My Configuration for Red Camera and its Post-production

[Ege Eden]

Hi all,
I'm trying to configure the ultimate package for using
a red camera...I've been searching and reading this forum
as well as others to find the optimum configuration
for shooting a feature-length documentary film...I've been
doing some music videos and short-films so I see red
as a logical investment...
However, I'm confused with the bombardment of information
in this forum and need your help to figure out the best
way to set up and keep working with Red...

Camera and Lenses

RED ONE body
Base Production Pack
RED Power Pack
RED LCD
RED CF Module
RED CF card (5) To avoid jump frames while shooting a fiction or m. video
RED EVF
RED Case
Nikon Mount
RED Drive x 2
Drive Cable x 2
Mini-xlr to XLR cable
Lens Rear Cap
Red Cradle
Cheese Plate
Battery Plate (3)
Red Quickplate
Red Handle (left)
Red Handle (right)
Side Handle
Red Handle Mount
Red Arm
Red Wingnut
Bolt Set
15 mm Adapter x 2
Focus Hook Set
Drive Cable
Top Handle
Top Handle Extension
Bolt Set
Universal Mount
Steel 6-inch rod (2)
Carbon X 18-inch rod
Red Brick
AC Adapter

Lenses:
RED 18-50 T3 lens
Zeiss ZF 18, 50, 85

I now that it's hard to
combine SLR lenses with
red lenses...But I wanted to add
a red lens to my cart to compare the
results as I already have Zeiss lenses...

Audio

Sennheiser Shotgun Kit:

MKH-416 Shotgun Microphone,
Universal Shockmount,
Rycote Softie,
Cabled Boom Pole,
Universal Hand Grip and Right Angled XLR Cables

Post-production

Mac-Book Pro: to capture the footage on set
I-mac G5 : for editing
Western Digital 1 Tb (3) Hard Drive

I know this is a very broad question, but I don't expect you to answer
it all...I would really appreciate though if you could at least help
me in one of the above categories as I really have so many units to acquire and I don't want to make a mistake...Maybe other newbies like me
could use this thread as a chance to modify their own configurations...

thanks in advance...

 

[D Namir]

The money pit

The money pit

Follow Focus
Filters
Matte Box
Monitors
Cables

Believe me it never ends....

Wireless transmitter
...

It is the money pit

 

[Brandon Fraley]

i don't think I see tripod on your list

EDIT: also, none of the necessary RED software will run on the G5. You'll need to get an intel Mac (or do everything on the Macbook Pro)

 

[Pawel Achtel]

Good ND filters, like Pancro
Set of filters and masks for your matte box
Instead of a tape measure, I recommend Leica Disto laser distance meter
Origo remote from ViewFactor
Inclino/Impero lens control from ViewFactor
Notebook computer and storage for offloading footy
Rain cover
Pelican cases
Truck
Truck driver
...
:greedy:

 

[Steve Murray]

Revised list

Revised list

RED ONE body
Base Production Pack
2 RED Power Packs w/ 2 batteries
RED LCD 7"
RED CF Module
RED CF card (5) Get 2 - 16gb CF cards instead and check out the ET shock drive mount that makes the need for using CF cards less necessary.
RED EVF with the ET (Element Technica) EVF mount
RED Case
Nikon Mount
RED Drive x 2
Drive Cable x 2
Mini-xlr to XLR cable One comes with the camera but you will need at least 3 and 4 would give you an extra for backup
Cheese Plate Get the ET top cheeseplate or see below for the ET handle
Red Quickplate very $$ expensive for what it is... I would get the BATTERY BELT CLIP instead
Red Handle (left)
Red Handle (right)
Side Handle
Red Handle Mount These are too short. Check out the other options including bike handlebars.
Red Arm No, get the ET EVF mount instead
Red Wingnut
Bolt Set
15 mm Adapter x 2
Focus Hook Set
Top Handle
Top Handle Extension Check out the ET cheese handle and maybe even skip the ET top cheese plate.
Universal Mount 3 or even 4
Steel 6-inch rod (2)
Carbon X 18-inch rod
Red Brick - 2 more to add to the 4 that come with the Power packs.
AC Adapter

Lenses:
RED 18-50 T3 lens I would wait for the 18-85mm at this point if you can
Zeiss ZF 18, 50, 85

 

[Shawn Booth]

Imho

Imho

Get cable back ups! Whatever cables you have multiply by 3 at least.

You will need 2 total top mounts to mount the top handle with extension (then you remove the actual top handle, leaving only the extension as your handle). One come with the production pack, so take it off your list.

I'd order whichever LCD is shipping, there will be a wait on the EVF.
CF cards - order both. 16GB don't seem to be shipping in abundance yet. 4 8GB should be plenty. RED Drives are back ordered right now, but 2? I got 4, but that's me.

Are you using 15mm rod based accessories? If not, you don't need the adaptors.

Universal mounts 2-4.

Not sure why you feel you need 3 battery plates (belt clips) ???

As others have said - Matte box with hard mattes, follow focus unit, filters (ND3-9, POLA, Optical Flat at least. Maybe the IR filter if you find yourself needing it.) Sticks and head - DON'T skimp on these two!!

I personally like the RED Cheese Plate, handles - RED arms come with LCD/EVFs.

You will need more cases, the RED Pelican isn't enough.

Are you really gonna swap lens mounts all the time?

Origo/Inclino/Impero for sure - ViewFactor Studios

Sensor cleaning supplies, camera assistant supplies, hi hat, babies, USB light, eSATA drives, eSATA express card for MacBook Pro, insurance -

- and something better than an iMac........

 

[D Namir]

told you it is a money pit

 

[Ege Eden]

told you it is a money pit

you're definitely right...
I won't be able to save any money it seems...
yet I've got some grant for my project...
so I'm ready to invest a big amount of it
on Red...
not bad eh?

 

[Ege Eden]

Get cable back ups! Whatever cables you have multiply by 3 at least.

You will need 2 total top mounts to mount the top handle with extension (then you remove the actual top handle, leaving only the extension as your handle). One come with the production pack, so take it off your list.

I'd order whichever LCD is shipping, there will be a wait on the EVF.
CF cards - order both. 16GB don't seem to be shipping in abundance yet. 4 8GB should be plenty. RED Drives are back ordered right now, but 2? I got 4, but that's me.

Are you using 15mm rod based accessories? If not, you don't need the adaptors.

SO I EITHER TAKE OF THE RODS OR THE ADAPTORS?

Universal mounts 2-4.

Not sure why you feel you need 3 battery plates (belt clips) ???

THAT MUST BE MY MISTAKE, I'LL JUST ORDER 2 POWER PACKS...

As others have said - Matte box with hard mattes, follow focus unit, filters (ND3-9, POLA, Optical Flat at least. Maybe the IR filter if you find yourself needing it.) Sticks and head - DON'T skimp on these two!!

FOLLOW FOCUS UNIT OF RED ROCK IS BETTER I HEARD>>>

I personally like the RED Cheese Plate, handles - RED arms come with LCD/EVFs.

You will need more cases, the RED Pelican isn't enough.

YOU WON"T BELIEVE ME BUT I"LL USE ALL THE EQUIPMENT MYSELF
FOR THE DOCUMENTARY...BECAUSE THE FILM I'm DOING IS A
CONTROVERSIAL ONE and I MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO HARASSMENT
IF I"M SEEN WITH A FILM CREW...THEREFORE I WAS THINKING
ONE OF THOSE CAMERA BACKPACKS (I DON"T KNOW IF THIS
IS THE RIGHT TERM FOR IT)...

Are you really gonna swap lens mounts all the time?
NOT REALLY ACTUALLY IF I GET THIS 18-85 ZOOM LENSE
I DON"T THINK I'LL NEED TO SWAP LENSES THAT OFTEN...

Origo/Inclino/Impero for sure - ViewFactor Studios

Sensor cleaning supplies, camera assistant supplies, hi hat, babies, USB light, eSATA drives, eSATA express card for MacBook Pro, insurance -
eSATA EXPRESS CARD FOR CF CARDS?
FORGIVE MY IGNORANCE, WHAT"S BABIES?
- and something better than an iMac........

shawn,
thanks for taking your time and adding your
helpful notes on my list...
it's amazing how this forum works...

I've added some questions of my own right
between your notes...

 

[Ege Eden]

RED ONE body
Base Production Pack
2 RED Power Packs w/ 2 batteries
RED LCD 7"
RED CF Module
RED CF card (5) Get 2 - 16gb CF cards instead and check out the ET shock drive mount that makes the need for using CF cards less necessary.
RED EVF with the ET (Element Technica) EVF mount
RED Case
Nikon Mount
RED Drive x 2
Drive Cable x 2
Mini-xlr to XLR cable One comes with the camera but you will need at least 3 and 4 would give you an extra for backup
Cheese Plate Get the ET top cheeseplate or see below for the ET handle
Red Quickplate [B]very $$ expensive for what it is... [/B] I would get the BATTERY BELT CLIP instead
Red Handle (left)
Red Handle (right)
Side Handle
Red Handle Mount These are too short. Check out the other options including bike handlebars.
Red Arm No, get the ET EVF mount instead
Red Wingnut
Bolt Set
15 mm Adapter x 2
Focus Hook Set
Top Handle
Top Handle Extension Check out the ET cheese handle and maybe even skip the ET top cheese plate.
Universal Mount 3 or even 4
Steel 6-inch rod (2)
Carbon X 18-inch rod
Red Brick - 2 more to add to the 4 that come with the Power packs.
AC Adapter

Lenses:
RED 18-50 T3 lens I would wait for the 18-85mm
Zeiss ZF 18, 50, 85

enzo,
this is really very helpful...
I didn't realize that there's a 18-85 zoom lens
that was announced...it'll worth waiting for that...
however I'll make my order within 2 months...I hope it
would be available by then...

 

[Rob Gardner]

Not to rain on your parade, but you are probably talking about the wrong camera in Red. If you are going to be in one-man-band mode, in difficult circumstances, you should probably look at a small HD camera, something that requires less on-site care, less peripheral equipment, is lighter, and less conspicuous.
Just my two-bits...
Rob Gardner

 

[Ege Eden]

Not to rain on your parade, but you are probably talking about the wrong camera in Red. If you are going to be in one-man-band mode, in difficult circumstances, you should probably look at a small HD camera, something that requires less on-site care, less peripheral equipment, is lighter, and less conspicuous.
Just my two-bits...
Rob Gardner

Rob, you definitely have a point...The thing is I won't be always alone...
yet some outdoor shoots I have to do alone, to avoid police harassment...
so most of the time I'll be recording the sound on camera and I'll turn the
camera into a lighter mode...just the basic lens, a mike and red...I'm so
obsessed about this project, that's why somehow I think I can pull it off...
you still think it wouldn't be possible with an equipment weighing around 25 lbs and a passionate heart?

 

[Frank Weeks]

you still think it wouldn't be possible with an equipment weighing around 25 lbs and a passionate heart?

If you want to be inconspicuous use the RED 18-50 T3 lens or something of equal or smaller size. The 18-85 is a monster (10 lb.) and would never be confused with a prosumer camera lens.

Good luck on your project.

 

[Gary Ploj]

Small camera...

Small camera...

Not to rain on your parade, but you are probably talking about the wrong camera in Red. If you are going to be in one-man-band mode, in difficult circumstances, you should probably look at a small HD camera, something that requires less on-site care, less peripheral equipment, is lighter, and less conspicuous.
Just my two-bits...
Rob Gardner

I agree with GFIRob...I think the RED might not be well suited for your project. Are you planning to shoot 4k or 2K or 1080p? I think a small light camera would be better...the reason is; if by chance, you encounter with police or problems while shooting...you can easly take off and dash or if something happens to your camera, like you trip, fall or hopefully someone doesn't take a swip at your camera, it drops or breaks...Ouch...that would be expensive fix and to be replaced during your shooting.

Maybe a HV30 (1080/24p) Its small, and its a great consumer camera...but to unknown eye it has a good image quality for a small package. If smashed, you can easily buy another one...you could even have two camera on the road. One as a back-up.

I think you should figure out what is your output format for your doc and go from there...

Good luck...

 

[Ege Eden]

I agree with GFIRob...I think the RED might not be well suited for your project. Are you planning to shoot 4k or 2K or 1080p? I think a small light camera would be better...the reason is; if by chance, you encounter with police or problems while shooting...you can easly take off and dash or if something happens to your camera, like you trip, fall or hopefully someone doesn't take a swip at your camera, it drops or breaks...Ouch...that would be expensive fix and to be replaced during your shooting.

Maybe a HV30 (1080/24p) Its small, and its a great consumer camera...but to unknown eye it has a good image quality for a small package. If smashed, you can easily buy another one...you could even have two camera on the road. One as a back-up.

I think you should figure out what is your output format for your doc and go from there...

Good luck...

Actually I'm thinking of shooting 4K preparing it for theatrical release...
However I know that there're no places that I can screen 4K so
I don't really know about the output format...
thank you for your suggestions...

I'll only use stable camera shots...
therefore the camera will always be in tripod...
but I'm still stuck with HV30...I mean I'm shooting a film for theatrical release, don't you think that would be a little underestimating?
thanks again...

 

[Ege Eden]

If you want to be inconspicuous use the RED 18-50 T3 lens or something of equal or smaller size. The 18-85 is a monster (10 lb.) and would never be confused with a prosumer camera lens.

Good luck on your project.

thank you for your kind suggestion...I'm a bit worried about the size and
the weight of 18-85, too...so I can switch back to 18-50, yet at the same time I know that if I don't buy the 18-85 now, I'll never be able to buy it again...
unless Red has a policy of buying back their lenses and counting them
towards other material...

best...

 

[Shawn Booth]

Pajo -

If this doc is for theatrical release, I wonder if you have the time to wait for the 18-85 lens anyway? Get the 18-50, 50-150, 300 - these sound more suited to your needs. You might have to wait a bit for the 50-150 though.
You can always rent lenses as well.

Babies are short legs (tripod).

I'm against the backpack method (just me and my opinion) for the RED. I wouldn't carry an ARRI 235 in a backpack with AKS stuffed all around it. What, are we going to school? Kidding, I can see a backpack for the AKS only though.

As others said here, I think you might be better suited with another camera for this project.

 

[Gary Ploj]

4k 35mm film print?

4k 35mm film print?

Actually I'm thinking of shooting 4K preparing it for theatrical release...
However I know that there're no places that I can screen 4K so
I don't really know about the output format...
thank you for your suggestions...

I'll only use stable camera shots...
therefore the camera will always be in tripod...
but I'm still stuck with HV30...I mean I'm shooting a film for theatrical release, don't you think that would be a little underestimating?
thanks again...

Okay...4K. Great...yes, but it will be some time before we see 4k in theatres or even in your living/theatre room.

I only suggested the HV30 because it is small and light, and its quite non-threating to locals or whoever you're shooting. yes, for 4K it wouldn't be that good but it would be interesting to shoot some tests and blow up to 2 or 4K 35mm film print. Again, if that's your end result. I think a lot of filmmakers want to shoot in the highest quality but they really don't know if its going to end out like that at the final output. Your film (doc) could suck, and their's no point of 4K 35mm film print...unless you're going to cough up the dough to make one for yourself.

Again, my two cents.

Cheers...

 

[Bing Bailey]

if you order two months from now you probably won't get it until into the new year.