RCX FEATURE REQUEST for stolen cameras

[Alexey Milokost]

My friend's Scarlet was stolen not long ago, which makes me think about my Epic (it is insured, but still).
So, the idea is, when any r3d is loaded in RCX, background task performs a search of a camera model in file's metadata and send a request to RED's database of stolen cameras. In case of BINGO, any info like GPS coordinates and other information (if aplicable) is send to an owner.
Thanks

 

[Kyle Gentz]

Brilliant! Not a terrible idea.

 

[William Albertini]

Along the same lines but more evil, as part of the firmware update payload include a database of stolen serial numbers. Should there be a match the camera would be bricked by the installer.

 

[Mike Halper]

Sending data and info from someone's computer to Red without permission is a violation of privacy, so I like William's idea better, except don't brick the camera. Just have it so it displays a message about it being stolen and to contact Red, and also make it so the firmware can't be reinstalled unless it goes back to Red or a special code is entered to bypass it (in case it happens by mistake).

Since someone who steals a camera may not upgrade the firmware if something like this is implemented, something like this could also be included in RCXP and the SDK that puts a message over the footage that the camera it was shot with was stolen and not allow anything to be done with it. Putting it in the SDK (which would need to be updated regularly) would make it so other software like Premiere, Avid, Scratch, Resolve, etc. won't be able to do anything with the footage as well.

 

[paul schefz]

great idea....i am all for it...but don't forget that this is a country where people see it as an invasion of privacy if they can't stockpile ak47s....
this would have to work in the background without the user/thief noticing anything at all....but as with all these measures....there are countermeasures (little snitch comes to mind) and red should not really concentrate on trying to catch up....
i like the idea of a hardware gps tracker in camera....they don't cost much these days and it would be much harder for a "casual" thief to disable....

 

[Alexey Milokost]

I bought a hardware GPS tracker from eBay for $70 or so. It does work, it's tiny, but the battery lasts only a day!

 

[Noel R.]

How about some sort of pass code lock where the user can set the interval time that the code needs to be entered. Let's say the camera will completely lock after a 14 day period or whatever the user sets and needs the pass code entered in order to unlock it thereby resetting that 14 day period. This way renters can enter an interval time for the length of the rental period, and owners can enter whichever period they see fit. It will render the camera useless to thieves. Only RED can unlock the camera without the code. Locking it will also disable any type of firmware upgrade. Once word spreads this could be a very effective deterrent.