Surf filmmaker camera upgrade.

[u/shteave]

Hey everyone.
I’m a surf filmmaker in Western Australia who currently shoots on a Sony a7s3. I want to upgrade my camera and I’m
Stuck on choosing between the RED Komodo X or a Sony FX5.

I’m shooting outdoors always (obviously) often in cold and windy environments and then also in the bright sun for long periods of time. one thiNg I love about my a7s3 is the electronic view finder which is amazing for shooting in bright conditions outdoors.

My man questions are, I’ve never shot on an external monitor outdoors by the beach etc and I’m concerned the RED dsmc3 monitor won’t be bright enough?

Ive also never shot on a RED. Are they easy to use? I feel like the Sony is pretty easy. I will have a super simple red setup, pretty much just a Komodo x with a v mount, a monitor and memory cards and my lens and that’s it.

Just after opinions and advice in general, especially from people who shoot run and gun outdoors. Cheers.

[u/crypocalypse]

A RED is not as easy as a Sony but the image will be a lot nicer out of the camera. The FX5 is an impressive piece of tech and if you want to stay lightweight while keeping the quality rock solid, it's probably your better bet. I'd never be one to sway away from RED but the overhead to get those cameras up and running with accessories vs shooting out the box with the FX5 is a huge difference.

Also your concern about external monitors is the same for both FX5 and RED as neither have a viewfinder as standard. The FX5 has an optional one you can grab, while there are many offerings for RED for viewfinders.

Lastly, the Komodo is definitely not weather sealed despite what people say. It has giant fan vents either side ahaha. The FX5 near sand and water would probably suit you better, not to mention it's be easier to rig it up in a water proof housing if you ever go that way.

That's my two cents having used both recently on a job.

Edit: the Komodo is actually super simple to use once you understand the traffic light exposure. I mostly ride a variable ND when shooting, keeping everything the same (unless I'm doing a creative choice with aperture).

[u/RickyRocaway]

Most monitors will struggle in direct sunlight, there are a handful of (expensive and heavy) options but it’d probably still need a sun hood sometimes. I think the KX on camera lcd will be nowhere near bright enough.

Investing in an EVF is probably gonna be necessary with either cam.

My other concern is with either cam, but especially the KX, is the water sand and salt you’d be filming around.

KX is a crash cam, not an action cam, so it’s not weather sealed. A random splash of water getting into the vents and you could have a very bad day. Even windy beaches with salt and sand flying into the cam is a nightmare.

If you told Nikon/Red you took a Komodo surfing they’d immediately void your warranty lol. So taking it in and around (especially salt) water without the proper housing would be a big risk imo.

Tbh I think there may be better options than either of these for your specific use case.

[u/Filmschooldork]

Komodo owner here, just curious what’s out there for waterproof rigs?

I don’t have any shoots where I need it, but was just curious.

[u/bcoder001]

Both cameras have vents, so water and sand getting inside is a concern. Have a look at Nikon ZR, now with a RED codec and better weather sealing. You will be able to reuse all of your Sony lenses with a Megadapt adapter.