Introduction

Figure: V-RAPTOR 8K S35 camera

V-RAPTOR® 8K S35

RED's V-RAPTOR® 8K S35 is another addition into the RED® DSMC3 generation of cameras. Building on the same architecture of the V-RAPTOR® 8K VV, the V-RAPTOR® 8K S35 offers a new shooting format while leveraging the improvements in color science and performance of its larger 8K VV predecessor.

Featuring an 8K sensor optimized for Super 35 mm lenses, V-RAPTOR® 8K S35 offers filmmakers a unique benefit of using the versatile range of Super 35 mm lenses while still capturing in the smooth true-to-life detail that only 8K resolution provides. Create stunning slow-motion imagery at 120 fps using the full 8K Super 35 mm field of view, or slow it down to 600 fps at 2K. With over 16.5 stops of dynamic range, V-RAPTOR® 8K S35 is ready to capture stunning imagery in all types of environments. V-RAPTOR® 8K S35 also continues to feature RED’s proprietary REDCODE RAW codec, allowing users to capture 16-bit RAW, and leverage RED’s latest IPP2 workflow and color management.

The 8K S35 sensor sits inside the same camera body as V-RAPTOR® 8K VV, offering the same horsepower and flexibility filmmakers have come to rely on. The V-RAPTOR® features a modernized platform in an amazingly compact package weighing in at barely over 4 lbs. With two 4K 12G-SDI outputs, XLR audio and phantom power (using a breakout adapter), and 1080p livestream, this system can handle most anything a shooter can throw at it.

Quick Reference

Refer to the Quick Reference section to get familiar with this guide and the camera.

R3D File Format and REDCODE

All videos and frames are recorded to the R3D® file format. The R3D file format was developed by RED to provide an efficient and manageable RAW video data format that promotes advanced post-production editing capabilities. In the R3D file format, the digital image received from the sensor is formatted as a pixel-defect corrected (but in all other aspects unprocessed) 16-bit per pixel RAW data frame. Each RAW frame, or sequence of RAW frames in a clip, is compressed using proprietary REDCODE® RAW compression, then stored to media.

RAW data is recorded independently of any RGB domain color processing such as ISO, White Balance, or other RGB color space settings. Instead, color parameters are saved as reference metadata; that is, color is not burned into the recorded RAW data. This innovative recording technique promotes flexibility in RGB color processing. It allows you to defer color correction to post-production, or to adjust the image color in the field, without changing the recorded RAW data image quality or dynamic range.

REDCODE is a compression codec that reduces R3D RAW files down to a manageable size, allowing the media to record longer. The ability to compress RAW data is one of the significant technological advances that RED has brought to the motion picture industry.

Image Processing Pipeline

This camera uses RED's Image Processing Pipeline 2 (IPP2). In IPP2, the advanced RED color space (REDWideGamutRGB) allows the camera to use every color that the sensor can generate up to the clipping threshold. Then the camera encodes the image using Log3G10, a gamma curve that retains extreme highlight and shadow detail. Using the advanced color space and gamma curve, RED IPP2 allows you to grade and make color adjustments in post-production, instead of in-camera. IPP2 also allows the camera to use a CDL for grading. For more information about IPP2, refer to the RED IPP2 support page.

Shoot For Video and Stills

High resolution video, such as the digital footage captured by the camera, has surpassed the detail necessary to produce professional full-sized prints. Because the camera is able to record RAW video at high frame rates and resolution, this camera is ideally suited to capture video and still images simultaneously while still preserving the full flexibility that RAW still photographers have come to expect.

Post-Production

Many non-linear editing systems (NLEs) can open and edit RED footage, allowing full RAW control and flexibility without any need to re-transcode. Each NLE version may have specific compatibility requirements, such as camera firmware version or camera type. Before shooting, make sure you check all of the compatibility requirements.

You can open and/or edit R3D files by using one of the following products:

NOTE: Third-party applications may have limited compatibility with R3D files. Third-party developers must use the most recent R3D SDK to offer compatibility with the latest RED firmware.

Post-Production with REDCINE-X PRO

REDCINE-X PRO is a professional one-light coloring tool set, equipped with an integrated time line, and with a collection of post effects software. REDCINE-X PRO provides the ideal environment to review recorded footage, edit metadata, organize projects, and prepare your R3D files. You can use REDCINE-X PRO or any of the compatible third-party NLEs to edit R3D files.

Additional Resources

  • RED.com: Visit the official RED website for the latest information about RED products.
  • RED Downloads: Go to RED Downloads to download the latest firmware, operation guides, and post-production software.
  • RED 101 Articles: RED offers in-depth technical articles about RED cameras, post-production, and digital cinematography.
  • RED TECH Videos: RED offers videos about understanding and using RED cameras.
  • RED Support: Visit the RED SUPPORT site for support articles or to file a support ticket.