RED Scarlet shown in final form at event

RED at its own camera event showed its long-delayed, finished version of the Scarlet. The new version has gone from a complete camera to a central body and sensor that fits into the RED modular system. While not ambitious as the Epic system, it's now one of the least expensive 4K cameras, costing $9,750 despite shooting at its full 4096x2160 at a slightly more than film-grade 25FPS.

The camera can also shoot 3K at 48FPS, 2K at 60FPS, and an unusual 1K at 120FPS. Still photos are possible at 5K at a continuous 12FPS speed. In spite of the cost trimming, it still has a Super 35-level sensor. Redcode video streaming at 50MB per second also virtually eliminates bitstream artifacts. Its sensor use the same basic Mysterium-X technology derived from current Epic cameras and should be relatively adept at low-light and high dynamic range shooting.

Shipments will start as soon as November 17, although these will require buying a version with a titanium PL mount for lenses. Those who want to get the Canon mount will have to hold two weeks, until December 1.

At its price, the Scarlet potentially outperforms the Canon Cinema EOS C300, as it shoots at a higher resolution and still has some resilience to low light. Compared to most conventional pro video camera producers, RED is pricing itself several times lower, including versus its own $57,000 5K-capable Epic X.

By Electronista Staff