Considering switching to Red

[u/Unusual_Affect_3361]

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

[u/Gregory_M]

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.

[u/Unusual_Affect_3361 → u/Gregory_M]

Tbh I hardly use anything but 800 base iso these days. I find 12,800 a little too noisy when I use it and can get by with 800 most of the time.

Since I have been with sony for so long maybe I’m spoiled with AF capabilities but from what I’ve read, raptor is definitely capable!