Jetpack Package vs. Base I/O Package

[Matija Petrovic]

Hello to all!

I'm totally new to RED cameras and want to make deposit on one of this packages. Can someone please explain me what is difference between this two packages. If I understand. Jetpack package doesn't have power supply from the wall, just from the batteries. Is this right?

And can You tell me which package is better for You and why.

Thanks a lot
Matija

 

[Matthew B]

Hi Matija -

Welcome to RED User.

I believe Both packages can power from the wall. The reason is that "the brain" comes with the wall power adapter... and that plugs in to the same LEMO power in port on the Jetpack as the battery clip plate. If you want to be cord free (from the wall) this is where the Battery clip plate plugs into, and you can walk around with a v mount, or mount the clip on some sticks.

The jetpack has some nice things with space for gimbal or remote head use and mounting all plugs vertically so that the cords don't stick out into the back of the rig... However, The base io has a built in vmount on the back of the camera - and adds the option of XLR audio in via the mini jack.

I'm still waiting to see what the size difference in depth is between the jetpack and vmount plate - but I would probably go with the base io vmount option if I was new to the system and wanted to feel like it was quicker or easier to "build your setup" before a shoot.

Currently - I use a scarlet dragon with a vmount plate mounted onto some 15mm rails - so I'm already using a jetpack style setup of mounting the battery off camera but still keeping it with "the rig". There are times I've wanted to be able to just slap the vmount on the back of the camera directly - but being able to move the battery on rails does make balancing options more flexible I think for handheld or shoulder setups.

 

[Kristopher Colavecchio]

The main difference is the expander modules, the Jetpack is more designed to use for gimbals and such, its low profile and lightweight. The batteries and monitor in most situations wouldn't mounted on camera but tethered by cords. While the Base I/O would be more used for a heavier studio setup where batteries and other add ons are mounted directly on the camera.

Edit: Beaten to it

Also I only preordered the Brain, mainly because I wanted to wait and see the Base i/o and what other modules end up getting announced before the camera ships. Im curious to hear about the power draw of the camera and a few other bits as well. Ill probably end up going base i/o for the Vmount, but I may look into the RedvoltXL's if they work out the dropping power capacity issues people have mentioned.

 

[Matija Petrovic]

Thanks guys for quick response, so the most of the time I will use it on a rig or on the tripod, but if I want to use it on the gimbal, can I also use Base I/O Package on it.

If I understand You right, on Base i/o package everything is on the camera, monitor and battery, and on jetpack package it's not on the camera, you can't put battery directly on the camera?

Thanks

 

[jordan levy]

so, i really never got this answer from any other threads, can we not power the camera off AC without and i/o module?
if not, why would they include the AC cord with the brain?
and if not, that's horrible that i cant even test the camera without investing in a i/o first, esepcailly without knowing which one id even want yet.

 

[Karel Šimůnek]

Welcome to the forum, Matija,
I bought brain only. And I want to use it mainly for gimbal shooting. But I want to have no cables from the handle bar to the camera. So I'm gonna buy the DSMC2 base expander because I want to have the battery (Redvolt XL) right on the camera and have some SDI and HDMI from the camera for HD wirelss video for me and for my follow focus operator.
With Jetpack you have to have the battery on the handle bar of the gimbal or in the pocket when you use gimbal of course.

 

[Phil Holland]

so, i really never got this answer from any other threads, can we not power the camera off AC without and i/o module?
if not, why would they include the AC cord with the brain?
and if not, that's horrible that i cant even test the camera without investing in a i/o first, esepcailly without knowing which one id even want yet.

You need some sort of Expander or Module with a DC In on it to power the camera via AC Adapter.

RED has emphasized modularity over the years with DSMC. DSMC2 style bodies (Weapon and Raven) are the evolution of this concept. You will want to use the camera with some sort of Expander, most so far have DC In on board. You just need to decide how you want to outfit your camera.

My general advice for everybody is:

- Base Expander - Good for nearly everybody. Batter power can be provided if using the DSMC2 REDVOLT XL Module or Element Technica V-Lock or GM-Lock Plate.
- Base V-Lock Expander - If you know you are using V-Lock batteries only in your setup, this might be a way to go.
- Jetpack Expander - Truly focused on drone, gimbal, and steadicam rigging. Not ideal if you are "slapping a battery on there", because there's no cable free way to do that in this case.
- REDVOLT Expander - Good for people who need more robust I/O, full size XLR with Phantom Power, more HD-SDI ports, etc.... Also can be used with the REDVOLT XL Module or ET Plates.


If you're curious what I've done with my Weapon package. I've outfitted with the Base Expander + REDVOLT XL Module as well as the Element Technica V-Lock Plate. This covers me for the 2 types of shooting I do a lot of. When the REDVOLT Expander comes out I will likely be adding that to my kit as it's slightly better suited for standard narrative shooting. I don't own or operate a drone or gimbal, so the Jetpack doesn't fit my main purposes, though I am considering adding some gear to my arsenal late 2015/2016 that might change that.

The whole concept is you use which Expanders and Modules are appropriate for the style of shoot you are doing. Base Expander is the most customize-able option in my opinion as it still allows you to rig real light weight and slap any type of batter module on there.

 

[jordan levy]

You need some sort of Expander or Module with a DC In on it to power the camera via AC Adapter.

RED has emphasized modularity over the years with DSMC. DSMC2 style bodies (Weapon and Raven) are the evolution of this concept. You will want to use the camera with some sort of Expander, most so far have DC In on board. You just need to decide how you want to outfit your camera.

My general advice for everybody is:

- Base Expander - Good for nearly everybody. Batter power can be provided if using the DSMC2 REDVOLT XL Module or Element Technica V-Lock or GM-Lock Plate.
- Base V-Lock Expander - If you know you are using V-Lock batteries only in your setup, this might be a way to go.
- Jetpack Expander - Truly focused on drone, gimbal, and steadicam rigging. Not ideal if you are "slapping a battery on there", because there's no cable free way to do that in this case.
- REDVOLT Expander - Good for people who need more robust I/O, full size XLR with Phantom Power, more HD-SDI ports, etc.... Also can be used with the REDVOLT XL Module or ET Plates.


If you're curious what I've done with my Weapon package. I've outfitted with the Base Expander + REDVOLT XL Module as well as the Element Technica V-Lock Plate. This covers me for the 2 types of shooting I do a lot of. When the REDVOLT Expander comes out I will likely be adding that to my kit as it's slightly better suited for standard narrative shooting. I don't own or operate a drone or gimbal, so the Jetpack doesn't fit my main purposes, though I am considering adding some gear to my arsenal late 2015/2016 that might change that.

The whole concept is you use which Expanders and Modules are appropriate for the style of shoot you are doing. Base Expander is the most customize-able option in my opinion as it still allows you to rig real light weight and slap any type of batter module on there.

Thank you for answering that, man, so i cant even power up the brain only once received, wow. i see on my epic dragons i have on set now they at least have a built in power port.

 

[Edward Saltau]

I'm gagging to hear what Offhollywood has planned. He's been making suggestive posts in other threads about a module with XLR and all the in/outs we need. That's basically why i bought the brain only. Hopefully they'll make something similar to the Base V-Lock Expander with XLR & phantom power.

 

[Phil Holland]

Thank you for answering that, man, so i cant even power up the brain only once received, wow. i see on my epic dragons i have on set now they at least have a built in power port.

Yes, it is a different design with DSMC2 bodies.

 

[Marc Pilato]

Hello,i'm new on the Red system.I'm waiting for my raven package 3.
I'd like to know if i can put a PAG L90 Slim battery directly on the Base I/O V-lock Expander to power the brain.
Thanks in advance

 

[Matthew Quinn]

Hello,i'm new on the Red system.I'm waiting for my raven package 3.
I'd like to know if i can put a PAG L90 Slim battery directly on the Base I/O V-lock Expander to power the brain.
Thanks in advance

we are all waiting to see what batteries will fit... I'm ASSUMING they will make space for all v mount batteries.. if not ill have to switch my package

 

[Marc Pilato]

In answer to my question,Pag quality and technical director said:
"I’ve not been able to find out anything definitive about the V-Lock Expander, but since PAG V-Mount batteries are compatible with RED V-Lock camera plates, I would expect that you would be able to plug the battery directly onto the expander.
Although the battery was launched at IBC (and shown on the ARRI booth) it will not be in series production until year end – we still have production jigs and tooling to complete, and compliance engineering (including the mandatory UN air transportation certification). We will let you know availability as soon as possible."
Wait and see.
Thanks for your quick reply.