RED Digital Cinema Komodo 6K Digital Cinema Camera (Canon RF) RED

RED has taken fresh steps with the release of the RED DIGITAL CINEMA KOMODO 6K Digital Cinema Camera (Canon RF) by bringing their legendary image quality and color science into an ultra-compact, all-in-one design that weighs just 2.1 lb measures about 4 x 4 x 4″. Key to achieving this goal was the use of the Canon RF lens mount and the KOMODO 19.9MP Super35 CMOS sensor which boasts Global Shutter technology. This sensor can create images with 16+ stops dynamic range and eliminates rolling shutter artifacts. Users can also be certain they are getting RED quality thanks to the ability to record up to 6K at 40 fps, 5K at 48 fps, 4K at 60 fps, and 2K at 120 fps in REDCODE RAW for incredible flexibility in post-production. The KOMODO firmware update v.1.4.0 adds Beta support for Canon RF lenses, perfect complements to this lightweight and compact camera. Note that the RF lenses’ Control Ring and Focus Range switch are not supported. Firmware v.1.4.0 also adds support for ARRI-edition Angelbird 256GB CFast 2.0 cards, RCP2 (RED Command Protocol), and Ethernet zeroconf (local-link IP addresses). Multiple bug fixes are also addressed with v.1.4.0.

Revolutionary for RED is the creation of an extremely compact all-in-one design with the KOMODO. This means you can simply pop in a CFast 2.0 card into its media slot and you are ready to roll with data rates up to 280 MB/s. A top 2.9″ 1440 x 1440 touchscreen makes it easy to configure and monitor your footage or you can use the RED Control system for using an iOS or Android device for preview and settings. This is possible through integrated 2.4/5 GHz Wi-Fi. Wired control is also possible via the USB Type-C port and optional adapters.

The use of the Canon RF lens mount allows the KOMODO to be extremely compact while still enabling compatibility with a vast range of lenses through the use of optional adapters. The mount will natively support mechanical RF lenses and mechanical EF lenses via the included adapter. Using optional electronic EF-to-RF mount adapters, the KOMODO will even support electronic Canon EF-mount lenses and unlock additional functionality, such as autofocus.

A first for RED is the ability to use Phase-Detect Autofocus (PDAF) with compatible lenses. This includes adapted Canon EF-mount lenses used with a separately available EF-to-RF adapter with electronic communication. Phase-detect systems are known for their speed by measuring and comparing distance and should provide a reliable, accurate system for video production. Additionally, the touchscreen can be used for quickly changing focus and selecting subjects.

Getting back to image quality, the KOMODO promises to be among RED’s finest with the ability to capture up to 6K at 40 fps using the powerful 16-bit REDCODE RAW format. RED has simplified compression options, giving users a choice between HQ, MQ, and LQ, each varying compression from low to high, respectively. Having these choices allows users to choose the best option for each shoot and whether to prioritize data rate or image quality. REDCODE RAW is supported for 5K up to 48 fps, 4K up to 60 fps, and 2K up to 120 fps and will deliver the greatest possible flexibility in post-production. Those looking to use a more conventional format can record natively in Apple ProRes 422 HQ and standard 422 with DCI 4K up to 60 fps or DCI 2K up to 120 fps.

Being a complete all-in-one camera solution, the KOMODO features an array of necessary ports and connections. This includes integrated stereo microphones and a 3.5mm input for audio, genlock/timecode/GPIO/RS232 support via a 9-pin EXT port, and a DC power input. A 12G-SDI port will support up to DCI 4K at 60 fps in 10-bit 4:2:2 quality for dedicated monitoring solutions. The rear of the camera also sports dual Canon BP-9xx series battery slots which can be hot-swapped for practically unlimited recording in the field.

The RED KOMODO 6K certainly impresses with a complete all-in-one cinema camera solution in an exceptionally compact form factor that sacrifices nothing in terms of image quality. This base model includes the KOMODO 6K, a 45W AC power adapter, Mini World Travel Adapter Kit, and a Canon RF-to-EF mechanical adapter.

Firmware Update v.1.4.0

• Support for Canon RF lenses (RF lenses’ Control Ring and Focus Range switch are not supported)
• Support for ARRI-edition Angelbird 256GB CFast 2.0 cards
• Support for RCP2 (RED Command Protocol)
• Support for Ethernet Zeroconf (Local-Link IP address)
• Multiple bug fixes

6K S35 Sensor

6K Super35 19.9MP CMOS sensor with a dynamic range of 16+ stops and a resolution of 6144 x 3160

Global Shutter

The KOMODO 6K’s global shutter produces crisp images while reducing motion artifacts

Compact Form, Versatile Power

Weighing just over 2 lb, the KOMODO 6K’s power options include using two lightweight Canon BP-9 batteries, a larger battery, or an AC power supply

CFast Recording

Capture at rates up to 280 MB/s on RED PRO or qualified third-party CFast 2.0 cards

REDCODE RAW

The robust REDCODE RAW file format offers versatility without burdensome storage requirements and editing on many NLE systems without transcoding to save time

REDCODE Options

• HQ is perfect for VFX, extremely detailed scenes, and capturing stills from motion
• MQ is great for cinema and high-end TV projects
• LQ is ideal for TV, online content, documentaries, interviews, and long takes

Apple ProRes Formats

For proxy files or quicker turnaround times than raw files, Apple ProRes can be recorded at 4K and 2K resolutions at rates up to 120 fps (2K)

Color Management

Supports 3D LUTs and RED color science

Touchscreen Display

Integrated 2.9″ touchscreen LCD screen for video preview and camera control