Introduction

Figure: V-RAPTOR XL [X] camera

V-RAPTOR® XL [X] 8K VV + 6K S35

V-RAPTOR® XL [X] 8K VV combines the strengths of RED’s two families of cameras into one powerful all-purpose workhorse. The frame rates, low-light performance, and resolution of the V-RAPTOR line combined with the global shutter advancements of KOMODO, the V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV sensor is the culmination of the latest advancements in digital cinema imaging. Using RED’s newest 8K VV sensor, V-RAPTOR XL [X] leverages the benefits and flexibility of large format, global shutter, high frame rate, 8K acquisition, all inside of a large-scale-production ready XL camera body.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

V-RAPTOR XL [X] is designed to support high-end motion picture and television productions, along with any filmmaker who can benefit from an all-in-one solution.

Dual voltage battery support offers compatibility with a wide range of common batteries found on set today, both 14 V batteries and high voltage 26 V V-Lock, or Gold Mount options.

Built-in electronic ND allows cinematographers to precisely select their density in ¼, ⅓, and full stop increments, providing never before seen exposure and depth of field control inside a cinema camera of this level.

12 V and 24 V auxiliary power outputs allows camera assistants to power all the peripherals needed to do their job from one centralized place.

Features such as front-facing 3G-SDI and 2-Pin 12 V power, and compatibility with the DSMC3™ RED® Touch 7.0” LCD, support any camera operators viewing preference.

Wireless timecode, genlock, camera control, and four SDI outputs support the DIT, giving them access to everything they need at their cart.

Improved in-camera audio performance for run and gun single system audio setups.

The V-RAPTOR XL [X] and the DSMC3 platform feature advanced connectivity solutions which enable applications such as remote control and monitoring, in-camera Frame.io integration, AWS direct upload, RED Connect for live 8K R3D video over IP or live 4K over SMPTE ST 2110, and more.

GLOBAL VISION

V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV is pushed to new limits with the introduction of RED Global Vision, a new suite of tools that use the global shutter sensor to provide even more flexibility and ease of use throughout the production process. Global Vision’s Extended Highlights feature allows the camera to see even further into highlight detail, providing more detail for HDR finishes, or softer and more subtle highlight roll-off for SDR. RED Global Vision includes a new Phantom Track feature to streamline any Virtual Production environment employing GhostFrame™ or Frame Remapping, capturing distinct R3D clips per each sub-frame slice, along with the ability to monitor either slice live on-set over each SDI feed.

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. R3D's from V-RAPTOR XL require integration of SDK version 8.3 or later.

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 (8.3 or later) 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.