Scarlet Configuration

[Mark Petereit]

OK, I've been following the RED forums ever since the Scarlet was first announced. With the inclusion of HDRx, I'm moving from "gee it'd be nice" to "seriously considering".

I'm the media director at my church. We're currently shooting video with three stick-mounted JVC GY-HD250U cameras. I'd like to start specing out Scarlets to replace the 250s, keeping the same general physical configuration (since that's what my camera operators are used to).

Here's is how my 250's are currently configured:

Lens: stock 16x Fujinon servo zoom (could use a bit longer lens)
EVF: SmallHD DP1 on Manfrotto flex arm, connected to component HD out on camera
Manfrotto 519 head on tripods w/75mm bowl.
Dual pan handles with Varizoom remote focus and zoom.
HD-SDI from JVC to Panasonic AV-300G switcher

So with a Scarlet brain, what lens would I need to get me the same (or better) magnification. Could I still use my SmallHD DP1 for an EVF? What remote zoom/focus controllers? Also need the I/O module to get HD-SDI to the board.

What would be the total cost for a Scarlet system in that configuration?

Thanks for any/all info!

Mark Petereit
Florence, South Carolina

 

[Mark Petereit]

Since posting my question, I had another thought: does it even make sense to use a Scarlet in a live broadcast environment? (i.e. a Lamborghini is nice, but it doesn't haul much horse feed.)

 

[Eric Lagerlof]

Mark, I get your concerns. While I'm looking at the Scarlet fixed primarily for EFP, I would like to be able to fold it into a multi-cam configurtion from time to time.

I'm not sure if the zoom controls ramp smoothly, either with the fixed (and the RedMote), or the zoom lenses with the other 2/3" Scarlet lenses like they would on say, a Fujinon zoom.

Color matching, i.e. 'painting' cameras, how to do that.

Remote camera/iris control? Can the Redmote truly function like a CCU from a distance?

Linking up with 3rd party gear? Focus and zoom controllers, HD/SDI to fiber runs, tally functions etc., etc.?

Should be interesting to see if any manufacturers decide to pick up on this kind of niche market at an affordable price. I doubt if Red itself will be too interested in this market, but you never know.

 

[David Rasberry]

Since posting my question, I had another thought: does it even make sense to use a Scarlet in a live broadcast environment? (i.e. a Lamborghini is nice, but it doesn't haul much horse feed.)

Smart question. To fit a Scarlet out with HDSDI output, Genlock, timecode, and a decent B4 HD servo zoom with the focal lengths you are likely to need is going to put it in a price category with something like the Sony PMW-350 2/3" camera anyway, about $20k. Scarlet can certainly be used for these kinds of apps, but may not be the most efficient choice for what you need.

 

[Eric Lagerlof]

Unless you are going to iso record each camera at the camera, timecode would be irrelevant. And genlock is nice, but most switchers frame buffer these days anyway and don't require genlock, although many inexpensive switchers only handle up to 1080i, not 1080p. The focus controllers are determined by the lens make, as is the zoom controller. (I'm not sure that the Red camera has the port to power the lens?) But the HD/SDI module, definately a must.
In the end though, I see the Scarlet's advantages for me as an EFP camera. If I was mostly/always using the camera as part of a multi-cam system, I think I would go with a more traditional approach.

 

[rod bradley]

I would second Eric and David's thoughts. I doubt even the HDRx would be necessary or find much application -- although you know what you shoot, not me. Still, it seems probably not the most efficient tool for your application.