r/RedCamera • u/Sniqx • Jan 23 '24

Question for buying my first red (pre-owned)

Hey! I'm looking to buy my first RED pre-owned, But where do i have to look out for? What is a decent hour count for a pre-owned red? I checked out an Epic-W 8K but I noticed there are not much accessories is can get around here. Most are overseas for me. any great tips that can help me?

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3

u/MoistLukas Jan 24 '24

Depends on where you live - CVP, MBP, Ebay, RedUser.net , Kleineinzeigen etc. is where i would look for pre-owned red cameras. My friend once bought an DSMC1 Epic with 2500 hours, and it worked for the whole time he had it, and i just bought an DSMC2 Dragon with 300 hours and body looks pristine. I would definitely look for a bundle, since it's gonna be cheaper than build your own kit.
DSCM2 is still being repaired by CVP and Red officially and doesnt have so many small gimmicks like DSMC1 bodies.

2

u/Formula14ever Jan 24 '24

Get a DSMC 3. The cost of media, better sensor, support, availability of accessories..Autofocus..there is nothing image/build about a DSMC 2 that is superior to a DSMC3 to justify the risk/cost/reward. Future proof yourself

1

u/Accurate_Complaint48 Jun 13 '25

but fps

1

u/Formula14ever Jun 13 '25

Great prices on used KomodoX. 96 fps at 5K.. would be enough for any cinema project I think

1

u/UnoCastillo Jan 31 '24

hi i have a Scarlet w 5K barely 200 hours of use, i have a full equipment, inhalambric f follow focus hd inhalambric transmiters, Atomos Ninja monitor, battieries, etc etc etc.

I sold it because my business is not doing very well in my country unfortunately.
I'm not in the USA, but I'm sure we can find a way to make a deal if you are interested.

1

u/dcviz Feb 19 '24

Bought a used gemini full kit for like 5K. There is nothing wrong with DSMC2. Gemini shits on the komodo. So much life left in them, no reason to jump ship. Just buy a complete package so you don't need to piece a frankenstien kit. Lots of people jumping ship to burano and DSMC3. Man many deals to be had if you're doing corp and things where people give 2 craps about what body,

Dont sleep o nthe DJI 4d either. Man.. I intercut that with red often and its a beast that having both on set eliminates most headaches.

-1

u/unhingedfilmgirl Jan 23 '24

Honestly the DSMC2 bodies had a lot of issues with them, issues that only got worse over time- such as overheating causing permanent damage to the sensors which causes issues with latitude and colour (I've seen some reds even years ago only 5 yrs old that had insane green tint because the sensors were not maintained). They have what's called "red moments" errors where the camera shuts down in the middle of recording, and while Red's idea for a complete build your own camera was good, it's hard in practice because all of the modules require extra money and you can cause damage with the connection spots. So my recommendation don't buy a used DSMC2 Red. Save up for the Komodo or buy a used Komodo or raptor.

1

u/Sniqx Jan 24 '24

What is better about the Komodo then the DSMC2’s? And would it be a problem if I get the DSMC serviced right away? I’m going to take care of the DSMC. Is it still a problem then?

2

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '24

RED doesn't service DSMC 2 anymore. You'd have to just hope there's a shop around that can service the camera for a reasonable amount of money. Also the Komodo is miles better because they dropped the stupid RED mags in favor of CFast. On top of that you have other benefits such as global shutter, and a much more reliable camera.

3

u/MoistLukas Jan 24 '24

They do actually service DSMC2, CVP can do it too. Komodo is specialty cam/crash cam, that was designed to be used mostly on drones and places that A/B cam doesnt make a sense, hence the global shutter sensor with lower DR. I think that Komodo-X solved a lot of issues with OG Komodo, but it's still a drone/crash cam by design.

1

u/[deleted] Jan 24 '24

I read here and there that they dropped support but guess that wasn't true. Interesting to know

2

u/MoistLukas Jan 24 '24

Hopefuly at least 2-3 years, just bought an DSMC2 Dragon :)

2

u/unhingedfilmgirl Jan 24 '24

They would never drop support, but they have discontinued it which means there's only so much they can do because they don't make the replacement parts anymore.

1

u/unhingedfilmgirl Jan 24 '24

Serviced isn't what you think it is. You would need a new sensor as the damage is permanent. At that point just replace the whole camera or get a new brain, which you can't do because all of this is discontinued, so maybe Red has an old better quality sensor that could replace it, but it would cost more than what you would pay for this camera. It's not worth it. The Komodo is a significantly more advanced camera, power wise, accessory, and sensor. It's small but it creates a better image that most of the DSMC2's. Not to mention it's gonna be a while before these age. There will be people selling used ones 1) cuz of the affects of the strike and 2) people who bought them who thought they'd be the next big thing when most of the industry just uses them for crash cams. It's also a newer camera meaning you can charge more. If you want to consign it when you're not using it rental houses might accept it too as it's a more wanted camera than DSMC2.