RED KOMODO-X GEAR
INDIE DREAM CAMERA
Red’s Komodo-X has global shutter technology, a new body and faster frame rates to make it even more desirable GLOBAL ECLIPSE OF THE HEART
W hen Red released the shockingly affordable 6K Komodo, it was lapped up by indie production companies wanting the kudos and Raw performance. The £6120/$5995 Super 35 cinema camera was a hit and won a Pro Moviemaker Gear of the Year award as our readers voted for it in waves. The camera is an attainable way into the Red ecosystem, with no compromise on quality. It uses the R3D Redcode Raw workflow as well as ProRes, has no rolling shutter issues thanks to a global shutter, plus phase detection AF using Canon RF-mount glass. Originally intended as a secondary camera for drone or crash shots in large productions rather than a main A camera, the Komodo lacks certain cinema camera features like built-in ND filters and XLR audio inputs. Despite this, it offers a standard audio-in jack, allowing for use of DSLR-style microphones. The original Komodo features mounts for two hot-swappable Canon BP batteries on the rear. To use V-Lock cells, an additional adapter is has to be bolted on. Further enhancements can be achieved by adding the Red Expander Module, providing increased mounting options, along with features like genlock, BNC, timecode and four-pin control sockets. Additionally, the Komodo Link adapter allows for USB-C control, making it convenient for connection to a smart device. Certainly, the Red Komodo is a base model, requiring the addition
of modules, larger batteries, monitors and rigs – or it can be used in a stripped-down form for gimbals or drones. Despite the required customisation, many independent filmmakers were undeterred by this. Observing the trend of rigging up the Komodo as an A camera, Red introduced the 6K Komodo-X. This upgraded version offers numerous I/O options, built-in USB-C and features a V-Lock battery plate on the rear, perfect for mini V-Lock power. Additionally, it seamlessly integrates with the DSMC3 Red Touch seven-inch monitor crafted by SmallHD for Red. These enhancements transform the new Komodo-X into a fully functional A camera without the need for any additional bolt-ons. Despite a significant price increase to £10,140/$9995 for the body only, it remains a more streamlined and cost-effective choice compared to a fully rigged Komodo. This makes it an optimal investment for small production crews. However, focusing on just the functional improvements misses the biggest change: it has a new sensor architecture that unlocks frame rates twice as fast as the old model in virtually all cases. This is now focused on the improved colour science that Red includes in its pricier A cameras like the full- frame and Super 35 V-Raptor. For both resolution and frame rate, the sensor is the same Super 35 size as the original machine and offers a rather similar range of codecs, only with some more ProRes choices.
“The Komodo-X has improved colour science that Red includes on its pricier V-Raptors”
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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