Jumping Ship

[David Rasberry]

Scarlet is a camera system that has been in development and is still in development. That development has taken a different path from the originally proposed concept, mostly due to requests for capabilities and features from this forum and from RED ONE users that pushed it way beyond the original concept. I understand that most people are used to the way other companies develop behind closed doors and only announce products when they are near market release. But this has never been Red's modus operandi.
Scarlet is a product of visionary enthusiasts driven by quality and performance first, and market dynamics second. We won't know the true final tally until it is released. And it will be released.

From the Scarlet FAQ Dec. 2009 update:

December '09 Update:

In April of '08 we stunned the world with the announcement of a 3K Scarlet, a camera with a fixed 8X T2.8 zoom lens, a 2/3" CMOS sensor and offering RAW 3K recording on a standard Compact Flash card. Scarlet was an industry changer, competing in quality with other 2/3" systems costing 20 times as much and more. The reaction to Scarlet, universally, was with dropped jaw, yet, as with all things, there were those that wished for something more, or something different. In the months following the announcement, RED's development team analyzed thousands of use case scenarios and we listened to the feedback from Scarletuser and those individuals that championed some features, while criticizing others. It became apparent that RED was designing a "Camera for the Age" and no one camera was going to satisfy everyone. Many loved the idea of a single all-in-one camera, the ideal B-Roll camera, the perfect personal cinema camera. Others wanted more flexibility, interchangeable lenses, more media options, and even more resolution. From the very beginning, RED has challenged convention, both in product and execution, and has always stated that "specifications and delivery dates are subject to change", a credo that has allowed us to be in constant motion and able to respond instantly to consumer wants.

So we looked at the requests, we looked at what we had learned in the development process and we decided that the approach had to be revolutionary, even by RED standards. It would mean pushing back the schedule. It would mean starting with a clean sheet of paper. It would mean taking on the largest camera project in history. This would not follow any previous program. This would not just be a motion camera, nor would it just be a still camera. It would target neither discipline exclusively. It would not be the industry cliché of a "hybrid", which never seems to excel at either task. It would be something entirely different. It would plot a new course for what a "camera" should be. And as the Scarlet Program progressed, it became evident that it should be integrated into the Epic Program. Both programs would share accessories, components and workflow. One System with almost infinite options. Multiple Personalities. It was in November of 2008 that we announced to the world the revised RED DSMC Program. It was revolutionary in concept, courageous in its undertaking and immense in its scope.

One year later, we are on task in offering the most sophisticated and capable imaging system the world has ever known. This is a status update on Scarlet and the DSMC Program as of December 2009. We have learned a great deal about the process of building a revolutionary camera system in the last year. We are humbled. We applaud our competitors and what they have achieved in their history. Technology is a fickle friend and no revolution comes easy. We set out to change the game and build the camera that we, as shooters and enthusiasts, always wanted. We broke rules, we asked for things that our engineers said were impossible, we demanded innovation. We have strived to build the perfect camera. By definition, it was a moving target; with each advance we realized that we could do something more, something new, and we couldn't stop the process. The feature set grew and the camera evolved into something much more than we had ever envisioned. Scarlet, in its original inception was a Pocket Professional camera. Today it is much more, able to sit alongside a RED One or EPIC on set, or stand alone. This is no camcorder, this is a Professional DSMC. Because, frankly, we just didn't know how to do it any other way. Good enough wasn't good enough. In every respect, when corners could be cut, we chose not to compromise. Compromise had been done before and, while adequate for many tasks, compromise can come back to bite you. Scarlet is a no apology effort. From LCD screen to Big Screen, Scarlet will never disappoint.

 

[Lawrence Bansbach]

Sorry? Who's a troll? If you were referring to me, you're off base. Another poster had raised a reasonable objection, and he was jumped on. I posted a reasoned, noninflammatory response stating that he had a case. I don't wish to tell you your job as moderator, but it shouldn't include making snide, insulting, inflammatory comments (ironically, the very definition of "troll"). Let's be civilized here.

 

[Richard_JP]

Sorry? Who's a troll? If you were referring to me, you're off base. Another poster had raised a reasonable objection, and he was jumped on. I posted a reasoned, noninflammatory response stating that he had a case. I don't wish to tell you your job as moderator, but it shouldn't include making snide, insulting, inflammatory comments (ironically, the very definition of "troll"). Let's be civilized here.

Thanks Lawrence, nice for a senior member to take a non biased approach to a point made from a mere junior member.

I think that he may have been referring to me though. I don't mind, but when the insults turn the other way, I'm sure that my account will be deleted. Not exactingly a democracy over here on reduser, that's why I spend most of my time over on scarletuser, they're way more open minded and down to earth.

Once again, thanks!

 

[Lawrence Bansbach]

Scarlet is a camera system that has been in development and is still in development. That development has taken a different path from the originally proposed concept, mostly due to requests for capabilities and features from this forum and from RED ONE users that pushed it way beyond the original concept. I understand that most people are used to the way other companies develop behind closed doors and only announce products when they are near market release. But this has never been Red's modus operandi.
Scarlet is a product of visionary enthusiasts driven by quality and performance first, and market dynamics second. We won't know the true final tally until it is released. And it will be released.

Good summation, David. The original $3K Scarlet and $40K Epic are long gone, discarded in favor of a different approach. Love the current designs, hate them, or be indifferent -- they are what they are, and what they are may, at least for a while, evolve (as may schedules and prices). So let's move forward and keenly await their release. But keep in mind that there's room for disagreement, so let's all try to at least appear to be respectful of others' points of view, no matter how much we might disagree. After all, it was dissent that helped get us where we are.

 

[David Rasberry]

Given the available processing power and sensor performance of the MX generation hardware, I think RED is still in the discovery process of what they can really do with their new cameras. They didn't really get the hardware and core firmware debugged until July. Expect them to push performance to the limits as far as they can now that it is all working.

 

[Lawrence Bansbach]

Given the available processing power and sensor performance of the MX generation hardware, I think RED is still in the discovery process of what they can really do with their new cameras. They didn't really get the hardware and core firmware debugged until July. Expect them to push performance to the limits as far as they can now that it is all working.

I just hope the addition of HDRx and another card doesn't introduce new issues that result in significant delays. It does seem Red has it ironed out with Epic, but Scarlet's a different animal. (Fingers crossed.)

 

[David Rasberry]

I just hope the addition of HDRx™ and another card doesn't introduce new issues that result in significant delays. It does seem Red has it ironed out with Epic, but Scarlet's a different animal. (Fingers crossed.)

Not really, pretty much the same hardware with a different sensor and less total processing power, but the same general processing elements are common to both. Think of it like Epic shooting in 3k cropped mode. They are just adding more of what is already there to handle the extra processing load.
I really love the idea of Scarlet 2/3" matching Epic's performance in most respects, just in a smaller format. Exactly what I was hoping for as a 16mm film camera replacement.

 

[Lawrence Bansbach]

Not really, pretty much the same hardware with a different sensor and less total processing power, but the same general processing elements are common to both.

I guess I was referring to the "less total processing power" for which the additional card was intended to compensate. I was under the impression that Epic already had sufficient processing capability. I would think that adding a component adds the risk of gotchas. My guess is that Red may have already solved any possible issues related to the add-in card. Here's hoping!

 

[Zharmane Washington]

F___ what every one is crying about once that cam hit everyone will jump and thank god that they drop it. People are pissed because it is not out yet but once it hits.... We will be all over RED BALLS for real ... watch and see... count on it.... only way people will not come back if Canon or any other DSlr Co. Drop a cam with the same sh!t red drops. that mean the way it is put together and all lens kits etc. We love the concept of RED cameras Scarle Epic... so why turn around when we came this far? sorry for typing errors lol. I just have to save a little more for my scarlet and one and Epic but to then i will shoot with what I have to knight in RED armor come to fight.

 

[peteb]

I think the way you've got to view the scarlet is to imagine these forums didn't exist and that RED weren't so open about their plans.

In that case everyone would be getting really excited about the Panasonic Af100. And yet in a few months after the AF100 is released (in theory) the Scarlet should be released. Everyone would be saying "where the hell did that come from? It's light years ahead, and it's the same price as the AF100!"

 

[David Rasberry]

I guess I was referring to the "less total processing power" for which the additional card was intended to compensate. I was under the impression that Epic already had sufficient processing capability. I would think that adding a component adds the risk of gotchas. My guess is that Red may have already solved any possible issues related to the add-in card. Here's hoping!

There is always the possibility of gotchas popping up with significant changes for sure.:emote_couch:

 

[Leo Sardello]

I think the way you've got to view the scarlet is to imagine these forums didn't exist and that RED weren't so open about their plans.

In that case everyone would be getting really excited about the Panasonic Af100. And yet in a few months after the AF100 is released (in theory) the Scarlet should be released. Everyone would be saying "where the hell did that come from? It's light years ahead, and it's the same price as the AF100!"

Yeah. I think it would do people good to remember that by announcing as early as RED did and letting us follow the process they’ve also allowed us to make plans for purchasing decisions in advance of a release.

I know for me (looking to replace a HVX) this has been invaluable. I am ready to move on from the HVX but haven’t seen anything well rounded enough to replace it with, except Scarlet, in a price range that I would consider. Had they held off on informing people of their plans like most companies, I likely would have been stuck in what I would consider a mediocre upgrade. Instead I’ve been able to plan accordingly. And have gotten more mileage out of my HVX I might add.