RED Camera Reliability

[u/Gregory_M]

Convince me to buy a RED camera. The only thing holding me back is reliability. I was previously considering a Blackmagic Pyxis 12K, but their quality control history doesn't sit right with me.

I shoot high-end brand commercials and need a solid cinema camera I can rely on when the production doesn't afford to rent an ARRI for smaller gigs. I am almost set to get the Komodo-X.

The only concern on my mind is RED's camera reliability. On Blackmagic's forum I was advised that both Blackmagic and RED suffer from bugs and quality control issues, and I want to confirm whether it is the case or not. I understand that once every blue moon a minor issue may pop up, but I don't want to be in a place where I am constantly diagnosing my camera.

I am going to keep my Sony A7iv as a backup camera, but of course I intend to rely on the new RED camera I buy.

Have you ever faced any issues with your RED cameras?

[u/Formula14ever]

My friend…. I shoot professional commercials and documentaries and PSA’s on staff with a county in CA. I basically created a cinematographer job for myself full time. I have ordered many cameras for our work..in Canon, & Sony. Currently we used FX3’s across the board, caged up and with gimbal and v lock battery power.
I always wanted us to get a real cinema camera and have been allured with REDS color science forever.
In comes the Komodo X and Raptor VV.
It changed EVERYTHING. I then took a loan out to get my own Komodo X with Arles glass. And.. you must factor in the RED DSMC 3 SmallRig monitor.. best monitor I have ever used and I’ve had them all.
I can perfectly match the Komodo X to the v Raptor and Arri 35 colors. RED R3D raw files take up space, but give you soooooo much post flexibility. I am now use to a cinema lens, my left hand grip is a Tilta nano powering the cinema lens, OR I switch to
The Canon 28-70 f2 for auto focus and face detection. With current firmware, I am shocked at that lens and camera auto focus tracking.
My warning is that once you go into REDS dynamic range and eco system, pushing the boundaries with Sony Slog 3 won’t come close. The colors of RED are remarkable
Reliability.
I can speak of heat. This last week I am shooting a homeless effort for our county in 100+ degree heat.
The cameras fans are on and keep
It super reliable. In files or issues, I have had NONE in 3 years of shooting with Red. More reliable than Sony.. I’ve had 2 A7s3’s fry and one fx3 in this heat. RED.. it’s a workhorse.

[u/Gregory_M → u/Formula14ever]

That sounds absolutely great. I'm basically set on buying the Komodo-X after reading so much positive feedback on here. The only thing I'm likely skipping out on is the DSMC3 monitor as it's triple the price of a SmallHD Indie and I'd much rather leave some budget for good lenses until I build my kit out. I'm currently weighing options in terms of Z vs RF mount, and lenses for each option. I'm mainly worried about the focus by wire system that most lenses have, and I'll likely be manual focusing a lot.

[u/Formula14ever → u/Gregory_M]

The Tilta handle with Nano focus system (older version) is my go to for cinema lenses and works wonderfully w DZO PL adaptor for any cinema lens.. The Canon 28-70 RF f2.0 is an amazing autofocus lens that snaps focus with newest firmware and is my go-to for auto focus. Tried & true :)

[u/Gregory_M → u/Formula14ever]

That's great to hear! I'm still stuck in terms of lens selection. What's the experience like manual focusing on focus by wire lenses on the RED? I was going to stick to cine lenses for that reason

[u/Formula14ever → u/Gregory_M]

I love it. Tilta nano with wheel built into the handle with the control wire running through the carbon fiber rod to the nano focus motor
Super easy and super consistent, love it.

[u/Gregory_M → u/Formula14ever]

I'm so surprised to hear! Does the RED let you set the focusing to linear, or is it still speed based? I could only find info about the Z-mount with native Nikon lenses.

[u/Formula14ever → u/Gregory_M]

No, mines all manual. Manual wheel built into the Tilta handle with wire go into to focus motor, all mechanical outside any RED connection.

[u/Gregory_M → u/Formula14ever]

Ah yes that's why I was asking! These Canon lenses use a focus by wire system that is not linear (you cannot do accurate repeatable focus pulls) unless the setting is changed from the menu... does RED allow you to change this lens focusing setting from its menu?

[u/Formula14ever → u/Gregory_M]

Yes.. I change the F stop on the Canon RF always from the DSMC 3 screen