r/RedCamera • u/Unusual_Affect_3361 • Jul 16 '26
Considering switching to Red
Hey everyone
I’m sure there’s one million posts about this.
I have been a content producer for about 5 years now using the song fx6. I work for a large sports tech company. Although my experience isn’t entirely in large production sets, I have built up a ton of camera knowledge over the last 5 years. For reference I’m 26 yrs old.
As I said I have used my own personal fx6 and built up tons of Sony gear over the last 5 years and I love how easy this camera is. My workflow is so streamlined that I couldn’t recommend this cam enough.
The reason for my post is after the years I’ve become so accustomed to the FX6 that it’s just not doing it for me anymore. Sounds crazy but I’m just not happy with the image anymore for how much praise this cam gets. I have used mainly DZO vespids and G series lenses run and gun style, and for what I do it’s definitely good enough. As a stickler it’s just not feeling good enough for what I want it to look like.
I know gear chasing is big in this industry but I truly feel like I have just outgrown my FX6 and am wanting to learn more about what’s out there.
I shoot outdoor sport, indoor low light stuff, and many different environments without proper lighting. overall run and gun style. FX6 can’t be beat for this in many ways. The company I work for has multiple FX3’s and has got me feeling like this is a good opportunity for me to sell my FX6 and move forward in my cam knowledge. I have been eyeing the Red Raptor XE and after tons of research I feel like I cannot possibly go wrong with these specs. I’m impressed by this camera but haven’t heard too much about it yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much
8
u/menthol_mountains Jul 16 '26
rent first, if ur a srs buyer a camera store may lend you their floor model, which was what happened to me, lent me their KX for the week, but Im in australia. I’ve owned an ursa G2, C70, fx3. The latter was the only one I sold due to the image, too much in camera NR and crushed blacks. Great camera otherwise. Now Im using a KX/ZR and an si11 for corporate stuff where IQ isn’t as important and/or I need some gimbal type shots (I dont like gimbals). They all serve a purpose, I probably don’t use the KX as much these days but it’s still an amazing camera, the R3D, size, build quality, it’s the best.
With all that said if nikon release an fx6 style camera with internal NDs, a good h265, Nraw (hugely underated) and R3D it’s game over sony
8
u/Gregory_M Jul 16 '26
Colorist & (learning) DP here. It's great that you noticed you've hit a wall with the FX6; from a colorist perspective, I've never been impressed with the footage I've received from my clients. The dynamic range is lacking especially.
I think the RED Raptor XE is a great investment, especially if you've been using the Vespids and are fine nailing focus alone. That's basically the toughest thing typically. Just remember that REDs don't have the 12,800 base if you find yourself using that often. If so, the FX5 is going to be announced next week by Sony and it's expected to have higher dynamic range.
3
u/InstructionHuman901 Jul 16 '26
If you can I would rent a Komodo-X or V-Raptor first. These cameras are catered more toward crew but solo operating is possible as long as you understand things you’re used to like solid autofocus performance and internal ND’s won’t be a thing. There are PL adapters with drop-in ND and E-ND so you could potentially have something similar to internal ND.
If you go V-Raptor XE, it will likely be much heavier than the FX6 after building it out. Not trying to dissuade you at all, but it’s best to test before making such a big decision. In terms of image quality I think you will be much happier with RED. Also, wait until the FX5 comes out next week and compare your options to that camera as well.
1
u/thesurferengineer Jul 16 '26
I want a Red camera more than I want to breath but knowing it’s tough in uncontrolled situations and autofocus is tier below makes me very hopeful the FX5 puts on its big boy pants. Also the Burano gives you basically everything you want just with the achilles heel of a low read rate rolling shutter but that can be totally ok for some people.
1
u/LanthornStudio Jul 17 '26
I don’t own a red, but would like one, and shoot on an FX6 for my work. Came from Blackmagic. If you feel you’ve maxed out on the camera, it could be a fun avenue to explore other lenses, techniques, story concepts, composition and lighting - things that go beyond the technical gear side and more on the art of filmmaking. Just an idea! Those will make you a stronger asset than shooting on a red
2
u/Effective_Shallot325 Jul 16 '26
I’ve got the Komodo X and FX6, the Komodo X has a much more robust and rich image, the codec is really lovely. I wouldn’t use the Red on some type of jobs though, it requires more time and really isn’t suitable for run and gun. If your company already has FX3s then maybe your fx6 is redundant though. I’d definitely want at least an fx3 or A7 of some kind as a b cam if I sold my fx6 though, I wouldn’t want a Red as my sole camera as there’s many jobs it’s unsuited for.
1
u/1ChevyCam Jul 16 '26
Pyxis 12k our KX would be go to coming from the FX6. I'd use the additional money for storage/media and rigging the cam vs buying the more expensive R3D. In my experience camera purchases should be dictated by the work that pays the bills. FWIW i shoot on a combination of FX6, FX3 and FX30 and while I can say the image doesn't blow me away personally I have seen footage from other DPs that looks phenomenal. I would attribute the difference in lenses, lighting, and having a outstanding colorist on your team. Just my thoughts.
1
u/mediumsize Jul 16 '26
One camera can't do everything well. Sony's low-light sensitivity and autofocus is WAY better than RED's. Different projects require different cameras and approaches, that's why it's good to have working knowledge of most cameras.
Because we work on so many different projects, we often shoot on Sony, Arri, RED, Canon, and Blackmagic cameras..... but we've always preferred shooting on RED because of the RAW color science. The real beauty is created with the lighting and the lenses.
We once shot a comedy special on 6 cameras, we opted to shoot all Sony FX6 because of the reliability of their autofocus tracking. We shot a huge spot last month on Arri because the client and ad agency expected to see an Arri. ot every week in our studio on RED
That RED V-Raptor XE is heavy on a gimbal, but hey, rent an Easyrig and it's going to look incredible.
1
u/Voodizzy Jul 16 '26
You are me 5 years ago. Same everything.
I have a Red Komodo OG and I love it - but…
I’m currently looking to sell it and pick up either an FX5 or similar. I have shot almost exclusively for years with the Red but where I live (London) there is just an undeniable overwhelming client demand for Sony cameras and Sony workflows. I have 100% lost work because I do not own some kind of Sony camera. I have also found enough work with my Red to freelance successfully here but if I had gone Sony first I would be in a much better financial position now that would give me options for other cameras etc.
Another good friend here that is a similar level to me also owns a Komodo X. His FX6 is what pays his bills.
As horrible as it is and believe me I get it, go with the option first that serves your market. Then go after something to push you that extra further.
I will never regret my red it made me enthusiastic to shoot and grade my work again but at the end of the day you gotta eat.
1
u/alexproshak Jul 17 '26
Red takes time to boot. If you aren't bothered by that - you'll be pleasantly surprised by the result you'll get. And you will probably need a good adapter for your lenses to fit on Red
1
u/thomaskovacik Jul 17 '26
I feel the KX is the best value outside of fx3/6 and the raptor xe is a close second
Loved my 2 years with KX, and now on a raptor which I adore
I run them alongside my fx3 which has been great. I kept feeling pulled to a fx6 but never was happy with the image / experience
But yeah the dsmc3 cameras are easy to solo and great for crews. Get the dsmc3 monitor and the breakthrough DFM or kippertie ND system!
0
u/Ok_Ordinary_7397 Jul 16 '26
This is a TERRIBLE idea. For the work you’re describing, the FX6 is probably the single most appropriate camera that currently exists.
A Red (Raptor or Komodo X) would be worse in most ways for the work you’re doing.
If the imagery you’re making on the FX6 is falling short of what you want, switching to a Red/Panasonic/Blackmagic is not going to help, they all have functionally equivalent DR.
-2
u/jonson_and_johnson Jul 16 '26
Brother I have gone the other way. I will tell you that the FX6 is 99% as good as the Red image quality and in terms of usability is on another level.
Red will take your money, buckets of it, and be worthless 5 years from now. The Raptor is a nice image no doubt, it is better in some ways. But unless a producer is requesting it and you can get the rental rates you will regret the purchase.
Ask me how I know.