RAPTOR

[Blair S. Paulsen]

Perhaps both the move away from expanders (for general use cases), numerical compression ratios and adding side buttons is motivated by the same desire to simplify. As a camera operator, I am often expected to be up and shooting rather quickly - sometimes on a camera package I don't have much (or any) experience with. Moreover, I've been on several multicam shoots where the producer asks me to refer other CamOps with the stricture that they must know REDs. It's less of an issue these days, but I have seen some very good CamOps who mostly shoot Sony, Panny, etc get flummoxed by a RED.

IAC, its impossible to make a camera that suits everyone. Like Kyle, I love being able to re-rig for specific situations - but dealing with modules is not everyone's cup of tea. I personally prefer the kind of granular control Kerrin desires. That said, some people are very math averse and the number of choices was overwhelming. Yes, its a professional camera - but some people are more right brained and just want the tool to get out of the way of their creative flow.

I am hopeful that as the Raptor platform matures we might get an advanced menu for those so inclined.

Cheers - #19

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

I would love to know file sizes vs formats vs record time

Check RED.COM

Cheers - #19

 

[Curren Sheldon]

Perhaps both the move away from expanders (for general use cases), numerical compression ratios and side buttons is motivated by the same desire to simplify. As a camera operator, I am often expected to be up and shooting rather quickly - sometimes on a camera package I don't have much (or any) experience with. Moreover, I've been on several multicam shoots where the producer asks me to refer other CamOps with the stricture that they must know REDs. It's less of an issue these days, but I have seen some very good CamOps who mostly shoot Sony, Panny, etc get flummoxed by a RED.

IAC, its impossible to make a camera that suits everyone. Like Kyle, I love being able to re-rig for specific situations - but dealing with modules is not everyone's cup of tea. I personally prefer the kind of granular control Kerrin desires. That said, some people are very math averse and the number of choices was overwhelming. Yes, its a professional camera - but some people are more right brained and just want the tool to get out of the way of their creative flow.

I am hopeful that as the Raptor platform matures we might get an advanced menu for those so inclined.

Cheers - #19

Yes that all makes sense. Just wish there were a couple more options on the higher-compression end. LQ Lite even. If they had a bit more compression options, I think I'd snag a Raptor for sure as I could use MQ and LQ for the more commercial projects and then hit up 6k 11:1 - 13:1 for the long documentary days.

 

[Gunleik Groven]

Why do you think Red went with the HQ, MQ, and LQ? One of their biggest strengths was the vast array of raw compression ratios. I often shot 11:1 - 13:1 on my Epic-W at 6k and it was still incredibly lovely. But, to get those file sizes now, I would have to shoot 3k LQ on Raptor and that's obviously not useful because it would be an insane crop. It wouldn't be a big deal if HQ = 3:1, MQ = 7:1 or 8:1, and LQ = 11:1 or 12:1, but it seems LQ is closer to 7:1. This makes this camera difficult for those who want the beautiful R3Ds in 8k, 7k, or 6k, but can't fill up a TB every hour.

Thoughts?

Perhaps both the move away from expanders (for general use cases), numerical compression ratios and side buttons is motivated by the same desire to simplify. As a camera operator, I am often expected to be up and shooting rather quickly - sometimes on a camera package I don't have much (or any) experience with. Moreover, I've been on several multicam shoots where the producer asks me to refer other CamOps with the stricture that they must know REDs. It's less of an issue these days, but I have seen some very good CamOps who mostly shoot Sony, Panny, etc get flummoxed by a RED.

IAC, its impossible to make a camera that suits everyone. Like Kyle, I love being able to re-rig for specific situations - but dealing with modules is not everyone's cup of tea. I personally prefer the kind of granular control Kerrin desires. That said, some people are very math averse and the number of choices was overwhelming. Yes, its a professional camera - but some people are more right brained and just want the tool to get out of the way of their creative flow.

I am hopeful that as the Raptor platform matures we might get an advanced menu for those so inclined.

Cheers - #19

Excellent points, both

Unless RED has done something with the way they compress their files which would change the behaviour under high compression rates, I can understand Kerrims wish here for docu-type shooting.

Nut I would guess that going downscaled prores could serve the same purpose for these jobs?

 

[Phil Holland]

Finally reading all of this thread. Been a blur of the past few days juggling the launch, planning, and dealing with some shoot logistics on the east coast.

any word on if there will be a native EVF? I just can't get used to operating with a monitor as my primary source of .. well monitoring.

To this question, there has to be something coming for sure. To0 many people, myself included, use EVFs. My favorite daily standard way of filming with Monstro is running the Top LCD and EVF. It's so nice to have both setup for framing and operating.

We'll have to wait and see how that all works on V-Raptor though. Clearly top pogo runs power and display signal. EVFs generally draw less power. Hoping I can run two displays without much gack.


Also makes me wonder about the features of a future Ranger or I think what others are calling XL model. Some of that was discussed on stream. But this V-Raptor is going to be the "smallest flagship" it seems in body size.

It's really smaller than many think too. By having that V-Mount on there, you don't necessarily need to add a battery plate or adapter and that is helping shave some size off.


SDI ports push out 4K like Komodo and there's two independent or mirrored ones. That will be nice on set.

 

[Jens Jakob Thorsen]

Small HD, really? The image on these monitors are not pleasing at all.

 

[Tim Bonython]

I wonder how much heat it will generate as i shoot surfing mostly sitting on a jet ski and in warm places like Hawaii & Tahiti my Epic Weapon over heats a lot, especially when the sun is out. Lucky I can precariously open the housing to let the heat out before it shuts down.

 

[Thomas B.]

any word on if there will be a native EVF? I just can't get used to operating with a monitor as my primary source of .. well monitoring.

When looking at the accessory teasers in the Q&A video, it seems like the RED Monitor Interface will be the key component for RED's next generation monitoring solutions.
From there you can plug-in the 7" touch monitor and an EVF (see "EXP" sockets on each side). So, it's not a cable-free solution anymore (like DSMC2),
but this gives you greater flexibility as you can mount the monitor arm wherever you want via the included 15mm rod clamp (you just might need a longer cable).
On top of it, we can see the (pass through) pins for the run/stop top handle.

Obviously, their Top Plate does not cover the pogo connector of the camera, but needs to be powered via USB-C to 4pin pogo cable instead.
(see the non-labelled USB-C interface on raptor's rear connector section and the 4pin pogo on the back of the top plate)

Seems like the EXT breakout box can be plugged in and then can be secured on the lower side (1/4"-20 thread).
Like this, the red light illuminates the rear connector section.
All in all, a very well thought out design, right? It's nice to see the recessed connector design for those fragile USB-C connectors... (I wish Komodo Link had this kind of recessed connector design, too)

 

[Gabriel Scindian]

I have not upgraded my camera since getting the Epic Dragon in 2015! It has been an absolute workhorse. Raptor will be an AMAZING upgrade!!!

 

[emil_h]

What I am calling out, is people claiming RED has reneged on Jim's pledge of obsolescence obsolete due to lack of upgrade path deals for the latest models. Considering all they have done over the years to honor that pledge, I think that POV is unfair.

Cheers - #19

Is it? While by all means no one is "owed" anything the whole pledge of "obsolescence obsolete" refers to forever. Not for "over the years", as you stated.

 

[Daniel Reichenbach]

Finally reading all of this thread. Been a blur of the past few days juggling the launch, planning, and dealing with some shoot logistics on the east coast.




To this question, there has to be something coming for sure. To0 many people, myself included, use EVFs. My favorite daily standard way of filming with Monstro is running the Top LCD and EVF. It's so nice to have both setup for framing and operating.

We'll have to wait and see how that all works on V-Raptor though. Clearly top pogo runs power and display signal. EVFs generally draw less power. Hoping I can run two displays without much gack.


Also makes me wonder about the features of a future Ranger or I think what others are calling XL model. Some of that was discussed on stream. But this V-Raptor is going to be the "smallest flagship" it seems in body size.

It's really smaller than many think too. By having that V-Mount on there, you don't necessarily need to add a battery plate or adapter and that is helping shave some size off.


SDI ports push out 4K like Komodo and there's two independent or mirrored ones. That will be nice on set.

For me, an EVF is an absolute must. I don't like to deal with the known problems of monitors like too bright sunlight, reflections and so on. No one can make me believe that they can perfectly frame an image under these circumstances. Often I am my own focus puller and depend on getting a perfect image in a fraction of a second. Besides, my eyes don't get any better with age and I plan to pursue my dream job for a long time to come.

 

[Anthony Berenato Jr]

Do we know if the flavor of R3D in Raptor is Wavelet or Cosine based? Figuring with Komodo moving to Cosine with the current LQ / MQ / HQ flavors, it would be the same for V-Raptor.

 

[Björn Benckert]

Do we know if the flavor of R3D in Raptor is Wavelet or Cosine based? Figuring with Komodo moving to Cosine with the current LQ / MQ / HQ flavors, it would be the same for V-Raptor.

I would also guess the later. Basically heavier files but less taxing to make. In that sense more of a sidegrade than upgrade as I see it.

 

[Prahlad Strickland]

For me, an EVF is an absolute must. I don't like to deal with the known problems of monitors like too bright sunlight, reflections and so on. No one can make me believe that they can perfectly frame an image under these circumstances. Often I am my own focus puller and depend on getting a perfect image in a fraction of a second. Besides, my eyes don't get any better with age and I plan to pursue my dream job for a long time to come.

I use the Osee G7 when I'm on the beach filming in bright sun, it has 3000 nits, and it does really well, I haven't used an EVF for a couple years since monitors hit 3000,

I use a small HD when I'm on narrative and commercials, but also plan to get the TV logics 7" which has 3600 nits, and you can absolutely use that in direct sunlight, is awesome.

 

[Ian D]

Quick few questions.

1. the micro v-lock, is that a new smaller v-lock mechanism or just a small v-lock. I have 6 of these SWIT PB-M98S 14.4V 98Wh Pocket Battery with D-Tap and USB Output (V-Mount) and wonder can they be used.

2. can you use an older gen red monitor with adapters, I have the 7' ulta bright standard mount monitor.

3. do you have to get external timecode box in order to sync sound / what does that little sound connection do?

4. how much power draw is there. Improved over the Monstro?

5. Is the olpf fixed? I have kippertie olpf diffusion filters and love how it add's to the image. Is it possible for this to happen with the Raptor.

And while I was pondering these questions I see the st version has sold out : )

Best Wishes
Ian

 

[Thomas B.]

Quick few questions.

1. the micro v-lock, is that a new smaller v-lock mechanism or just a small v-lock. I have 6 of these SWIT PB-M98S 14.4V 98Wh Pocket Battery with D-Tap and USB Output (V-Mount) and wonder can they be used.

2. can you use an older gen red monitor with adapters, I have the 7' ulta bright standard mount monitor.

3. do you have to get external timecode box in order to sync sound / what does that little sound connection do?

4. how much power draw is there. Improved over the Monstro?

5. Is the olpf fixed? I have kippertie olpf diffusion filters and love how it add's to the image. Is it possible for this to happen with the Raptor.

And while I was pondering these questions I see the st version has sold out : )

Best Wishes
Ian

1. Yes, they should work. The Micro Batteries should not be wider than 75mm. Compatible Batteries
2. Probably not.
3. The 5pin Lemo "AUDIO" receptacle offers 2 audio channels with optional +48v phantom power. more information
4. No official documents released yet, but a 98wh battery should last approximately 1 hour (according to Jarred Land)
5. As far as I know, there's no swappable OLPF system for Raptor. Maybe the "Ranger version"?

 

[Ian D]

Thank you Thomas, that clears up a lot.

 

[Blair S. Paulsen]

Is it? While by all means no one is "owed" anything the whole pledge of "obsolescence obsolete" refers to forever. Not for "over the years", as you stated.

I get your point. That said, I'm not sure "forever" can be applied to sophisticated electronic devices of any kind. Moreover, I consider the DSMC2 platform sufficiently evolved that I doubt it will be truly obsolete for at least a decade.

On a more practical and less pedantic note, I really want RED to stay in business for a long time. I like their cameras . That means honoring Jim's pledge in a reasonable way, not taking it to extremes that could sink the business. Yes, Jim could deficit finance RED if he chose to - but, IMO, the health and vitality of Red Digital Cinema is best served by self sufficiency.

FWIW, I appreciate emil's words above. No "demands" or pot shots at RED. Just pointing out the semantics of my post, which is completely fair. Disagreeing without being disagreeable is the best path to greater understanding.

Cheers - #19

 

[Ryan Chernin]

So when is this batch of bad boys supposed to ship? Last I heard the ST's were already built, and Red was just waiting to receive the media to ship out with them.

 

[Patrick Tresch]

For me, an EVF is an absolute must. I don't like to deal with the known problems of monitors like too bright sunlight, reflections and so on. No one can make me believe that they can perfectly frame an image under these circumstances. Often I am my own focus puller and depend on getting a perfect image in a fraction of a second. Besides, my eyes don't get any better with age and I plan to pursue my dream job for a long time to come.

Absolutely agree. As for now I use the Kameleon from Zacuto wich is the best Evf (not perfect though) that I had on my eye.

The lag between real life and the EVF is also a critical point to good framing. Would love it to be without lag.