Welcome to our community

Be a part of something great, join today!

Log in
  • 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 :)

Owning a Red under 10k

T

Tim Michalak

Member
Joined
Sep 21, 2017
Messages
15
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Good afternoon,

I'm wanting to see everyone's opinions about the realistic idea that I could own a full red setup under 10k. I just sold my Ursa mini 4.6k and I'm looking for my next camera and I'm considering a used Red, but I'm not sure if realistically, I can own one from around the 7,000 to 10,000 range. Is it possible at this point to get a used Red model that will at least shoot 4k 60fps and everything else you need (minus a lens) to start shooting, or should I look elsewhere? I've seen the Red Scarlet MX models for fairly cheap, but they seem outdated... The Red Raven shot up in price this year, and I'm not sure if I can afford the Scarlet W.

I would love to hear everyone's opinions!
 
You can definitive get a used RED Epic MX with screen and megs for less than 10k

///
 
James, do you think the Epic MX is still a camera worth owning today?
 
If you're looking for something new, probably not

I'm pretty happy with my raven overall, i thinks it's a worthwhile purchase if you're able to get around some of the limitations

I'm not sure I'd go MX unless you got an Epic

Dragon sensor is the way to go in that price point weather it's raven or a dsmc1 scarlet dragon

Epic Dragons are a bargain now .. but not sub10k kind of a bargain
 
Thanks for the reply, Jake. The Scarlet Dragon sounds perfect, if I can find one in my price range!
 
Elias, thanks for the reply.

I would love to find the Raven used, it seems like at this point most people want too much for their used Ravens. They also seem hard to find at this point. The dragon sensor does look very appealing though. It seems that the consensus is to stay away from the MX sensors.
 
im at a similar cross road im looking to build a decent and respectable red rig today (not literally this minute but at this current moment) with a cap of 9500 and a real hard cap of like 11k.. anyway heres my opinion


i wouldnt take a red one for free.. in fact i would pay you to keep it get it outta here and away from me
scarlet mx.. i wouldnt pay more than $2000 for the brain and still prob not even worth it.
scarlet dragon.. they seem semi-rare like i see them around but then again i dont see them around however i discovered even though they have the dragon sensor this still only shoots like 12fps at 6k and 48 fps at 5k? it doesnt really seem worth it to me because it seems like a cool sensor that lacks power so im a bit apprehensive and rather not buy this one plus scarlet seems to not be a respectable brand
epic mx.. i would like to pay no more than like $5000 for the brain w/ the fan upgrade and atleast a lens mount.. but its also old and makes me a bit hesitant just because age seems like a major major factor in this world
epic dragon.. now this is probably the only camera from the dsmc1 line that i would really consider buying and if i could have a complete built version for under 10k it would be epic within itself lol ( had to use that pun eventually )
scarlet-w.. while the scarlet doesnt seem to be recognized as a decent camera i really like the scarlet-w i cant seem to find a bone to pick w/ it to be honest it delivers 120fps at 5k with a dragon sensor and its dsmc2
raven.. i would definitely buy if i could find a brain for $5500 +/-$500 and build it up and have things beyond the camera for under 10k
 
I've been keeping a close eye on the used DSMC1 prices.. 1.8'' mags and readers are pretty cheap.. If you piece it together you can find a Scarlet Dragon Brain, Side module 1.8'' a RED Mag 1.8'', reader, side handle, and Wooden Camera PL or Nikon Mount for about $10,300.00... You'd still need a battery mount, batts and of course lenses...

Facebook seems to have a nice RED camera sale page.. however I've never purchased from it..
 
Matt, do you know what the name of that Facebook page is?
 
Don't be surprised if you're disappointed going from the BUM4.6k to a Scarlet-Dragon... The Scarlet-Dragon only does 48fps at 5k (compared to 60fps of the 4.6k), and 5k Dragon is actually a smaller sensor that looks less sharp than the 4.6k, and the DR on the 4.6k has a better over/under ratio and potentially more useable DR as well. Actually, what *didn't* you like about the 4.6k (and have you considered the BUMP4.6k)?

To be honest, anything less than the Epic-Dragon/Scarlet-W might not live up to your expectations. Ironically, the Epic-Dragon is a better purchase from an image quality, resolution, and frame rate standpoint, but with the Sensor-Swap announcements and Monstro in the pipeline, DSMC1 is essentially EOL as of today (whereas any DSMC2 will last you quite a bit longer and be eligible for future upgrades.)

Something tells me DSMC1 prices are going to plummet soon...
 
yeah exactly what i thought.. the dsmc1 is red one status in my eyes.. so unless its an epic with the fan upgrade and the dragon sensor theres no other dsmc1 that seems worth considering unless its ridiculous rock bottom prices
 
raven, red one, scarlet, epic, and dragon flavors of scarlet and epic can all be found around that budget. brick and mortar stores add piece of mind regarding reputable resellers vs no name sellers. hell for 10k you can get alexa classics these days even
 
It's a very nice time for ~10k budgets nowadays. You can get a lot - EPIC MX, SCARLET MX, C200, EVA, FS7, FS700RAW, F55, ALEXA CLASSIC. As far as i've seen Scarlet Dragon tends to be around 11-12k, and Epic Dragon some near 14-16k. It all depends on package and your location.

I've jumped into Red party this summer with a used Red Scarlet MX package, and looking forward buying Epic Dragon brain some next year (as a second brain). But there are some things you should be aware of - MX based sensors are no longer guarranteed as a repair, so you might end up with nothing if you buy a bad egg. Otherwise, if you go DSMC1 - the peripherals tend to be not that pricy and you can get a hell of a package with a camera for a really low buck (think sound inputs, media, viewfinder, rigging, batteries).

There are some more stuff not related with RED to be aware of - if you're used to edit/grade by your own - you have to concider 4K raw is a different beast than 6K, also is the storage cost. Coming from an URSA makes you familiar with battery usage and camera handling (accessories, tripods cost etc.).

Overall - going to RED from BM will give you mostly 3 things - a better starting-point grade (all r3d files are supported in IPP2, even red one mx), lack of a fixed-pattern noise even on the oldest cameras, a more stable and pleasant camera to work with. On the other hand you have a risk of buying a used camera, which is not supported by the manufacturer at the moment (if you go MX).

I know one person, who bought a used Scarlet MX after owning Ursa. He's happy with Scarlet.
 
Last edited:
Alex, great response thanks a ton!

My internal struggle right now is deciding on one of the cameras you just listed, I've found there is no perfect camera.

It's scary to think that I could buy a used MX that is 4 or 5 years old and it not be able to be repaired if something were to happen.

Ultimately, I'll need to do more research to see if I can find a suitable replacement for my Ursa mini.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top