Introducing the RED V-Raptor XE

[Phil Holland]

A new entry level V-Raptor XE featuring the same sensor technology as V-Raptor [X] with slightly less features and half the maximum frame rates, with a very approachable price. 8K 17:9 maximum frame rate = 60fps. Available in both Canon RF and Nikon Z Mounts.

V-RAPTOR | RED Digital Cinema

Unleash the potential of the V-RAPTOR 8K VV, RED’s flagship DSMC3 camera, featuring a groundbreaking 8K large format sensor with global shutter, 17+ stops of dynamic range, and advanced connectivity options for unmatched cinematic performance.

www.red.com

 

[Brian Timmons]

RED V-RAPTOR XE– $14,995 USD - Newsshooter

RED has announced the new V-RAPTOR XE digital cinema camera. This newest addition to the Z CINEMA camera lineup is a streamlined version of the V-RAPTOR

www.newsshooter.com

- interesting spec mentioned in the key features.

"

• Significantly reduced boot time and sensor power consumption (with upcoming firmware update)"

Also quite interesting from the Press release.

"Trade in Paths for KOMODO Customers
RED announced an exciting new trade-in path for all current KOMODO and KOMODO-X camera owners to receive credit towards the purchase of the new V-RAPTOR XE or V-RAPTOR [X] camera or pack. This is the first trade-in opportunity offered to owners of the original KOMODO. More information on the trade-in process and eligibility can be found on RED.com/trade-in-summary."

 

[Brian Timmons]

 

[Afshin]

"Significantly reduced boot time and sensor power consumption (with upcoming firmware update)"

Curious to know how they achieved that. Can't be just some software tricks.

 

[Brian Timmons]

"Significantly reduced boot time and sensor power consumption (with upcoming firmware update)"

Curious to know how they achieved that. Can't be just some software tricks.

I'm curious myself. Faster EPROM? Intelligent caching? Perhaps loading up a smaller core group of camera settings and modes?
Will also be interesting to see if this is specific to the XE or if this can be applied to existing models.

Brian Timmons
BRITIM/MEDIA

 

[Steve Sherrick]

This is cool news. Generally in terms of frame rates, I need full res up to 60, usually in the 32-48fps range for general slow motion such as Broll so that is great. Faster boot times is welcome news too. Nice job RED!

 

[Dominic Borrelli]

this is great and makes 8K full-frame more accessable.

Does anybody know if we will see a Komodo XE (Z) as well? This would be great as a B-Cam if 6K 35mm are sufficient but longer recordingtimes are needed and for a replacement of older Komodo OGs without Z-mount. It would could find it's place above the ZR for those aiming for better image quality eg 16 bit R3D.

 

[Ollie Walton]

I was about to purchase a Raptor X, this week and was told to wait. This XE looks great. RAPTOR x USERS, do you use the 8k 120fps? That is the most feature I would need more so than the phantom track and extended highlights. But it's nearly 10k more just for this. It is the same frame rates as the Monstro VV right?

 

[Phil Holland]

I use 8K 120 and really a bunch of frame rates between 60 and 120. Higher frame rates at the smaller resolutions and formats across the board. Also use Extended Highlights a fair bit. Phantom Track is not frequent for me, but I have used it a few times on VP shoots. And I do know people who use it daily.

But yes, you can sort of think of V-Raptor XE as "DSMC3 Monstro" as it has the same frame rate and format size.

I have no issues saying the new model is a very good deal. Also have no issue saying that [X] has more features.

I don't think you'll see a Komodo XE. Unsure if Komodo with those base specs approximate happens. Komodo-X I recommend a whole bunch. Also a good deal by all accounts.

 

[Ollie Walton]

Thanks Phil. I have a Monstro and was planning on selling this, unless I don't get much for it and would just keep it and run it to the end. DSMC2 don't really sell much now in the UK and if it does its so cheap.

I would rather have the X, but it costs nearly 10k more, which I don't think is worth the money for some of the work I do for the extra fps.

I ve been happy with the Monstro so I think XE will be a nice uprgrade and my back will thank me

 

[Phil Holland]

I've personally kept both of my Monstros. Lots of reasons, a big one is specialty imaging and the removable OLPFs to go to Full Spectrum. I do mainly shoot on V-Raptor [X] since the start and even purchased another to have 3 bodies.

Talking to some other [X] owners who have a single camera, XE makes a whole lot of sense for a 2nd body for those who need that. All accessories work between them.

 

[fgonz031]

Nikon registers as own Komodo X probably start registering as own the other names of RED
株式会社ニコン
(210) Application number：Appl.No.2025-91355

(220) Filing date：Aug.08,2025

Date of rise of prior application right：Aug.08,2025

(441) Date of publication of application：Aug.19,2025

Trademark (for search)：ＫＯＭＯＤＯ‐Ｘ

(561) Pronunciation (Reference Information)：KOMODOEKKUSU，KOMODO

(731) Applicant

Name：NIKON CORPORATION

Address or residence：Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

(740) Representative

Name：MIYAJIMA, Manabu

(740) Representative

Name：MOTOMIYA, Teruhisa

(740) Representative

Name：SARUYAMA, Jumpei

(740) Representative

Name：Yūsuke Nakamura

(740) Representative

Name：YANAGIMACHI, Ayumi

Display Edition of International Classification：12-2025 Edition

(500) Number of classes：1

(511)(512)[Classes of goods and services and designated goods or designated services] [Similar group code (reference)]

9Digital cameras for motion pictures; DIGITAL STILL CAMERA AND DIGITAL MOTION CAMERA; Digital cameras; Digital camera system for movies consisting of digital cameras, digital camera lenses, memory cards, and electronic media recorders; DIGITAL CAMERA AND DIGITAL IMAGE SENSOR FOR CAMERA; Electronic input / output module for data transmission in a digital camera system; Motion picture camera; Cinematographic cameras; Photographic machines and apparatus; Cinematographic machines and apparatus; Optical machines and apparatus; Measuring or testing machines and instruments; Telecommunication machines and apparatus; Electronic machines and apparatus and their parts

10B01 10C01 11B01 11C01 11C02

 

[Brian Timmons]

Nikon registers as own Komodo X probably start registering as own the other names of RED
株式会社ニコン
(210) Application number：Appl.No.2025-91355

(220) Filing date：Aug.08,2025

Date of rise of prior application right：Aug.08,2025

(441) Date of publication of application：Aug.19,2025

Trademark (for search)：ＫＯＭＯＤＯ‐Ｘ

(561) Pronunciation (Reference Information)：KOMODOEKKUSU，KOMODO

(731) Applicant

Name：NIKON CORPORATION

Address or residence：Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo

(740) Representative

Name：MIYAJIMA, Manabu

(740) Representative

Name：MOTOMIYA, Teruhisa

(740) Representative

Name：SARUYAMA, Jumpei

(740) Representative

Name：Yūsuke Nakamura

(740) Representative

Name：YANAGIMACHI, Ayumi

Display Edition of International Classification：12-2025 Edition

(500) Number of classes：1

(511)(512)[Classes of goods and services and designated goods or designated services] [Similar group code (reference)]

9Digital cameras for motion pictures; DIGITAL STILL CAMERA AND DIGITAL MOTION CAMERA; Digital cameras; Digital camera system for movies consisting of digital cameras, digital camera lenses, memory cards, and electronic media recorders; DIGITAL CAMERA AND DIGITAL IMAGE SENSOR FOR CAMERA; Electronic input / output module for data transmission in a digital camera system; Motion picture camera; Cinematographic cameras; Photographic machines and apparatus; Cinematographic machines and apparatus; Optical machines and apparatus; Measuring or testing machines and instruments; Telecommunication machines and apparatus; Electronic machines and apparatus and their parts

10B01 10C01 11B01 11C01 11C02

View attachment 3837729

Any copyright lawyers here? Perhaps some insight.

Brian Timmons
BRITIM/MEDIA

 

[Afshin]

Maybe they want to continue the line with MarkII, MarkIII,...like still cameras. Its a democratizer cine body and deserve more iterations than high end RED cameras. The question is will they keep it Super35 or not.

 

[Brian Timmons]

V-Raptor XE is now shipping.

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[Brian Timmons]

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[Dustin Schmidt]

Let me know if this has been addressed elsewhere and I missed it.

Are the internals of the XE completely different from the full featured X? Or is this just a software handicapped version that could, potentially, be "upgraded" to a full X down the road if RED decided it made financial sense to sell additional licenses?

I'm leaning towards different internals, but it would be nice to hear if anyone knows for sure.

 

[Phil Holland]

Let me know if this has been addressed elsewhere and I missed it.

Are the internals of the XE completely different from the full featured X? Or is this just a software handicapped version that could, potentially, be "upgraded" to a full X down the road if RED decided it made financial sense to sell additional licenses?

I'm leaning towards different internals, but it would be nice to hear if anyone knows for sure.

Hardware differences from what I was told. Which also is evident in the power consumption differences as well.

 

[Brian Timmons]

Let me know if this has been addressed elsewhere and I missed it.

Are the internals of the XE completely different from the full featured X? Or is this just a software handicapped version that could, potentially, be "upgraded" to a full X down the road if RED decided it made financial sense to sell additional licenses?

I'm leaning towards different internals, but it would be nice to hear if anyone knows for sure.

I didn’t see it stated in the press release but it has been reported by news outlets that it can be upgraded to V-Raptor X.

I have not seen anywhere if that’s through software or hardware.

I have a feeling it will be a hardware update.

RED DIGITAL CINEMA Adds V-RAPTOR XE to Unrivaled Z Cinema Lineup

RED DIGITAL CINEMA® is unveiling the new V-RAPTOR XE at the IBC Conference (#11c20a ) in Amsterdam this week. The newest addition to its acclaimed Z Cinema camera lineup, this streamlined version of the revolutionary V-RAPTOR [X] curates the essential tools for cinematic storytelling. The XE...

www.provideocoalition.com

Brian Timmons
BRITIM/MEDIA

 

[Dustin Schmidt]

I didn’t see it stated in the press release but it has been reported by news outlets that it can be upgraded to V-Raptor X.

I have not seen anywhere if that’s through software or hardware.

I have a feeling it will be a hardware update.

RED DIGITAL CINEMA Adds V-RAPTOR XE to Unrivaled Z Cinema Lineup

RED DIGITAL CINEMA® is unveiling the new V-RAPTOR XE at the IBC Conference (#11c20a ) in Amsterdam this week. The newest addition to its acclaimed Z Cinema camera lineup, this streamlined version of the revolutionary V-RAPTOR [X] curates the essential tools for cinematic storytelling. The XE...

www.provideocoalition.com

Brian Timmons
BRITIM/MEDIA

Oh wow, you're right about the reporting on the upgrade. I do see that in the Pro Video Coalition article.

"Future Upgrades
V-RAPTOR XE owners who later want to expand to the V-RAPTOR [X] feature set will be able to have their XE camera fully upgraded.

“RED remains committed to developing a robust lineup of advanced, high-quality, and reliable cinema cameras—and to making them broadly accessible to filmmakers at every level,“ added Oishi."

If that's true it actually does make me more inclined to look at the XE.