Should We Go Back To RED? - V-RAPTOR

The video opens with an unboxing and hands-on impression of the Red V-RAPTOR, highlighting the bold claim that this flagship camera marks a new chapter for Red after several years without a major release. The presenters acknowledge the price tag of around $29,000 and discuss whether they will keep the unit or return it, inviting viewers to express interest in a full review in the comments. A quick tour follows, noting the camera’s dense build, cube-like form factor, and the decision to remove fan temperature control in favor of automatic cooling to improve consistency. They point out practical details such as the front record button, built-in autofocus with Canon RF compatibility, and the absence of HDMI in favor of expanded IO options on the XL version. The media door, new CFexpress Type B cards, and the weight considerations due to the revised form factor are covered, as well as battery compatibility and the limitations of the new V-mount plate for common batteries. The hosts demonstrate the camera’s boot speed, the side LCD for control, and the pre-record feature, setting up a test regime for 8K at up to 120 FPS and 2K up to very high frame rates, while emphasizing the pre-record and compression options that simplify operation for assistants and operators. They compare the V-RAPTOR to previous Red models, noting the full-frame sensor, RF mount, and the potential for future Ethernet recording via a firmware update, which could broaden the camera’s workflow beyond traditional cinema tasks. Test footage is shown, including a 600 FPS capability that, while noisy, proves useful in certain scenarios, and they discuss how this performance fits into Red’s lineup alongside Arri Alexa LF and Sony Venice, acknowledging the price-to-performance tradeoffs. The host also teases a deeper review if viewers wanted it, positioning the V-RAPTOR as a compelling option in a high-end market segment, especially given its 8K 120 FPS capability and streamlined recording workflow. Throughout, practical caveats surface such as battery compatibility challenges and the ongoing evolution of Red’s IO strategy, suggesting the camera might be best suited for certain professional setups rather than as a universal tool. The video closes with a call to viewers to indicate interest in a comprehensive evaluation, and a brief plug for a sponsor, framing the segment as both a first impression and a tease for future, more exhaustive coverage.

Topics · technology · cinema-camera · video-production · hardware-review · consumer-electronics · camera-io · high-end-gear