EPIC Accessories and The Economy

[Justin R Goff]

With so many of us preparing our budgets for the EPIC we also have to think about accessories for the EPIC and the cost of them for our businesses. Of course this is not the case for everyone but I would venture to guess that the majority of people purchasing the EPIC are existing RED users that have already made a significant investment on accessories to support the RED. So it will be interesting to see peoples spending habits with this upgrade.

Also there are large changes in the way this industry makes its money with a growing loss of interest in a physical media and increasing interest in online video streaming / downloads. (This would seem to be a similar fate to what happened to the music industry) I could go on forever about that, but the point is not only is our economy in poor shape but also it’s hard to keep up with the changes that are happening in the Industry.

With all that said I would be interested to hear feedback on the following:

• If you are a current RED owner and are planning on purchasing the EPIC, what kind of accessories are most interesting for you to buy? Are you planning on getting by as long as you can with the accessories you already have for your RED that will still work?
• For the accessories that will not transition from the RED to the EPIC, will you buy new, used, or rent?
• If you are not a current RED owner but are planning on purchasing the EPIC, what kind of accessories are most interesting for you to buy? Or will you rent?

The economy is changing how we all do our work. We do not only have to be creative with the video production but also how we spend our money to make it happen. I am interested to hear your story on how you have made do in these tough times.

[Jason Beckwith]

Justin,
As one who makes a living in Silicon Valley on videos for corporate clients, I am barely in the Red game. While business has definitely dropped of since '08, there is a clear understanding that a website can no longer be 'brochure-ware' and that many more will watch a video online than read a white paper. Business is still solidly out there for us, and adaptability is key.

The Red has often been overkill for many of my paying projects, but is ideal for my side projects and indy films. My Red One shot on Nikon lenses, most of the time. Since I do a lot of still photography as well, mostly product and architectural, I bought electronic Nikon lenses, rather than the cheaper, old manual ones. The only thing that will make the jump from the Red One to Epic will be the lenses, matte-box and follow focus. Due to the delays, I've lived minimally, and continued to squirrel away funds for the camera and accessories.

I plan to set the Epic up for shoulder mounted shooting. The DSLR configuration is great for tight spaces, but the majority of hand-held stuff will from a shoulder mounted rig. I just like the stability of the shoulder mount. They showed one at NAB that was awesome, and I've budgeted for that. EVF, Top rails, bottom rails, etc. Most of what I'll use on the Epic will be bought new. I try to buy used, whenever possible, but this business is so specialized that if a good piece of kit comes out, people tend to hold on to it. If they do sell, demand seems to keep prices high.

The Epic delays, while frustrating, have helped my position by allowing me to save for what I think will be an ideal set up. It's been rough, banking cash with an ever shifting goal, as new prices come up. I'd love to get a new set kinos for the studio, a really nice slider, etc. I've been resisting temptation for months, though, and an Epic release is finally in sight. When the time comes, I'll be able to kit my Epic nicely, without taking on any debt... I think.

Now originally, the plan was to use the Red Raid, handles, batteries, etc. But I'm pretty sure that I'll be able to fund a distinct set up specifically for Epic... And hopefully make enough money once I get it to upgrade to the Red electronic lenses when they become available.

I've been doing this for well over a decade, and continue to learn from many of the great people that I am fortunate to work with. The Red has definitely opened doors for me professionally, and I hope that Epic will continue that trend... In fact, I'm betting everything on it.

Can't happen soon enough.

[Antonio Forjaz]

I will be using mainly the lens set I ready have for the Red one, but as I plan on shooting with both the Epic and Red at the same time ( when possible) I will have to buy most accessories for the Epic. One piece of equipment that I ready own and hope to start using much more is the Steadycam Pilot with the epic.
I hope to get the epic with the SSD and also transition the RedOne as well to the SSD.
So, in my case, I will have to spend a considerable amount on new accessories for the Epic, except for lenses.