Side Handle Functionality

[Ryan Chapman]

I have a few questions about the side handle. I understand Redvolts go in it, but is there an alternate way to battery power the Scarlet? Or do you need the handle just to do that. If so, what's the point of getting the side handle? Just to give a different means to control the camera? I'm basically asking if it is a necessary item, especially since it makes setting up a tactical cage difficult. And does anyone know how much the side handle weighs?

 

[Jason Wietholter]

There are alternative ways to power the Scarlet. One is the included AC Power Adapter, another is the Viewfactor V-Mount battery plate or RED's V-Mount battery belt clip. Currently, the handle is the only way to use REDVOLTS to power the camera, but there will be battery modules coming in the near future that will hold multiple REDVOLTS and allow you to hot-swap those REDVOLTS.

If you aren't using the handle for power, then yes, it is simply a different means of controlling the camera. It gives you a natural handle to hold and a way to control the user interface.

Hope that helps.

 

[Josh Negrin]

newbie question, if I'm getting the side handle would it be beneficial to also have the handle shown in this picture? If so, which handle (in the red store) is it and how does it attach to the scarlet?

 

[Phil Holland]

DSMC Side Handle Provides:
-main unit power via RedVolts
-potential back up power via RedVolts
-an easy access grip on the right side of the camera body, especially useful for handheld shooting
-custom function buttons
-the most compact way to power and operate the camera


@Josh, what you are looking at is the "Outrigger Handle":
http://www.red.com/store/rail-components/product/dsmc-left-handle

In combination with the DSMC Side Handle you can have a very compact rig suitable for handheld work. Almost like a "steering wheel" concept in use. Beyond that, when mounted on sticks or other types of rigs it gives you more ways to grab onto the body for more control.

The Outrigger Handle attaches to the top of the Epic or Scarlet X via 2 of the 5 1/4-20 holes found on top of the camera body near the front. You can also use something like the DSMC Top Plate and mount that to the top of the camera and you'll be able to mount many more accessories on top of that:
http://www.red.com/store/rail-components/product/dsmc-top-plate

Remember that Red components are modular and there are many ways for them to work with each other. There's certainly some common setups, but you could get adventurous and bolt components in any way you really desire.

 

[Ryan Chapman]

Thanks Phil. So are you confirming that it is the only way to supply battery power to the camera?

 

[Phil Holland]

Thanks Phil. So are you confirming that it is the only way to supply battery power to the camera?

Nope. Absolutely not the only way to power the camera via battery. Just the "lightest" way to power the camera via battery.

Red Bricks, V-Mount batteries, etc.... are all viable ways to power Red cameras. Just need the right adapter plate and cable to plug into the body.

 

[Josh Negrin]

thanks phil! That helps alot.

@ryan

There's other threads about Scarlet power, one of which I started called "batteries" here: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?67284-Batteries&highlight=batteries

but you can buy this mount: http://www.viewfactor.net/index.php/products/epic-acc/fmj-top-x-1.html

which goes on the back of your Scarlet, and put what's called a "v-mount" battery on it. Red's own "Red Bricks" are a type of v-mount battery for instance.

Also, that same company (viewfactor) is very close to releasing that same plate, with an AB (Anton Bauer) mount. So, for instance, if you owned a camera of yesteryear that used Anton Bauer batteries, you could use those on your scarlet. My business partner still has his JVC 720 hdv camera that was popular back then, and AB batteries that powered it. So, we're personally chomping at the bit for viewfactor's AB mount for scarlet. Otherwise, we're getting 8 redvolts and two chargers.

 

[Justin Talley]

You can already get the Anton Bauer made Epic plate to use AB batteries for the Epic/Scarlet. It's also cheaper than a lot of the third party options interestingly enough.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/817356-REG/Anton_Bauer_QRC_EPIC_QRC_EPIC_Gold_Mount.html

 

[Trevor Meeks]

You can already get the Anton Bauer made Epic plate to use AB batteries for the Epic/Scarlet. It's also cheaper than a lot of the third party options interestingly enough.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/817356-REG/Anton_Bauer_QRC_EPIC_QRC_EPIC_Gold_Mount.html

It doesn't fit on the back of the epic, it must be rod mounted or bolted to something else. So no, it's not really in the same class as the 3rd party plates like Viewfactor/Brook Willard's design. Useful, yes. But there are better options now.