in their Red plastic bags or boxes, all unused. I'm not making this mistake with Epic.

So, are there modules still planned? What are they and what will they look like. Can you take dummies and attach them to an Epic so I/we can see how they might work with a fully packaged Epic instead of a single Epic cube? This is with and without the new accessories. NOTE: I have not asked for timing. I have not asked for prices. All I'm asking for a view of the configurations, preferrably with all the usual cables attached. And none of these requests demean the Red Team, Epic, or you personally.

Red has mentioned in other threads that the pro I/o is still going to come out, to my knowledge they are still developing the proxy module and they are definitely still making the battery module. The "memory" module you're thinking of is most likely the Ssd module that was made into the side SSD module and I'm not sure if they are still making the other one. They might, just to give everyone options. Does that help? The point that Jim is trying to get across (i think) is that they are trying to get the camera out the door, tons of people including myself have been waiting forever and they want us to have our cameras ASAP. As soon as they have gotten closer to shipping, and maybe even now, I would assume that they will be working on all the modules. I'm thinking they came out with support equipment right away so that epic m owners would have a better way to shoot with their camera.

 

[Tim Whitcomb]

Please allow me to give you my opinion. EPIC far exceeds any of our original expectations. It is a miracle. Really. There are no heat issues. The DR is more than we expected. The highlight rolloff is actually a big surprise.

I guess we shake our head if we feel this part is over-looked. We have so much to do and so many great ideas and stuff in the works. But the foundation is complete. Better than we ever dreamed. The combination of resolution, dynamic range, frame rates, "feel", package size, price and features has just never been done like this before. Nothing close.

So when we get "picking posts" it is a bit demoralizing... even though you don't mean it.

Everyone at RED is working so hard to deliver to you guys...

Jim

You know, its funny, Sony and Arri's CEO's said the SAME thing on their boards yesterday... oh wait... they don't have a user group.

this post right here is what makes RED GREAT and FAN BOYS out of all but the most jaded people.

thanks Jim and the RED TEAM for keeping it real. Life is short. Enjoy the Ride!

 

[Stacey Spears]

Tim,

Jarred's stage 2 update, which lists the changes to stage 2, still includes the battery module.

As far as the rear SSD, I do hope they make a left/right version for use in stereo side-by-side configurations. Worst case the left camera has the side SSD and the right has the rear SSD.

 

[Brent Carter]

So, are there modules still planned? What are they and what will they look like. Can you take dummies and attach them to an Epic so I/we can see how they might work with a fully packaged Epic instead of a single Epic cube?

Tim, was great to meet you in person at NAB. What you are asking for above was at our booth. Sorry to hear you were not one of hundreds of people to see them.

BC

 

[Ivan Kovax]

I'm confused, or did I sleep through something?

Last year we were all presented with Epic and all the modules and various configurations. They stuck out behind the camera, what, 10-12"? Now we're presented with a slew of new accessories, none of which are shown accompanying the modules. We had a memory module, but maybe that's supplanted now by the SSD's. But what about the power module? Or is that dead and we're back to Red bricks? I recall a third module, but I forgot what that was all about. (Probably GPS security with purple dye canister)

I'd also be a bit more comfortable if the Red photographer would take shots of the right side of the camera with all those accessories and modules attached. I would like to see how all those sound, monitor and FIZ cables fit into or around this little box.

...?

 

[AnthonyFlores]

Jim J: You didn't answer my question. Are modules still coming or have they been supplated by something else? Your skin has worn too thin. Nothing mean spirited in my post. How can I logically determine if any of your new toys work for me until I know what else goes with the camera so I can anticipate possible configurations. You clearly have Redusers out there that buy every bell and whistle you produce regardless of whether or not they need it (or think they need it). I did that with Red One and I still have items still in their Red plastic bags or boxes, all unused. I'm not making this mistake with Epic.

So, are there modules still planned? What are they and what will they look like. Can you take dummies and attach them to an Epic so I/we can see how they might work with a fully packaged Epic instead of a single Epic cube? This is with and without the new accessories. NOTE: I have not asked for timing. I have not asked for prices. All I'm asking for a view of the configurations, preferrably with all the usual cables attached. And none of these requests demean the Red Team, Epic, or you personally.

Tim, it's not your request that's the issue, it's your TONE. I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth, but I'm guessing that what Jim and others feel from this post and others is a somewhat antagonistic tone.

No one is saying you have to be a fanboy, or say everything is "amazing" ... but I feel a bitterness, a sense of "entitlement" and sometimes aggression from your posts (other threads too). Again, I'd be willing to bet that Jim and others feel the same ... and that's what they are responding to. Had you made the request more courteously without suggesting by your title that maybe Red was going backwards with the Epic (i.e. "EPIC U TURN") ... I don't think you'd be getting defensive responses.

To be honest, and I'm sorry if this offends you, if Red ever went to the "normal" way of communicating about future plans/specs/modules ... it would be because of people like you. How sad would that be?

 

[Antonio Forjaz]

Well said Anthony

Tim, it's not your request that's the issue, it's your TONE. I don't want to put words in anyone's mouth, but I'm guessing that what Jim and others feel from this post and others is a somewhat antagonistic tone.

No one is saying you have to be a fanboy, or say everything is "amazing" ... but I feel a bitterness, a sense of "entitlement" and sometimes aggression from your posts (other threads too). Again, I'd be willing to bet that Jim and others feel the same ... and that's what they are responding to. Had you made the request more courteously without suggesting by your title that maybe Red was going backwards with the Epic (i.e. "EPIC U TURN") ... I don't think you'd be getting defensive responses.

To be honest, and I'm sorry if this offends you, if Red ever went to the "normal" way of communicating about future plans/specs/modules ... it would be because of people like you. How sad would that be?

 

[Tim Duran]

Nik, Stacey and Brent: Thanks for trying to help. My point, and my only point, is that I don't see how these new attachments work with the Epic once you add the modules, if there are going to be modules to add. Now I know there are still going to be modules, so my personal concerns about the functionality of some of the new accessories has been answered. Unlike some Redusers, I'm not a Lemming. I need to think about what I'm buying and how it fits in with the overall system. For me, today is a bit early to jump on the Red bandwagon accessory-wise. More visuals from Red would help, especially with the modules and accessories all attached at the same time.

 

[Michael Olsen]

Unless I'm mistaken, the BACKPACK system accessories should still attach to the rear of any module in place of the REDMOTE. Of course, one may not want to stack on a three or four modules and then try to add the shoulder piece - I doubt that much weight forward of the shoulder would be comfortable for long. But the BACKPACK itself, along with perhaps the cheese plate or the battery plate could easily find use as additional modular ways to kit out the camera in what I would consider a sensible fashion. Something like:

Lens → Brain → Module → Backpack → Battery Plate

BACKPACK is an option, and part of a rather quickly growing line of accessories for the camera. It definitely isn't right for every situation, but then again, nothing is. Hence the benefit of personal choice.

 

[Stacey Spears]

My point, and my only point, is that I don't see how these new attachments work with the Epic once you add the modules

Not everyone will use the modules. For most of what I do, I want to be as small and light as possible, which means I will not carry any modules in my backpack. Assuming each module has the four mounting points, you could mount the Backpack on the back of a module. You probably would not want to put the shoulder pad after a bunch of modules or it would be really front heavy.

I received my Backpack today. Right now I am using it with the battery Quickplate. This makes a nice counter balance to RPPs when mounted on a tripod, slider, etc... It also protects the exposed pins on the back of the EPIC. I can quickly remove the battery plate and throw into my backpack. Then I can quickly install it again when the battery is needed. I like this much better than having to bolt a battery onto a top plate or on rods, which require some sort of mounting. I do have redvolts, but not nearly enough to last me when I am hiking around.

I can see 3rd parties coming up with bits that can slide into the Backpack as well. I could see a scenario where I would mount the LCD to the cheese plate and slide it in and out of the Backpack as needed.

If you think that you will be using a module most of the time, like the Pro I/O, then the Backpack system may not be something you invest in.

 

[Sabyasachi Patra]

I enjoyed the title of the thread "EPIC U TURN". Its like a copy writer writing a headline for newspaper to attract attention. I immediately thought that something has changed.


Probably the Original poster has burnt his fingers in ordering many stuff which didn't fit into his specific shooting requirements. It happens. With so much of excitation due to the unveiling of the new accessories, it is not surprising that there are impulsive buying decisions. Added to the fact is that no one has idea when the items will be freely available. It is a kind of fluid situation. It will take some time to stabilise. I don't think anyone is to be blamed for this situation.


At present, I liked the way Jarred sequentially uploaded images of backpack and top plate etc, so it was logical to follow. I am sure, someone will later add some videos, so it becomes easier to visualise the various possibilities.

Personally, I think it is a good idea to probably fly in to the US and check the stuff in RED's office, especially for people who are unsure and want to place lot of orders. Please don't flame me for this suggestion. When I have sufficient coins in my box, and I would prefer to visit their headquarters to try out, buy as well as get some more ideas from these amazing guys.


I think there was some steep learning curve for RED as a company. Also, people/customers were not used to these direct interactions. Slowly there will be more maturity. I am sure lot of exciting things are going to happen. Keep up the good work guys!

Cheers,
Sabyasachi

 

[Jannard]

We post what we are doing. You decide if you like it or want to go in a different direction. No problem with us either way.

Jim