Dream Camera Loadouts: RED Digital Cinema

So how much does a dream RED loadout cost? Hint: Likely more than you can afford.

What if you had access to the ultimate camera rig? What would it include? What would it cost?

In this post,we’ll show you a number of options for building a solid dream RED camera loadout and give you the full price of each. We’ll rundown all options currently available through RED and give you a real idea of what it would cost to add a RED to your arsenal.

One note, as filmmakers looking to earn a living through your craft don’t be afraid to look into used gear, but be cautious. Most filmmakers selling used gear, especially used RED gear will be more than happy to answer any questions you have. It can be a large financial investment, so guard yourself and do your research.

For the following load-outs we’re sticking with New or Battle-Tested RED Gear. FYI, used gear through RED goes through a rigorous factory refurbishment process. Those units deemed worthy are then sold as “Battle Tested”.

FRESH OUT OF FILM SCHOOL AND WILLING TO TAKE ON A LITTLE DEBT

First up is the RED One MX. RED has discontinued this line of cameras, however you can still find used battle tested units for sale. Before it was discontinued the RED One MX was used on many major film productions (especially until the release of the RED Epic MX). For this loadout we’ll include a battle tested RED One (Brain Only) and give you the add-ons you need to start filming.

Demo Reel of the Mysterium X Sensor used in RED One, Scarlet and Epic:

RED ONE MX (Battle-Tested): $4000 (Brain Only)

EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO START FILMING:
(Prices below are estimates on new, battle tested & used equipment)
RED SSD module: $1,500
Canon AL Lens Mount: $700
7” RED PRO LCD (Battle-Tested): $1,200
12”-18” right-to-straight LCD/EVF cable: $230
5”-9” RED arm: $120
REDMAG case (4-pack 128G): $2695
RED quickplate: $500
RED ONE A/C power adaptor: $135
RED STATION REDMAG 1.8″ (MINI) USB 3.0: $250
RED Compatible V-Mount: $295
V-Mount Battery: $248
RedRock Rig for RED Epic/Scarlet: $1,046
Duclos Prime Lens Kit: $4500

TOTAL COST (Battle-Tested/Used): $7,000-8,000
TOTAL COST (New): $17,500

Films shot using the RED ONE MX:

ANOTHER DAY ON THE 2nd UNIT VISUAL EFFECTS CREW

Next up is the RED Scarlet MX. For the most part, the RED Scarlet MX is now used primarily on the 2nd unit. It has been used as the main camera on a few television series, but its use as the A Camera in films has been mostly on independent films. The RED Scarlet has recently seen a rise in use through the documentary film community.

Official Trailer to Sleepwalkers an independent film by Ryan Lightbourn. Shot using Scarlet-X:

RED Scarlet-X With SSD & Lens Mount: $11,650

EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO START FILMING:
(Prices below are estimates on new, battle tested & used equipment)
DSMC Side Handle: $950
7” RED PRO LCD (Battle-Tested): $1,200
12”-18” right-to-straight LCD/EVF cable: $230
5”-9” RED ARM: $120
REDMAG CASE (4-pack 128G): $2695
RED QUICKPLATE: $500
RED ONE AC POWER ADAPTOR: $135
RED STATION REDMAG 1.8″ (MINI) USB 3.0: $250
RED Compatible V-Mount: $295
V-Mount Battery: $248
RedRock Rig for RED Epic/Scarlet: $1,046
RED Pro Primes Lens (Battle-Tested): $3000

TOTAL COST: $22,400

WE’RE READY WHEN YOU ARE MR. FINCHER

No director has been more of a supporter of digital cameras (and RED Epic MX in particular) than David Fincher. In the same camp, Steven Soderbergh, Peter Jackson, Michael Bay, Guillermo del Toro, Neill Blomkamp have all used RED cameras on their productions. The RED Epic MX is now competing head-on with the Arri Alexa. Here we’ll give you a full professional load-out. Brace yourselves.

Escape by Kenny Mosher shot on RED Epic and Edited using Adobe Premiere:

RED Epic MX With SSD & Lens Mount: $31,200

EVERYTHING ELSE YOU NEED TO START FILMING:
(Prices below are estimates on new, battle tested & used equipment)

Cooke Cine Lens Set: $46,000
DSMC Side Handle: $950
7” RED PRO LCD (Battle-Tested): $1,200
Bomb EVF: $3,200
RED Rocket Video Card: $4,750
Arri Studio Follow Focus: $3,385
Element Technica Hybrid Bridgeplate: $900
Arri Support Rod Holder: $600
2x RED Carbon Fiber Rods: $300
Arri Matte Box: $5,434
12”-18” right-to-straight LCD/EVF cable: $230
5”-9” RED ARM: $120
REDMAG SSD (4-pack 128G): $2695
RED QUICKPLATE: $500
RED ONE AC POWER ADAPTOR: $135
RED STATION REDMAG 1.8″ (MINI) USB 3.0: $250
RED Compatible V-Mount: $295
V-Mount Battery: $248
Sachtler Cine 30HD 3006 Fluid Head $9,200
Sachtler 6250 Cine 150 (Medium) Aluminum Tripod: $2,070

TOTAL COST: $113,700

Films shot Using the RED Epic MX:

There you have it – three RED loadouts for every type of production. While the RED camera line is on the pricer side, these cameras are being used everyday on major productions sets all across the world.

Share your RED experiences in the comments below!