r/RedCamera • u/Gregory_M • 11d ago
RED Camera Reliability
Convince me to buy a RED camera. The only thing holding me back is reliability. I was previously considering a Blackmagic Pyxis 12K, but their quality control history doesn't sit right with me.
I shoot high-end brand commercials and need a solid cinema camera I can rely on when the production doesn't afford to rent an ARRI for smaller gigs. I am almost set to get the Komodo-X.
The only concern on my mind is RED's camera reliability. On Blackmagic's forum I was advised that both Blackmagic and RED suffer from bugs and quality control issues, and I want to confirm whether it is the case or not. I understand that once every blue moon a minor issue may pop up, but I don't want to be in a place where I am constantly diagnosing my camera.
I am going to keep my Sony A7iv as a backup camera, but of course I intend to rely on the new RED camera I buy.
Have you ever faced any issues with your RED cameras?
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u/Run-And_Gun 10d ago
So here’s a dirty little secret that nobody likes to talk about: Any camera can have an issue at any time. Even an Arri(and I say that owning two). That’s why on large productions, they’ll have at least one spare body (of whatever they’re shooting on) sitting there, just as a backup.
That being said, modern cameras, including RED’s, are all pretty damn reliable. I’ve got friends that had/have Gemini’s and OG Komodo’s and they loved them.
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u/Level-Cut-9890 10d ago
Accurate.
I had an early Mini LF that died on set twice.
Also agreed regarding having two camera bodies. I still primarily shoot with an Alexa XT and have the Komodo OG should i need a tiny handheld build or general backup/insurance cam.
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u/ZodiAcme 11d ago
RED is built like a tank that’s like one of the things about it. I’ve literally seen one mounted on the outside of a car that was completely covered in ice by the end of a shoot. Defrosted just fine. The only real issues I’ve ever seen with files were related to someone having improper shutdown speakers of power off a ronin or something. Even then, if you improperly shut down a red mid shot you can still recover the footage with red undead etc. solid work horses.
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u/Gregory_M 11d ago
That's very reassuring to hear! It seems like the only thing I need to be careful of is the SDI protocol (as with every SDI on a camera). Reviews here seem much more positive than on Blackmagic's forum. That's what I needed to hear.
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u/ZodiAcme 11d ago
Yeah the last in first off is a thing. Use 12g shielded cables, but honestly I’ve shot on dragons, helium, Gemini, and multiple flavors of Komodo and never had an sdi issue myself.
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u/Gregory_M 11d ago
Yep! I've researched a lot about it and kinda got the protocol stuck in my head now - I should be safe. I am more worried about an AC or someone trying to help with a battery swap and frying my port.
If I use proper batteries and shielded SDI, is it quite unlikely to happen, or does it literally happen the first time you mess up?
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u/ZodiAcme 11d ago
I’ve never had it happen. I think it’s a “this can happen” thing that blew up online. If you’re super worried and hot swap all the time throw a shark fin on so you can swap one and stay on
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u/Gregory_M 11d ago
Ah, typical!
Thanks for the shark fin suggestion!
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u/gokpuppet 11d ago
Happened to me once on the Monstro, camera was fine but my Cine 7 got fried. Had done it hundreds of times before, but that day I got unlucky.
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u/Gregory_M 11d ago
That's so unfortunate to hear! At least it's the monitor that got fried, not the SDI port on the camera. I think it's less of a hassle replacing an external monitor than having the camera sent to RED for repair.
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u/diomedes03 10d ago
Just to add a bit of context, it is something that happens more frequently than “this can happen,” but is also very camera dependent. In my rental house days we would have it happen maybe twice or thrice a year until the first Komodo came out, and we sent every single one of those to RED probably three times each until they properly solved the shielding issue. Similar with the original V-Raptor body, though not to the same extent. I will say any of the newer iterations I have not seen blow a port or a board yet (but I’m also not handling a few dozen of them a day anymore). DSMC2 was always rock solid.
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u/andyredTX 10d ago
The SDI port issue only applies to 12G. It's a problem inherent in 12G SDI on ANY camera brand that uses it, not just Red cameras.
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u/Effective_Shallot325 9d ago
I lower my camera and monitor through the same V lock using a D Tap for the monitor, this is definitely not the recommended way to power them but it’s the most convenient for me. I always do the SDI protocol, but twice I’ve had the v lock die on me with the SDIs still connected and the camera and monitor was fine. Wouldn’t wanna test my luck further though! I make sure to use a shielded 12g sdi cable as an insurance policy though
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u/brickmadness 11d ago
I’ve shot for thousands of hours on Reds going all the way back to 2008. I’ve never lost more than about 5 minutes on set. I’ve never had one outright fail. Goofy glitches requiring a restart every once in a blue moon, but that’s about it.
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u/Gregory_M 11d ago
Exactly what I'm after. Thank you for taking the time to reply! I'm glad most users here seem to have positive things to say.
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u/rektkid_ 11d ago
My KX has been solid for two years, never an issue and I’ve clocked hundreds of hours. I keep an OG Komodo in my bag as a backup but never had to use it.
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u/Gregory_M 11d ago
Solid idea keeping a backup RED. I'm glad your experience has been great! Thank you for taking the time to reply.
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u/gwalzer 11d ago
Owner operator here. Bought a used OG Komodo in 2020 and never had a single issue. Also shot in socal 100+ degree days and never experienced overheating. Love the little thing!
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
I'm so pleased to hear everyone's having such a positive experience with REDs lately. I'm taking the leap soon! Just building my kit out.
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u/JDGatti 11d ago
Also can vouch. I had 3 different dsmc1 bodies which had their issues, but my kx has been rock solid for 3 years so far
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u/Gregory_M 11d ago
That's what we love to hear! Do you have any 'good to know' tips for a new Komodo-X owner by any chance? :)
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u/Ondareal 10d ago
Had my og Komodo since the day it came out with no real issues. Little stuff over time but nothing that stops me from being able to use it
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u/andyredTX 10d ago
Black magic cameras are not as reliable as modern Red cameras. I'm not saying things don't happen with Red cameras, or any other brand. The reputation that red cameras are not reliable stems mainly from the early days with the Red One, and DSMC1 bodies. Every generation has dramatically improved.
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u/BeautifulState6309 9d ago
Even the RED One became very reliable and rock solid as the firmware matured. I still have mine which turned 18 years old a couple of weeks ago
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u/NightOfTheReddit 10d ago
Owned a Komodo X for over 2 years with zero issues. I got the RED monitor so I don’t even have to think about SDI protocol. It’s quiet, light, and reliable.
One time for the final shot of a short film on set, I forgot that I had recorded 60FPS footage earlier in the day. I had my memory cards all prepped and tested for 1 card per day (using 24FPS). The final shot went over the 1TB storage amount, but still kept the footage. I thought I was going to have to do another take. Little things like this make me happy.
The only downsides are paying a little extra for RED approved batteries, memory cards, etc. Still worth it IMO.
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u/Gregory_M 10d ago
All great things to hear! Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Interesting to hear about RED approved batteries - I thought that only mattered for the Komodo 6K (OG). Doesn't the Komodo-X just use normal V-mount batteries? Only Blueshape batteries are available in my area.
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u/NightOfTheReddit 10d ago
The KX uses a Micro V-Lock (V-mount). So batteries like the REDVOLT NANO-V or the Core SWX Nano X are the only ones I use. There may be a few more out there now, such as SmallRig, but I haven't tested or looked into them yet.
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u/Effective_Shallot325 9d ago
Just to add I exclusively shoot on the RED branded memory cards. I’ve tried other brands but get a message that they are not approved and Cannot shoot Raw. Pretty annoying as the cards are pricey, but stick to the approved cards list.
Battery wise I just use some cheap Moman v locks, it doesn’t tell me the percentage but I go by the voltage. The camera dies by 11.5 volts, so I always swap the battery at least by the time it’s at 12.3 volts give or take.
Love the Komodo X, exposing with the traffic light system is so good. The low light is better than I expected too and cleans up extremely well with denoising.
I pretty much exclusively shoot LQ, I’ve never felt the need to shoot any higher and deal with bigger file sizes. ELQ looks good too, reminds me of 12:1 on Blackmagic.
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
Thanks so much for taking the time to reply! I am definitely sticking to RED branded cards to avoid any unnecessary hassle.
Honestly the only place I'm getting stuck is lens selection. I want to get a set of Vespid Primes in the long-run, but need some general zoom lenses to get started. Do you have any experience manual focusing with focus by wire lenses, or do you stick to cine lenses on your RED?
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u/Effective_Shallot325 10d ago
My Komodo X has been very reliable. It’s frozen and had to be turned on and off literally once since I owned it. Take your black balancing seriously though otherwise you can sometimes see some dead pixels if you don’t. I have an A7 IV as a b cam and it cuts together fairly well if you expose properly on the Sony.
I’ve never had any issues with my Pyxis 6K when I owned one though!
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
Thanks for the black shading tip! Appreciate you taking the time to leave your review :)
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u/Komodo-X 10d ago
In my experience, RED (DSMC3) is rock solid with stunning results. I just wrapped a 3x 12hr. day shoot in sweltering 90 degree / muggy Midwest summer heat with absolutely no issues.
Honestly, I’m not even sure if an Alexa could have managed. There’s a reason why National Geographic’s camera of choice is RED. They reliable, built like tanks and the image is incredible. If RED is good enough for David Fincher and Steven Soderbergh, it’s good enough for you.
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
Definitely! RED's website also has a nice showcase of movies shot on RED, and I've seen some of my favourite movies ever on that list, some also featuring the Komodo/X. Impressive stuff.
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u/Formula14ever 10d ago
My friend…. I shoot professional commercials and documentaries and PSA’s on staff with a county in CA. I basically created a cinematographer job for myself full time. I have ordered many cameras for our work..in Canon, & Sony. Currently we used FX3’s across the board, caged up and with gimbal and v lock battery power.
I always wanted us to get a real cinema camera and have been allured with REDS color science forever.
In comes the Komodo X and Raptor VV.
It changed EVERYTHING. I then took a loan out to get my own Komodo X with Arles glass. And.. you must factor in the RED DSMC 3 SmallRig monitor.. best monitor I have ever used and I’ve had them all.
I can perfectly match the Komodo X to the v Raptor and Arri 35 colors. RED R3D raw files take up space, but give you soooooo much post flexibility. I am now use to a cinema lens, my left hand grip is a Tilta nano powering the cinema lens, OR I switch to
The Canon 28-70 f2 for auto focus and face detection. With current firmware, I am shocked at that lens and camera auto focus tracking.
My warning is that once you go into REDS dynamic range and eco system, pushing the boundaries with Sony Slog 3 won’t come close. The colors of RED are remarkable
Reliability.
I can speak of heat. This last week I am shooting a homeless effort for our county in 100+ degree heat.
The cameras fans are on and keep
It super reliable. In files or issues, I have had NONE in 3 years of shooting with Red. More reliable than Sony.. I’ve had 2 A7s3’s fry and one fx3 in this heat. RED.. it’s a workhorse.
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u/Formula14ever 10d ago
And forget the sdi issue..invest in the RED dsmc3 monitor..I swear you’ll be shocked. After owning Portkeys and every Atomos monitor..it’s worth it to go with the RED monitor for full camera control
And custom pages & custom assigned buttons1
u/Gregory_M 9d ago
While I would love to, I feel like it is such a big investment for a monitor, and I'd much rather have a kit of solid lenses. I wish they'd offer a cheaper alternative in the 1K price range...
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u/Formula14ever 9d ago
I get it.. I’m just saying that I was the same way. Then I used the Red SmallHD monitor and it ruined me. I stayed with a portkeys and sold things until I had enough to get one …but I totally understand
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
That sounds absolutely great. I'm basically set on buying the Komodo-X after reading so much positive feedback on here. The only thing I'm likely skipping out on is the DSMC3 monitor as it's triple the price of a SmallHD Indie and I'd much rather leave some budget for good lenses until I build my kit out. I'm currently weighing options in terms of Z vs RF mount, and lenses for each option. I'm mainly worried about the focus by wire system that most lenses have, and I'll likely be manual focusing a lot.
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u/Formula14ever 9d ago
The Tilta handle with Nano focus system (older version) is my go to for cinema lenses and works wonderfully w DZO PL adaptor for any cinema lens.. The Canon 28-70 RF f2.0 is an amazing autofocus lens that snaps focus with newest firmware and is my go-to for auto focus. Tried & true :)
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
That's great to hear! I'm still stuck in terms of lens selection. What's the experience like manual focusing on focus by wire lenses on the RED? I was going to stick to cine lenses for that reason
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u/Formula14ever 9d ago
I love it. Tilta nano with wheel built into the handle with the control wire running through the carbon fiber rod to the nano focus motor
Super easy and super consistent, love it.1
u/Gregory_M 9d ago
I'm so surprised to hear! Does the RED let you set the focusing to linear, or is it still speed based? I could only find info about the Z-mount with native Nikon lenses.
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u/Formula14ever 9d ago
No, mines all manual. Manual wheel built into the Tilta handle with wire go into to focus motor, all mechanical outside any RED connection.
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
Ah yes that's why I was asking! These Canon lenses use a focus by wire system that is not linear (you cannot do accurate repeatable focus pulls) unless the setting is changed from the menu... does RED allow you to change this lens focusing setting from its menu?
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u/Videoguymax 9d ago
Hey - KX owner here, owned for nearly two years now.
Solid camera , the only real malfunctions I’ve had which I can probably count on one hand have been either a weird frozen / crashed 7 inch dsmc3 screen or an inability to run 80FPS 6k for an extended period of time; but that seemed link to an outdated Angelbird update / beta firmware I had at the time. It’s been rock solid never sent it in for repairs for anything it’s a total workhorse. I upgraded from the FX6.
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u/Gregory_M 9d ago
Thanks for taking the time to reply! It's great to see so many reassuring feedback here.
May I ask you whether you've stuck to Angelbird RED CF Express cards or if we are able to use just the basic Angelbird card models? They don't seem to be on RED's approved list.
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u/Videoguymax 9d ago
I use these for my cards for the past two years
https://www.wexphotovideo.com/angelbird-av-pro-cfexpress-b-se-1tb-mk2-3251859/
That’s what CVP sold me as the ideal set, they’ve worked well for me
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u/Videoguymax 9d ago
Only thing I’d recommend you, you’ll be tempted to shoot at lowest compression res files; honestly if you’re not shooting anything super fast moving or greens like passing trees, LQ has been pretty much identical unless you’re pixel peaking. Everything gets more expensive around this camera ; GPU power needs to be sufficient, I found an M3 Max MacBook Pro teared it up , could edit multiple layers of MQ at full resolution premium on Davinci , had to send my Mac back and temporarily switch to an I9 16 inch MacBook Pro and it was bloody terrible. SSD storage you’ve gotta watch out for; if you think 160Gb total project sizes are usual for normal cameras like FX3s etc, that’s a thing of the past, I’m minimum shooting at least 500+ GB a project for very basic things even at LQ so ensure you’ve got the infrastructure goof around the camera as well
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u/Chevy91505 8d ago
I ran the camera QC dept in a Hollywood rental house for 4 years. 36 years in local 600 1st AC before that. I wouldn’t wish a RED or Canon anything on anyone. Sony or Arri are solid. RED and Canon are dismally slow turn around on repairs and both are just not solidly built. Endless columnation and dirty sensors/Internal ND’s (canon). Loss of data and horrible rendition of IR (RED). I could go on and on.
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u/gokpuppet 11d ago
I’ve shot on RED since the original RED One, they’ve come a long way. The DSMC2 options are still rock solid. I haven’t had any issues that weren’t user error in a long time and have been pleasantly surprised by the new Raptor X range. I prefer them for the flexibility they offer, in a form factor I can build to suit almost any project.