If 2 cameras are not enough for your production, try shooting with 50. Recently, I was watching a behind the scenes video of the new Hollywood film, “The Hobbit”. The thing that amazed me was the fact that in order for the film to be shot, 48 RED epic cameras were used. I started asking myself “Why RED?”, “What is it that makes these cameras better than the rest, and why choose them ?” . And that is why I want to share with you a brief review of the RED epic cameras and leave you to decide for yourself if it’s worth the price of 24 000$ !!!
RED Epic features a 5k sensor which is capable of capturing 1 to 120 frames per second at full resolution. In challenging lighting conditions, EPIC makes it easy to adapt with its ability to reach up to 18 stops of dynamic range with HDRx. Remarkable technology packed into a less than 2 kilogram body! Another big plus is that RED Epic allows you to shoot in 5k resolution; whether you are shooting for adverts or an IMAX blockbuster, EPIC’s 5k images fits every facet of distribution.
There are also some technical specifications which I would like to share :
Sensor- 14 MEGAPIXEL MYSTERIUM-X
Dynamic Range- 13.5 stops, up to 18 stops with HDRx
Lens Coverage- 27.7mm(h) x 14.6mm (v) x 31.4 mm (d)
Project Frame rates- 23,98 24, 25, 29.97, 47.96, 48, 50, 59, 94fps all in high resolutions
Digital Media- REDMAG (SSD) Module : (64, 128, 256GB Media)
Audio- 2 channel, uncompressed, 24 bit, 48 KHz. Optional 4 channel
For me, RED epic is a great tool but way too expensive for independent film makers or students needs. Anyway, if one day you can put your hands on a RED camera , it will be a great experience.
This is a link for the behind the scenes video of making “The Hobbit” and some more useful information about RED cameras.
Hristiyan Stratev – Mediazone Tv & Avid Lab – Lab Assistant
