Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • Hey all, just changed over the backend after 15 years I figured time to give it a bit of an update, its probably gonna be a bit weird for most of you and i am sure there is a few bugs to work out but it should kinda work the same as before... hopefully :)

Is Epic x image identical to Scarlet X with equal settings?

Azzie Scott

Azzie Scott

Well-known member
Joined
May 21, 2013
Messages
97
Reaction score
0
Points
6
Location
New York City
Website
www.thedreamdept.com
Hi everyone I'm brand new to this forum and I asked this question on another forum but I'm looking for more answers if possible. But I am a cinematographer and editor. Ive been following RED since the RED One. Im looking to purchase a Scarlet X or an Epic X. Now I know the Epic is better than the Scarlet in many ways. Im familiar with the specs. But my question is, is the Scarlet at 24fps at 4K the same exact image as the Epic x at 24fps at 4K? I know the image quality also depends on the compression setting as well. But if both cameras at 4k have the same compression,exposure,etc... will both images be identical? Same question for 48fps at 3K? I just want to make the best choice for me at the moment. Should I buy the Scarlet X now because I have the funds and save a little more and upgrade to Epic X later or Just Save a little more now and just buy the Epic X? Can you guys assist.
 
Used both, love my Scarlet but at the price point today I´d probably go EPIC, don´t forget besides all the obvious differences like the frame rates, you will be able to use the full size from the sensor (not only for 5K but for the overall / DOF look). If I remember correct there is also a difference regarding the rolling shutter in favor for the EPIC.
 
Ulf Krentz said:
Used both, love my Scarlet but at the price point today I´d probably go EPIC, don´t forget besides all the obvious differences like the frame rates, you will be able to use the full size from the sensor (not only for 5K but for the overall / DOF look). If I remember correct there is also a difference regarding the rolling shutter in favor for the EPIC.
Click to expand...

I haven't heard about rolling shutter difference.
 
Yes I'm leaning more toward the Epic X for obvious reasons but if I can start shooting on projects now and get an image close to the Epic x with the Scarlet I might consider this. I've seen some brilliant Scarlet footage so I'm trying to gather as much info as possible before making my choice.
 
At 4K 24fps the difference between the Scarlet and the Epic is not going to be a factor in your image quality. The Scarlet is a great camera and I am just now upgrading to the Epic to clear the future path for Epic Dragon. Get the Scarlet, get a few accessories you would otherwise afford and get out there and practice / learn your craft.. The camera is just a tool.
 
Has anyone cut 4K Epic, Scarlet and RED One MX side-by-side? If so, what are the visible differences between the RED One MX and the other two?

Thanks.

Stephen
 
In my experience Scarlet has more noise, more skew, at same 4K.

Epic also has lower compression possible at 4K, (which will improve things even more) but even with the same compression settings they do not actually look the same.

The difference is not gigantic, but it's there.

5K looks MUCH better. It's not just the resolution (which makes noise tiny) but the much wider field of view.
 
Agreed on all of the above. Please read my comments knowing that I have not compared dozens of cameras, just a handful, and only on set not in a scientific capacity.

For a moment, throw resolution, compression ratio, ergonomics and FOV out the window.

Red One MX is a bit kinder somehow. We are talking about a super subtle differece, and certainly, good cinematography and storytelling should make that 5% disappear. Your sister wouldn't notice, average producer probably wouldn't notice, but with the same color space lens light and grade, Red One jus has a more "gentle" look. Maybe its the olpf, or bayer filter, or processing boards, who knows.

Epic vs Scarlet... Epic often has cleaner blacks, even after black shade, but I think it varies by camera. "Set and setting and all that." I have shot Epic and Scarlet side by side in both low light and fat negative studio light and noticed this. Even if both are shooting 4K, the Epic image is cleaner all around. Again what you and I would see your producer might not, but it is our job to see these things ...

Weighs heavy on my mind as I decide between Epic and Scarlet Dragon...
 
Ryan De Franco said:
Weighs heavy on my mind as I decide between Epic and Scarlet Dragon...
Click to expand...

Was a tough call here too. In the end I placed my bets on Epic and pulled the trigger.
Scarlet was my first venture into RED, couldn't afford an Epic.
After having it a year, now I can get an Epic and maybe Dragon down the road.
Scarlet Dragon kinda locks you in a little. There might be another trade in down the road, there might not.

If you were perfectly happy with your Scarlet and didn't wish for more, the Dragon upgrade seems like the right move.

If you had a Scarlet but you really wanted or couldn't afford Epic, well here's your chance.
 
Nick Morrison said:
I'd go Scarlet Dragon all the way. Brand new Sensor, and still 5K (same as current Epic). All the incredible new DR? It should be clean as a whistle.
Click to expand...

Difference is you get an Epic NOW, and Scarlet Dragon end of the year- my optimistic guess. And you can shoot now, make money and upgrade to Epic Dragon later.
 
Sergio Perez said:
Difference is you get an Epic NOW, and Scarlet Dragon end of the year- my optimistic guess. And you can shoot now, make money and upgrade to Epic Dragon later.
Click to expand...

Fair point. You're right. I guess EPIC now, and then DRAGON next year. Otherwise you're sitting on a Scarlet all year.
 
Go for Scarlet and then Scarlet Dragon. Scarlet Dragon is not up gradable but Red is not going to leave its loyal customers. In future we may get Scarlet Dragon upgrade to Scarlet Monster :-). Epic x is a great camera but in comparison to Scarlet dragon its a very old technology. Scarlet Dragon will give 5k 60fps which is more than sufficient for most of us. Scarlet Dragon with ISO 2000 will eliminate the need of set lights in most situations and people on budget will not need 6k because 6k will require red rocket x and a new editing system. Once Scarlet Dragon is released, I strongly believe, Epic x will feel and sound old technology.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top