Introduction

Figure: RED KOMODO-X® camera

RED KOMODO-X®

KOMODO-X® is the next evolution in the KOMODO family, multiplying the frame rates, dynamic range, and usability of the original KOMODO to break new grounds. Now supercharged by the Nikon Z mount.

NOW WITH NIKON Z MOUNT

The KOMODO-X Z Mount, part of the new Z CINEMA Series, now features a native locking Nikon Z mount, introducing Nikon’s latest optical innovations into the cinema market. Close coordination between Nikon and RED brings Z lenses into the cinema style shooting experience, with advanced features such as smooth iris control, customizable lens response, and adjustable auto focus speeds. Given the shallow flange depth, the Nikon Z mount is compatible with even more lens systems using third-party adapters.

Next Generation KOMODO Sensor

KOMODO-X features the same sized 6K S35 Global Shutter sensor as the KOMODO, but with a ground up redesign and key architecture improvements.

Improved detail and color in shadows, paired with double the frame rates at 6K 80P and 4K 120P makes KOMODO-X an even more powerful tool for creatives.

Enhanced Body and I/O

With key improvements for professional workflows, the KOMODO-X now shares many features with the DSMC3 line while still maintaining the impressively small KOMODO form factor. An integrated micro V-Lock allows for direct attachment of professional micro V-Lock batteries without the need for adapters and is also compatible with the RED Pro I/O Module to provide auxiliary power and compatibility with full sized V-Lock and Gold Mount batteries.

A reinforced Nikon Z lens mount with locking mechanism maintains the flexibility of toolless switching between multiple lens mount types, while providing the stability and rigidity professionals need. KOMODO-X is also fully compatible with /i PL lenses using the RED Z to PL Adapter.

12G SDI, full sized DC-IN, USB Type-C, and a phantom powered locking audio connector further enables KOMODO-X to seamlessly integrate into any professional workflow. KOMODO-X is compatible with DSMC3™ RED® 5-Pin to Single 3.5 mm Adapter to support existing KOMODO microphones, or the DSMC3™ RED® 5-Pin to Dual XLR Adapter for general purpose XLR microphones.

An integrated 2.9” LCD allows for simplified control and image preview in compact setups. For more precise monitoring, KOMODO-X supports the e DSMC3™ RED® Touch 7.0" LCD which provides a daylight viewable, high-resolution, camera top monitor and control solution without the mess of cables.

IP Connected

KOMODO-X is a powerful platform for any IP based workflow, from Virtual Production to Live Broadcast. With integrated USB Type-C connection and built-in Wi-Fi, remotely control the camera using RED Control or RED Control Pro, as well as IP media offloading using FTPS or in-camera Cloud Uploading functionality (Frame.io and S3). In addition, KOMODO-X supports frame-accurate PTP synchronization or tri-level Genlock sensor sync with the ability to offset on the fly to support multi-camera LED volume productions.

KOMODO-X also supports RED Connect, a licensed feature that allows for live broadcasting of 6K images directly from the camera over IP, expanding RED’s cinematic imagery into boundless new uses.

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.

Global Shutter

This camera employs global shutter technology. This technology exposes all of the sensor's pixels in each frame simultaneously, unlike a rolling shutter that exposes lines of pixels (each with a delay) causing image artifacts on fast-moving objects. Global shutter technology not only improves the visual appearance of this camera's images, it also eliminates tracking and matte-painting distortions during post production.

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.