A History of RED Digital Cinema: From Disruptor to Industry Leader
RED Digital Cinema burst onto the scene in the late 2000s, shaking the foundations of the professional filmmaking industry. Founded by Jim Jannard, a self-proclaimed “camera fanatic” and the entrepreneur behind Oakley sunglasses, RED aimed to revolutionise digital cinematography with a focus on affordability and superior image quality [Search for RED Digital Cinema founder].
Early Days: A Bold Vision (2005-2007)
Jannard’s frustration with the limitations and proprietary software of existing digital cinema cameras fuelled his vision for RED [Search for RED Digital Cinema history]. In 2005, with a small team, RED began development, operating out of a humble warehouse garage. Their goal? To create a high-resolution, RAW-capture camera accessible to a wider range of filmmakers compared to the established players.
The Red One: A Game Changer (2007)
In 2007, RED unveiled its first production camera, the Red One. This camera boasted several groundbreaking features:
Super 35mm sensor: The Red One captured images on a large sensor size, similar to traditional 35mm film, offering superior depth of field and low-light performance compared to smaller sensor cameras. RAW capture: Unlike traditional video cameras that record compressed footage, the Red One captured uncompressed RAW data, providing filmmakers with greater creative flexibility in post-production colour grading. High-resolution capabilities: The Red One offered resolutions up to 4K, exceeding the industry standard at the time. Open platform philosophy: RED championed an open platform approach, allowing filmmakers to customise their cameras with various accessories and recording media. The Red One’s impact was undeniable. Its affordability and innovative features made it a popular choice for independent filmmakers and Hollywood productions alike. Movies like “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo” and “The Social Network” were shot with the Red One, showcasing its capabilities to a wider audience.
Growth and Innovation (2008-2016)
Following the success of the Red One, RED continued to innovate and expand its product line. Key milestones include:
Scarlet (2010): A smaller, lighter, and more affordable camera aimed at a broader range of filmmakers. Epic (2010): A higher-end camera offering even higher resolutions and frame rates. Weapon (2013): A modular camera system designed for professional studio environments. Helium sensor (2016): The introduction of the 8K Helium sensor, pushing the boundaries of resolution further. RED’s commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement cemented its position as a leader in digital cinema.
Recent Developments and the Future (2017-Present)
In recent years, RED has continued to refine its existing camera lines and develop new solutions for filmmakers. The company has also faced challenges, including competition from established players like Sony and Arri. However, the recent acquisition of RED by Nikon in March 2024 signifies a bold new chapter [Search for Nikon acquires RED]. This collaboration has the potential to reshape the professional cinema camera landscape by combining RED’s innovative technology with Nikon’s expertise in optics and image processing.
RED’s Legacy
RED’s impact on the film industry is undeniable. The company democratised access to high-quality digital cinema cameras, empowering a new generation of filmmakers. Their commitment to pushing boundaries and user-centric design continues to inspire innovation across the industry. As RED embarks on this new chapter with Nikon, the future of digital cinema promises to be even more exciting.
I was asked by a follower why do I use a Canon 5DMKIII considering I am, in general, a Sony user.
A few years ago my local camera dealer, who knew that I had a collection of Canon Lenses, phoned me to ask me if I was interested in an unused Canon 5DIII at a good price. Apparently someone won a 5DIII in a competition but as they had no real interest in photography the stored in on a shelf and forgot about it. I accepted the opportunity to borrow it for a week and really liked it. I indicated that I would purchase it if I could get a GPS unit and as luck would have it there was one available immediately.
Before I continue I should mention that I recently came across the following claim – “Battery life for the 5DMkIII isn’t as good as newer mirrorless cameras”. As my experience is the complete opposite I decided to fact check this claim and I received the following response:
You’re right! Generally, DSLRs like the Canon 5D Mark III tend to have longer battery life than mirrorless cameras due to their optical viewfinders. The CIPA ratings support this:
Canon 5D Mark III: Approximately 950 shots per charge. Sony a7 III: Approximately 610 shots (viewfinder) or 710 shots (LCD). This demonstrates the Canon 5D Mark III’s battery advantage in this specific comparison. It’s important to note that Sony has made significant advancements in battery technology, and newer Sony mirrorless models might offer CIPA ratings closer to, or even exceeding, DSLRs.
Key Points:
DSLRs often boast longer battery life due to their optical viewfinders. CIPA ratings provide the most reliable comparison for battery lifespan. Always consider your specific shooting habits as heavy live view or video use will reduce battery life regardless of camera type.
While the Canon 5D Mark III is an older camera model (released in 2012), there are still several reasons why it might be a worthwhile purchase, especially if you can find it used at a good price:
Pros
Image Quality: The full-frame sensor delivers excellent image quality with great dynamic range, good low-light performance, and pleasing colors. Build Quality: It has a rugged, weather-sealed body, ideal for demanding environments. Reliable Autofocus: The 61-point autofocus system is fast and accurate, especially for its time. Value: The used market offers significant savings compared to its original price, making it a great value proposition. Battery Life: Battery life is better than many newer mirrorless cameras. Legacy Lens Compatibility: Seamless compatibility with Canon’s extensive range of EF lenses.
Considerations
Before buying a Canon 5D Mark III, here’s what you should consider:
Outdated Features: It lacks modern features like 4K video, touchscreen, Wi-Fi, and a high-resolution tilting screen. Lower Resolution: The 22.3-megapixel sensor might be limiting if you need to crop heavily or make large format prints.
Used Market: If buying used, carefully inspect the camera for wear and tear, and check the shutter count (the number of photos it has taken). Who Is it Right For?
The Canon 5D Mark III is a great option if you:
Are budget-conscious: You can find excellent deals in the used market. Need a workhorse camera: It’s robust and reliable for various shooting situations. Value DSLR benefits: It offers great optical viewfinder experience and excellent battery life. Don’t need the latest technology: If you don’t require the newest bells and whistles, the 5D Mark III delivers fantastic image quality at a reasonable price.