RED Announces V-RAPTOR 8K Cinema Camera

The front of the camera has a record button, two pinhole microphones, and what appears to be a small tally light. Look at that row of 1/4" 20 threaded holes across the bottom. This may seem like overkill, but wait until you try to mount something to the camera or mount the camera to a rig.

The back hosts all of the connectors. There is a wifi antenna and USB Type C connector with a locking screw hole which opens up the possibility of SSD mounting, networking, and more. There are two 12G SDI connectors, but no HDMI. A headphone jack, 5 pin LEMO audio connector, DC-IN port, and and EXT connector. It was noted by users on some Facebook groups that the EXT port appears to be the same as on the KOMODO, which means that accessories will likely be compatible. A v-mount plate is built into the back, eliminating the need for third party adapters. Such adapters for the KOMODO were hit and miss. I personally had problems with the Core SWX plate and opted for the Tilta even though it didn't communicate with the camera. Neither option was perfect, so a built-in plate is welcomed. I would expect battery information to be passed to the camera for display on the screens.

RED has once again opted for the Canon RF mount. This has proven to be a good choice on the KOMODO since it allows for mounting many different types of lenses. One downside on the KOMODO is the lack of a locking connector, but that appears to be fixed on the V-RAPTOR. There is a lever around the RF mount which will lock lenses and adapters to reduce play.

It was shown in a live stream that there will be made available a variable ND filter that mounts into an adapter, almost exactly like the Z CAM E2 flagship cameras. It can be removed and replaced with a clear filter, which is less convenient than a built in ND filter. Still, it’s better than not having one at all. I would assume the adapter would be available in EF and PL mounts. RED is also implementing phase detect auto focus (PDAF) with the V-RAPTOR like it did with the KOMODO. Just because this is a cinema camera that doesn't mean it can't have good autofocus. If this sensor performs like the KOMODO's sensor, I would expect quick and responsive auto focus. The only thing it's missing is tracking capabilities.

RED is releasing a number of accessories designed specifically for the V-RAPTOR. While they did release some KOMODO specific accessories during its launch, they mostly left it up to third party manufacturers for support. While I like having third party options, it took some time before quality accessories were available. In addition, some accessories had issues coming out of the gate that turned the end users into guinea pigs. It seems that RED is avoiding that issue by releasing RED branded accessories. The V-RAPTOR has a CFExpress Type B media card slot, just like the Canon R5. RED has a 660GB card available for pre-order which is made by Angelbird. The two companies previously collaborated on RED branded CFast 2.0 cards for the KOMODO. RED is releasing a branded CFexpress card reader as well. A compact 98 Wh v-mount battery and dual charger appear to be rebranded Core SWX Micro products. The charger still has the Core "C" logo embossed in it. At $325, the price of the battery is marked up from the same Core SWX Micro battery priced at $261. I guess that's the cost of official RED branded products. Interestingly, the RED dual charger is the same price as the Core SWX charger. The Wing Grip is similar to grips released for the KOMODO. The fact that this is a different product from other grips would indicate that the hole spacing on V-RAPTOR is different from KOMODO.

Not currently listed on the RED website nor other retailers are some additional accessories. These were shown briefly during a live stream on the launch day.

There is also a new RED Touch 7.0" LCD touch screen monitor made in collaboration with SMALLHD. It is designed to attach at the top of the camera via the pogo pins, similar to but not compatible with past DSMC2 cameras. This eliminates the need for power or video signal cables. It boasts 1800 nits at 1920 x 1080 HD resolution and 100% DCI-P3 Color Gamut coverage.

The V-RAPTOR looks to be a fantastic addition to the RED family of cameras. I'm sure we'll see reviews coming from it shortly as it makes its way into experienced hands. At a price tag of nearly $25k, it's too rich for my blood. Unless a rich uncle I don't know about passes away and leaves me a bunch of money, I won't be shooting with this camera any time soon.