Michael Olsen
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Hello all!
I'm very new to these forums and to cameras in general. Needless to say, this is a fantastic place to learn - the number of industry professionals on here blows me away. And the way the RED team interacts with its customers, both existing and prospective should really be a model for other companies.
However, as a newcomer, it can certainly be overwhelming. I quickly realized that I needed some help if I were to remember anything I read on here. So, I started writing down what seemed to be important key points as I browsed around and read through discussions.
After reading some of the posts here in the Scarlet section, I figured I might be able to save some people some time by offering my notes. They are not at all inclusive - there's nothing here about how to change lens mounts, how to achieve 35mm DOF on a 2/3" sensor, or even what the difference is between an f stop and a T stop (which is not to say that there couldn't be in the future...). But it does summarize a lot of the basic questions I had about the camera system. It's certainly not written in stone and, while I've checked with a few knowledgeable individuals privately about its accuracy, I understand it may need some changes. Indeed, I hope this post can become a sort of "living document" as new topics of discussion are brought up and as system specs are altered and announced.
If you see something wrong or see something you'd like added (or removed) just say so in the thread or by PM. I'll get it taken care of ASAP.
:shocked:
WARNING:
This is speculative information about products that are still unavailable. The information below may not apply to the final product.
What is Scarlet?
The RED Scarlet is a part of the Digital Still and Motion Camera (DSMC) system. It is a video camera that also takes high quality still images.
What variations are planned for Scarlet?
RED has announced four variations.
What do the 2/3", S35, and FF35 mean?
These designations refer to the physical size of the optical sensors in the cameras, measured from one corner to another. S35 relates to the size of Super 35mm film, and FF35 relates to Full-Frame 35mm film.
What does the size of the sensor matter?
The sensor is essentially the camera's eye. In general, as sensor sizes increase, image size and detail increases.
Also, the size of the sensor impacts how a final image will be reproduced when using certain lenses. For example, using a lens designed for a 35mm film camera on the 2/3" Scarlet will result in significant cropping. The image recorded will only be the middle center section of what the lens is transmitting because the 2/3" sensor is smaller than that of a 35mm camera. This is akin to looking at a page of text through a paper towel tube and then a straw. The paper towel tube allows you to see more of the text - whole words, likely. The straw shows the same image (there has been no zooming in or out), simply a smaller version of it - letters instead of words.
Some cameras have a system of sensors known as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) in which the light entering the camera from the lens is split by a prism into the red, green, and blue spectrums, each of which hits a separate sensor. The camera's software then compiles the three images into a single full-color image which is then recorded.
Other cameras, like the RED lineup, use a single complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) sensor which "sees" all three colors of light in a "Bayer pattern" - one red, one green, one blue, one green, and so on -and records them on all on one chip.
Why CMOS instead of CCD?
CMOS provides a number of advantages over CCD technology, but also has drawbacks of its own.
So what's the difference between all the models?
Mostly a combination of sensor sizes, resolution options, and frames per second (fps) options.
The fixed and cinema Scarlets have essentially the same technical capabilities.
The S35 and FF35 are also very similar.
The 2/3" and S35 cameras used the Mysterium-X sensor, the second generation of sensors. The FF35 will use the Mysterium Monstro sensor, the third generation of sensors. (The Mysterium sensors are the first generation and are currently in use in the RED ONE camera.)
What's this about a fixed lens? Can I take it off and use a different lens on it if I wanted to? Or use the fixed lens on a different camera?
The 2/3" fixed lens camera has a fixed lens. It cannot be removed. You cannot take it off to replace it with another, or to use it on another camera. From the, erm, fingers of Jim Jannard:
In other words, no. If you buy the fixed-lens camera you cannot ever remove the lens in any way in order to attach another lens. It may be possible to use an adapter, as with the Panasonic HVX series, but the 8x zoom lens will always be attached to the brain. Forever.
What is REDCODE and what does the number next to it mean?
REDCODE is the "magic sauce" that allows the cameras to record extremely large RAW files into a relatively small space. Essentially, it is a form of compression used to let the camera record so many high quality images in a relatively short amount of time and using a relatively small amount of space.
The numbers currently relate to the data transfer rate of the format, but will eventually have a different contextualization. While we are unsure of what, it is likely higher numbers will generally equate to higher picture quality.
There has been a lot of mention of interchangable lenses. Will I be able to use leses from other manufacturers with my camera?
If you are talking about the fixed lens 2/3" Scarlet, then no. You will not be able to use any other lens, as the original lens is permenantly attached to the body.
If you are talking about any other camera, then yes. The RED cameras offer a very simple solution for changing lens mounts:
What manufacturer's lenses will I be able to use?
There are a number of solutions produced by RED directly and by third parties that let you use other mounts.
B4
BNC-R
C-Mount
Canon EF
Canon FD
Contax/Yashica
Leica M
Leica R
mini-RED
Nikon
OCT-19
Panavision
PL
RED-Mount
So I can use any zoom from those companies on my Scarlet?
Yes, with one exception. If the zoom you are planning on using is made for a multiple (i.e. 3) CCD sensor array it will have a prism in it that breaks the light up into their component red, blue, and green colors. This is not compatible with a CMOS sensor like the Scarlet uses, which records all the colors one one sensor, and would require a special adapter.
Does the 2/3" fixed lens "complete kit" use standard RED accessories?
We really don't know. It is possible that some of the accessories that will make up the "complete kit" will be standard accessories, while others are "built in" to the larger brain. It is possible that, aside from the lens, all of the accessories will be offered off the shelf. And it's possible that nothing about the camera is available for use on other cameras (though, in keeping with the modular concept, this last idea seems unlikely).
I like/need Autofocus (AF). What RED lenses will have AF?
We currently only know that the fixed zoom lens on the 2/3" Scarlet and the FF35 lenses will feature AF.
What focal lengths will the 2/3" fixed zoom provide?
It is known only as an "8x" lens - the actual focal lengths are unknown.
I'm very new to these forums and to cameras in general. Needless to say, this is a fantastic place to learn - the number of industry professionals on here blows me away. And the way the RED team interacts with its customers, both existing and prospective should really be a model for other companies.
However, as a newcomer, it can certainly be overwhelming. I quickly realized that I needed some help if I were to remember anything I read on here. So, I started writing down what seemed to be important key points as I browsed around and read through discussions.
After reading some of the posts here in the Scarlet section, I figured I might be able to save some people some time by offering my notes. They are not at all inclusive - there's nothing here about how to change lens mounts, how to achieve 35mm DOF on a 2/3" sensor, or even what the difference is between an f stop and a T stop (which is not to say that there couldn't be in the future...). But it does summarize a lot of the basic questions I had about the camera system. It's certainly not written in stone and, while I've checked with a few knowledgeable individuals privately about its accuracy, I understand it may need some changes. Indeed, I hope this post can become a sort of "living document" as new topics of discussion are brought up and as system specs are altered and announced.
If you see something wrong or see something you'd like added (or removed) just say so in the thread or by PM. I'll get it taken care of ASAP.
:shocked:
WARNING:
This is speculative information about products that are still unavailable. The information below may not apply to the final product.
What is Scarlet?
The RED Scarlet is a part of the Digital Still and Motion Camera (DSMC) system. It is a video camera that also takes high quality still images.
What variations are planned for Scarlet?
RED has announced four variations.
- 2/3" sensor fixed lens camera
- 2/3" sensor interchangable lens camera (referred to as the "Cinema" from now on)
- Super 35 (S35) sensor interchangable lens camera
- Full Frame 35 (FF35) interchangable lens camera.
What do the 2/3", S35, and FF35 mean?
These designations refer to the physical size of the optical sensors in the cameras, measured from one corner to another. S35 relates to the size of Super 35mm film, and FF35 relates to Full-Frame 35mm film.
- 2/3" - 10.1mm x 5.35mm
- S35 - 30mm x 15mm
- FF35 - 36mm x 24mm
What does the size of the sensor matter?
The sensor is essentially the camera's eye. In general, as sensor sizes increase, image size and detail increases.
Also, the size of the sensor impacts how a final image will be reproduced when using certain lenses. For example, using a lens designed for a 35mm film camera on the 2/3" Scarlet will result in significant cropping. The image recorded will only be the middle center section of what the lens is transmitting because the 2/3" sensor is smaller than that of a 35mm camera. This is akin to looking at a page of text through a paper towel tube and then a straw. The paper towel tube allows you to see more of the text - whole words, likely. The straw shows the same image (there has been no zooming in or out), simply a smaller version of it - letters instead of words.
Some cameras have a system of sensors known as charge-coupled devices (CCDs) in which the light entering the camera from the lens is split by a prism into the red, green, and blue spectrums, each of which hits a separate sensor. The camera's software then compiles the three images into a single full-color image which is then recorded.
Other cameras, like the RED lineup, use a single complementary metal–oxide–semiconductor (CMOS) sensor which "sees" all three colors of light in a "Bayer pattern" - one red, one green, one blue, one green, and so on -and records them on all on one chip.
Why CMOS instead of CCD?
CMOS provides a number of advantages over CCD technology, but also has drawbacks of its own.
So what's the difference between all the models?
Mostly a combination of sensor sizes, resolution options, and frames per second (fps) options.
The fixed and cinema Scarlets have essentially the same technical capabilities.
- They can shoot 3K (3072x1728) RAW up to 120 fps or Full Frame 1080p RGB up to 30 fps.
- They offer 16:9, 2:1, and 2.4:1 aspect ratios.
- Both provide for Time Lapse and Ramping (changing frames per second on the fly).
- Both use REDCODE 42 to encode.
The S35 and FF35 are also very similar.
- They both shoot FF1080P up to 30 fps, 2K (2048x1152) up to 72 fps, and QuadHD (3840x2160) and 4K (4096x2304) up to 30fps. However, the S35 may shoot 5K (5120x2880) at 30 fps, while the FF35 may shoot 6K (6144x3456) at 30 fps.
- They offer 16:9, 2:1, 2.4:1, and custom aspect ratios.
- Both provide Time Lapse.
- The S35 uses REDCODE 80, the FF35 uses REDCODE 100.
The 2/3" and S35 cameras used the Mysterium-X sensor, the second generation of sensors. The FF35 will use the Mysterium Monstro sensor, the third generation of sensors. (The Mysterium sensors are the first generation and are currently in use in the RED ONE camera.)
What's this about a fixed lens? Can I take it off and use a different lens on it if I wanted to? Or use the fixed lens on a different camera?
The 2/3" fixed lens camera has a fixed lens. It cannot be removed. You cannot take it off to replace it with another, or to use it on another camera. From the, erm, fingers of Jim Jannard:
In other words, no. If you buy the fixed-lens camera you cannot ever remove the lens in any way in order to attach another lens. It may be possible to use an adapter, as with the Panasonic HVX series, but the 8x zoom lens will always be attached to the brain. Forever.
What is REDCODE and what does the number next to it mean?
REDCODE is the "magic sauce" that allows the cameras to record extremely large RAW files into a relatively small space. Essentially, it is a form of compression used to let the camera record so many high quality images in a relatively short amount of time and using a relatively small amount of space.
The numbers currently relate to the data transfer rate of the format, but will eventually have a different contextualization. While we are unsure of what, it is likely higher numbers will generally equate to higher picture quality.
There has been a lot of mention of interchangable lenses. Will I be able to use leses from other manufacturers with my camera?
If you are talking about the fixed lens 2/3" Scarlet, then no. You will not be able to use any other lens, as the original lens is permenantly attached to the body.
If you are talking about any other camera, then yes. The RED cameras offer a very simple solution for changing lens mounts:
What manufacturer's lenses will I be able to use?
There are a number of solutions produced by RED directly and by third parties that let you use other mounts.
B4
BNC-R
C-Mount
Canon EF
Canon FD
Contax/Yashica
Leica M
Leica R
mini-RED
Nikon
OCT-19
Panavision
PL
RED-Mount
So I can use any zoom from those companies on my Scarlet?
Yes, with one exception. If the zoom you are planning on using is made for a multiple (i.e. 3) CCD sensor array it will have a prism in it that breaks the light up into their component red, blue, and green colors. This is not compatible with a CMOS sensor like the Scarlet uses, which records all the colors one one sensor, and would require a special adapter.
Does the 2/3" fixed lens "complete kit" use standard RED accessories?
We really don't know. It is possible that some of the accessories that will make up the "complete kit" will be standard accessories, while others are "built in" to the larger brain. It is possible that, aside from the lens, all of the accessories will be offered off the shelf. And it's possible that nothing about the camera is available for use on other cameras (though, in keeping with the modular concept, this last idea seems unlikely).
I like/need Autofocus (AF). What RED lenses will have AF?
We currently only know that the fixed zoom lens on the 2/3" Scarlet and the FF35 lenses will feature AF.
What focal lengths will the 2/3" fixed zoom provide?
It is known only as an "8x" lens - the actual focal lengths are unknown.
