Red Komodo or Canon C70 - Which Cinema Camera to buy in 2022?

Canon C70 or Red Komodo 6K?? Which should you buy in 2022? This is the question I am answering in this video. While there are tons of factors that go into each filmmakers unique situation - I am going over MY top Pros and Cons on using BOTH cameras at my production company, Red Creative Films, for the past 12-18 months. I have owned the Canon C70 since July 2021, and the Red Komodo since September 2020, as you can probably tell from my Stormtrooper edition.
Here's my thoughts in a nutshell:
Red Komodo
Pros
-Red R3D RAW (6K)
-Global Shutter
-Small, modular design
-Dynamic Range (marketed 16+ stops)
Cons
-No real High-frame rates
-Super 35 sensor
-Autofocus is good, but not great (no tracking)
Canon C70
Pros
-High frame rates (4K 120, 1080p 240)
-Dual Gain Output (marketed 16+ stops dynamic range)
-Phantom power
-Built in ND's
-12-bit Cinema RAW Light (with firmware upgrade coming in March 2022)
Cons
-Super 35 sensor
-Autofocus not great but very usable (better than Komodo bc it has tracking)
-Not 6K
Conclusion
The Canon C70 I would say wins as the better "OVERALL" camera, especially if you need an all-inclusive option with high frame rates, phantom power, built in ND's etc. The Red Komodo wins in the better overall quality for the price. The 6K RAW, Reds IPP2 color science, and a modular customizable design.
Which will you buy in 2022? Let me know in the comment section below!
Link to purchase SDI cable I use - amzn.to/3sItENQ
Canon C70 - amzn.to/3rJUaqu
CFast cards I use on Komodo - amzn.to/3BfoYTo
Monitor I use for Komodo - amzn.to/3JsyTI9
Get my LUTS and presets --- bit.ly/2JspOSK
GREAT site for commercially licensed music - bit.ly/3grBsw0
Amazing stock footage for your videos - bit.ly/31mIWKc
My cameras:
A cam - Red Komodo: bit.ly/3upGdhc
B cam - C70: amzn.to/3CUtLsS
C cam - Canon R6: amzn.to/3utmkWt
My Lenses:
Canon 16-35mm f2.8 - amzn.to/2WUfZ7L
Sigma 18-35mm f1.8 ART - amzn.to/39SovcS
Sigma 35mm 1.4 ART - amzn.to/2UMsPST
Sigma 24-70mm 2.8 ART - amzn.to/3zVPWx3
Canon 50mm 1.2 - amzn.to/3byXA4H
Canon 100mm 2.8 MACRO - amzn.to/39ntkZ2
Canon 70-200mm 2.8 IS - amzn.to/2YhZ422
My microphones:
On-camera main shotgun mic - amzn.to/3D2ZFUm
BEST wireless lav mic system - amzn.to/2XYRt8e
Boom-y shotgun mic - amzn.to/3kWwPyy
AMAZING dialogue mic - amzn.to/2Y5g0Zq
Affordable great on-camera mic - amzn.to/2JslRx7
Current Gimbal set-up - amzn.to/39SACGM
Current DRONE - amzn.to/2Y5vixj
My flycam (for Red Komodo) - amzn.to/3up8m8h
This will help your arms on flycam - amzn.to/3kX5RXO
For questions or business inquiries, please email me at [e-mail]

[@PaulJakob]

I love my c70. When needed we rent a red or arri. But most the time it’s small crew and the c70 makes life so easy.

[@JustinRomeyn]

It’s definitely MUCH easier for run and gun

[@avarmadillo]

Thanks, Justin. Glad to know you're in Dallas. Personally, I liked the way the skin tones looked on the C70.

[@Coops12241]

Saying a super 35 sensor is a con is ridiculous. The Alexa Mini has a super 35 sensor and has arguably one of the best looking sensors ever made and has captured literally hundreds If not thousands of Hollywood films. Until recently with the Alexa LF and what Red and others are doing, full frame cine cameras have not really been a thing. At the end of the day it’s a preference to the type of image that fits your content. Not a pro or con.

[@JustinRomeyn]

You are completely correct. I guess I just meant for my image preferences I like the look of the large format sensor so it serves as somewhat of a con for me

[@TheLawRival]

Like you said it depends on what you’re doing in your production. But for me (maybe others) is if the client is aware you have a RED camera that may favor you over any other cameras because of the reputation of RED cameras. When they think of RED cameras they think of expensive gear, but when you think of Canon it may or may not be expensive gear because the variety of cameras Canon makes.

[@eliovisita]

Clients don’t give a crap about your camera… mostly of them don’t even know about cameras, rig out any camera and will look “pro”

[@justinavila1320]

It depends on what your needs are. THERE IS A REASON Hollywood shoots on ARRI and RED - MOSTLY for the RAW flexibility and DR. Red OWNS the patent on TRUE RAW - so yes - you have Canon RAW and Black Magic RAW - but they are not the same. Yes, there is what's available to own vs rent, timecode, SDI etc. The END image on both cameras are both stellar (amazing right?) But the process of getting that image and the flexiblity is going to ALWAYS be far greater on Komodo vs C70. But, do you need that? Basically, I see it as this - if you have a slower, more controlled working environment and/or working professionally in the film industry (not corporate, wedding, etc) the RED is the way to go. But for the VAST majority of indie filmmakers and solo shooters the C70's END image and ease of use is very nice. (BTW I've owned and used both for some time).

[@EamonGlavin]

So glad I watched this. Have had the C70 since Jan 2020 and started getting the inkling to "upgrade" to the Komodo for some reason, but no longer. I really hope the C70 Mark 2 is full frame and a bit more or a boxy shape to fit my gimbal slightly better.

[@JustinRomeyn]

Amen to that! Full frame with a bit better autofocus would make the C70 an absolute thing of beauty. Glad my video could help you!

[@angryrabbitproductions1690]

Nice video. I owned the C70… sold it after buying the FX6… stopped using the FX6 after getting the Red Komodo. Most recently I added the Canon Eos R3… which I love, for the best in class high ISO performance, unflappably AF and full frame look. That said, my Komodo is not going anywhere. I believe the R3D codec is superior to anything that can be had from a mirrorless body (Canon, Sony, Nikon, Panasonic, Fuji… ). There is a real difference when you need to push the image to achieve a very stylized look. I have quite a few examples of this on my channel if you are curious. If you have money for the Red, but achieving an authentic “Hollywood” look is not a priority, then the Eos R3 is a better choice. Better than the C70 for full frame and being 6k. Better than the R5C because the battery runs for hours on end. It has dynamic range that is on par with the C70 and better low light than just about everything out there… including the Sony A7S3… which I also owned.

[@JustinRomeyn]

Some really good insight! Thanks for sharing. I’ll definitely check out your channel to see the examples 👌🏻

[@chrisjohnsonfilms]

But does r3 have the film look c70 can get you?

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

The r3 not having built in nd filters is a cripple

[@robertmoore1583]

@@burritobrosvideos8060 Beg to differ ... the K has no built in ND's ... the FX6 variable ND is stunning but good matbox and a selection of 4x5.65 glass NDs with IR filtration and you are in the park ... and may appear a bit more pro to clients ....

[@burritobrosvideos8060]

@@robertmoore1583 built in nd is always preferable. The r3 is way overpriced for what it is

[@faithhouse6111]

Thanks. I have the C70 7 R5, and am in the process of purchasing a komodo.

[@JustinRomeyn]

There we go!!! I couldn’t choose one or the other, so I went with both as well. They compliment each other very well

[@anthonylunagonzalez]

I had the komodo for 1 year now i upgraded for the Red V-Raptor. And i loveeee it !!!!!!

[@JustinRomeyn]

Nice man!! Enjoying it more than the Komodo?

[@wallywah222]

I went C70

[@IndieFilms4U]

I enjoyed the video. It's a good topic of discussion and you made some really key points. To add my 2¢, that many people expect that the camera will make the image better. In reality, you have to have a good image to capture in the first place. Lights,set design ect.

[@contentm3893]

Hmmm... you sure about that? Really? A nice day at a rodeo gets you everything you need for a good image. Lights, set are not needed. Between these two cameras which one will make the image better?

[@baekmedier]

Actually Canon didnt come up with the Dual grain output sensor… ARRI did.. anyways great video 🤟 Got the r5C and the c70 for a lot of the same reason you are talking about. The c70 with the speedbooster and for the R5c the Nd adaptor

[@ortebalm09]

Getting the Red because I want the cinematic look on my videos. For pictures I’m getting a different camera with a higher dynamic range.

[@AbwonUno]

I did one film on a red and those file sizes were enough for me to get the C70, especially now that it’s Netflix approved. People hear the term Red and automatically think they’re gonna become Spielberg with the camera

[@luisalejos4825]

I have C70, and what I miss about the first Canon Eos R camera is the depth of field. We decided on the C70 because it's for video, and I still feel like I don't know it well. But it is a workhorse.

[@Jewn8ug]

Good video…hate the generic “it depends on your situation” answer. It’s like clockwork. Everyone makes these comparison videos asking the question and never stepping out there and answering the presented question.

[@MichaelJohnsonProductions]

I hate that answer as well but in his defense towards the end of the video he did say. The C70 is the better overall package. So he did answer the questions :)

[@philipthao8527]

thanks for the video. i'm sold with the c70. i'll never do work that will require a red.

[@williamrowbottom5246]

Awesome video I loved it. What about the pocket 6k pro. Would that be a good camera compared to the Red Commodo or Canon c70?

[@jamescook5931]

I would love for you guys to test and review the canon r5c.

[@Velghe87]

Changing ND's on the C70 will go per 2 stops of light.

[@TheHiveEntertainment]

Great video. Saw you were using a thin sdi cable with your cable… Mind sharing which one it is or perhaps have a purchase link?

[@JustinRomeyn]

Yes for sure! Will update the description with link

[@Guttz_ShoTit]

Great video….and love that the c70 update will add 12bit raw. But the Komodo shoots 16bit raw 😫😫😫😫😫… I’m stuck on the fence still between these 2. And then I add in the z cam e2 s6 and confuse myself even more. But while owning a Red Raven and getting a taste of the RED image it will be hard to turn back to canon. Mannnnnnnn I don’t know what to do still…

[@JustinRomeyn]

It's such a hard decision I know!!! The 12bit raw will give the C70 an edge that I think will push more people to choose it, over the Komodo

[@avarmadillo]

All these numbers are just hype. You can't see the difference---and seeing is what makes the difference. Plus, who has the storage? and editing power?? (more money without a meaningful difference).

[@JxhnNichxlls]

I mean, R3D files are demanding on those that shoot and edit as well. RED being proprietary with media and having their own pipeline for how they handle their systems is a huge con if you’re going long term. People just starting out are probably gonna have to drop a few more grand just to build up their camera on top of having a beefy editing system just to handle those files.

[@robertmoore1583]

Loved your video ... and your thoughts ... I transitioned from FX6/A7S3 to the C70 ... and after the RAW update pulled the trigger on a Komodo ... my third RED ... early on had a RED One upgrade to an Epic .... I find the build quality of the K to crush the C70 ... which is nothing like the 1DX series ... the screen is a liability and the fact that they did not use CFEx B card slot is so sad ... limits the "RAW" that the camera can capture. That said I find the DGO sensor and the new Canon 65 grid LUT to be so good ... trying to match that with the R3D ... which is in reality just familiarity with the codec and the IPP2 /Resolve pipeline. As many have recently opined .... almost all the new cameras are good enough ... find what stokes your passion for shooting and explore its limits.

[@fotomaton7852]

I'm currently trying to decide in between a C70 & a Komodo. I know all the pros/cons so what it comes down to is IQ and as you say familiarity with each manufacturers codecs & pipelines. I've been messing with both C70 RAW & Komodo R3D files and its kind of a tough call: C70 has super clean shadows thanks to the DGO sensor and colours that pop, whereas the Komodo has super filmic look plus lots of details from the 6K sensor. Haven't tried the 65 grid LUT you mention though, does it really add something to the C70 RAW footage?

[@robertmoore1583]

@@fotomaton7852 Not with regards to filmic look but it is dead on accurate with regards to color and contrast is very good. Really may be whether you want higher frame rates and the DGO ....

[@fotomaton7852]

@@robertmoore1583 I found the 65 grid LUTs and you are right, amazing color and contrast. Good call, I honestly didn't even know about 65 grid LUTs. Main appeal of the C70 vs Komodo for me is built-in NDs, XLR audio, and compressed codecs when you need them. Just seems way more versatile and run & gun friendly package. The DGO and higher frame rates are great as well but Komodo also has a spectacular sensor with global shutter plus 6K. Both great cams but I think I'm leaning more towards C70 for ease of use & versatility. The RAW update really seals the deal. One day I'll own a RED though !

[@jaybravo2199]

I love the Canon C70, however the LCD screen is almost unusable in a sunlight shoot so a monitor is a must.

[@alex_lionspaw]

Have you tried to increase luminance instead of LCD brightness? Haven't had an issue with the bright sunlight.

[@jaybravo2199]

@@alex_lionspaw I've tried that, but it still is not as bright as I am accustomed to using my 1dx mkII. I've solved the problem by adding an external monitor.

[@alex_lionspaw]

@@jaybravo2199 never used this legendary Camera. But, it is definitely less bright than BMPCC 6k pro. :)

[@jiajianhou426]

Wait for C70 mk2. Probably 3-4 years away. I’m hoping it will have two CFexpress B, RAW ST, better auto focus, faster readout so less rolling shutter, sharper image quality, better low light.

[@Velghe87]

Wait for 3 years??? 🙂 Who would wanna do that?

[@jiajianhou426]

@@Velghe87 c70 is great and all but I think they could do much better. From its release it totally could’ve had R5’s autofocus, dual CFexpress B, so RAW ST as well. Canon left all of that out, don’t know why.

[@Velghe87]

@@jiajianhou426 Because it’s Canon… They don’t want to put all their latest technology in an entry level cinema Camera. Who would wanna buy their C200, C300….?

[@yukaphotographyco8744]

this is something i noticed he failed to mention in his video, the fact that the RED has a global shutter vs the bad rolling shutter in the c70

[@jiajianhou426]

@@yukaphotographyco8744 that was very well known so I guess putting it in or not won’t matter because pretty much everyone knows it. C70 rolling shutter is 15.6ms. Despite what people think it’s actually very average, not straight up bad.

[@clarke.inverary]

The Komodo and V- raptor are different generations of red products. With the V raptor being the first of the new red DMC3 line up.

[@JoelRiveraMD]

Is your go to gimbal Lens for Komodo the sigma 35mm f1.4 ? Or what lens are you using mostly for gimbal work with Komodo

[@JustinRomeyn]

It varies quite a bit honestly. I’ll use the Canon 16-35, the sigma 35, or the Canon 50 1.2! All of those lenses balance well on the RS2

[@VonHarris]

id love to get in some work with you.. im in Fort Worth

[@JustinRomeyn]

For sure man! Trying to get a local creatives meet up scheduled!

[@JDenim88]

Can you compare the RED to the DJI 4D? Please and thank you =D

[@JustinRomeyn]

I would if DJI were to send it to me 😜 Currently not on my investment list though

[@readytochop2462]

Luckily they’re both pretty great.

[@adrianmack9542]

Was this filmed in raw or prores on the komodo???

[@JustinRomeyn]

Prores just because it was for KZbin

[@adrianmack9542]

@@JustinRomeyn I have the Komodo and I never use prores because I never here anymore talk about using it. But I might start using it now. I like how the image look compared to the c70

[@BrandonTalbot]

@@adrianmack9542 I use the pores all the time, and I can not tell a difference in quality.

[@hagaivdh]

Arri Alexa Classic…. ? Canon looks like an iPhone 13pro to me … Red looks too manipulated and not what you really see … Alev 3 gives you that edge so desperately needed when everyone has an iPhone 13 Pro…

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

Red encodes at 12 bit

[@JonPais]

wrong, buddy. REDs are 16 bit. Says so when imported into DaVinci. Check out the metadata, troll.

[@user-zv7lm8uk7h]

@@JonPais TROLL? I was a multiple time red owner, @sshole. Including among he first hundred Red ones ever built.

[@drakewhelton]

RED Komodo + A7siii and you're set.

[@chris_cruise]

Sounds great, I've had this same thought...BUT then you're into 2 ecosystems...which for most ppl doesn't make sense. K with a Canon and you can use the same glass. K with a Sony and you need different glass. Essentially duplicate lenses. I've had this same thought but not being able to use the Sony lenses with the K is heartbreaking and kind of a deal breaker IMO

[@drakewhelton]

@@chris_cruise I've managed to do it... And it's very very expensive lol but I am thankful for my clients that have allowed me to do it. I use the Red on certain music videos that call for it and short films/doc work which has allowed me to double my price for the cost of having a Red, which in turn has now paid it and the lenses off in short period. I use the Sony systems for my bread and butter weddings. Working out great so far! Any expensive glass I will usually just rent.

[@FilmFlab]

This is me 👍 Red Komodo as A Cam and b-roll, FX3 for B cam and gimbal.

[@drakewhelton]

@@FilmFlab heck yeah

[@Bobbylopezcreative]

Some of us are listening with ear buds in and your sound effects are very jarring.

[@darwin5763]

I would never buy a red camera. I don’t care for how red does business. This includes Jim