November 30th Announcement Feedback

[Javier_Rivera]

$3200 for an EVF, but $4750 for a fixed? What am I missing???

[Jarred Land]

Why do we need hot-swap batteries when the boot-up time is supposed to be nearly instant? .

if your in the middle of an interview or a hockey game or an expensive stunt or..etc. etc. etc. and you don't want to stop recording...

[Felix K.]

$3200 for an EVF, but $4750 for a fixed? What am I missing???

I know!!! The price for the Fixed Scarlet is astonishingly low, right?

[Tim Hole]

$3200 for an EVF, but $4750 for a fixed? What am I missing???

The technology that is going into the EVF. It is a digital monitoring system afterall.

[Chad Clemans]

Image is not necessary for follow focus systems and in most situations not desired. Good focus pullers are looking at the distance between the imaging plane and the subject; hence the large tape measure on their belt. Camera op is using VF/lcd monitor for framing the image and confirming the focus is on.

I agree (and quite frequently they pull out the laser), but when the AC is doing the focus pulling, it never hurts if that same person can confirm they're dead on, without the extra communication with the Cinematographer. Sorry for wishing aloud...I guess there's still the LCD touchscreen tracking:)

[Steve Davis]

So, when can we go to the checkout?

Australian Government is closing the incentive at the end of December.

Pawel... potential problem. I believe that incentive is only for goods purchased from a Australian retailer... love you to confirm differently.

[Tim Hole]

I agree (and quite frequently they pull out the laser), but when the AC is doing the focus pulling, it never hurts if that same person can confirm they're dead on, without the extra communication with the Cinematographer. Sorry for wishing aloud...I guess there's still the LCD touchscreen tracking:)

Its also a timing and a feeling. Its not all a robotic action is it!

[Michael Smith]

Actually there was a time when it was $3k for the 3K Scarlet.

For the fixed lens version? I always understood "3k for $3k" to be for the brain only and that lenses would be more. Go back and read all the announcements a year ago. Otherwise you'd be getting a free lens - which, not to kiss-ass too much, but at this price you are basically are getting that 8x lens for free.

I blogged about this a year ago and even stated back then that Jim had kept his promise of 3k for $3k. I still believe that he is keeping it now...

http://www.tomorrowland.com/2008/12/...iting-details/

There might have been speculation and hopes that you'd get a complete package for $3k, and maybe in some minds that turned into what they announced. But I don't remember them every promising that. With a pro camera like this once you add storage, accessories, lenses, etc. it will be more than the base price.

Think of it this way.. The 2/3 interchangeable is $2750. Add the 2.8 LCD ($800), REDmote ($550), Side CF Module ($500) - you're already up to 4600 and you haven't added the battery, charger, or a lens. You're getting the lens for free.

That's why my big decision is whether to get the fixed or interchangeable. Right now I'm leaning towards the 8x fixed because it's a great value.

[Curran Giddens]

Not a rumor. Was announced as such (in the original announcement of the product). I must have missed when the actual specs were released. What is the final spec?

I had thought so too. But I will take their word for it when Red said it was never announced as such.

specs are about the same resolution as current EVF (the Bomb is also compatible with R1) but with improved color (12-bit).

[ScottyC]

So PLEASE don't take this as me being pessimistic, because I LOVE what you guys are doing... but has RED overdone it? Maybe a little?

I mean, I truly enjoy knowing that the camera's quality will be top notch when it's all said and done, but does my camera really need a GPS sensor? Is this sensor for theft protection, Geo-tagging, or (for the more parnoid people out there) so that Jim could fly in to a shoot in his personal helicopter and check up on your progress? Haha... just kidding on that last part. But what I mean by all this is: maybe I would rather have a bigger sensor and just the basic technology for the same price as the smaller sensor with more features... but like I said, please don't think I am being pessimistic. I am still here following the leader! Maybe down the road, features like a GPS could be a customizable option... kind of like upgrading RAM on a computer. Maybe RED's success with this product launch will make this a possibility...

Just one thing to think about when you can't sleep later tonight because of all the excitement... but how would the amateur cinematographer easily grasp all of this technology? I know the Scarlet 8X Fixed was slightly aimed at the more amateur demographic, so how can you make the experience a little bit easier to understand. For example, there are several different free (Thanks for this!) programs to work with the R3D files... Like Redcine-x, Rocketcine-x, Redcine, Red Alert!. Each of these programs have their own Pro's, but how would a newbie grasp all this? Has the RED team ever considered a central "Hub" program that houses all of these different programs inside a single application? Maybe this would help eliminate confusion?

One last thing, that word that shows up in every office these days but is absolutely important to post... Workflow. Adobe seemed to really help make the RED workflow somewhat seamless (but maybe not flawless) and really streamlined the way R3D footage is edited. Is there any hope in sight that Apple will wise-up and follow suit? Clearly this isn't the RED teams fault in any way, but we all suffer a little bit for this.

Just some things to think about. But trust me when I say this, I am not being negative about this info release... I am actually very excited to see that my future camera is almost ready!

Happy Holidays Everyone!