RED cameras set back twice

RED's EPIC and Scarlet cameras have been dealt double blows, company founder Jim Jannard said today. A significant firmware bug is now known to have been holding up both of the greater-than-HD cameras for at least two months. Jannard wouldn't describe the bug but was determined to have it fixed.

"We have an army working on this. 24/7," he said. "Trust me when I tell you that we have been humbled. I have questioned our aggressive goals every day."

The CEO also warned that the issue was compounded by manufacturer problems. He wouldn't name the builder but said it had "significant issues" and that an attempt to build the EPIC camera in the US wasn't working. RED is now looking for a new partner and may see additional delays without a replacement arriving in time.

Speculation exists that the contractor is Foxconn, which raised wages lately and is asking for higher device prices to compensate. Talk has existed of the company moving from mainland China.

EPIC and Scarlet are both considered the spiritual successors to the original RED One and promise both steps above and below the original camera. Scarlet is designed as a camcorder-sized platform with a 3K resolution and optional modules that could turn it into a pseudo-DSLR. EPIC shoots at 5K or higher, depending on the sensor module, and is intended for traditional pro video shooting with options like stereoscopic 3D capture.

By Electronista Staff

Post tools:

TAGS :  

digital imaging, RED, Foxconn, Scarlet, EPIC