If anyone else looking for a reasonably priced cinema camera can now purchase new Red Komodo 6K model. The Red Komodo model can shoot 6K at 40 frames per second, 6K Wide Shot at 50 frames per second, and 4K at 60 frames per second, and it’s the brand’s first camera with phase-detect autofocus.
The company demonstrated how users can use the camera’s colour display to touch focus between different subjects in a video released when the Red Komodo was announced in April. Although the feature was a little behind the times at the time, the company admitted that it was still working to make the new AF technology “perfect.”
Red Komodo 6K is only 2.1 pounds and measures 4 inches on all sides. It records in RED’s new RAW mode, is compatible with CFAST 2.0 media, has built-in wireless capabilities, and can be controlled with the new Red Komodo Control app, which is already available for iOS and will be available for Android soon.
Unlike RED’s other cameras, this one comes with everything filmmakers need to get started shooting, including a display and microphones. However, RED offers bundles for those who require accessories in addition to the camera. The new RED Komodo 6K price camera system astonishes with its compact design and advanced features now that it’s finally available.
The Red Komodo 6K was upgraded with a global shutter sensor after extensive engineering (27.03mm x 14.26mm). As a result, the camera can maintain Red’s high image quality and dynamic range standards.
RED Digital KOMODO 6K Cinema Camera
Weight and Dimensions
The Red Komodo 6K is a small 4-cubic-inch (101.6 mm) form factor that weighs only 2.1 pounds (0.95 kg) and offers a variety of options. This makes it an excellent companion for all travellers and nomad content creators who require the highest quality in a camera that is portable, simple to use, and versatile.
“This tiny chameleon of a camera packs in huge resolution, dynamic range, and image quality with a global shutter that has allowed filmmakers to capture footage in ways never thought possible,” says Jarred Land, president of RED Digital Cinema.
The camera’s other highlights include:
- Anamorphic lenses that give you the most creative freedom
- lens systems such as PL and others.
- Users can use adaptors for EF lenses with this RF mount.
- The LED touchscreen colour display features autofocus control based on phase detection.
Power and Media
For a RED camera, this has been a refreshing change of pace. Because the batteries flew off the camera during early testing when using Red Komodo as a crash camera, the camera has two Canon compatible battery slots with spring clips to help keep them secure.
My camera has been running for nearly two hours on each of the BlueShape Canon BMP975 batteries. It’s simple to keep the camera running for hours because they’re hot swappable. There is an included AC power adapter that connects to a dedicated port on the camera in case that isn’t enough.
I/O (Input/Output)
The camera has a limited number of ports due to its small size. There is a stereo 1/8 inch headphone jack and a microphone jack. The sound quality from a short 1/8″ stereo cable connected to the line out on my Sound Devices mixer has been excellent, making it an excellent choice for interviews and PSAs.
There is a single Lemo port for timecode and genlock. The dedicated DC power input is one, and the 12-G SDI output is the other. There are a few options for additional I/O, including the Red’s expander plate, which attaches to the bottom of the camera, and the Wooden Camera’s expander, which fits into one of the battery slots. To communicate with the camera, both use the Lemo port.
Wireless Command and Control
For the Komodo, Red has put a lot of effort into wireless control. It has built-in WiFi, allowing the Red Control app to control almost all aspects of the camera from the phone, including a wireless preview. The latency is impressively low, even over WiFi.
The Red Komodo Control app, which is available on both iOS and Android, is designed to take advantage of the extra screen space. On the phone view, focus peaking isn’t available, but it is over SDI.
Autofocus
Autofocus is another new feature for RED. While the autofocus is quite good when compared to other cinema cameras, this is primarily due to the fact that most full-size cinema cameras have no autofocus at all. However, it does work, and while it isn’t as quick as the autofocus on the latest mirrorless cameras, it is fairly accurate with the majority of the lenses I’ve tried.
Because autofocus and RF lens support are still in beta, some bugs and compatibility issues, such as Canon’s 800mm RF lens, are still being worked out by RED at the time of writing. It is possible to pull focus from a phone using the Red Control app and a compatible autofocus lens.
ISO and Frame Rates
Currently, the KOMODO does not have a wide range of frame rate options. It doesn’t have any time-lapse features, and its highest frame rates aren’t the fastest. It’s limited to 40 frames per second in 6K, but it can reach 120 frames per second in 4K. The KOMODO produces a noise-free image at ISO 800, and it can go as high as ISO 12,800, but the image is, in my opinion, quite noisy at that ISO.
Image calibre
Of course, no camera is worth buying if the image quality isn’t good, and Komodo, like any other modern camera, delivers on that front. It has a lot of dynamic range, good detail, and vibrant colour, just like pretty much every modern cinema camera. The footage is also very flexible in post, just like any other cinema camera that can record in raw.
Display, Codec, and Networking
The display, in particular, makes monitoring and menu navigation much easier. It’s also been updated with new RedCODE RAW settings that are more streamlined (HQ, MQ, and LQ compression options). This improves the user experience while also meeting all of the shooting requirements. Furthermore, Komodo supports CFAST 2.0 recording media, 4K SDI output, wireless connections, and can be controlled via the brand-new Red Control app.
Use Cases and Versatility
“There is no other camera on the market with a global shutter this size and versatility,” says Emmy-nominated cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt. Despite this, there are no compromises in terms of quality.After putting the Red Komodo to the test in the tundra of New Jersey while shooting footage for Harley-Davidson, artist Jason Momoa says, “It’s like cinema in the palm of your hands.” The best part is that there are a plethora of Komodo accessories available right after it is released on the market.
Here are a few examples:
Additionally, if you use any of the following programmes: Adobe, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut, Assimilate, Autodesk, Avid, or Colorfront, you’ll be happy to know that they all offer post-production support for Komodo’s latest SDK material.
The Red Komodo 6K package includes:
- Komodo 6K camera brain
- AC power adaptor 45W
- 1x RF to EF mechanical lens adapter
- Mini world travel adaptor kit
If you want to upgrade, there are two packages to choose from:
- Komodo Starter Pack ($7,200)
- Komodo Production Pack ($8,200)
Final thoughts
The image from the KOMODO is absolutely stunning. The camera blew us away with REDCODE RAW and incredible phone connectivity. A handle, rails, and a monitor are required for the camera. Outside of the camera, be wary of hidden costs.
When used in conjunction with a more expensive RED camera, the KOMODO makes an excellent “A” camera or crash cam. The RED KOMODO left a lasting impression on us.
