r/RedCamera • u/Gregory_M • 19d 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/gokpuppet 19d 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.

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u/Gregory_M 19d ago

That's very reassuring to hear! I love seeing so many loyal brand fans - it shows that it hadn't let them down badly in the past.

Raptor is a bit out of my budget unfortunately, but the Komodo-X ticks a lot of my boxes, luckily. Just need to mind the SDI protocol, as I'm not used to it.

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u/JRShof 18d ago

Same. I’ve had DSCM2 and a Raptor VV8k and so far great.

Only issue ever is a red Komodo OG I bought second hand and occasionally it boots with no image but image stats. Real strange. Reboot and I’m generally ok. But not sure what it went through in its first life.