Red Digital Cinema is to unleash the Dragon sensors in its Epic and Scarlet cameras on the broadcast world, with a new Red 4K Broadcast Module that will offer live 4K output.
According to Red’s president, Jarred Land, the Module will offer: a “live uncompressed YCbCr 4:2:2 video feed; up to 4K and 60fps via Quad 3G-SDI; and BNC ports for timecode and genlock.” It should cost €5,580/$6,950 and be available in the Autumn.
The 109mmx129mmx57.2mm machined aluminium Module requires either a Module Adaptor or the +1 Adaptor Module to allow it to be connected to the camera body, and only power/battery modules or a Redmote can be attached to the rear of the module.
Although Red’s cameras have been widely used for shooting in 4K (and beyond), this is the first time they will be offered as a live broadcast camera.
Scarlet will now be capable of up to 6K (although only at speeds of 1-12fps) in the new Scarlet-X Red Dragon model, which comes with the 19-megapixel sensor. It can shoot at up to 48fps at 5K and costs $18,000 with a PL Mount.
Also new is the $950 Red Switchblade-M, a slim, lightweight interface that mounts to the side of the Epic or Scarlet. It has a 1.7-inch OLED screen with control via a rotary dial, D-Pad, function buttons, and four configurable presets, to provide full menu control alongside size and weight savings.
Red also has a new Redlink Development Kit that will allow Windows, iOS or Android programmers to create Red-related remote control apps for smartphones, tablets and laptops that can start/stop recordings, adjust white balance, or change the shutter speed, etc.
For wireless use, this remote control requires the new Redlink Bridge Module, which will enable mobile devices to communicate with the cameras.
“Redlink is our open protocol that allows third parties to completely control the camera via Redlink modules or via Serial/Ethernet,” explained Land. It “also includes integrated THC wireless lens control module for wireless control of motorised lenses with any Red THC Hand Controller.”
The $395 Redlink Development Kit includes the Redlink Bridge Module, USB Stick with Development software and quick start guides.
