Red Epic Dragon and other cinematic hammers
This was definitely a banner year for new cameras at NAB. The continuing evolution of the computer as a camera had brought another manufacturer into the mix: AJA. It has also meant that Blackmagic have continued to expand their line with the much talked about Ursa, which is a big, heavy system and also diametrically opposed to anything they’ve released so far, except for the price, because it’s an amazing deal. at around $6K. The DSLR market also continues to be interesting with the introduction of the Panasonic GH4 and Sony A7S. They’re not just 4K, they’re clearly designed for video.
This may not be true when it comes to the ergonomics of a camcorder, but it certainly is when it comes to the image they display. Canon definitely has to catch up if these two cameras do well at their very low price.
In the high-end market, there is one major player that seems to have been able to pack all the best technology into one amazing little machine.
Of course I am talking about 6K, 16.5 stop DR, Raw, High Speed and Red Epic Dragon, very light and small. It is the camera that everyone has been waiting for and it is wonderful. Now some may see me as a fanboy because I’ve been using a RED camera for six years and I can’t deny that, but this time RED seems to have finally delivered on all fronts.
Since the introduction of Arri Alexa, cinematographers have been talking about dynamic range and skin tones. These are two areas where the Dragon has improved a lot. Not only is DR several stops better (representing how much contrast the system can handle), but the accuracy and color range were actually the highest ever recorded by the DXO Mark. All of this means that no matter where you are and what you’re shooting at, the Dragon should have you covered.
With all these new camera systems on the market, it’s easy to become dependent on technology, but one must remember that they are just tools. Phenomenally advanced tools, but still just cinematic hammers. So get out there and hit those hammers the best way you can. The potential of any camera is as high as that of the craftsman who uses it. So get out there and shoot! Create images and convey emotions! I’m glad I’m wearing a Red Dragon when I go to do it.