First post, on the fence, advice appreciated.

[Danny Condruti]

Hello all,
I have been reading this forum on and off for a while, decided to register and confront my undecided status, guidance appreciated. A bit about me now.
Have a BA in ENG/film from NYC and have worked a short time as sound/CA for Hard Copy Show and also as communication tech for WABC/7 in NY but got fed-up with the city and moved to Phoenix AZ in '95 till present. I have a day job and not plan to change now but....
- for a while recently have been shooting weddings (1), corporate videos, meetings, presentations, etc with my Canon 5D MKIII and also published 2 pictures.
- would like to get more involved in the video industry and COULD buy the Scarlet or Epic at present BUT would like to be able to make some money as well and not just to keep it as a paper weight. Have looked around and video prod is almost 0 in Phoenix compared to LA or NY. As mentioned, this will be a side job, not my main income source. Any sugestions? Anybody around in AZ for guidance? How do I find jobs and network?
Also if I get a Red, which one should I get it? Scarlet for $8000 and later spend another $10000 to make it Epic or an Epic from the start (same price in the end) and call it good? Here is why I am on the fence and need a push either way.
One last Q, what is the difference between:
EPIC-X MYSTERIUM-X [BRAIN ONLY] Price $17,500.00
EPIC-M MYSTERIUM-X [BRAIN ONLY] Price $22,500.00
EPIC-X MONOCHROME [BRAIN ONLY] Price $20,000.00

Thank you.

 

[Eric J Robbins]

The EPIC-X comes with a 1 year warranty and is built on a production line. The EPIC-M has a 2 year warranty and is hand-built from machined parts. They're identical cameras in terms of specs.

The Monochrome camera only shoots monochrome. It's technically a sharper image, but it only shoots black and white.

EDIT: The other thing to remember is that a lot of components are needed to get any of the REDs up and running. I don't mean this as a bad thing, its just the nature of high-end cameras. But you're going to need batteries, media (which is pricey), mounting options... I would wager I spent close to $20K to get my Scarlet up and running effectively on set (before the price drop).

 

[Danny Condruti]

Is X of a lesser quality than the M in terms of components? I thought that all REDs are made from machined parts. Since I am familiar with machining (hobby, have a lathe) sounds like the X is made from cast aluminum components whereas M is CNC made. I am confused, need more info please. $18000 is a LOT and don't want to get lesser quality.

 

[Nick Morrison]

Is X of a lesser quality than the M in terms of components? I thought that all REDs are made from machined parts. Since I am familiar with machining (hobby, have a lathe) sounds like the X is made from cast aluminum components whereas M is CNC made. I am confused, need more info please. $18000 is a LOT and don't want to get lesser quality.

It's the exact same camera as far as I know. Except the M is hand built, and has a longer warranty.

You could also just start with an affordable used Red One package. To get your feet wet.

Or a used Scarlet to dip your toes into the RED world.

 

[ericyoung]

The first original Epic-Ms were machined rather than cast aluminium, not just hand built. I'm pretty sure that's still the case to justify the higher price.

But all the working electronics are identical in the currently shipping Epic-X and Ms. (Some of the very first oldest Epic-Ms had earlier circuit board versions too).

 

[Mark K.]

Danny, I think investing so much money in an Epic or Scarlet for a 'side job' is unwise. It's a lot of money, and if you're not pursuing video production in earnest I think your money would be better spent on a cheaper camera and then put the remainder towards more useful things like lights and grip gear.

 

[Paul Russell]

+1
Rent until you have sufficient experience and demand to justify the capital cost of investment