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 :)

RED, what RED? Freshman questions

C

Chris Dahl

Member
Joined
May 14, 2016
Messages
19
Reaction score
0
Points
0
Location
Oslo
Hi guys, this is my first post here.
Im green as a cucumber to RED, but im a professional photographer slowly transcending to moving pictures, and want more than a Blackmagic camera, partly cause of the clients demand and expectations (ill share my plans later) but i have NO clue on what to buy and what i need, so all tips are welcome.
First, why do i buy RED and Not Arri? Is it just a matter of taste, or is it also a matter of cost?

What do i minimum need as a starter pack, if i want something in the range of roughly 24 to 2-300mm? If i only want to start with one lens, what do you recommend?

Thanks in advance!
 
Wow. Slow down, I presume that your photography camera is a DSLR? If so most modern DSLR's shoot video. Start out on that and practice. This industry is a forever learning industry. If I were you, practice making small films with friends. And after a while when you know what you're doing. You can start working as a videographer. From there, you can start to grow your kit as well as your skill. I am 19 and have been making films since I was 9. I still know for a fact that I have a lot of learning to do.

Talking about a lens. If you shoot on Canon. I recommend the 24-105L F4 - It is a very versatile lens for video. Again, once you start to enhance your skill, start to invest in prime lens, then upgrade those lens's and so on. But right now I think that you need to start to practice your skill.

I wish the best of luck in your Film making career
(Welcome to REDUser!)
 
Chris Dahl said:
Hi guys, this is my first post here.
Im green as a cucumber to RED, but im a professional photographer slowly transcending to moving pictures, and want more than a Blackmagic camera, partly cause of the clients demand and expectations (ill share my plans later) but i have NO clue on what to buy and what i need, so all tips are welcome.
First, why do i buy RED and Not Arri? Is it just a matter of taste, or is it also a matter of cost?

What do i minimum need as a starter pack, if i want something in the range of roughly 24 to 2-300mm? If i only want to start with one lens, what do you recommend?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

What equipment is in your kit now? What is your clientele? Why do you feel you more that Blackmagic? You are a photographer, lenses should be your forte, yes?
 
Thanks guys, especially Halsell for your usefull information :laugh:

Looks like i need to make myself a little more clear.
Im not new to cinematography, i got ten years experience with it, but more on a 10% vs 90% stills scale, but no experience with RED or other gear that cost a fortune, so heres where i need some guidance, as its not as simple as buying a 5D, with a lens, battery and a memory card, theres so much more complex components, so i need advice on a starter package here.

I already got the clients, i just need to know what to buy.
Im mostly shooting with gyro rigs, and mostly from aerial platforms (90% helicopters) keywords, Shotover, Movi.
I got the the whole range of Canon SLR lenses, but they are not very useful in terms of focusing, using follow focus etc. I may be able to use some of the primes, but i assume a dedicated the cinema lens is the way to go.
How much do i have to expect spending on a Red "starter" package, and what components do i minimum need to have a turnkey system?
 
Chris Dahl said:
Thanks guys, especially Halsell for your usefull information :laugh:

Looks like i need to make myself a little more clear.
Im not new to cinematography, i got ten years experience with it, but more on a 10% vs 90% stills scale, but no experience with RED or other gear that cost a fortune, so heres where i need some guidance, as its not as simple as buying a 5D, with a lens, battery and a memory card, theres so much more complex components, so i need advice on a starter package here.

I already got the clients, i just need to know what to buy.
Im mostly shooting with gyro rigs, and mostly from aerial platforms (90% helicopters) keywords, Shotover, Movi.
I got the the whole range of Canon SLR lenses, but they are not very useful in terms of focusing, using follow focus etc. I may be able to use some of the primes, but i assume a dedicated the cinema lens is the way to go.
How much do i have to expect spending on a Red "starter" package, and what components do i minimum need to have a turnkey system?
Click to expand...

Thanks. Now we have traction.
 
Chris Dahl said:
Cant wait to hear your suggestions then...
Click to expand...

Early disclaimer.

1) RED does indeed provide the most flexible and versatile motion capture devices.
2) RED has recently released a new lineup of Digital and Motion Stills Camera that meet low weight applications.
3) Current delivery status is delayed depending on model.

That being said. I'm not going save you the hard work required to make your own risk analysis/business decision. That would be no fun. But here are some ownership considerations to mindful of. Most of the digital film/cine cameras are generally sold piecemeal. Body, lenses, media, power, knobs, handles, lens mounts, etc., are selectable based on your production needs. Most are available from the camera manufacturer, others 3rd party.

Within the acquisition space are other players: ARRI, RED, Canon, Sony, Panasonic, Blackmagic. Sizes, weight, form factors vary. All are adequate, but not created equal. Each offer a different value proposition. Many of the tools are geared toward Hollywood, narrative style of production. So there are lot more moving parts to get a system geared up for shooting.

Workflow considerations, RAW?, 4K? Run and gun style shooting with limited lighting? High frame rates? Handheld, shoulder or sticks?

Post costs, processing power? Storage, archive cost depending on format?

Each of the important camera vendors generally have facility that you can visit to review their products. Also, renting a camera usually will answer any outstanding questions about the quality, usability or overall fit. So that you don't have to make an important purchase decision based on online casual reviews.

Consideration are many, and there is no upper limit on what can be spent in behalf of the craft. Sorry I my earlier post was crass. But the smart approach is create a short of list priority-bullet points (must haves, nice to haves, not necessary), including cost, to help narrow the decision making.

Pretty much the same process as buying a car. Big, expensive, long term purchase, with hidden ownship costs. Good luck
 
Thanks!
I know theres no simple answer to this question, thats why i turned to this forum.

Workflow; 4k, yes, no point of investing in less now, fps, min 60, nice to have more, but not important, mostly daylight on gyro rigs, handheld and mounted in helis, cars and boats, keyword action filled.
Processing power, storage and archive, i will get what it takes.

Like you say, i can visit a shop, but then i most likely only get a perspective from a salesmans point, and not the true honest opinion.

What is the biggest difference between Red and Alexa, is it just a matter of taste? Price wise they are pretty much the same + -?
 
And heres my latest work, so youll get a hint of what i will be doing.
I used a Movi rig here, doesnt work very well in helis, camera is a BMPCC, lens Sigma 24mm 1.4
https://vimeo.com/165787625
 
I dont understand your question dude.
I know nothing about your experience or background with filming, or if you even make a living out of photography, but your whimsical attitude is not very friendly and quite honestly, a little provoking.
I came here to humbly seek information from professionals, not to get denigrate by arrogant besserwissers, i guess your flaming is to cover up the fact that you cannot answer my questions, i hope you not represent the typical member in here, cause its not very welcoming.
 
Chris Dahl said:
I dont understand your question dude.
I know nothing about your experience or background with filming, or if you even make a living out of photography, but your whimsical attitude is not very friendly and quite honestly, a little provoking.
I came here to humbly seek information from professionals, not to get denigrate by arrogant besserwissers, i guess your flaming is to cover up the fact that you cannot answer my questions, i hope you not represent the typical member in here, cause its not very welcoming.
Click to expand...

Not trying to antagonize you. The group here is very helpful. We get a number of drive bys. If your request is genuine stay the course. Your questions will get answered. You seem to have a pretty complete body of work+Vimeo curator. Generally creative professions overlap. At face value, freshman, No clue. Just curious how you avoided hearing or knowing about other professional tools.
 
Terry VerHaar said:
+1 Oh, by the way, let me post my reel! lol
Click to expand...

My reel? Its a group with allot of members sharing their work, not my work, fancy pants.
You guys really have too much time on your hands the way you sit here and just being arrogant, i wonder if your talents is as big as your mouth, usually its a compensation for other things ;)
I will not waste more time here...
 
Chris Dahl said:
Hi guys, this is my first post here.
Im green as a cucumber to RED, but im a professional photographer slowly transcending to moving pictures, and want more than a Blackmagic camera, partly cause of the clients demand and expectations (ill share my plans later) but i have NO clue on what to buy and what i need, so all tips are welcome.
First, why do i buy RED and Not Arri? Is it just a matter of taste, or is it also a matter of cost?

What do i minimum need as a starter pack, if i want something in the range of roughly 24 to 2-300mm? If i only want to start with one lens, what do you recommend?

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

The first question you'll need to ask is what is your budget for a complete camera kit. The additional concept of lenses is another expense.

At the moment there are RED Weapon, Scarlet-W, and Raven camera bodies in the DSMC2 lineup and the Epic and Scarlet Dragon bodies from the previous generation of DSMC.

Scarlet-W and Raven are fairly back ordered at the moment. Weapon is less so.

The questions from there are do you want a 6K, 5K, or 4.5K digital cinema camera in terms of captured resolution. 8K is another question, but that's further away for new orders and a higher budget proposition.

Whatever you choose, I'd recommend 4 MINI-MAGs as that's pretty standard for most kits. If you're on a budget, go with 2. I'd recommend 512GB if you're starting out and can afford them.

24-300mm is a pretty broad focal length range and not something you get in one lens unless you're going to spend about $90K on a Angie zoom.

If it were me considering a Weapon today I'd run with that and perhaps the Zeiss 28-80 T2.9 Compact Zoom. Decent range and a lot of bang for your buck.

If you're looking to kit out with primes, there's a lot of options. Zeiss CP.2s, Canon CN-Es, Schneider Xenon-FFs, etc....
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top