Scarlet owners- Upgrade or trade-in? Epic-X or Scarlet-D? What say you and WHY?

[Jeff J Daniels]

Has RED announced if the Scarlet -> Epic-X upgrade path will expire at anytime?

I'm hoping to trade in for an Epic soon, but was wondering how long this opportunity will last.

 

[Eric Santiago]

Has RED announced if the Scarlet -> Epic-X upgrade path will expire at anytime?

I'm hoping to trade in for an Epic soon, but was wondering how long this opportunity will last.

Im hoping not till 2020

 

[Josef Gatti]

I was told no promises could be made about deadlines, and that bomb squad reps will find out basically when we do. Maybe it was a great strategy to get me to upgrade early, but hey, I'm loving my epic.

 

[Tom Greenberg]

Has RED announced if the Scarlet -> Epic-X upgrade path will expire at anytime?

I'm hoping to trade in for an Epic soon, but was wondering how long this opportunity will last.

I'm frantically gathering funds for my Epic upgrade, really hoping to be able to swing it by the end of the year, or shortly after that. Here's hoping that RED keeps the trade-in window open for at least 6 months...

 

[Eric Santiago]

Same boat Tom.

I tried to save up that change but Im still lacking parts for my current set-up.

Its a gamble to hold back and save a few bucks here or there.

 

[Ben Scott]

I'm desperately trying to find a gig to cover the upgrade to Epic. Been doing a fair bit of car stuff for MSN and CBS recently and have said that if they block book me for 20days to use whenever they want at Scarlet rates I'll get the Epic immediately and they can have that instead without any extra cost. FPS and compression options currently more important to me than dynamic range which thus far hasn't been a big issue so Epic is my priority, with an eye on Dragon as and when that's a possibility.

They've not taken me up on the offer yet.

 

[Ted Parkes]

I was always very happy with my Scarlet. Was sad to see it go but I do love the added functionality the Epic offers and glad I made the upgrade. I have already signed up for the dragon upgrade for no other reason then to have the added DR and the better noise floor. I don't really see the need for 6K with what I am shooting the MX image at 4K is fantastic let alone the need for 5 or 6K. I think the Scarlet Dragon will be great bang for the buck.

 

[Terry VerHaar]

I am confident (well, at least hopeful) that RED will at least give us fair warning before they pull the plug on the trade-ins and upgrades. Personally, I am aiming for after January 1. *fingers crossed*

 

[Jeremiah Patton]

I'm in the same boat, I think I've decided on the Epic route with the end goal of dragon, but I'm still trying to pull the funding together without sinking all my company's extra cash into an upgrade. I'm crossing those fingers as well!

 

[Mike P.]

I hope they'll let us know how much a standalone/new Scarlet-Dragon will cost (assuming they offer one) before pulling the plug on the upgrade paths. I also hope it's much longer than Jan. 1st. End of 2014 I hope.

 

[Tom Greenberg]

I'm desperately trying to find a gig to cover the upgrade to Epic. Been doing a fair bit of car stuff for MSN and CBS recently and have said that if they block book me for 20days to use whenever they want at Scarlet rates I'll get the Epic immediately and they can have that instead without any extra cost. FPS and compression options currently more important to me than dynamic range which thus far hasn't been a big issue so Epic is my priority, with an eye on Dragon as and when that's a possibility.

They've not taken me up on the offer yet.

Interesting strategy, Ben! I've been thinking about offering clients a day or two of no-charge Epic use (once I receive it), if they will rent the Scarlet package now and help me reach the upgrade sooner.

 

[Adam J. Craig]

I went with the Epic because of a few reasons:
1. I can start making money immediately with EPIC.
2. RED tends to treat Scarlet owners as 2nd class citizens (back of the line in upgrades, features etc..).
3. Forward looking upgrade path. Scarlet-D is the end of the line.
4. Frame rates.

 

[Eric Santiago]

I went with the Epic because of a few reasons:
1. I can start making money immediately with EPIC.
2. RED tends to treat Scarlet owners as 2nd class citizens (back of the line in upgrades, features etc..).
3. Forward looking upgrade path. Scarlet-D is the end of the line.
4. Frame rates.

I agree with some of these but #2 irks me.
I guess if your in a congested market this could be true.
I'm a firm believer that 4K at 24p is still a viable tool

 

[Marcos Montenegro]

So I went ahead and got the Epic-X. It arrived today and I've already took it for a few paces in and around the house. Man! This thing is a beast! I have a smile from ear to ear.

 

[Christian Jadot]

I am definitely going the Scarlet D path.

First and foremost is money and time. I simply do not have it. The Epic-X to Dragon is a limited time offer as well. I could squeeze enough money together for the Scarlet to Epic path, but I do not think I could do the final push from the Epic to Dragon path in time.

Second, the Scarlet X is all I really need. I am using it for narrative artsy fartsy shorts and TV projects. While the Scarlet-X is all I need, those extra frame rates and the dynamic range plus the low light sensitivity of the Scarlet Dragon is the dream indie camera. My Scarlet X was planned to be my last camera I bought, a make it or break it thing. I am glad I have the chance to upgrade.

Third. Money. I am not a production studio or a rental house. I am a hobbyist/artist who happens to get paying gigs now and then. That being said I would rather spend money on lens and lights, tripods and jibs than two upgrades.

Fourth. I think I convinced my employer to purchase an Epic Dragon and kit, which I may borrow time to time if I really need the extra frame rate or 6K.


Just a pet theory of mine, all those Scarlets being turned in to RED for Epics, I am sure they are going to be upgraded to Scarlet Dragon and sold as "Battle Tested." It will be interesting to watch the price on these.

 

[Mike Garrick]

Totally agree Eric 4k @ 24p is still viable ; ) Sony & Arri are only now just getting around to delivering it.

Plus how much Slo - mo does the world really need.....