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  • 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 :)

New Scarlet owner, as green as can be. Any help would be much appreciated...

James_Mills

James_Mills

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I recently purchased the battle tested Scarlet and while I'm as eager as I've ever been for anything to start shooting with it, I am equally anxious and nervous about breaking the bank for all its necessary accessories. I've made my modest living the past year shooting around 90% of my work with DSLRs, so while this is all very exciting for me, it's also very foreign to me. I have a hard 5k budget for gadgetry which seemed sufficient before I dove into this rabbit hole of a forum and slowly discovered more necessities and variables, most of which were more expensive than I first imagined.

Luckily I have a friend who frequents these boards and has been awesome in helping me get started, but nevertheless there's an endless supply of questions I want to ask anyone and everyone I can and I'm worried he's grown tired of my pestering (as have some of the gracious users whom which I've PMd about their items for sale). My hopes is that I can start this thread with a list full of questions I couldn't find answers to on the boards through simple searches and that maybe some of you guys can help with a few of them...? I'll give it a shot:

1. After a lot of searches through the boards, I think a good starting point for purchases will be to bypass getting the side handle and redvolts and instead purchase a 5" LCD monitor and a Anton Bauer battery system. Considering my budget and the good reviews I've found on these boards thus far, I'm thinking about purchasing these GMP batteries (1 of the 160 wh, and 2 of the 95whs):

http://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A00TU1/Globalmediapro-Li160A-Lithium-ion-Battery-160WH/
http://www.globalmediapro.com/dp/A2...iapro-SC1-1-channel-Mini-Charger-TRY-OUT-KIT/

My questions: can anyone recommend or rather dissuade me from purchasing these? I know they're off brands, but I've read a lot of good things about them on this board so they seem like a good starting point for me to work off of. Also, will those three batteries on their own be enough? Timewise it looks like I can shoot all day with them comfortably, but I'm thinking an extra on for emergencies is always a good investment (even with a tight budget).

Also on this note, does anyone think bypassing the side handle for the time being is a bad idea? I've read mostly good reviews of the side handle on here, but the process of buying that, the redvolts, their chargers and everything is pretty expensive... in general, a lot of the RED products feel overpriced to me, to be honest. I'm thus trying to stray away from them for the time being if I can work with cheaper alternatives, but if they're not as reliable then by all means I'm willing to compromise elsewhere and get the best product possible with what I can for now.

2. If I do go this route of charging my camera with an AB source, would you recommend me getting this powering source:

http://www.viewfactor.net/products/epic-scarlet-acc/ab-apu.html

or a combination of these (so I could use rails or the backplate (my friend said this would work; I'm not familiar with the Scarlet, can anyone confirm that I can attach this Tilta power source to the AB adapter plate linked below it?):

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Tilta-New-P...183?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item4d05ae5a07
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cinema-OXID...359&pid=100011&prg=1005&rk=1&sd=251166332643&

???

3. I own a Jag35 Straight Rib right now that I mostly used efficiently for my DSLR setup; will this work for now with my Scarlet as well?

4. Does anyone know how long it takes to dump a 64gb SSD card with a normal REDMAG station to a G-Raid via MacbookPro Firewire800? How about for a 48? How much shooting time at 4k does each allow me, and how many of each should I purchase to start? Would a 48 and a 64 be alright, or two 64s instead?

5. How necessary is a cage right now as I'm getting started? I've heard good things about the Gini Rig, would this be a good buy with the said budget:
http://gini-rig.com/apple-cage-for-scarlet.html?sl=EN

6. Lastly, if anyone at all went through a similar process and can show the opening list of stuff they bought (and whether or not they'd recommend me going the same route), that would be awesome. I know it's a longshot that anyone made a list or remembers off the top of their head, but worth a try perhaps.
I have a bunch of others, but these are the most nagging questions for me right now... I know it's not the most eloquently articulated set of questions and I don't expect anyone to tire themselves out trying to answer them, but if any are answerable off the top of your head and you'd care to share, I would be tremendously appreciative of any advice. I'm happy to be apart of the forum and look forward to shooting with y'all, thanks in advance.

- James
 
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Congratulations on that BT Scarlet.

1. A. I use GMP, IDX, and Red Brick V-Mounts on a regular basis. No problems.
B. The DSMC Side Handle has become part of how I prefer to operate the camera, so for me it's important. The only time I take it off is for extremely compact shooting situations, even then, sometimes leaving it on is the way to go. That's gonna be one that you'll need to answer/discover/explore.

2. I prefer V-Mount myself, but other prefer AB. Just depends on who you talk to. There are many 3rd party battery plates as well as a couple of Red options.

3. Yes and no. While you will be able to mount the camera on that rig, accessories like matte boxes and follow focus units will be completely the wrong height. Your best bet is to invest in a LWS 15mm and/or 19mm system/cage and attach or build a shoulder rig off of that.

4. I use USB 3.0 and eSata and I'm a primarily a PC user, so I'm of no use there. I would recommend 2 64GB RedMags to start. 2 48GB RedMags is not bad either. You will need to ask yourself how much recording time you'll need at any given point on the projects you shoot. That is the guiding answer.

5. Cages can be built upon. Red and 3rd party cages allow the connection of 15mm LSW rods and many accessories. For me it's necessary gear. I don't often see cameras without top plate and top handles out there. They also protect you camera from evil jib arms and boom mics trying to whack your camera while you're not looking.

6. In my thread regarding my Scarlet #316 Skully there are many answers to many of the questions you have, so check that out here:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?69226-Red-Scarlet-X-316-quot-Skully-quot

Also, for general usage and information you find my Scarlet X Data Sheet thread and PDF of use:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?66210-Scarlet-X-Data-Sheet&p=861929&viewfull=1#post861929"
 
I'll speak up for the opposite view on the side handle. Mine is languishing in a box, not even attached.

We shoot primarily indoors with the camera on sticks/doilly, using a V-mount plate. For us the side-handle doesn't provide particularly beneficial features: we control the camera entirely with the 5" touch LCD and find it very easy to operate.

If I were handholding a lot, or shooting outdoors in full daylight a lot, I'd be more tempted to stick the side-handle on.

So it depends on what you're intending to shoot, but I'd say give it a go without buying a side handle and if you think controlling everything via the screen sucks, buy one at that point :-)

I usually reckon on 30 minutes of footage on a 64 GB mag at 6:1. I have 5 x 64 GB which gets me through a typical shooting day, but if you are shooting a lot of live stuff or shooting long days you might need more. I'd start with at least two 64 GB cards but unless you have an on-set DIT person to offload and back up the footage, I'd budget for more storage sooner rather than later.

Get some external hard drives while you are at it- it is VITAL not to wipe a card until you have AT LEAST TWO BACKUPS (preferably three).

I run 2 x external firewire 1 TB drives from my MacBook Pro and it takes 20-30 minutes to copy across from the card to both external drives and the internal drive. I never, ever format a mag until I've checked that I can see the footage on all three copies. Which I much prefer to do after the shooting day has finished, rather than in the pressure cooker of cast and crew waiting, which is why I went for 5 x 64 GB.

Cheers, Hywel.
 
I dont own a handle for mine, and neither does the company i work for. I use v mounts or ac power, currently borrow bricks but looking to buy my own. personally i think the side handle and red volts are not worth it, better off with red bricks and a belt clip for longer duration run times...or third party ones

but i heard of third party ones breaking the red before with a surge, and red wont cover that. you need insurance if your gonna get cheap third party power, just to avoid ending up screwed
 
Great info from Phil as usual. Congrats on the Scarlet!

It takes me about 40 minutes to offload a full 64GB card via FireWire through a 2010 MacBook Pro to external disks.

I love the side handle. It's a great way to hold the camera, I can't imagine not having it on. Pop in a RedVolt and shoot handheld in such a small package!
 
Wow, amazing advice so far, you guys are great. I think for now I'm going to see if I can push through without the side handle for the time being, however Hywel's caution of shooting exteriors without a side handle is worrisome... I'm a huge stickler about being able to maintain focus and complete operative control of my camera in daylight and hate when anyone on my crew is having to fight glares. Does the 5" LCD not work well as a field monitor in these regards, and does it not come with a hood that makes it more or less trouble free when shooting exteriors?

Domenick, it sounds like I'll be OK for now with two 64GBs so long as I have a DIT on board and a powerstation ready, thanks for the info. I agree with Hywel wholeheartedly about having more cards down the line, them and batteries can never be too superfluous on set.

Brian, was this with an older RED One or with a Scarlet? Has anyone else heard about third party batteries screwing up Scarlets? If this is the case I'd rather just stray completely away from any of them, even if it means sacrificing purchases elsewhere...

Phil, why do you prefer V-Mounts? And also, I didn't know GMP made V-Mount alternatives, I thought they only did the AB clones... Would you recommend going the V-Mount mode so that I can potentially work with Redbricks instead once I get the funds to upgrade? If so, what V-Mount power supply and adapter plate (if I need one) would you recommend? I'm going to check out your links now, thanks so much.

Thanks again to all of you guys, this information is truly invaluable for me right now.
 
Yes I heard the issue with DSMC models too, both run with standard v mounts when you get the port added (whether its from one brand or another). Its just something to think about. Bricks last long, relatively cheap if you figure out the run time vs price, heavy, can't take on a plane, but won't void your warranty if you break something.

ps I have no warranty, but I have insurance through Kat Wong, a highly recommended rep on RU. So I am hoping that will cover my butt even if i go third party simply for the plane rides. you should really consider insuring your investment, i'm talking anything from theft to Sandy can kill you if your not prepared
 
First off great post James very helpful for newbies such as myself.

Phil your sticky is my go to page next to Mark Kerns :)

On the topic of power, I have 2 years experience with AB on a RED MX and so far so good (knock on wood).

But for my personal adventure with the soon to be delivered BT Scarlet, I will be using the DSMC Side Handle and four REDVOLTS.

Not to hijack this thread but what about the Quad Module? Would that give me at least 2 hours of power in a well conditioned environment?

To add, I noticed these items are going for almost 60% off original price used/new at the for sale section?

Any thoughts oh wise ones ;)
 
Phil Holland said:
3. Yes and no. While you will be able to mount the camera on that rig, accessories like matte boxes and follow focus units will be completely the wrong height. Your best bet is to invest in a LWS 15mm and/or 19mm system/cage and attach or build a shoulder rig off of that.
Click to expand...

Not to jump ahead from my last series of confusing questions, but I've been trying to tackle a solution to this for the past three hours and there doesn't seem to be a reasonably cheap one. If I'm to buy a gini cage and build off from there, it appears it will be extremely expensive just buying a bunch of LW15mm rods and adapters. I found this at Jag35, a baseplate for the Scarlet:

http://jag35.com/crimson-plate.html

The problem is it doesn't really help solve my current rig's dilemma, as I won't be able to use this baseplate with my rig's 15mm rods because they're too long:

http://jag35.com/products/shoulderigs/straightrig.html

I guess I can go the route of purchasing their Crimson Rig specifically made for the scarlet and then apply my D - Focus to that, but the problem with this (other than spending more than I'd like) is that it doesn't appear that I can fit the Gini Cage (or any cage for that matter) onto the adapter plate and still have it meet the right dimensions... if you buy a cage are you forced to build your rig around it in general, or can it fit on most rigs by themselves and still have the follow focus and matte box dimensions right?

Ugh, this is so confusing... if anyone knows of a much simpler and cheaper way that I can turn my Jag35 straight rig into a Scarlet rig, please, please, please let me know... if not, what do you guys think would be the cheapest route for my at this point with the rig that I already have?
 
One of the best non red purchases I made was a crappy little acer netbook for about $250. It has a usb 3.0 port, which I use to transfer the redmags. A 64gig redmag transfers in about 15 mins or less, so I can shoot all day with 2 cards as long as I continually swap them out to dump.

So if in a cash bind, a cheap portable usb 3.0 or esata laptop solution could be more viable than having to buy additional cards.
 
I come from the video-world, shooting betacams and such. I can only shoot with this camera with the viewfinder, and therefore the sidehandle as well, as the viewfinder is not touchscreen. I think the touchscreen/lcd approach is very clunky, and slow, if you compare it to scrolling the sidehandle buttons. Someone will have the opposite oppinion as mine.

But, the viewfinder + sidehandle solution is probably much more expensive than going the touchscreen lcd route.

I never use the LCD except, when needing an extra monitor for the director or focuspuller (connecting it to the second output of the PRO IO module).
 
Dmitry Burenok said:
JAG35 feels a bit more marketing than PRO :) very well done. Only Edelkrone is better than that :)))
Wanna get serious stuff go for this http://allstar-cine.myweb.hinet.net/html/red_accessories/DSLR_Rigs.htm
Wanna save money and still get something pretty useful, but less sexy go this way: http://www.ginirigs-usa.com/125-z-scarlet-cage-rig-for-red-s.html
Click to expand...

I considered that Gini rig, however it doesn't have a counter weight and there doesn't seem like much room to attach one either. I've had marginal success with my Jag35 straight rig thus far, I'm curious as to why you disprove of them?

That deal on the Gini rig really is amazing though... a price like that just for the cage seems great, let alone with everything else.

I'm thinking that simply purchasing the Jag35 crimson baseplate for the Scarlet might be my best bet right now and then build off from there... problem with that (as I think I mentioned earlier) is I can't do the cage solution where I can do that here with Gini obviously.
 
Chris Lowe said:
One of the best non red purchases I made was a crappy little acer netbook for about $250. It has a usb 3.0 port, which I use to transfer the redmags. A 64gig redmag transfers in about 15 mins or less, so I can shoot all day with 2 cards as long as I continually swap them out to dump.

So if in a cash bind, a cheap portable usb 3.0 or esata laptop solution could be more viable than having to buy additional cards.
Click to expand...

Is a USB 3.0 faster than my Macbook Pro's Firewire 800? I had planned on just using my own, but if it's that much faster (and saves me the headache of bringing my Mac around in worries of damaging it) it seems like a great purchase...
 
James_Mills said:
I considered that Gini rig, however it doesn't have a counter weight and there doesn't seem like much room to attach one either. I've had marginal success with my Jag35 straight rig thus far, I'm curious as to why you disprove of them?

That deal on the Gini rig really is amazing though... a price like that just for the cage seems great, let alone with everything else.

I'm thinking that simply purchasing the Jag35 crimson baseplate for the Scarlet might be my best bet right now and then build off from there... problem with that (as I think I mentioned earlier) is I can't do the cage solution where I can do that here with Gini obviously.
Click to expand...

I have bought some stuff from JAG35 - good stuff for the price but definitely not "precision" equipment. I also bout a cage from GINI - I use the bottom plate and the ribs - some issues with spacing but it works and the quality is amazingly good for what you pay. In the price range of the JAG35, I'd suggest Edelkrone, which really is superior engineering and design. Those guys have it going and the variations on putting a rig together make it versatile. You may be able to go with one of their "packaged" MOD rigs or put something together that's a little more "custom" by using their "Bridge" component.
 
Good to know, thanks for the info, Terry. I don't see any Edelkrone models that are tailored for the Scarlet though? THey look beautifully built, however. I think I'm gonna go with the cheaper Gini rig to start and see how it goes from there... at the very least I'll be able to use the cage, just as you said.
 
Quick update: I got everything bought and ready to go now except a redmag station 1.8 and a 5" touch LCD. Extremely, extremely excited...

One last question, if anyone could help. I was able to purchase a used rig for a great price that I'm really liking, but I believe setting the matte box and follow focus for the right dimensions is going to be a problem. I heeded Phil's advice and made sure to get a riser, however the actual baseplate itself is still too high from the rods below it. Now I'm looking for some sort of cheap riser or baseplate with the rods already preassembled that would even everything out. Does anyone know of any good and cheap models akin to something like this (but cheaper, if possible):

http://jag35.com/crimson-plate.html

Something even simpler would be better, like a standard extender that would go on the bottom set of 15mm rods with two more slots in it that are risen for the next set of rods... I know x has the easy riser and bracket combo, but those also cost around 350. These all sem pretty overpriced to me for a simple extension of an inch or two on the 15mm rods...
 
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