Make way, Sony: RED Digital Cinema wants to get on the global shutter train. RED’s V-Raptor (X) and V-Raptor (X) XL video cameras feature newly developed global shutter image sensors.
Each camera includes a V-Raptor (X) 8K VV 35.4-megapixel Global Shutter CMOS sensor. That name is a mouthful. The image sensor is 40.96 x 21.6 millimeters, providing a diagonal measurement of 46.31 millimeters. For reference, the 24.6-megapixel global shutter sensor in the groundbreaking full-frame Sony a9 III mirrorless camera — which has some impressive video chops to go with its photography features — is 36 x 24mm.
This is not RED’s first foray into global shutter sensor technology, either, as the company previously introduced a global shutter with its most recent Komodo-X cine camera. However, that camera features a 19.9-megapixel Super 35 sensor, which is 27.03 by 14.26mm.
RED says its new V-Raptor (X) cameras deliver 17-plus stops of dynamic range. However, using an Extended Highlights feature, RED says the new sensor can deliver over 20 stops of dynamic range, which is an ambitious promise.
Using REDCODE RAW Max, the records 8K 17:9 footage at up to 120 frames per second and can reach a blazing-fast 600 fps when shooting 2K 2.4:1 video, with plenty of other resolution/frame rate/aspect ratio combinations in between. At maximum image quality, 8K 17:9 video is capped at 60p. The camera also records Apple ProRes 4444 XQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT at resolutions up to 4K (4096 x 2160) 120p.
While the image sensor is shared between the V-Raptor (X) and (X) XL models, there are important differences to consider. Beyond the immediately obvious difference in size and weight, the XL camera also includes a built-in neutral density (ND) filter feature. ND strength ranges from two to seven stops and is adjustable in increments as narrow as one-third of a stop.
Whether opting for the smaller and lighter V-Raptor (X) or the large, ND-equipped V-Raptor (X) XL, the world’s first large format global shutter sensor cinema camera does not come cheap. The V-Raptor (X) starts at $29,995, while the XL model starts at $44,995. Complete details and purchasing options are available on RED’s website. There, RED also showcases a wide range of sample clips from each of the new cameras.
Image credits: RED
