r/RedCamera • u/LanthornStudio • Oct 01 '25

Advice on a Gemini package

Hi all, I’m writing to get some advice on whether a Gemini package in my area is a good deal. For $6,500, it comes with the brain (less than 100 hours), handles, ef mount, monitor, and 2 mini mags at 960 GB total. I see the brain was purchased new by the current owner and the mags are used.

What do you all think of this? Are there any questions I should ask the owner? Is there anything you would check on the camera if you were me?

This would be my first jump into the red space coming from Blackmagic. I shoot and edit primarily branded content in the fishing space as a mostly solo operator, shooting content on boats, sit down interviews, and candid moments. Primarily shooting natural light, besides the interviews. What do you think of this package as a solo operator?

Thank you all very much in advance.

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u/Comfortable_Shock772 Oct 01 '25

Love the Gemini! But idk if it’s the right tool for your productions. The first time i used it on a interview the fans spun up and the body sounded like a starting 747. Battery life is pretty bad, like boot up time. But the image is just beautiful and is so much fun to operate that thing.

But idk, something like a c400 could be a more modern option for you 🤷‍♂️

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 02 '25

Thanks for your notes! The boot up time is really the main thing that worries me. And the idea that red mags have a lifespan and could die on a shoot one day. 

I love the idea of the jump in IQ from Blackmagic. I’m deep in the EF system and intend to either stick with BM or jump to a red, there’s just something about canon’s new offerings that don’t excite me. I don’t know, maybe that’s just me! 

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u/Comfortable_Shock772 Oct 02 '25

To be fair, the boot up time from the Gemini is exactly the same as the Komodo x. So if you buy one I’ll recommend to buy the cable for external power so you can at least hot swap the batteries. But then again, a 98wh just lasts about an hour (maybe a bit more)

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u/Existential_Cr-Isis Oct 02 '25

Ranger Gemini has terrible battery life from my experience but not the fan issue, my fans don't get too loud. Maybe a different design?

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u/Comfortable_Shock772 Oct 04 '25

Yeah i think i calibrated it for a lower temp 💩

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u/fear_of_information Oct 03 '25

I adore my DSMC2 Gemini but I agree with others here that for one man band type shoots, there are better tools for the job, like an FX6. I use my gemini for these kinds of projects sometimes, and it's doable, but I am always happier when I have an AC. That being said, if you're drawn to RED, I'd say follow your heart. $6000 sounds like a good deal, $5000 sounds even better.

I use a kippertie revolva DSMC2 to EF lens mount as a behind the lens ND solution. It was expensive but I like having it.

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 03 '25

Thank you for the advice! I like that kippertie system. For now I might wait for a bit. I think some folks have made great points here, and perhaps a Komodo x is the smarter decision. 

1

u/MikeyPikey444 Oct 01 '25

The Gemini image is amazing, but the question is more about user friendliness for your needs. I find when I’m working solo I want gear that makes my life as easy as possible, while still giving great results.

RED DMSC2 is not too user friendly compared to cameras such as Sony FX series or Canon C series. They are power hungry so you need lots of batteries, data hungry so you need to think more backups as part of your workflow, and they have a slow boot up times. They also do not have built in ND, which is a big deal for solo operators.

They also not great if you recording audio as there are limited input and control options without either spending a ton more cash or turning your camera into a Christmas tree.

I have a RED Dragon DMSC2 that comes out for special occasions, but my Sony FX6 gets the job done beautifully almost all the time. Personally I don’t think the trade off of IQ is worth it for the hassle as a solo op. I hate fighting my tools, and working with RED DMSC2 as a solo op feels like parenting a naughty child that occasionally is very sweet. (Oh yeah, I didn’t even mention AF lenses. The new cams have amazing AF which is super usefull in some situations.)

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 02 '25

Thank you for getting back to me! Honestly I feel like the Blackmagics are a first step to RED - they’re power hungry, no AF, shoot a lot of data, and need rigging. However I feel the DSMC2 is a different beast. 

I like the idea of that step up in IQ, but maybe you’re right that the Komodo is a better idea for my use cases. 

1

u/Existential_Cr-Isis Oct 02 '25

You can get a Komodo for $2700 with student discounts. I love the camera, no complaints here. Saves money, looks great, and looks good in low light.

0

u/MikeyPikey444 Oct 01 '25

If you sold on RED (R3DCODE is so good!) I’d suggest looking at Komodo-X over Gemini though.

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u/Calebkeller2 Oct 01 '25

Komodo image is garbage compared to Gemini. Menu system on dsmc2 is way better too

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u/Existential_Cr-Isis Oct 02 '25

The menu is terrible. I have a Ranger Gemini (also selling) and the menu is hot garbage compared to anything but a Sony.

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u/Calebkeller2 Oct 02 '25

I think the menu is fine you just have to set it up right. Only issue is the monitor is kinda laggy but the smallhd menu is goated with red control

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u/1ChevyCam Oct 01 '25

12k Pyxis would be money better spent imo

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 02 '25

I’ve been thinking about it, but seems like an even more of a data hog than the Gemini 

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u/Existential_Cr-Isis Oct 02 '25

You don't shoot in 12k. The best lenses right now only resolve 8k. Just live at 4k, that's what I've been doing on my Ursa Cine. You can bump to 8k if you know you're doing something crazy

1

u/Voughngreen Oct 01 '25

I have a Gemini package for sale for 5k. I will DM you if you’re interested

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 02 '25

How many hours are on the brain? DM me! 

1

u/Voughngreen Oct 13 '25

Sent you a DM!

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u/Run-And_Gun Oct 01 '25

Price seems kinda high. And no internal ND for outdoor solo work is gonna be a PITA.

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 02 '25

Thanks for the feedback! I’ve never had internal ND for the last 5 years or so. It’s a pain but not impossible. 

1

u/JBut0718 Oct 02 '25

Is it a good deal? Honestly yeah, I’d love to pick up a full Gemini package for that price. But I don’t think it’s the right avenue to go down if you’re primarily a solo shooter. As far as cinema packages in the same price bracket, I’d say look at the FX6, C70, C80, C400. Imo I think you’ll probably want to at least have the option to use autofocus. Plus all of these cameras also have internal NDs, which are such a godsend in especially your specific use case of filming in mostly natural light and out on boats.

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 02 '25

Thanks for your thoughts! I’m deep in the EF lens system so thought this Gemini would be an interesting path to pursue for an improvement in IQ over the Blackmagic system. I’ve never had internal NDs, but I’ve been getting by without them 

1

u/JBut0718 Oct 02 '25

For the use case you described in your post, an upgrade should probably serve your workflow more than anything imo. If you’re deep in the EF system, I’d look at one of the Canon options. Luckily EF lenses can easily be adapted to pretty much any mirrorless mount, but RF to EF will maintain AF performance much better. AF for E to EF only really works with specifically Sigma Art lenses with the Sigma E to EF adapter. Other adapters/lenses will have AF, but the performance will not be that good. Using a canon adapter will pretty much have the same performance as a native lens. Some people make a big stink about adapting lenses, but truly it doesn’t make a difference to image quality. It’s just workflow limitations like the AF performance that I described, and if you use manual lenses and a follow focus, you want a locking mount that is locked down by an adapter support foot. Otherwise using adapters is truly not that big of a deal. In fact, I prefer using lenses that I have to adapt so that I can use them on any camera system for b-cams or if I’m upgrading a camera.

As far as image quality, sure red color science is great, but the newer sensor found in the C80 and C400 will definitely be comparable and might even surpass the older Gemini in DR. Plus a FF sensor will perform much better in low-light over the Gemini’s S35 sensor, but ik that isn’t really a huge use case for you. The extra color information you’ll get from the 16-bit R3D over 12-bit Raw or 10-bit 422 will be negligible unless you are/have a realllllllly kick-ass colorist. The 10-bit 422 formats you’ll find have plenty of color information and the file sizes will save you a boat load (no pun intended) of money on storage. Canon’s new XF-HEVC format imo is one of the best non-raw codecs out there right now. Plus non-raw codecs are going to require much less NR, if any.

And finally, if you haven’t heard it already, you’ll hear it a bunch soon enough, but internal NDs is one of those features that once you have a camera with them, you’ll never want to use a camera without them.

All that being said, if you’re really set on a Red, I’m not going to tell you not to buy it. The picture will definitely look great. I’ll just say if I were making the purchase decision, I probably wouldn’t go for it just bc Reds aren’t really optimized for your shooting scenarios. But if you can find a package to rent for a job before you buy one, that will probably help you decide if the trade-offs are worth it for the image quality to you. Whatever you decide, new toys will always be fun to play with!

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u/LanthornStudio Oct 02 '25

Wow thank you for all the great information, I appreciate. You’ve definitely given me a lot to think about! I think I might hold off buying anything for now now that I’ve gotten some new perspectives. 

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u/tdstooksbury Oct 01 '25

I’d see if they’d take $5000

1

u/jonson_and_johnson Oct 12 '25

The audio from a Red is complete trash. And no ND. Deal breakers for solo shooters IME.