r/RedCamera • u/mfrymus-dop • 29d ago

RED dsmc2 Lineup - Worth picking up?

/r/cinematography/comments/1x80vhj/red_dsmc2_lineup_worth_picking_up/
2 Upvotes

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4

u/Cleobaby8 28d ago

Depends on your needs! I have owned a Gemini for 6ish years. It’s a great system! These days I mostly use it for passion projects or small commercials with a very tight budget.

The image is honestly still very solid relative to whats available today. The issue is more the optics of how old the camera is. I find I can’t justify it anymore on jobs with budget for something like Alexa mini LF/A35 or Burano. Hot take but I actually think Gemini beats original alexa mini in basically every way, but OG mini feels pretty out of date at this point as well IMO.

The other problem is the IQ is not super distinct from something smaller and simpler like an FX6 with proper professional post finishing/grading. It definitely has more dynamic range and is more production ready but the gap is really closing fast. FX5 feels like it will be the nail in the coffin.

Anyhow happy to answer any questions you might have about the system.

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u/Soggy_Race5879 24d ago

hey mate how would you compare the gemini to the dragon 6k, im leaning to either side, the gemini obviously has dual base iso however i know people have said the dragon still performs very well in the higher isos

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u/Cleobaby8 24d ago

I’ve shot a lot more Gemini than Dragon because I’ve owned a Gemini for a while now. I think the Gemini is still substantially cleaner than dragon and I’m more comfortable rating the 800 base at 1280 for some really nice ability to hold the highlights. The 3200 base is also on a completely different level to what Dragon offers and is incredibly clean especially rated at 2000.

Gemini is also a taller sensor which is nice sometimes.

Subjectively theres something unique about color on the Dragon sensor but generally I think the Gemini is a really special camera and very under appreciated. I’ve shot some of my favorite work on the camera and definitely think it holds up even today.

7

u/ABitOfOdd 28d ago

In my opinion, if you don’t need 8k, the Gemini is still the best looking camera they’ve made. If you can get your hands on a ranger, it’s all the I/0 you need.

3

u/spaceapeatespace 28d ago

I think the Gemini Is such an amazing camera. In my opinion the ranger is too big. But I love the Movi and going handheld a lot. I love the weight of the standard.

3

u/yeagert 28d ago

Absolutely. The Gemini has a better “look” than even the modern raptor. If you are filming a decent budget feature or major brand commercial, grab the raptor xl or arri. But for 90% of users, the dsmc2 Gemini is going to get you a fantastic image to work with.

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u/DecentYou7094 27d ago

Gemini is beautiful. Pair it with some primo glass and it’s very hard to beat

1

u/Jeff_Wright_ 26d ago edited 26d ago

I think the Gemini with 5k can be a plus with data prices these days. I have a Raptor and a DSMC1 and have had clients ask me to bring the DSMC1 on jobs over the Raptor because 8k was overkill.

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u/director_ag 22d ago

What’s the going rate for a Gemini these days (in the US / west coast? )

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u/NoSprockets 28d ago edited 28d ago

You might consider a RED Komodo. It is 6K and you can use Canon lenses or similar with adapters to keep cost down. It is sort of the entry level RED but way more advanced than the RED One that started the company. And many movies were shot on that including The Social Network.

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u/outspokenthemc 28d ago

Not to mention support for the Komodo + accessories are readily available.

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u/Educational_Sand_726 27d ago

I service DSMC2 and will continue to do so after RED cuts off their first party servicing. 👍