RED announces ‘entry-level’ video camera for 5k images

The American manufacturer RED announces a relatively cheap 5k camera with the Scarlet-W. The ‘brain’ with 13.8-megapixel sensor costs 10,040 euros. However, investments still need to be made in various extras to make the device ready for use.

RED places a super35mm ​​cmos sensor in the Scarlet-W with dimensions of 25.6×13.5mm. That is comparable to the aps-c format of many SLR cameras. The chip has a resolution of 13.8 megapixels and can thus capture movie files with dimensions of 5120×2700 pixels. The dynamic range is more than 16.5 stops, according to RED, just like the other cameras of the brand that are equipped with a RED Dragon sensor. The manufacturer focuses on the professional market with the cinema camera.

In 5k resolution, you can film at a speed of up to 48fps. At lower resolutions, the speed increases to 300fps in 2k format of 2048×864 pixels. RED’s cameras capture images in redcode, a compressed raw format.

RED supplies its cameras as a separate module, which must be supplemented with various accessories such as an electronic viewfinder, LCD, storage module, power supply, lens mount and handles. As a result, the total price can rise considerably. RED also sells packages with necessary accessories. A Scarlet-W with basic supplies and Canon EF lens mount will cost 14,635 euros. According to RED, the Scarlet-W brain will be available from February 2016 and the complete packages will be delivered from March next year.

The Scarlet-W is not RED’s cheapest camera. Earlier, the company announced the Raven. The ‘brain’ of this model with 4.6k sensor will be priced at 6000 euros and can currently be pre-ordered.