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Powering the camera

Andri Peetso

Andri Peetso

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Hey everyone!

I'm planning to buy a scarlet dragon in may so right now I'm putting together an essential list for myself. What would you recommend is the best affordable and ergonomic way to power the camera?

This is my parts list so far:

Red Scarlet Dragon Brain
SSD Side Module
red Canon AL mount
woodcam PL mount
5” Red Touch
2x 64GB RedMag
REDMOTE
Red Station
AC power adapter


As you see, I don't have anything to power the camera yet. I'd need something affordable that I could upgrade or replace later on. I feel like going with V-Mount over gold.

Thanks for your help!

This is my to-buy-later parts list:


TVLogiv monitor
Proper support system (rod, rail, cheeseplates, handles, raisers)
Mattebox
A-Box
DSMC Side Handle
2x 128GB RedMag
Red Rocket + Thunderbold encapsule
Ti PL Mount
Follow focus
Switchblade


 
Two thoughts.

I've had great results using the RED XL battery mount with XL batteries. I at first went with another brand of v-mount and batteries and had problems with their consistency and actually lost some filming because of it. I found out the hard way that my attempt to save some money on power failed. Now that I use XL batteries and the mount, no problems with two cameras.

I would also consider going to the mini-mag. The 1.8 is EOL so if you can afford to buy the min-mag, which is just at it beginning, I think you'll have more options in the long run. That said, the 1.8's are rock solid and affordable on the used market because of all the people upgrading to the mini-mag. So you can find a deal on them. Actually if you want to buy my extra 1.8 SSD module. PM me an offer and I'll take care of you.

Good luck and welcome to the RED family.
 
Check this thread for battery options:
http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?102628-Another-Cheap-battery-alternative

A lot of us are using Power-U batteries. I use the 190Wh Power-U batteries on a Switronix JP-V-EPIC and WC Quickback V2. There are cheaper battery plate options out there, but it depends on how many power output options you want. I haven't tested how long they last yet, but people have said 2 hours on the 130Wh version.

Like Chris said, you're better off in the long-run going for the 512GB Mini-Mag. On Scarlet Dragon w/ 512GB Mini-Mag, you can get 1 hour 58 minutes of 5K WS 7:1 @23.98 fps. Most other formats/frame rates on Scarlet Dragon will get you 1 hour 45 minutes at the lowest compression. There are supposed to be smaller and larger sized Mini-Mags coming after NAB though. Weapon will not use the 1.8" Mags.

The REDmote is not essential and has a love/hate relationship with REDusers. If you get a good copy and your brain sends a good wireless signal, it can be really cool though.

You list "AC power adapter." Both the Scarlet Dragon brain and RED Station comes with their own power adapters, so I'm not sure why that's on your list.
 
Hi Andri

We have tried a few different things in terms of power, but we have settled on WC V mounts with PAG batteries. The PAGS in my opinion are the best batteries on the market largely because of their versatility, if you do any flying with kit then there's no competition. Just my opinion....... You can't fly with anything over 100Wh and the Pags are 96Wh, but critically they can be linked to create a larger capacity battery, up to 4x can be linked together. They can also be linked for charging, we tend to fly with 2x small Pag travel chargers.

You also mention ergonomics, The side handle and a few Redvolts is also a good idea, as the buttons on the side handle can be programmed to do whatever you want and this can really speed up the fluidity and ergonomics of the camera in the field.

Good luck and welcome to Red.
 
Hey!

Thanks for all the replies guys, the best solution for me personally seemed to be to get the Switronix JP-V-EPIC and WC Quickback V2 and either pair it with Power-U batteries, Switronix or Bebob ones.. I'm looking at more battery options though but I like the jetpack and quickback. I actually imagine most of the time the camera will be on tripod but yeah for those run and gun situations I'm thinking of getting a side handle and a few redvolts.

About the minimags, what's so special about them except the high capacity? They seem too expensive for me at the moment, when I'm just getting the first kit.. I might update later, though. Personally I'd rather get 8 x 64 1.8 than a 512 mini.. (seems safer and better to offload & store on set etc) And yes, I'm interested in the used ones!

I was between used or a new brain when putting together the list, so I just left on the AC power adapter.. I'm leaning towards the new brain right now since i'd be getting educational discount etc.

edit: what's really the difference between brands of v-mount batteries? the battery life as in how long will they last in total? What else?

edit2: a dp friend of mine said I should go for gold mount since it's sturdier? That v-mount has problems with disconnecting the batteries?
 
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Mini-mags have a higher capacity but also have a higher read/write speed which means you can shoot at lower compressions than with 1.8 RedMags. Personally, that alone was worth the higher costs.

As for the differences in brands of V-mount it all comes down to reliability. Sort of the same as with harddrives. Not every 500gb HDD is really the same even if they have the same specs.

And gold mounts are MUCH sturdier than v-mounts. If your camera shakes around a lot during your shot, it may shake the battery loose and power off the camera. I highly recommend you invest in a gold mount system instead of a v-mount one.
 
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Will go for a gold mount, thanks for the info! :)

Minimags I'd have to think about, but i'm tempted now after I read up about them
 
You should ask yourself what you plan to deliver your content at. If you are only doing online distribution then you should be fine with 1.8. But if you think there is a chance you may do a theatrical project, or if you think you will upgrade to Weapon soon then I would suggest mini-mags.
 
Marcus Friedlander said:
You should ask yourself what you plan to deliver your content at. If you are only doing online distribution then you should be fine with 1.8. But if you think there is a chance you may do a theatrical project, or if you think you will upgrade to Weapon soon then I would suggest mini-mags.
Click to expand...

I'm working on commercial a lot (tv, corporate) & have planned a few theatrical projects... Kind of already leaning towards the minimags. I didn't know about the lower compression rates earlier.

Also, I got a quick question about the red rocket - what are the exact differences between the versions? Would the first rocket, that I see being sold for 800 on these forums still work for me?
 
The red rocket only works with M-X footage and the Rocket-x is for dragon footage.
 
thanks!
 
No problem. Good luck!
 
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