Epic vs Scarlet interchangeable for a new Red user.

[Michael Millichamp]

Hey guys! I need some help. I recently came into around 30 to 35 thousand dollars. (Family bank sold) and im about to graduate from my college with a bfa in Cinematography (I know that isn't saying much) but here is the real dilemma.

I've been drooling over the scarlet/epic cameras for a year now thinking I would never be able to get one. But since things have changed financially I think this is a great opportunity to actually make my fantasy a reality. So the question is Scarlet interchangeable or the Epic-s (previously Scarlet s35). I know about cameras, and I've been researching Reds like crazy for the past 3 months. Ive been primarily shooting with a 7D for about a year, along with an EX1 with a Letus adapter on it.

I would love an Epic, it seems like the better "investment" but, there also seems like more of a professional learning curve. Maybe its just me worrying about possibly buying a 25000 dollar piece of machinery and not being able to fully understand it.

And then there's the Scarlet. I would love either, but im leaning towards the epic more. Comments please? And be nice. Im a newb.

 

[Jesper Sichlau]

At least I think you should wait to decide until the new prices and specs for th Epic-s/Scarlet s35 has been released. It also depends on how many of those money you intend to spend on camera and equipment.

 

[Michael Millichamp]

Agreed.

 

[Mark Phelan]

I don't see a perceived bigger learning curve as you mentioned being an obstacle, especially if you're about to graduate with a BFA in Cinematography. You are asking strangers to help you make up your mind and I think only you might know what you intend to do with your new purchase.

My only other thought would be, what kind of computer system do you have to use once you've shot the images? Your funds will allow for the purchase of the camera, but you're going to need a digital darkroom to be able to process the images. How are you set with that piece of the puzzle?

 

[Michael Millichamp]

My intentions weren't to ask strangers to make up my mind, but more on the focus of if anyone has been in the same boat that im currently in right now. Sorry if it came off that way.

And ill post specs of my computer later when im actually on it. Typing all that out on a Droid would be difficult. Its a hackintosh though. I doubt that would effect anything.

 

[Mark Andersen]

My only other thought would be, what kind of computer system do you have to use once you've shot the images? Your funds will allow for the purchase of the camera, but you're going to need a digital darkroom to be able to process the images. How are you set with that piece of the puzzle?

true, but it's not just computers, there are matt boxes, filters, tripods, FF units, the list goes on and on. I think it might be wise to purchase the basic camera, it will do what you want most of the time, heck it will do most everything the R1 will do. With the Scarlet, ahem, I mean Epic S you will have funds for the other important items, oh, did I mention lenses?

 

[Michael Millichamp]

I do know how long the list is, because whenever I shoot my shorts I have to either rent or borrow most from my school.

Right now I plan on starting small. All basics. Maybe 2 lenses, sticks, follow focus and rails, and then start growing from there. You don't need all of the bells and whistles for a beginning production. Oh and monitor.

I expect to spend a good chunk of money, but I also expect to increase my skills as much as I can so maybe I can make that money back.

 

[Mark Phelan]

My intentions weren't to ask strangers to make up my mind, but more on the focus of if anyone has been in the same boat that im currently in right now. Sorry if it came off that way.

And ill post specs of my computer later when im actually on it. Typing all that out on a Droid would be difficult. Its a hackintosh though. I doubt that would effect anything.

I think somehow my "tone" came across as harsh, which was not my intention. No need to apologize whatsoever!

I was just thinking with your getting the front end, you'll need a back end, otherwise you'll have a drive full of pretty images and that's about it. We all know it takes time to build up to what you want, we're in varying stages ourselves of doing the exact same thing. Happy hunting.