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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 to RED- is the Raven right for me?

J

Javier de Pablos Velez

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Hey guys (and gals),

Been an owner/operator of many different cams over the years and have now started to consider adding my first RED to the lineup- just have a few questions and am having issues finding the answers (even though I've searched around the forums).

To give some insight:

I am a DP based in Miami, Florida. The majority of my work is corporate talking heads/interviews w/ some b-roll and at times I find myself shooting short documentary work. Till now all of my work has either been on an MFT 2.5k BMCC w/ a speedbooster or (when I need UHD/slowmo/lowlight) on a Sony a7s. These cameras have been great and have paid themselves over many times however I am kind of tired of having to frankenrig these systems in order to fit my needs. I find myself on many shoots traveling/alone and want something that shoots higher quality (give me all the bits) and is easier to set up/light. I don't want to break the bank either (AMIRA, SCARLET, C300 MKII, EPIC, etc.)

Because of this I have been looking at an FS7 or an FS5 or something similar. And by something similar (price-wise) I mean the RED Raven. It has a lot of things I want (beautiful sensor, small and light, raw, all the bits, and pro-res). That being said it's not usually the first camera that comes to mind when shooting what I shoot (think VICE). Because of this I am looking for guidance + answers to some questions. Any help would be awesome as I am new to this world (owning a RED).

Questions:

1. Is the RED raven a camera that can be used for run and gun type of shoots or is it only for on set cinematic/narrative shoots?

2. More or less how high can I go in terms of ISO/stops before things start to get super noisy?

3. How can I connect a shotgun mic and/or wireless lav to this camera? I was looking at an A-box from wooden camera but not sure if that will work/work well.

4. Does the Pro-Res 2K files crop from the higher resolution images (4.5k, 4k, 3k, etc...) or is it recording the same as the raw and just debayering it for me?

5. Can I use my switronix V mount batteries on the RED or am I stuck on using only RED bricks? This is what I have:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/887730-REG/switronix_powerbase_70_battery_pack.html

6. Can I use any monitor/EVF with my Raven? Such as Small HD 502, etc.

7. Just curious of some of the accessories/packages you guys are buying along with your Ravens...

Thanks in advance! And look forward to (possibly) joining your family :)
 
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I can't answer all of the specifics, however from an actual field usage point of view - Red isn't the most ideal run and gun/interview camera, but the results speak for themselves. I personally own and shoot on a basic MX Scarlet kit, ranging from music videos to corporate and feature doc work.

On the other hand, in the production team I work 9-5 in shooting commercial docs I shoot on a C100 MKii. While the C100 has the advantages of easy media (over 700 minutes record time across two 64GB SD Cards) and a battery that lasts about 4 hours, I hate shooting on it with a passion.

I think with some of the new modules (for example, some of the OMODz) and onboard 2K prores, the Raven will be a great doc camera.

This is an example of corporate doc shot on my Scarlet with no crew in some interesting locations:


https://vimeo.com/140425951



If you've been happy shooting your type of work on a BMCC, I don't see a Red Raven being any harder.
 
1. Yes it can be configured to run and gun well.. and at 3.5 lbs the raven is extremely light for the type of camera

2. I've been very impressed with the standard OLPF upto 1600 ISO van prob get away with 2000

3. A-Box is a good solution, keep an eye out for more rear moduals and 3rd party companies coming up with Audio in mind.

4. As I understand it the prores is just a downscaled version of the 4.5K

5. Switronix will work fine

6. depending on the rear modual you get you can attach any hdmi/sdi device you wish (the new RED EVF looks killer)

7. trying to start a list of all the things people have been suggesting

hope that helps!
 
Thanks for the response! Wonderful video, great shots and exactly what I currently work on. What did you mean by "OMODz?"

What would your kit look like for that kind of shoot? (the video you linked).
 
Thanks!

Yeah I am seeing that it's actually lighter than an FS5.

I'm also looking at what things I necessarily need to buy new, what I can buy used, and what stuff I can use that I already own.
 
Javier de Pablos Velez said:
Thanks for the response! Wonderful video, great shots and exactly what I currently work on. What did you mean by "OMODz?"

What would your kit look like for that kind of shoot? (the video you linked).
Click to expand...

OMODz are being developed by OffHollywood http://offhollywoodreporter.com/omodz/ Modules for Weapon/Raven.

My setup is pretty barebones shooting with the Scarlet with side handle and v-lock back with an A-Box for scratch sound during interviews, recorded sound to a seperate zoom audio recorder. Otherwise Canon zooms either handheld DSLR style or on a Miller Air tripod. I only have 2 Redmags and just take my lapotop to offload on breaks or in the field.

Once the new side handle for Weapon/Raven is developed I think that will be an even better setup, especially since I think the Raven is considerably lighter than Scarlet/Epic.
 
My 2 cents. I own an Epic Dragon, and I used Sony A7S and other DSLR before a bunch.

1. Yes by far it can be used. But for as light as it can be, it is a much heavier and complicated gear to schlep around.
2. Can't speak for the Raven. 800 base ISO is pretty good with the LowLight OLPF. Dragon2 is supposed to be much better. No A7S for low light. But I found the A7S to carry noise that needs to be treated anyhow at 3200 or so.
3. I think DSCM2 bodies have a better mic input solution to record scratch audio at a decent quality
4. Don't know
5. Yes
6. Depends on modules. No output on the basic brain (main difference with epic and scarlet)
7. You'll want a touch monitor and handles. Check the issue with top handle and v-mount batteries. Nice thing compared to DSLR is that you can find any accessories you can think of.

So, I'd say that you get a camera that you love with much higher quality than what you had before. But you trade ease of use and portability.
Ps check the crop factor if it is important for you.
 
Hi Alberto, thanks for the response. What I'm finding is that if I use an third party monitor such as a 502 I will need something like a sidekick to change settings? Or is there actually a toggle switch already built into the Raven?

Thanks!
 
I use a 5" Touch but recently sold it and just use a 501 and side handle for control. If I were to buy a raven I'd get the kit with the 4.7 touch for control and maybe the 501 as well, it would still be a tidy package.
 
Matthew Quinn said:
2. I've been very impressed with the standard OLPF upto 1600 ISO van prob get away with 2000
Click to expand...

Matthew, what resolution do you typically shoot at? At 6K, I can imagine 1600 ISO would be useable with the new OLPF, but I'm much more concerned about 4K. I heard that Daredevil and Jessica Jones were both shot in 4K on the Dragon sensor (though not with the Standard OLPF...), and they both had some noticeable noise--not sure if any of that was added in post. Anyway, common sense would indicate if there is any noise in 6K, that noise would be greatly exaggerated in 4K.

Thoughts?
 
Fs7. Very little rigging necessary and good IQ. Not Red IQ. And better low light.
 
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