Scarlet Questions

[Steve Gibby]

Two things I wonder about on the fixed lens version: Will it have auto focus and will it have optical image stabilizer?

All things are subject to change, but this comment from Jarred on RED User, and other indications for RED Team, are that there will be selectable auto focus on the fixed lens Scarlet:

"And on the fixed 8x lens.. remember the ring on the lens is electronic. Which means you can program it to control focus. or iris. or zoom. Some people might want to touch focus or auto focus and use that ring for zoom control. Some might not. The choice is yours."

Jarred
11-4-09

As for optical image stabilization being on the fixed lens Scarlet, I don't remember seeing any confirmation of that - but personally it would highly surprise me if it wasn't a feature of the camera.

 

[Steve Gibby]

Also get nice sharp picture with run and gun style from interchangable model will be very hard, because you must continualy focus and its not easy for us unexperiendced ones. This is not your usual user friendly autofocusing camcorder anymore. This is where the real filmaking starts.

Many users of RED One have been getting nice sharp footage using RED One in lightweight run n' gun setups, using Nikon lenses, no matte boxes (screw-on filters), no FF (hand racking focus), focusing by eye using 1:1 image magnification, and exposing quickly using zebras and histogram. Yes, RED One is a manual camera, but in experienced hands, run n' gun production with the camera is very workable.

Let's remember that with the S35 and FF35 models of Scarlet, beyond the PL mount, we'll have three other mount options - RED mount, Nikon, Canon. All things are subject to change, but RED has previously stated that these mounts will be "smart" mounts, having electronic interfaces, and through them, these new RED cameras will have the ability to control the electronic lenses used on the mounts. With the RED mount, that control should be broad. RED has stated (subject to change) that the new RED Electronic Lenses will feature auto focus and image stabilization. If those lenses have been mentioned as having AF, it follows that the cameras they go on, Scarlet and Epic, will also have user-selectable AF capability. To assume that AF is never used in professional motion media circles is an erroneous assumption. Multi-style shooting, broad skill set, open minded professionals know when to use MF and when to use AF (if its available on the camera they're using).

RED has not answered whether the Nikon and Canon mounts will allow Scarlet (and Epic) to fully utilize the electronic features of the Nikon and Canon lenses. My guess is "Yes" - but that's just a guess. Why put electronic capability in the mounts if it isn't for the purpose of electronically controlling the lenses place on the mount?

With these new cameras I think its obvious there will be a variety of user selectable options for achieving focus - auto, progressive touch screen tracking, and manual. Run n' gun with a S35 or FF Scarlet (or Epic) should be quite a bit easier than with RED One.

 

[Felix van Oost]

So, the November 30th announcement has answered a lot of my questions, but it's raised a few as well.

I've decided I will most probably be going with the 2/3" fixed, seeing as it's actually cheaper than the Interchangable version by quite a margain. I guess I'll just wait until I can afford an S35 or FF35 to use my Nikon lenses then.

So, I will be doing quite a bit of handheld shooting, but I don't see the fixed Scarlet as having any handle or anything to hold it with. It doesn't come with a Side Handle ($950) or a Top or Bottom Handle, and I need some sort of handle for the top as well as from the side like a normal camera. But I don't have $950 to spend on the Side Handle, which apparantly does the same as the RedMote that comes with the package does. So is there any way to hold the Scarlet handheld, and also from the top?

The fixed kit doesn't come with either the Base or Pro I/O Module, but I know that it's not really neccessary and there are a few connections on the brain itself. Obviously the LCD / Viewfinder connector is there, and I found out that you get a 1/8" stereo mini jack for two channels of audio, but what else do you get? USB? HDMI?

To me, it looks like the Side CF Module is actually intergrated into the brain itself. I would just like to confirm whether it is actually removable, and whether I could put it onto an S35 or FF35 brain later down the line?

I've also had trouble finding the estimated weight of the package, and this is neccessary to help me determine if my current tripod head will suit the Scarlet. Does anyone have a rough weight estimate for me?

And lastly, has any information been released regarding lens specs for the 8x fixed? What are the focal lengths and f-/t-stops ratings?

 

[Juhan Malmstein]

The camera will have a hole bunch of threaded holes in it for accessories, if you don't have the $$$ to buy RED or any other professional handles then head to your nearest construction shop and do it yourself. A handle with two holes and two correct screws is something every 15 year old kid should be able to knock together for max 50$

If you used the search function you'd know that it's been stated a million times that the side cf module IS removable.

 

[Dave Barak]

if you used the search function you'd know that it's been stated a million times that the side cf module is removable.

 

[J Hall]

ok. so i'm a complete newb and i am stoked about getting into film and directing. the reason that i'm loking for a scarlet setup is because i believe that your tools should limit you as little as possible as you learn any new craft. and obviously as you can see fro th Red One, the sky is the limit. i don't wanna shoot documentaries, family get-togethers ect. i want to shoot MOVIES, TV pilots/shows. period. i was eying the canon 5d and the 1d mark 4 but i just can't pull the trigger from things i've seen done with them. don't get me wrong the can handle indie films in the right hands but Steven Spielberg couldn't garner real movies or TV out of them. VDSLRS are good for weddings, indies, music videos and commercials but that's it. having said all that, my questions to you good, knowledgeable people are:

is 2/3 fixed scarlet worth my time? what's a good estated max that a ready to shoot, with all the modules, ff35 setup cost me? am i better off just spending 30k on a red one setup? if i could care less about shooting in 3k or 4k and 1080 is fine for now, what's an acceptable mac setup? the new quad imacs or does it have to be a macpro set up to even get some editing done?

 

[Felix van Oost]

OK so instead of starting a new thread I decided to post in this one. I noticed on the price list there's a Scarlet Base Plate, for $500. Does this mean that the Scarlet brain won't have a female tripod screw underneath it, and I have to buy the base plate just to mount the Scarlet on my tripod? I don't care about a rail support system for now so if the base plate is just for that then I won't need it.

heavyonline, your questions are very vague. Define 'ready to shoot' - everyone has different needs and applications for their cameras so we can't choose that for you. And why buy a Red One? That was the old model - the Scarlet and Epic are the new models.

 

[Cedric Akins]

No Felix I think it will still have the 1/4"-20 threaded screw hole on the bottom of the camera.

 

[Ryan M.]

Here is a question for you, and pardon me if this has been talked about, as a search turned up nothing:

So with the Scarlet Fixed kit, does the LCD that comes with it include the mounting hardware? I know it may sound obvious, but I just want to be sure as I'm beginning to assemble a budget for this kit. Thank you all in advance for your input.