In a series
of posts at REDuser.net Red Leader Jim Jannard updated the faithful
on the latest news on the Epic-X and Scarlet DSMC (Digital Still and Motion Camera) systems and delivery
schedules.

Epic-X

The latest Epix-X specifications feature the previously announced
MYSTERIUM-X 5K sensor with a variety of image sizes and frame rates:

• 5K (2:1) at 1-100fps
• 4K (2:1) at 1-125fps
• Quad HD at 1-120fps
• 3K (2:1) at 1-160fps
• 2K (2:1) at 1-250fps
• 1080P (scaled from full frame) at 1-60fps

The Epix-X features increased Dynamic Range, reduced noise,Time Lapse,
Frame Ramping, REDCODE 250, ISO 200-8000 and a new FLUT Color Science,
a built-in GPS receiver and enhanced metadata.

Scarlet

The Scarlet 2/3″ series has been updated in response to the recent
video-capable DSLR releases with new features and a “mildly impact the
pricing” (although the change was not specified). Some of the new
Scarlet 2/3″ capabilities include:

• Increased REDCODE data rates
• New FLUT Color, Gamma and Sensitivity Science. Now same as EPIC.
• More extensive modular system integration.
• Interchangeable Lens mounts including focus and iris control of
  electronic RED, Canon and Nikon lenses, along with Zoom data (Scarlet
  2/3″ Interchangeable)
• “Touch Focus Tracking” with electronic lens mounts and RED
  touchscreen LCD’s (Scarlet 2/3″ Interchangeable and 8x Fixed)
• Two independent microphone level channels, balanced input
  circuits, 48V Phantom Power, digitized at 24-bit 48KHz.
• GigaBit Ethernet port
• Scaled 1080P at 60fps

Additional details on the Scarlet program will be “ready by the end of
this month”, although whether that will be tomorrow (the end of
October) or the end of November.

Delivery Schedule

Signalling another major shift in direction the Epic-X will be the
first of the new cameras released and this time it will have a more
conventional closed beta program (instead of all users being beta
testers as was the case with RED ONE) with a special edition (Tattoo)
of the camera and lifetime preferential treatment for the beta testers.
Epic-X will roll out in four phases:

1. Beta program with “working prototypes” for hard-core RED users
   with who plan on keeping their RED ONE. Buy an Epic-X system (with
   basic accessories) for $28,000 and put up with rapidly developing
   software. Stage one starts this year;
2. Buy a production model Epic-X when beta testing is done and the
   camera is ready, for $28,000 (with basic accessories) and keep the RED
   ONE. Expected to be available “early 2010” but Jim Jannard was careful
   to point out that it will be “when the beta testers think the camera is
   ready”;
3. Trade in your RED ONE on an Epic-X basic kit (as for stages one
   and two) and get a full credit of $17.500 off the $28,000 Epic price;
   and
4. Buy an Epic “brain” alone (no accessories) for $28,000.

There are no definite dates in this delivery schedule as each camera
and accessory will be available “when they’re ready”.

In the series of posts, Jannard also explains why the cameras are
behind schedule (product changes, suppliers going out of business,
and that they now know more than they did a year ago) and other updates
associates with accessories and software. Details, including images are
available in
the announcement thread.

Report by Philip Hodgetts