Weapon questions

[Christoffer Glans]

So I just jumped onto this ship after some turmoil, but I'd like to ask some questions for those with more knowledge and experience with Weapon.

1. Are there anything in the works from Red to replace the quickplate v-lock module with a weapon-compatible one?
2. I have a wood n camera PL mount as a backup (since it was overkill to go with Reds mount when I'm almost never using it due to my EF mount and CN-E lenses). I heard that the first iteration of the Red PL mount isn't gonna work with Weapon, does anyone know if it's the same for the wood n PL? I.e is it possible to check my mount for anything that makes it non-compatible? (If so I need to sell it now)
3. Is there any difference in compression and alike between the MG and the Carbon? (not that I have a choice, but good to know).

 

[Brian F Kobylarz]

Related to #3, some useful information here:

http://www.red.com/products/weapon-dragon#tech-specs

 

[Christoffer Glans]

Related to #3, some useful information here:

http://www.red.com/products/weapon-dragon#tech-specs

It mostly states what compression range is possible, but not at what resolutions and frame rates. Also, as we know, the Weapon handles compression better than Dragon, so is there a difference between Carbon and Magnesium in this regard? Only one I know who tested weapon in detail is Phil.

 

[Tarquin Cardona]

It mostly states what compression range is possible, but not at what resolutions and frame rates. Also, as we know, the Weapon handles compression better than Dragon, so is there a difference between Carbon and Magnesium in this regard? Only one I know who tested weapon in detail is Phil.

It is a reasonable question. But where things matter most to me like the control of CMOS smear, a little more in the blacks, auto black shade etc... I would imagine the cameras are identical. The biggest differentiator I have read is that for now Mg will not do 4K pro rez. Which could change I guess. And that the internal processing is not ready for 8K. You need the extra power for that - and also to handle the 33 LUT. But for Redcine work there should be a nice solid improvement over Dragon. Not breathtaking - but cleans things up nicely.

 

[Akin A]

Also, as we know, the Weapon handles compression better than Dragon, so is there a difference between Carbon and Magnesium in this regard?

Weapon IS a Dragon camera.
Epic Dragon data rate is 200 MB/s. Mg Weapon data rate is 225 MB/s. CF Weapon data rate is 300 MB/s.

Check the DSMC Media Operations Guide for exact compression ratios:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/red_3/downl...ps_Guide/DSMC_Media_Operation_Guide_Rev-P.pdf

Also, Mg Weapon won't be able to handle the 8K Dragon sensor. Only CF Weapon can handle the 8K sensor.

 

[Elsie N]

Weapon IS a Dragon camera.
Epic Dragon data rate is 200 MB/s. Mg Weapon data rate is 225 MB/s. CF Weapon data rate is 300 MB/s.

Check the DSMC Media Operations Guide for exact compression ratios:
http://s3.amazonaws.com/red_3/downl...ps_Guide/DSMC_Media_Operation_Guide_Rev-P.pdf

Also, Mg Weapon won't be able to handle the 8K Dragon sensor. Only CF Weapon can handle the 8K sensor.

What he said.

 

[Fabricio Morato]

Also MG won't have 4k prores (as carbon) only 2k and 60fps max, while carbon will have 120fps in 2k (and 29.97fps in 4k)

 

[Tarquin Cardona]

I am encouraged that both compression sets seem pretty similar for most standard 24-60p shooting needs. I think the 8K and LUT and 4K pro rez for now seem the big distinguishers.

 

[Björn Benckert]

Your mount will work. As all "approved 3rd party mounts" it´s the electronics of the first gen TIPL that goes for a recall with with the update as I understand.
Vlock plate is coming they say, element technica has it already and my guess, before you are close to get a new camera, if you ordered lately, dont have an M or carbon and did not order carbon, there will most likely be plenty of option for Vlock mount plate. I think Off hollywood and others.

I think the mags / write to disk is the bottleneck for compression so.. likely they are the same. But then again the price difference could, I think justify a product differentiation, in that regard.

But LUTS, 4k proress, 8k upgradability and build material is as I understand what differentiate the two. For me only 8 of those things make any difference

 

[Christoffer Glans]

Björn, is this the Red V-lock solution? I can only see it with the Raven package. Would be nice if we could choose what to include in the Weapon package, since I won't be using redvolt XLs and have no need for that module. I would rather have this, which is included in the Raven package.

 

[Joel Voelker]

I've only been playing with the weapon for a couple days but I will say that the improved data rates are seriously rad. Shooting 5k HD 72fps at 6:1 compression WITH Prores LT 2k Proxies is glorious.

 

[Christoffer Glans]

I've only been playing with the weapon for a couple days but I will say that the improved data rates are seriously rad. Shooting 5k HD 72fps at 6:1 compression WITH Prores LT 2k Proxies is glorious.

This is the thing I'm looking forward to the most, being able to skip the tedious transcoding before post production can begin. Now I don't have to transcode anything until the final render to a master and delivery.

 

[Patrick Tresch]

Joel,

Did you compare the QT and the R3D. Do all data correspond exactly? Audio phasing, TC?

 

[Björn Benckert]

Björn, is this the Red V-lock solution? I can only see it with the Raven package. Would be nice if we could choose what to include in the Weapon package, since I won't be using redvolt XLs and have no need for that module. I would rather have this, which is included in the Raven package.

I can only guess that the Vmount module comes later and for that reason it´s not part of the upgrade package.