Red Reduces Prices, Trade-In Program

[WindyHillsVideo]

Story link from my usual source, Gizmodo::devil-smiley-076:


Red Reduces Prices, Announces Trade-In Program

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/12/redepic.jpg

Jim Jannard has announced a price reduction on their Scarlet and EPIC cameras, their latest modular systems for still and motion photography (http://gizmodo.com/5085242/red-unloads-modular-cameras-a-dslr-3d-and-28k). Plus, now there are multiple trade-in upgrade paths:

1. Keep your RED ONE and shoot great images. Get continual free firmware upgrades.

2. Keep your RED ONE and upgrade your sensor to Mysterium-X for $4,500.

3. Trade your RED ONE in, and receive $17,500 credit, towards the purchase of an EPIC-X S35 Private Reserve package, which is only available to RED ONE customers.

4. Trade your RED ONE in, and receive $17,500 credit, towards the purchase of an EPIC FF35 Pro Cinema "Brain".

5. Trade your RED ONE in, and receive $17,500 credit, towards the purchase of an EPIC 645 Pro "Brain".

6. Trade your RED ONE in, and receive $17,500 credit, towards the purchase of an EPIC 617 Pro "Brain".

7. Keep your RED ONE and purchase a Scarlet System (one time only) with a 12% discount.

Remember that, if you have a Red One, a) you can only use one upgrade per camera—once you use it, the serial number is done; and b) we hate you.

Here is the price list:

http://cache.gawker.com/assets/images/gizmodo/2008/12/red-scarlet-epic-specs.jpg


Red User Website (http://reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?t=23112)

[Daniel Runyon]

Oakley are war profiteers.

[WindyHillsVideo]

Since Jim Jannard's tag line indicates: "We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone with a bad attitude." I'm already disqualified for all my 'over-priced vapor-ware' comments. I am impressed with the looks of all these prototype pieces on the website now though.

Here's my favorite picture of all of them

http://www.redgrabs.com/up/1228314454.jpg

Another story with more information and pictures of the components is available on Engadget (http://www.engadget.com/2008/12/03/reds-big-change-announcement-is-big-for-pros-disappointing-f/)this morning.

[Mathew]

This current product line-up is just confusing-- too many options. They could really make a dent in the market if they would just offer a $3K complete kit. Canon seems to be the only current camera maker offering a professional $3K HD camera that is ready to go upon delivery.

[WindyHillsVideo]

Is there a market for silent movies in HD?? I guess we'll soon see.

[Mathew]

You mean you don't get an onboard mic with a "complete kit"? I wish the event videographers would quick geeking out about such an inappropriate camera for our industry. Let's focus on products we can actually use instead of lusting after the crap we don't need. Maybe then the "real" players like Sony and Panasonic would listen. Wedding Videographers do not need interchangeable lenses and 2K image sensors. We only think we do ; )

[RatVega]

This current product line-up is just confusing-- too many options. They could really make a dent in the market if they would just offer a $3K complete kit. Canon seems to be the only current camera maker offering a professional $3K HD camera that is ready to go upon delivery.

You mean you don't get an onboard mic with a "complete kit"? I wish the event videographers would quick geeking out about such an inappropriate camera for our industry. Let's focus on products we can actually use instead of lusting after the crap we don't need. Maybe then the "real" players like Sony and Panasonic would listen. Wedding Videographers do not need interchangeable lenses and 2K image sensors. We only think we do ; )
No disrespect to anyone, but those who just want to order "Value Meal #5" will never get the "best" camera, computer, or deal. To me, the approx $4K 2/3" 8X fixed zoom package seems fairly close, so I'm betting I could get a pretty nice rig for, say, a grand or so less than the "real" manufacturers. I don't mind complexity if it gets me what I want.

As far as propriety goes, I have no delusions that my world will change if I get a Scarlet, but I'm betting that it'll shoot some wicked action footage in 720p120. Will Scarlet have flaws? probably. Will it be harder than using a VX2100 or a GL-2? almost certainly. Will it give me the goods to make a better movie than I can currently? hopefully.

One day I'll explain to my grandkids how there was a crazy time back before "the era of enlightenment" when everyone shot Sonys and cut on PCs and tried to make blu-ray DVDs. They'll snicker and claim I'm making it all up...

[Mathew]

No disrespect to anyone, but those who just want to order "Value Meal #5" will never get the "best" camera, computer, or deal. To me, the approx $4K 2/3" 8X fixed zoom package seems fairly close, so I'm betting I could get a pretty nice rig for, say, a grand or so less than the "real" manufacturers. I don't mind complexity if it gets me what I want.


As an event videographer I don't care about having the latest or greatest or even best. I want a tool that will get the job done. I don't need a 3K image sensor. I don't need interchangeable lenses. Give me a 1/3" sensor, HD-ish quality (doesn't need to be full blown), XLR, tape, and possible solid state drive for future proofing. The RED camera is for the gear heads. I'll rent one should I ever need one.