Scarlet Step by Step...

[Eric Santiago]

What are the purchasing steps to get a Scarlet up and running with very minimal budget?
1. Scarlet-X w/Side SSD
2. RED Armor
3. 48GB SSD (like I said minimal budget, I am so glad this was released)
4.
5.
6.

I stopped at six since I know this can go on forever.
No plans of any major shoots till I get past the 12th step

 

[Dominick Pietrzak]

If you're going with 48GB SSDs, I would get at least two of them. You'll fill them up quickly and you'll want to be able to shoot and offload quickly.

I'm guessing your Scarlet came with a mount, or you got the super duper deal with the Al Canon Mount.

5" Touch LCD: you'll definitely want this for ease of navigation through the menus.

As for power, that'll be a big expense either way you go - RedVolts or bricks. I have RedVolts and a Quad Module, but at this point I think I would recommend getting a Red Brick power pack and a DSMC belt clip. Down the line you could get a complete back mounting solution.

Maybe a couple of RedVolts if you decide to use the side handle. It's a great way to hold the camera and the smallest shootable battery solution.

Love my top handle, always use it to pick the camera up so maybe that with a swat rail. You can attach the 5" Touch LCD to the top handle. Very cool solution.

 

[Jacek Zakowicz]

Eric,
no offense, but don't you think it's a bit odd to buy a camera worth as much as a car not even knowing what you need to get it operational?

 

[PatrickFaith]

5" Touch LCD: you'll definitely want this for ease of navigation through the menus.

I'd agree on the Touch LCD, especially if your just starting out (trying to do the initial configuration with only hdmi and with a combination of sidehandle/redmote is just way too tricky).

So my recommendation: Scarlet AL Canon mount with side SSD, redarmor, 48 gig SSD, 5" touchpad.

On both of my scarlets i got redarmor, so i agree with you that it is mandatory. I use the Scarlet AC power 90% of the time, it's real good ... BUT the next "optional" thing in my mind is the side handle & three batteries & charger. I btw don't have a side handle nor a touchscreen on my 2nd camera, but i'm 95% studio shooting so is less useful.

 

[Lee Saxon]

Eric,
no offense, but don't you think it's a bit odd to buy a camera worth as much as a car not even knowing what you need to get it operational?

Nah, there are zillions of configurations for this camera. Hard to know which is most cost effective.

 

[Eric Santiago]

Eric,
no offense, but don't you think it's a bit odd to buy a camera worth as much as a car not even knowing what you need to get it operational?

none taken.
its a question of what experienced users can do with for now due to certain circumstances.
my experience is with the RED MX and that was daunting as far as parts go.
since the cost was no more than a 2006 Honda Civic, its safe to say that Im just asking if I need winter tires

 

[Eric Santiago]

Nah, there are zillions of configurations for this camera. Hard to know which is most cost effective.

Indeed, and overwhelming.
But I do have a few lists created for certain shoots and its long.
My question was to the folks that got into this with some experience and how they coped with the parts trickling in from orders.
When we got our RED MX order, it spanned across almost 2 years but only due to the BOMB EVF (good times...too soon?).

Thanks Lee for the support .

 

[Eric Santiago]

I'd agree on the Touch LCD, especially if your just starting out (trying to do the initial configuration with only hdmi and with a combination of sidehandle/redmote is just way too tricky).

So my recommendation: Scarlet AL Canon mount with side SSD, redarmor, 48 gig SSD, 5" touchpad.

On both of my scarlets i got redarmor, so i agree with you that it is mandatory. I use the Scarlet AC power 90% of the time, it's real good ... BUT the next "optional" thing in my mind is the side handle & three batteries & charger. I btw don't have a side handle nor a touchscreen on my 2nd camera, but i'm 95% studio shooting so is less useful.

Thanks Patrick. Its looking more that way and def two to three 48GB SSD to start with.
For now it will have to be AC since Im still toying with other types of Power.

 

[Eric Santiago]

I forgot to mention that this was just the RED Scarlet list.
There is another e.g sticks, glass, cases, rigs, etc...
I come to REDUser for expertise and knowledge.
Nothing else.

 

[brian leisring]

I would say the 5" touch or picking up a used 5.6" and a side handle, 3x 48GB ssd's, and if it's in the budget a 4 pack of redvolts with the sidehandle for when you can't be on AC power would be the leanest kit that I would go for.

 

[Colter Ripley]

Yeah I think it's a good idea to do some research. Check out what the camera comes with and what you need.

Camera, lens mount, lenses, cards, reader, monitor, batteries.

Then go to woooden cammera and buy a couple things there. (purposely spelt wrong)

Done.

 

[Nick Mahar]

I think it really depends on what you mean up and running and for doing what? If you want to be shooting on any location you will need batteries. The bricks are the best choice because the batteries for the side handle last 20-30 minutes. Just get the adapter stuff from wooden camera and decide which battery option is best for you. I use RED Bricks and i love the. Like others have said, if your getting a 48GB card get a second one. It was difficult enough to shoot with only 1 64gb and a 48 is even worse. Touch is definitely needed. I recommend the side handle because its soo much faster but not needed.

 

[Nick Mahar]

I also agree that maybe you should wait until you have more money or something before diving into this. It's a lot more expensive than it seems and i'm not sure if you could really say there is a "cheap" way.

 

[Eric Santiago]

I also agree that maybe you should wait until you have more money or something before diving into this. It's a lot more expensive than it seems and i'm not sure if you could really say there is a "cheap" way.

Thanks Nick, I def have been planning this carefully.
From my experience, there is no cheap way.
I spent 3 months planning for a different camera and looking at all aspects and have learned that cheap is not always the best way to go.
Sadly (or not), I cancelled that camera due to its vapor ware like aura.

 

[Eric Santiago]

I would say the 5" touch or picking up a used 5.6" and a side handle, 3x 48GB ssd's, and if it's in the budget a 4 pack of redvolts with the sidehandle for when you can't be on AC power would be the leanest kit that I would go for.

I am getting mixed results from the Side Handle from different users, but its on the second purchase wave along with the REDVOLT 4-pack and charger.
I wont be doing any run and gun for awhile.
Planning on using the camera in a studio situation for at least a two-weeks once it arrives.

 

[Eric Santiago]

Thanks everyone for being patient with my questions.
I got what I need and it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be.
Hopefully I can return the favor in the near future to all who contributed.

Much appreciated.

 

[Wil Wong]

Hi Eric,

I started the same way and am slowly getting above the basics. Here's what I recommend:

1. MUST GET (which you probably already figured out):
- Brain (obviously) with power adapter and AL canon or nikon mount (depending on what lenses you have)
- SSD Side Module
- 5 inch Touch Monitor
- Canon type lense (cheaper than PL types)

2. Cheapest basic additions (get more depending on funding):
- 1 RED VOLT, side handle and 1 charger
- 1 SSD 48gb (more or larger if possible)

3. Lo "Not NO" budget additions:
- V-mount batteries with plate or red bricks
- The extended warranty

Anything else is more then helpful but the above will get you going. The good thing about starting basic is that you can atleast start. Start renting, start shooting, start learning. As long as you use it and it doesn't become an expensive work of art, going slow is not a bad thing cause you can take time to plan what works for you and not overspend on goodies that aren't right to your style.

As an MX owner, you'll soon know what you need after using it.

 

[Eric Santiago]

...The good thing about starting basic is that you can atleast start. Start renting, start shooting, start learning. As long as you use it and it doesn't become an expensive work of art, going slow is not a bad thing cause you can take time to plan what works for you and not overspend on goodies that aren't right to your style...

Wow just about to get some shut eyes and read this post.
Thanks Wil, now I can sleep better

 

[Jeffrey Loewe]

What are the purchasing steps to get a Scarlet up and running with very minimal budget?
1. Scarlet-X w/Side SSD
2. RED Armor
3. 48GB SSD (like I said minimal budget, I am so glad this was released)
4.
5.
6.

I stopped at six since I know this can go on forever.
No plans of any major shoots till I get past the 12th step

Well...

Considering where you started... And i'm not sure of your lens situation, but i'm assuming you own a few....

1. Scarlet-X w/Side SSD (I'm assuming this came with a Canon mount?)
2. RED Armor (This is smart, but honestly I'd skip this and get insurance, thats just me though, It's probably smart to get, with that said I'd replace it with) 128GB SSD
3. 48GB SSD (like I said minimal budget, I am so glad this was released)
4. 5" Touch-Screen
5. Viewfactor or WC V-Mount plate, so you can use your camera outside of AC power.
6. 2 V mount batteries and a Charger should get you by pretty well....

And sorry if this is more expensive than your thinking but I just don't think it's wise to buy this camera unless you can atleast make it rent able or shootable on a production. It's an investment, the biggest I've made in myself and in general. But that is a relatively cheap build up with all things considered. Don't get me wrong I love the camera, it creates beautiful images, I just really suggest you take the time to invest in making it usable for a day before the purchase...even if you have to save a few extra weeks or take a few crappier jobs.

You'll thank yourself.

 

[Jarek Zabczynski]

2. Cheapest basic additions (get more depending on funding):
- 1 RED VOLT, side handle and 1 charger

LOL...I dunno if you could even get through a black shade with that. A better option would just be the AC adapter and long extension cords!