RED Digital Cinema outlines the "replacement" Scarlet DMCS - their smaller sensor cameras. There are now three models: 2/3 Scarlet 8X Fixed, 2/3 Scarlet Interchangeable, and the Scarlet S35 with a larger sensor. Each Scarlet can be custom configured, although many of the accessories are common between Scarlet and Epic (and some also fit the RED ONE camera). The 2/3" models of Scarlet are expected in May-June 2010, the S35 in Summer 2010.

Pricing has increased for the 2/3 Scarlet 8X Fixed. For US$4750 you get 3K RAW up to 120 fps complete with a basic configuration of Brain/Lens, CF Module, REDmote, touchscreen LCD and a battery and travel charger. This includes one new ATSIC (high density custom silicon chip) and four new boards. The feature set seems more extensive than previously announced.

2/3 Scarlet Interchangeable (brain only) will be US$2750 and can be configured as an HDR stills camera, HD video camera at 1080, or 720P. The S35 (brain only) will be $7,000.

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Since Scarlet was first announced, RED have been assailed by the appearance of video-capable still cameras, like Canon's 5D Mark II. Although any Scarlet configuration will be more expensive, there are considerable advantages to the RED path, among them:

• 3K capture gives about 50% more resolution than 1080 HD;
• RAW provides a much higher quality, and more flexible, signal for post production particularly when compared to the heavily compressed files from DSLRs; and
• Scarlet provides a fully professional working environment for the DP with professional audio and timecode.

RED also announced that their 18mm RED PRO PRIME lens is on track with pre-production models expected in 2 weeks time, and "limited" production is expected at the end of December. The first three Mini Primes (50mm, 25mm, 16mm) are "complete" with the 6mm and 8mm Mini Prime lenses due in December.

Along with the Scarlet announcements there were other product announcements made. There will be a new version of REDCINE - X with a long list of new features. (All listed on page two of the post at Reduser.net.) RED (download) STATION has entered pre-production: one base can carry up to four modules for offloading CF or RED drive content. The Bomb Viewfinder is in testing in the field with production models expected to ship in January.

Finally, RED Ray Pro has now taken priority over the "consumer" version with hardware decoding of R3D files (RAW) up to 5K and 30FPS and .RRD (RED Ray distribution format 4:4:4 files up to 4K and 30 fps. Output is to four DVI Program outputs and four HD-SDI outputs for each of the four quadrants of a 4K image. RED Ray Pro is now expected "January-Februarry 2010" with RED Ray Consumer targeted for "Spring-Summer 2010".

Although the primary message is of further delays to the Scarlet product line, the added features will guarantee it has a market even up against improved DSLR cameras.

--Philip Hodgetts