RED Ends Speculation with Official Komodo-X Launch

After leaks,  speculation, and relentless teasing by self pro-claimed fire chief Jarred Land, RED has officially launched its latest cinema camera … the RED Komodo-X ST.

Designed with RED’s latest DSMC3 architecture as a follow-up to the original Komodo cinema camera, the new X-version retains most of the features of the original Komodo, but in a compact form factor.

Image Credit – RED Digital Cinema

At the heart of the Komodo-X is a redesigned 19.9 MP Super 35mm CMOS sensor and IPP2 Image processor with a global shutter providing 6K resolution in REDCode RAW, with frame rates of up to 80 fps.

Additional filming resolutions supported include HQ/MQ/LQ and ELQ 17:9, up to 96 fps in 5K 17:9, and up to 120 fps in 4K 17:9.

Need higher speed, 2K 17:9 will get up to 240 fps. DCI 4K ProRes: 4444 XQ up to 60 fps, 4444 up to 80 fps, and 422 HQ/422/422 LT up to 120 fps is also supported.

Image Credit – RED Digital Cinema

The Komodo-X sensor offers over 16,5 stops of dynamic range, providing more details in the shadows, enhanced color gamut, and more than double the frame rates of the original Komodo platform. Komodo-X also writes original camera files to a single Type B CF Express card slot.

Other features of the Komodo-X include 12G-SDI output, a 9-pin Genlock/TC EXT port, and remote connector, a 5-pin audio input for an optional DSMC3 Dual XLR or 3.5mm Adapter, a smaller 2.4″ LCD screen, a USB-C output for data connection, and full-size 4-pin power input.

The USB-C connection gives Komodo-X the capability to connect online for camera-to-cloud upload, as well as IP-based live streaming. But what is perhaps the best feature is the fire-engine red customizable record button and the “eject button” for removing the Type B CFExpress Card.

Optically, the Komodo-X sports a locking reinforced RF mount with provision for an adapter to fit PL mount lenses with full /i metadata pass-through.

The RF to PL adapter has also been designed to support the RED V-Raptor platform. Each adapter is built with mounting plates and an electronic ND filter adapter pack, which includes a clear filter and an electronic ND filter with a range of 2 to 7 stops in 1/4, 1/3, or 1-stop increments.

Image Credit – RED Digital Cinema

Traditional power options include aux power, V-mount, or Gold-mount batteries through the optional, RED PRO I/O accessory. Consequently, the more compact design gives Komodo-X the ability to support Nano-V compact V-mount batteries without needing an adapter or power module.

The Nano-V battery provides 49 Wh of power with a 6 amp draw and can power both the camera and LCD screen for short durations. The new Nano-V battery design weighs only 10 ounces, making Komodo-X a desirable and compact option for use on both gimbal and drone-mounted photography.

Pricing and Availability:

The pre-order price for the RED Komodo-X Cinema camera is $9995, about forty percent higher than the traditional Komodo cinema camera.

However, considering the more compact design and high-performance features that RED is bringing to the table, Komodo-X looks to be an ideal bridge from Komodo to RED V-Raptor’s workflow, as well as a more mobile platform for gimbal and drone-based operations.

The RED Komodo-X is initially being listed on RED’s website as a limited edition ST version in Stormtrooper White and according to a Facebook post by Land, has since been listed as being “sold out.”

Fortunately, there are plans to launch a standard black Komodo-X later in the year. For more details, visit RED.com/komodo-x.

[Source: RED Digital Cinema]

Order links:

  • RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO-X ST 6K Digital Cinema Camera – Canon RF, White (B&H)

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