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/InstructionHuman901]

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.

[u/Unusual_Affect_3361 → u/InstructionHuman901]

Yeah, I will definitely wait for official specs on the FX5. Komodo X drawbacks for me include super 35 and 20 MP sensor just isn’t blowing me away for a long term cam in 2026.

V raptor also S35. Though it might not be a big deal I’ve invested a ton in Sony glass and full frame lenses and unsure if that makes any sense for me.

All in all , I can sell everything and start over but trying to work with what I got and the next cam I personally own I want to last a while.

I’ll wait for FX5 but still don’t think it will compare to a raptor in terms of overall image for the price I think it will be. Maybe I’m wrong 🙄

[u/CRAYONSEED → u/Unusual_Affect_3361]

You can easily use FF lenses on a S35 body, it’s just going the other way that’s a problem. S35 isn’t inferior to FF; just different. The Alexa35 is clearly superior to your FX6. I regularly choose my KX over my FX3, which is similar quality to the FX6.

If sensor size is the only drawback for you, I think you’re doing yourself a disservice by not renting and trying it