My Dilemma

[Vincent Thomas]

All right , here's what im asking myself to be able to hopefully resolve my actual dilemma before i jump into any decision...

Let's make it short. Red is supposed to release the Dragon update to both Epic and Scarlet soon. If im not a Epic or Scarlet owner, which will be the date i should expected to be able to get a new Scarlet with Dragon sensor inside?
A realistic date... Please, is it possible to know?

Red team? Anyone on the list well informed on the latest news?


Cheers,

vincent*

[Jeremiah Kuehne]

I think you'll be able to have a rough estimate in the next week or so with the announcement and all. Honestly I'd guess a couple months at the earliest. It's all speculation right now though.

[Gunleik Groven]

What dilemma?

Really... You know something we don't! Spill the beans! :)

I would be surprised to see shipping dragon sensors this year, but RED has done a bit to its production and announcing policies. The scarlet started to ship a month after announcement...

But the more important point is to define your needs, as the cameras have grown to be very good as they are.

I - for one - will probably NOT upgrade, as I see that I can use the cameras very well as they are, and haven't really run into a situation where the Epic really is the limiting point for my use....

Others see that differently. Some, shooting anamorf, can really use a 4:3 sensor. And I can appreachiate that. For DSCM stills use, some need a FF stills sensor. I can appreachiate that, too. But those two updates will probably come as new brains. And a new brain with built in xlr's and dual lcd/evf output... THAT would've come in handy... :)

Hahahaha

[Erwin van Dijck]

That Dragon-thing is just speculation. Nobody knows if and when it will come out.

But look at it this way: the Scarlet is only 4 months old. For me it's hard to imagine that they will already upgrade the internal parts of the camera. This ain't Canon ;-)

So you have an up-to-date 4K camera that shoots RAW and produces great pictures. What is the dilemma?

[Petri Teittinen]

That Dragon-thing is just speculation. Nobody knows if and when it will come out.

You mean the "2nd half of 2012" mentioned in RED's FAQ is incorrect information?

[Phil Holland]

I'm feeling good about Dragon happening this year. Red's really been making good on their word. Production's really increased. Clearly there's a new focus and determined execution. We've been getting steady and accurate back order updates even. The real question is will there be a line around the block for upgrades and when can we start setting up tents outside HQ :)

[Hans von Sonntag]

Vincent, this is my record regarding Red:

- 2006, invested 1k to get in line for a RedOne that didn't exist at this time.

- Spring 2008, got delivery of my RedOne

- Early 2010, Epic Stage III was announced.

- Spring 2012, got deliver of my Epic-X Stage III.

In the meantime I had 4 wonderful years with my RedOne M sensor that I never upgraded.

Now Dragon. Red announced in Summer 2011 that the sensor of Epic is upgradable. No one knows what the new sensor will be like. Will it have 2 stops more latitude, will it deliver even more resolution, will it be faster? No word until now. Is R&D done? Does it exist in a form suitable for line production? BY NAB we might know more, or not.

If you take in account that there are a few thousand Epics out there and 75% want an upgrade BEFORE you get your camera, how long do you think will it take that you will hold a Dragon sensor Epic in your hands?

Get an Epic now, shoot many projects and when you are in line get the upgrade. Taking my experiences with Red in account, Dragon will be available to the masses earliest in 2 years. No dilemma, actually.

Did I mention that Red is the most generous company I ever came a cross? Stage III was an incredible offer. Thanks again!

Hans

[Jeremiah Kuehne]

See above. Haha. Is it just me or is there a lot less hype surrounding the Dragon sensor upgrade compared to the Scarlet announcement? Like, Jim was hardly able to contain himself before the release of Scarlet, but with Dragon I think it's more "this is the future" rather than "place your orders now" compared to the Scarlet release. If you understand what I mean...

[Vincent Thomas]

Actually Epic is out of my need and budget.

Im more concerned about a Scarlet upgrade with better low light sensitivity where i could only deal with natural light, and without getting crazy higher frame rate options without cropping and quality concession... Make sense?

[Brice Ansel]

Vincent,
I don't want to sound rude,
but if you are in a dilemna it means you don't really need a camera now.
Things are simple if you need a tool to capture images buy it now.
Their is plenty of choices right now.
Regards
Brice