Shooting in high temperatures with Red?

[Michael McNeff]

Hi,

I'm planning to shoot with the Red at the end of April in a village 5 hours east of Mumbai. I'm expecting the temperature to be around 104 degrees fahrenheit.

Has anyone shot with the Red in that kind of heat? Under those conditions, will the Red overheat? If so, what can I do to prevent the Red from overheating?

Thanks,
Michael

 

[Dylan Macleod CSC]

Hi,

I'm planning to shoot with the Red at the end of April in a village 5 hours east of Mumbai. I'm expecting the temperature to be around 104 degrees fahrenheit.

Has anyone shot with the Red in that kind of heat? Under those conditions, will the Red overheat? If so, what can I do to prevent the Red from overheating?

Thanks,
Michael

I have shot in hot conditions with the RED. Don't know exact temperatures - but Africa and Chile. The main thing I'd suggest is simply keeping the sun off the black camera body. Our easy solution was a small - light - white towel over the body, when we couldn't cover it with some shade. The sun heating up the body is probably your biggest enemy. 100 degrees ambient temperature shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Alexander Ibrahim]

My experience is that different RED One's react differently. Some are very sensitive, others can be tanks.

With most cameras on a narrative set, it will be perfectly fine if you follow Dylan's suggestions.

If you are shooting continuously, for example documentary style, it will get hotter and be more of an issue.

Additionally I try to order an extra 4x4 floppy and stand to shade the camera. Also get the DIT a nice spacious work area (i.e. order a big tent or give them a larger room) and a fan so you have a place to take the camera when its idle.

I would keep a rain cover and ice at hand at least your first day. I prefer dry ice, but any ice will do. If you make it through the first day in the heat, you can probably relax on this measure.

I've only had to actively cool a Red One three times, but its just easier to be prepared just in case as opposed to being caught and having to wait until it cools naturally or someone can get you some cooling system.

If your camera is in danger of overheating, and definitely if it has overheated, you should perform a new black shading.

One last note ... its important to make sure the fans are clear of obstructions and have good airflow. Keep the fans and vents dusted and don't cover them. Make sure the camera is set up so the fan runs at high speed when not recording.

You may also want to dump data a bit more often if you are using Red Drive. Red Ram or CF cards, and I assume SSD, are not going to be bothered by heat.

I should clarify ... the camera is not some wilting flower. You need to keep an eye on it, and these measures should keep you safe all day, and more than prepared for the worst.