One area that is nearly always missed with these types of discussions is the modularity aspect of red. Virtually none of the automatic cameras can be so easily adapted and upgraded. If there is a need for something then someone will develop it. If you need something, you can develop it yourself.
In this case Red is the camera of choice across disciplines. Where else can someone throw on a nikon and shoot his children growing up in the back yard and then hire a kit and shoot a commercial the next day? Where else can a producer or owner op throw on some nikons and do a couple of weeks testing the basics and then hire more for the big shoot?
I think people have a hard time wrapping their head around just how revolutionary this is. So if you buy a canon xha1 for example or any of those other hd cameras not only are you getting lower quality via lens and codec choice but you are loosing because there's a "one package" option. Red can be configured and each month we see people coming aboard as they see the footage/ possibilities. The camera is already being used and considered for the high end budget Hollywood films to youtube presentations.
Already there are numerous companies adapting and making things for the red. There is little doubt it is the best all round cam in the world at this moment and in each of the sub disciplines that span audio visual work It packs a punch as well, competing on price point access in the higher end of the market and supreme image ability (even with the use of still lenses) in the lower end of the market. It currently rules the middle market almost exclusively in terms of value.
So the question with Red and how you approach it is not "does it have" but rather "who will provide me with"
If you have no knowledge of photography/light/video then automatic will not give you a professional look as one may like but it will be better looking bad footage that you will get from other cams. If you want to do advertising for your product hire a dop for a couple of days. Even if you buy a RED and someone has designed it fully automatic. The automatic functions in cameras cannot capture feeling. A good DOP can and he can use tools to get the most from the cam. No automatic function can ever replace a professional. No red cam can ever replace a professional. I'd much rather have a pro shooting a film clip on a nokia phone than have just anybody shoot on red.
Having said that, if you are passionate to learn and you have your own cam then the turn around to learning might be quite quick.
Automatic functions, are just around the corner believe me, it is very easy to implement on red but the company itself is mainly devoted to producing the camera and accessories that are used across the board with specialist companies producing these add-ons.
The question is where and when will these automatic functions serve you the best and where will working with others help you achieve you goals better. (a good way to learn as well :)
EDIT: OMG i just saw the date of the last post.:waaa:
Originally Posted by JohnF
