RED’s V-RAPTOR [X] Camera | The Ultimate Cinematic Marvel

Revolutionize Your Filmmaking Game with RED’s V-RAPTOR [X]

In a recent announcement,  unveiled its latest addition to the DSMC3 lineup, the RED’s V-RAPTOR [X]. This flagship camera boasts an 8K Vista Vision Global Shutter Sensor capable of reaching 120fps in 8K, along with an Extended Highlights protection mode for expanded dynamic range, improved phase-detection autofocus, upgraded audio functionalities, and more. Accompanying this release is RED’s new electronic viewfinder, the Compact EVF.

Over the past few days, Jarred Land, President and Co-Owner of RED Digital Cinema, has been teasing images hinting at the upcoming EVF for DSMC3 cameras. However, amidst these teasers lies a more significant announcement.

Indeed, alongside the new EVF, RED has announced the debut of the first large-format cinema camera equipped with a global shutter sensor capable of capturing 8K up to 120fps. Introducing the RED V-RAPTOR [X] and V-RAPTOR XL [X].

The RED V-RAPTOR [X] and V-RAPTOR XL [X] cameras retain the same body design as their standard V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL counterparts but feature a completely redesigned Vista Vision (40.96×21.60mm) Global Shutter sensor capable of capturing motion at up to 120fps in 8K. With the emergence of full-frame global shutter technology, RED stands as the pioneer in incorporating this innovation into a true cinema camera.

What’s particularly noteworthy, however, is that despite the global shutter design, the company asserts that these cameras can achieve a dynamic range of 17+ stops in standard mode and up to 20+ stops with Extended Highlights mode activated.

Furthermore, both cameras come equipped with a Phantom Track dual-capture function tailored for virtual production purposes. This function enables the simultaneous recording of two distinct .R3D clips: one of the final image and another of the green screen image, while also providing independent monitoring of both feeds through the camera’s dual SDI outputs.

Most of the other features, including resolution/recording frame rate combinations, supported media, lens mount, form factor, and connectivity, have remained largely unchanged compared to the original V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL models.

However, there are a few notable enhancements. RED has improved the audio hardware with superior pre-amplifiers, and the on-sensor phase detection autofocus with face detection has also been refined.

RED Camera Upgrade Program

Additionally, the company has decided to reintroduce its Camera Upgrade Program, which had been discontinued following the launch of the DSMC3 lineup. This program offers existing V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL users the opportunity to upgrade their sensor and internal boards to align with the capabilities of the new [X] sensor.

New Compact EVF

In addition to the new camera, RED is introducing a new electronic viewfinder—a long-awaited accessory among RED users. This viewfinder features a single-cable design, consolidating video, power, and data transmission into a single connection.

The eyepiece is compatible with DSMC2/Ranger bodies out of the box and is like-minded with DSMC3 cameras through the optional DSMC3 Adapter A. However, it isn’t like minded with the unique KOMODO, despite the fact that the guide for the KOMODO-X will be delivered later in Q1 2024 through a firmware replacement.

Weighing approximately 360g/0.8lbs, the viewfinder is prepared with an integrated 1080p eight-bit micro-OLED show boasting a contrast ratio of 10,000:1 and a refresh price of 60fps. It capabilities an adjustable diopter, an up to date eyecup mounting device with replaceable eyecup, and hard and fast person-assignable buttons. These buttons may be programmed to regulate camera settings on DSMC3 our bodies, together with ISO, body charge, or white stability, or toggle monitoring tools on or off.

The standalone viewfinder option includes a 1/4”-20 mount plate, while RED has also developed an EVF pack comprising the viewfinder, the DSMC3 Adapter A, an EVF mount, and an 18” Right-to-Straight EVF cable.