We’ve been living with the great RED hype for over a year now since word of the cameras first leaked out (intentionally) and were eventually announced on November 13, 2008.
Since the announcement, RED has provided periodic updates or teasers about the new products; however, no actual products have been delivered. Earlier this week, RED announced more official details concerning the Scarlet and EPIC cameras in its forum, which is their typical modus operandi.
The short of it?
RED provided soft availability dates for the Scarlet and EPIC, which can be summed up as Spring/Summer 2010.
The Scarlet brains were all originally slated for release in 2009. Some were estimated for a Summer 2009 release. The EPIC brains originally had estimated availability dates between Summer 2009 and Spring 2010, depending on the model. The EPIC-X was supposed to be the first EPIC model released . . . in late Summer 2009.
The new “release” dates are as follows:
- EPIC S35 Stage 2- NAB 2010 (or shortly after)
- EPIC S35 Stage 3 & 4- pre-summer 2010
- Scarlet 2/3″ (both models)- May-June 2010
- Scarlet S35- Summer 2010
[source – RED forum]
The Scarlet 2/3″ (10.1 x 5.35 mm sensor) brain also had an estimated price increase from $2500 to $2750, while the 8x-fixed lens version of the Scarlet 2/3″ estimated priced jumped up $1000 – from $3750 to $4750. The Scarlet S35 (30 x 15 mm sensor) brain stays the same at $7000.
You can get a full rundown of the revised specs and other newly announced products in RED’s forums here.
Meanwhile, Canon and Nikon are working on their second/third generation of video-capable DSLRs, while their current generation of cameras (with larger sensors) are being used by professionals to actually shoot TV spots (SNL, anyone?) and films . . . at a fraction of the “estimated” cost.
With that said, I’ll leave you with RED’s motto: Every thing is subject to change. Count on it.
“while their current generation of cameras (with larger sensors) are being used by professionals to actually shoot TV spots (SNL, anyone?) and films”
What exactly have we been using the Red One for durring the past two years? Filming pee-wee games? That paragraph was very misleading, I work in the industry and the Red One has left it’s mark. I’ve never really seen Canon cameras put to use outside a film school enviroment.