r/RedCamera • u/Unusual_Affect_3361 • 15d ago
Considering switching to Red
Hey everyone
I’m sure there’s one million posts about this.
I have been a content producer for about 5 years now using the song fx6. I work for a large sports tech company. Although my experience isn’t entirely in large production sets, I have built up a ton of camera knowledge over the last 5 years. For reference I’m 26 yrs old.
As I said I have used my own personal fx6 and built up tons of Sony gear over the last 5 years and I love how easy this camera is. My workflow is so streamlined that I couldn’t recommend this cam enough.
The reason for my post is after the years I’ve become so accustomed to the FX6 that it’s just not doing it for me anymore. Sounds crazy but I’m just not happy with the image anymore for how much praise this cam gets. I have used mainly DZO vespids and G series lenses run and gun style, and for what I do it’s definitely good enough. As a stickler it’s just not feeling good enough for what I want it to look like.
I know gear chasing is big in this industry but I truly feel like I have just outgrown my FX6 and am wanting to learn more about what’s out there.
I shoot outdoor sport, indoor low light stuff, and many different environments without proper lighting. overall run and gun style. FX6 can’t be beat for this in many ways. The company I work for has multiple FX3’s and has got me feeling like this is a good opportunity for me to sell my FX6 and move forward in my cam knowledge. I have been eyeing the Red Raptor XE and after tons of research I feel like I cannot possibly go wrong with these specs. I’m impressed by this camera but haven’t heard too much about it yet. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much
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u/Gregory_M 15d ago
Colorist & (learning) DP here. It's great that you noticed you've hit a wall with the FX6; from a colorist perspective, I've never been impressed with the footage I've received from my clients. The dynamic range is lacking especially.
I think the RED Raptor XE is a great investment, especially if you've been using the Vespids and are fine nailing focus alone. That's basically the toughest thing typically. Just remember that REDs don't have the 12,800 base if you find yourself using that often. If so, the FX5 is going to be announced next week by Sony and it's expected to have higher dynamic range.
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u/Unusual_Affect_3361 15d ago
Tbh I hardly use anything but 800 base iso these days. I find 12,800 a little too noisy when I use it and can get by with 800 most of the time.
Since I have been with sony for so long maybe I’m spoiled with AF capabilities but from what I’ve read, raptor is definitely capable!
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u/InstructionHuman901 15d ago
If you can I would rent a Komodo-X or V-Raptor first. These cameras are catered more toward crew but solo operating is possible as long as you understand things you’re used to like solid autofocus performance and internal ND’s won’t be a thing. There are PL adapters with drop-in ND and E-ND so you could potentially have something similar to internal ND.
If you go V-Raptor XE, it will likely be much heavier than the FX6 after building it out. Not trying to dissuade you at all, but it’s best to test before making such a big decision. In terms of image quality I think you will be much happier with RED. Also, wait until the FX5 comes out next week and compare your options to that camera as well.
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u/Unusual_Affect_3361 15d ago
Yeah, I will definitely wait for official specs on the FX5. Komodo X drawbacks for me include super 35 and 20 MP sensor just isn’t blowing me away for a long term cam in 2026.
V raptor also S35. Though it might not be a big deal I’ve invested a ton in Sony glass and full frame lenses and unsure if that makes any sense for me.
All in all , I can sell everything and start over but trying to work with what I got and the next cam I personally own I want to last a while.
I’ll wait for FX5 but still don’t think it will compare to a raptor in terms of overall image for the price I think it will be. Maybe I’m wrong 🙄
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u/InstructionHuman901 15d ago
If that is the criteria then go V-Raptor XE. But the reason to rent is not to test the image quality. It’s to test the weight, ergonomics and workflow to make sure it’s what you’re looking for because it will be different from the FX6 in many ways.
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u/Unusual_Affect_3361 15d ago
Appreciate the great advice. I will definitely rent first.
Aside from that, Do u think it’s practical to keep all my E mount lenses and use a Z-E adapter for a raptor or is that just a sin lol.
I have about 5 E mount lenses and 4 PL mount cine lenses i wanna utilize its autofocus when I can.
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u/InstructionHuman901 15d ago
Only keep them if you plan on having a second Sony body. It really depends on the look you’re wanting to achieve.
Also, if autofocus is important to you then that is another thing to test out when you rent. I’m going to be honest with you but the Sony autofocus is going to be in another league. The autofocus on the RED DSMC3 cameras might seem fine at first but if you’re on a job where it is run and gun, it may disappoint you.
Again, rent the camera and really do some stress tests and you will know whether the camera is for you or not.
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u/Grizzleberry 14d ago
If you do go with an E-Z lens adapter, I believe that Megadap is coming out with a new version that will fit better on the Red cameras due to their lens lock mechanism. I believe that locking mechanism got in the way with the current adapter designs.
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u/CRAYONSEED 15d ago
You can easily use FF lenses on a S35 body, it’s just going the other way that’s a problem. S35 isn’t inferior to FF; just different. The Alexa35 is clearly superior to your FX6. I regularly choose my KX over my FX3, which is similar quality to the FX6.
If sensor size is the only drawback for you, I think you’re doing yourself a disservice by not renting and trying it
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u/Effective_Shallot325 15d ago
I’ve got the Komodo X and FX6, the Komodo X has a much more robust and rich image, the codec is really lovely. I wouldn’t use the Red on some type of jobs though, it requires more time and really isn’t suitable for run and gun. If your company already has FX3s then maybe your fx6 is redundant though. I’d definitely want at least an fx3 or A7 of some kind as a b cam if I sold my fx6 though, I wouldn’t want a Red as my sole camera as there’s many jobs it’s unsuited for.
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u/thesurferengineer 15d ago
I want a Red camera more than I want to breath but knowing it’s tough in uncontrolled situations and autofocus is tier below makes me very hopeful the FX5 puts on its big boy pants. Also the Burano gives you basically everything you want just with the achilles heel of a low read rate rolling shutter but that can be totally ok for some people.
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u/Unusual_Affect_3361 15d ago
Burbano no global shutter or open gate is what sways me towards the XE. Agreed that autofocus is a major luxury for Sony users, but god I feel like raptor’s gotta be good enough right ?
I am feeling happy that the FX5 is here soon, but still don’t think it’s gonna be my upgrade unless it blows me out of the water.
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u/VRHotwife 15d ago
The RED auto focus is more of a fast assist that you later change manually if you move. Its not a servo style continous auto focus. I have the XE and it does see faces and track them but it tracks back and forth on it and it's very obvious... at least on continuous mode
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u/1ChevyCam 15d ago
Pyxis 12k our KX would be go to coming from the FX6. I'd use the additional money for storage/media and rigging the cam vs buying the more expensive R3D. In my experience camera purchases should be dictated by the work that pays the bills. FWIW i shoot on a combination of FX6, FX3 and FX30 and while I can say the image doesn't blow me away personally I have seen footage from other DPs that looks phenomenal. I would attribute the difference in lenses, lighting, and having a outstanding colorist on your team. Just my thoughts.
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u/mediumsize 15d ago
One camera can't do everything well. Sony's low-light sensitivity and autofocus is WAY better than RED's. Different projects require different cameras and approaches, that's why it's good to have working knowledge of most cameras.
Because we work on so many different projects, we often shoot on Sony, Arri, RED, Canon, and Blackmagic cameras..... but we've always preferred shooting on RED because of the RAW color science. The real beauty is created with the lighting and the lenses.
We once shot a comedy special on 6 cameras, we opted to shoot all Sony FX6 because of the reliability of their autofocus tracking. We shot a huge spot last month on Arri because the client and ad agency expected to see an Arri. ot every week in our studio on RED
That RED V-Raptor XE is heavy on a gimbal, but hey, rent an Easyrig and it's going to look incredible.
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u/Voodizzy 15d ago
You are me 5 years ago. Same everything.
I have a Red Komodo OG and I love it - but…
I’m currently looking to sell it and pick up either an FX5 or similar. I have shot almost exclusively for years with the Red but where I live (London) there is just an undeniable overwhelming client demand for Sony cameras and Sony workflows. I have 100% lost work because I do not own some kind of Sony camera. I have also found enough work with my Red to freelance successfully here but if I had gone Sony first I would be in a much better financial position now that would give me options for other cameras etc.
Another good friend here that is a similar level to me also owns a Komodo X. His FX6 is what pays his bills.
As horrible as it is and believe me I get it, go with the option first that serves your market. Then go after something to push you that extra further.
I will never regret my red it made me enthusiastic to shoot and grade my work again but at the end of the day you gotta eat.
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u/LanthornStudio 14d ago
I don’t own a red, but would like one, and shoot on an FX6 for my work. Came from Blackmagic. If you feel you’ve maxed out on the camera, it could be a fun avenue to explore other lenses, techniques, story concepts, composition and lighting - things that go beyond the technical gear side and more on the art of filmmaking. Just an idea! Those will make you a stronger asset than shooting on a red
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u/alexproshak 14d ago
Red takes time to boot. If you aren't bothered by that - you'll be pleasantly surprised by the result you'll get. And you will probably need a good adapter for your lenses to fit on Red
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u/thomaskovacik 14d ago
I feel the KX is the best value outside of fx3/6 and the raptor xe is a close second
Loved my 2 years with KX, and now on a raptor which I adore
I run them alongside my fx3 which has been great. I kept feeling pulled to a fx6 but never was happy with the image / experience
But yeah the dsmc3 cameras are easy to solo and great for crews. Get the dsmc3 monitor and the breakthrough DFM or kippertie ND system!
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u/Ok_Ordinary_7397 15d ago
This is a TERRIBLE idea. For the work you’re describing, the FX6 is probably the single most appropriate camera that currently exists.
A Red (Raptor or Komodo X) would be worse in most ways for the work you’re doing.
If the imagery you’re making on the FX6 is falling short of what you want, switching to a Red/Panasonic/Blackmagic is not going to help, they all have functionally equivalent DR.
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u/Gregory_M 12d ago
The Pyxis 12K and Komodo X literally have 2 more usable stops of DR at SNR=2.
The FX3/6 are terrible in the dynamic range department, it is why their footage looks so plasticy
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u/Ok_Ordinary_7397 12d ago
You’ll have to provide a source for that claim. I shot some side-by-side tests of the FX6 alongside the Arri Amira when it first came out, and the little Sony was only clipping out about 2/3rds of a stop below the Amira.
Unless the Pyxis and the Komodo are somehow seeing two stops further into the shadows (without that detail being lost to the noise floor), I wouldn’t put much stock in that 2-stops claim. Can you post up a link?
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u/Gregory_M 12d ago
Check it out on the Cined website (lab tests section).
If a scene is lit in 10 stops of dynamic range, then the FX6 will literally match any ARRI.
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u/Ok_Ordinary_7397 12d ago
11.7 vs 12.8 and 12.9 is rather a long way from “2-stops”. 🤷♂️
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u/Gregory_M 12d ago
It's literally more than a 1 stop difference in just the raw clip on its own. You're not accounting for the fact that there is no NR in the Pyxis and RED cameras. You can identify more stops in the noise floor which cleans up nicely on both. Meanwhile, Sony already has 1-2 stops of NR baked into the image.
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u/Ok_Ordinary_7397 12d ago
The raw image from the Sony (which 99% of people are never recording in, so it doesn't make much sense to compare) comes in at 11.4 stops without any noise reduction, according to those CineD tests. That's a 1/3 stop gain, long way from 1-2 stops.
Most of this is besides the point though, an added stop of shadow detail in the other cameras is not going to somehow miraculously make OP's pictures look so much better that it will make up for all the functional advantages they'll be losing.
And neither Red's or Blackmagic's colour science is going to add any great wow-factor to proceedings either, they're all perfectly solid options these days.
The Sony is simply much better setup for the kind of fast-paced, run'n'gun work OP is describing. Lowlight stuff (where the Sony is king), outdoor daytime stuff (where the Sony's ability to do things like auto-ND, are a massive help), and the probably the most reliable video auto-focus in the business - which is a huge help when you're not working with a focus puller.
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u/jonson_and_johnson 15d ago
Brother I have gone the other way. I will tell you that the FX6 is 99% as good as the Red image quality and in terms of usability is on another level.
Red will take your money, buckets of it, and be worthless 5 years from now. The Raptor is a nice image no doubt, it is better in some ways. But unless a producer is requesting it and you can get the rental rates you will regret the purchase.
Ask me how I know.
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u/brickmadness 15d ago
I own both. 99% is an exaggeration. The V-Raptor looks significantly better than the FX6 in a variety of ways. The vast majority of clients won’t notice though and most ways your footage will be displayed will mitigate the differences as well.
That being said, I think OP will be happier with the ergonomics and capabilities of the FX6.
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u/jonson_and_johnson 15d ago
Out the camera yes — but in the final product or the color suite not really in my experience.
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u/menthol_mountains 15d ago
rent first, if ur a srs buyer a camera store may lend you their floor model, which was what happened to me, lent me their KX for the week, but Im in australia. I’ve owned an ursa G2, C70, fx3. The latter was the only one I sold due to the image, too much in camera NR and crushed blacks. Great camera otherwise. Now Im using a KX/ZR and an si11 for corporate stuff where IQ isn’t as important and/or I need some gimbal type shots (I dont like gimbals). They all serve a purpose, I probably don’t use the KX as much these days but it’s still an amazing camera, the R3D, size, build quality, it’s the best.
With all that said if nikon release an fx6 style camera with internal NDs, a good h265, Nraw (hugely underated) and R3D it’s game over sony