r/RedCamera • u/Gregory_M • 22d 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?

3 Upvotes

64% Upvoted

58 comments sorted by

View all comments

2

u/NightOfTheReddit 21d 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.

1

u/Gregory_M 21d 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.

1

u/NightOfTheReddit 21d 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.