NEED Q

[Jonathan Seaborn]

I'M planning to get into the RED world, looking at this forum since 2009...
i was pre ordering a BDM CC but delay... crop factor fan noise... maybe be will get both...
So, i'm looking at scarlet, i heard about dragon sensor, maybe it's is written somewhere in this forum but i cant find it,
Is there a release date for dragon, should i wait to get a scarlet or is it something news in the next 6 month...

Next thing, i'm a documentary cinematographer who is used to shoot with hvx-200 with m3 (redrock) with fixed lens
got a small hd, lectrosonics digital stereo wireless mic kit, lot of nikon and canon lens, redrock rig, chrosziel mattbox... (Last setup weight 32LBS)

Any advice on scarlet noise for shotgun mount, comptability with hdmi small hd, advice on documentary gunn shooting style!

Excuse my english!
example of what i do:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GVw3RzFD_Ic
or at
www.seabornstudio.com

thank!

 

[Wil Wong]

Hi Jonathan, no release date for Dragon yet (Scarlet or Epic). The Epic is rumored to be ready for NAB in April but this is speculation on most of the forums here. An announcement with the plan should come before Christmas but obviously this too may change depending on what's happening at RED and R&D.

As for the Scarlet, Jim has said that there will be a route to Dragon for Scarlet but most likely not till after the Epic gets a round of upgrades.

In your situation, unless you plan to shoot immediately (even background footage for the documentaries), I'd recommend waiting till you're ready to shoot (or at least 1 month ahead - as it takes time to order/ship, test and get use to menus). There's no telling what can happen with technology in 4months (lead up and including NAB).

If you are planning to shoot, a Scarlet is a great camera but get an EPIC if you can afford it. The Scarlet won't take you long to master the menus and then you may feel the itch to try and do more (like slow motion). If you can't afford an EPIC, the Scarlet will not disappoint!

No suggestions for the shotgun stuff or compatibility. Red cameras are more finnicky then a broadcast or video camera. You'll need added xlr hookups for sound.

 

[Jonathan Seaborn]

Thank for the advice, i'm not planning to get a epic. Not in my budget range (at this time)
so close to hit the buy it now...

regard,

 

[Mike P.]

I don't know if Scarlet/Epic/RED is a convenient documentary tool. Not just more expensive than other options, but its comparatively cumbersome to use. Plus the fan noise to deal with, low-light isn't as good as most other options out there, the integrated audio is somewhat weak compared to those with built-in XLRs, form factor isn't ideal for handheld (you'd need a rig)...

I dunno... there's lots working against the documentary film maker when it comes to DSMC RED. Stuff that you probably take for granted now and won't even think about until you're on a job shooting and realize you don't have it.

Best bet: Rent one for a gig and see how it suits you. Even compared to the R1 it's a different beast.

 

[Enrique Blein]

I do a lot of run 'n gun shoots and I don't use my Scarlet-X. I only use it when I have enough personnel (i.e. video clips/ commercials, interviews, movies)

 

[Martin Weiss]

I do a fair amount of documentary, usually just me or me and the director. I have a 5D mk2, but that I only use when I film my daughter's concert and don't want to intimidate the other parents All the other times it is Scarlet-X, just because i have gotten to love the flexibility it gives me in post. You can get quite a light setup with a V-lock battery, and can run it for at least an hour per battery. It has its downsides, but overall the Scarlet is my first choice for docu work.

The one time I don't like using it, is in a tight room, interviewing a soft spoken person, or when talking about sensitive issues. But when someone talks about a lost loved one and the fan kicks in, it feels like 200dB blasting out of that little box.

I'd say it really depends on your project, the delivery format and your personal shooting style.

 

[Philipe Ratton]

I do doc work with my Scarlet and it does it really well.
For a one man show it may be too much but if you have at least one assistant it's totally fine.

 

[Josh Snyder]

Scarlet/EPIC weak points for documentary work vs DSLR's and other Canon/Sony/etc cameras:

- Fan noise
- Weak low light performance
- Lots of data (need many SSD's)
- Need lots of batteries (think 10+ Redvolts)

Anything else to add? Pretty much all cameras need rig expect Alexa so I'm not including that on the list. Weak audio is true, but that's same with DSLR's.

I do doc work with my Scarlet and it does it really well.
For a one man show it may be too much but if you have at least one assistant it's totally fine.

Can you tell us the issues you have in mind when working as a one man band?