GEAR
RED KOMODO-X
benefits, including natural skin tones, ample highlight and shadow detail as well as authentic colours that provide room for grading. The AF system features a new locking Canon RF lens mount, and the previously Beta firmware is now a fully realised production version. While our testing involved manual cine lenses, the autofocus functionality remains consistent with the original Komodo, lacking advanced AI-based tracking seen in its mirrorless competitors. Face detection is available, but requires a smartphone and Red’s app. Control over the camera is facilitated through the built-in 73.7x73.7mm/2.9x2.9in touchscreen colour display. This allows access to menus and provides a small live preview. With features such as histogram display and false colours, the menus have undergone
“With very few external controls, camera settings are changed on the small touchscreen”
slight changes since the original Komodo. Given the minimal external controls, camera settings are adjusted on the user-friendly touchscreen. The camera’s built-in Wi-Fi enables wireless connectivity to a smart device for remote control via the dedicated smartphone app. There are also now two Rec buttons, both of which include a half-press that can be custom set to a choice of features. A standout
feature is the half-press to start pre-recording of up to 30 seconds to capture crucial moments. The time-lapse function slows shutter speeds to reduce blurriness in any moving objects. In addition, the IP streaming has been upped to 1080p, audio preamps improved and black shading compensation is quicker. PTP – IP-based genlock – has also been added to allow adapter and Ethernet cables.
MONITOR LIZARD The screen (left and below) is a joy to use. High-quality footage is easy to grade for a certain look, even on skin tones (above left)
THE VERDICT
We raved about the original Red Komodo at launch, and the new Komodo-X is better in virtually every single way apart from the AF system and price hike. It’s only 19mm/0.7in longer, but includes a V-Lock battery mount and lots more I/O options, plus a locking RF lens mount. The new sensor architecture gives half a stop improvement in shadows, more dynamic range and much better colours. Of course, there are still no built-in ND filters, but Red does offer the RF to PL Electronic ND Filter Adapter Pack. These use the same electronic ND control as the flagship V-Raptor XL. The pack includes a clear and an electronic ND filter with a 2-7 stop range. But that’s extra, as are the grip, side handles and new top handle for the camera. Be prepared to spend more than the asking price to turn the camera into a working production unit. But, you will have one of
the best cinema cameras with amazing image quality. The new Komodo certainly does have the X factor.
More information
red.com
HOW IT RATES
Features: 9 Global shutter, phase detection AF and Raw, but no ND Performance: 10 Stunning 6K files in Raw, fast frame rates Handling: 9 Now designed like a proper cinema camera Value for money: 8 Still a bargain for a global shutter OVERALL RATING: 9/10 It’s the cool cinema camera that (almost) does it all Pros: Global shutter, great image quality Cons: No built-in ND or IBIS
60
PRO MOVIEMAKER
Powered by FlippingBook