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The RED Digital Cinema Camera company, which despite its only 16 years of existence is one of the most important manufacturers of digital cinema camera models, has now introduced its latest 8K camera named RED V-Raptor.
The V-Raptor is the first model in the new DSMC3 housing series. The 8K camera offers massive performance for comparatively little money but it can record in the proprietary “Recode Raw” video format in 8K 17: 9 (8192 x 4320 px) with 120 frames per second. Higher frame rates are possible in lower resolutions, for example at 4K 17: 9 (4096 x 2160 px) 240 fps.
The Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHR formats that are usually used by RED are not supported – at least currently. Recordings are not made on the proprietary, expensive “Red Mag” SSDs as was previously the case, but, as with the RED Komodo, on the type B CFexpress cards that are more established in the professional film and photo sector.
The cinema camera has 40.96 mm x 21.60 mm large and diagonally 46.31 mm measuring CMOS image sensor of the “V-Raptor 8K VV” model. This offers an 8K resolution or 8192 x 4320 px (35.4 Mpx) and should have a dynamic range of 17+ f-stops.
Like the smaller RED Komodo, which was introduced around 10 months ago, the V-Raptor is equipped with a Canon RF lens connection to which many lenses commonly used in the film business can be used with suitable adapters.
The 8K camera can be controlled via USB-C or using mobile apps via WLAN / Wi-Fi, whereby a live viewfinder image can also be transmitted in 1080p via WLAN / Wi-Fi 2.4Ghz / 5Ghz. For output, the V-Raptor has dual “12G SDI” ports with support for the simpler SDI modes. There is also an Ethernet LAN port for image transmission.
A 2.4-inch onboard LCD is available for camera adjustment. The new 7-inch touch LCD “DSMC3 RED” is used as the viewfinder. The camera uses rechargeable batteries with a Micro-V connection and has two integrated mono microphones as well as 5-pin 2-channel audio input for uncompressed 24-bit 48 kHz sound.
RED V-Raptor price and availability
The V-Raptor can now be ordered from the Adorama.com and Bhphotovideo.com online retailers. The white limited edition “ST” (in the “Stormtrooper” look) is to be delivered from the beginning of October 2021. The regular model in black housing is to be delivered in the fourth quarter of 2021.
Currently only the “V-Raptor ST” is listed online with a price of $24,500 for the housing and as a starter pack or ready-to-use with all necessary accessories without a lens for $29,579.99.
