Red Weapon Short Film & Review coming this week

[Nick Morrison]

PS: I often regret being a little outspoken, so I'll admit I'm wholly confused - Weapon contains the exact same sensor as our existing Dragon cameras. So I don't see how providing footage - Dragon or Weapon - is really representative of either camera as a measure of performance.

My understanding is the Weapon upgrade is around ergonomics - weight, form factor - some benefits from ProRes, integrated Wifi etc. Hence my curiosity in seeing BTS footage as being wholly more important than demonstrating end footage. The thread indicates a 'review' which I expect is geared towards using the camera on set and addressing some of these benefits, yet nothing in this thread even alludes to those aspects.

Please flame me if I'm wrong and shallow minded. Thanks!

Same sensor yes, but not some processing. Weapon is supposed to have some advantages in signal chain:

1) 1/2 stop more in blacks
2) Both OLPFS "bloom" cleaner and match each other better
3) Improved CMOS smear
4) Lower compression. Weapon Cabon can shoot 300mbs. Epic Dragon caps out at 200/mbs I believe. Thats 33% improved compression (ie slowmo at 12:1 becomes 8:1, which is s big diff).

I think the Weapon = Prores/Ergonomics perception may have overshadowed the actual improvements Weapon may bring (to Dragon image).

 

[Bobby Farokhzad]

With all the improved processing, does Weapon produce a cleaner image than Dragon ? (less visible noise)

 

[Nick Morrison]

With all the improved processing, does Weapon produce a cleaner image than Dragon ? (less visible noise)

The signal chain has been optimized, so in theory yes, but much still depends on end user:

1) Weapon AUTOblackshades, so you're more likely to have correct blackshade as you switch shutter speed, meaning you're more likely to shoot an optimal (clean) image.

2) With less compression, comes in theory...less noise. But shooting say 3:1 6K (I assume possible on Weapon) clearly chews up more mag space.

3) 1/2 stop cleaner in blacks suggests DRAGON 640 LLO clean shadows should now be obtainable at 800.

4) Shooting 8K will obviously reduce noise even more when you downsample.

 

[Brian Merlen]

The signal chain has been optimized, so in theory yes, but much still depends on end user:

1) Weapon AUTOblackshades, so you're more likely to have correct blackshade as you switch shutter speed, meaning you're more likely to shoot an optimal (clean) image.

2) With less compression, comes in theory...less noise. But shooting say 3:1 6K (I assume possible on Weapon) clearly chews up more mag space.

3) 1/2 stop cleaner in blacks suggests DRAGON 640 LLO clean shadows should now be obtainable at 800.

4) Shooting 8K will obviously reduce noise even more when you downsample.

i think the complexity is what makes some people prefer competitor systems. i like red but i know a lot of people who just can't keep up with the many intricacies involved

 

[Nick Morrison]

i think the complexity is what makes some people prefer competitor systems. i like red but i know a lot of people who just can't keep up with the many intricacies involved

I hear you. I personally love knowing all the "knobs" to turn, but there are pros and cons to that, for sure. On the plus side, when you harness Dragon to 100%, it's a breathtaking machine. On the minus, if you are too cavalier, you can may see the limitations of that in your image.

I believe Toia once compared shooting RED to a F1 car: driver her right, and win races. Drive her wrong, and hit the wall.

There's something to that...

 

[Steve Sherrick]

Thanks Guys,
Out of respect of a good friend, I've been asked to disable the link for now and will be re-posting at a later date along with full jpeg's, dpx and or anything else you would like to see.

I must say the the extra DR makes a huge difference. Thanks and Talk soon

I think there was a clue in the end credits there.

Regardless of what camera, it all looked nice and Dan is a great colorist so no surprise it all looked so good.

 

[Kemalettin Sert]

how did you opened to R3D.s ? Do you have beta Redcinex?