The Best Cinema Camera of 2023?

[@stuffa01]

am I the only one just looking at the Cooke Lenses?

[@ChampagneSocialist]

As an LF and Helium owner, I still say the Dragon is the best sensor period. I currently use both my Dragons for mid range budget streaming series and EVERY director and producer, even the Alexa dogmatics, genuinely love the image. Every camera has some minor drawbacks, Dragon IS NOT an 800iso camera with the low-light OLPF. It’s 320iso. Keep that in mind, use some lights, and it will never fail. Best. Sensor. Ever. The dude in this video is correct: Invest your coin into a $2-$4K Epic Dragon and go shoot a cinema movie.

[@JS_Leger]

Is the Dragon 6K X the same? Because I found a good one with red mags, lens, red monitor..but he’s selling it for 8k (€)😅

[@Inkironnrum]

Your DEUS jacket is 🔥. I need one asap. Happy Easter! 🙏🏼 Have been spending my Easter weekend deciding on which production camera to build a kit from. First it was the Sony FX3, thereafter the RED Komodo. After that, the Komodo X. Budget wise my max is 15k. Not much but whichever camera I decide upon will be my first cine camera to shoot with. Your review of the Red Epic Dragon did it for me. A perfect introduction to the RED family for a beginner like myself. What you shot had me feeling this RED, and I am only 4:25 into your review. I’ll watch the remaining twelve minutes and then day dream the rest of the day. Thank you!

[@NorthwestCameraCo]

Hey have a great day. And yea Deus in Venice beach is my go to every time I’m in town. Coffee and some sweet new gear. I ride motorcycles and their stuff is great for riding and just wearing out. Love it. The Komodo-x is a bangin camera that has super longevity. But dragon is still so good.

[@Inkironnrum]

Definitely will. Gotta hit that place up next time I’m up there. Sounds like the life! Man…I’m pumped with the possibilities. I was just watching a review on the Komoto. Was concerned about its AF at first but it appears to be just fine. Being that I am a beginner, experience will broaden my skills. Now I’m swaying towards the Komoto. What worries me now about the ED is that if it breaks down, it’s over n out. I feel confused again with which one to start off with. I’ll keep watching your other videos to steer me in the right direction. Thank you.

[@claudianreyn4529]

It's insane that you can actually create a high-end production with this budget. The image is absolutely amazing. You say, you are with money left for buying some accessories. I'd say you can save for buying some awesome lenses.

[@xdraganov]

Yesterday we just got one of this and then this amazing review, that's the truth. We are having FX6, but the RED - OMG, much better for post.

[@Elusive_Pete]

I'm picking one up within the next week. I've had the Scarlet and Epic MX, the Scarlet Dragon, and now finally the king of the DSMC1. Can't wait!

[@Elusive_Pete]

Got it. Love it so damn much. It really is only built for studio/slow environments. The only thing I don't like about it is the blackshading thing and that encompasses having to be patient with getting the camera up to temperature, and recalibrating major exposure time changes. Other than that with everything else being under control it is a magnificent image that is worth all the modern run-and-gun limitations that youtubers think are important.

[@supergrammar]

@@Elusive_Pete I'm thinking about getting one to shoot a feature film. I have an Alexa Classic but it's too heavy. I've heard that you need a lot of light though, that you can't push the ISO. How have you found it overall?

[@aleclyons5755]

Great review! I had no idea the dragon 6k sensor was that large. Now I'm interested in picking up one of those kippertie olpfs!

[@NorthwestCameraCo]

Those olpf’s are game changers

[@tobyhitchcock2958]

Proud to own this camera. In addition to my Komodo’s. Just shot on my Dragon 6K yesterday!

[@barrywilliams2881]

How would you compare it to your Komodo image quality? Does it really give you a cinematic look and feel

[@SaintProductions1]

End of Life camera stood out for me. Nab 2023 is approaching (April 15-19).

[@mark12345697]

Not all second hand offers are around the mentioned price range. Plus they mostly sell body only. You still have to buy their expensive storage and monitor etc. Better off with other options imo. Especially for a one mand or even 2 man band. But cheers for the content.

[@Filmguy2016]

It is slightly above, but for the most part after all said and done this camera grants you more jobs because you are a RED owner operator. It may be as/more accessible to buy a mirrorless setup but for may gigs you'd probably end up renting a RED/ALEXA.

[@JedCamara]

​@@Filmguy2016 Being a Red owner wont get you more jobs just because you own the camera, especially not an old model like this one. At most you will get some low budget filmmakers wanting to work with you on their low budget short films or music videos just because they want to shoot on a Red. Serious clients who pay professional rates wont care, or they will rent the latest Arri/Red. Unless you already have clients hiring you to shoot high end projects and renting in a Red/Arri, simply owning a Red camera wont magically land you more jobs. Speaking as a former Red Scarlet Dragon owner.

[@STGFilmmakers]

@@JedCamara if someone wants to purchase and shoot projects on an older RED, how does that effect you?

[@JedCamara]

@@STGFilmmakers Go for it and have fun, thats exactly what I did, so I really dont give a fuck lol not sure why you think I care. I was simply replying to the person saying that being a Red owner will get you more jobs purely on the basis you own a red. That ain't true anymore unless you already have the right clients or contacts in place. It's not magic pill is all I'm saying. If you just wanna shoot your own short films or something then hell yeah go for it, they are still beautiful sensors especially the dragon. Just dont buy it expecting it to make you rich.

[@STGFilmmakers]

@@JedCamara It was never pitched as a magic pill in this video though. That's why I'm confused. He's just stating reasons why someone may be interested in purchasing one. In smaller/medium sized towns word spreads fast about what systems small production companies utilize, so I'd have to disagree. There's no way of knowing for a fact that being a RED owner will not attract companies to you for either commercial or personal productions. I would even make the argument that a company looking for production work has ZERO clue about various models of RED cameras. For the most part, I'd say 9 times out of 10, all they know is "RED" with absolutely ZERO knowledge on sensor types, release dates per model, which one have rolling shutter vs global etc...... All they know and hear is "We shoot with REDs" In most cases a medium to larger company will hear that and AT THE BARE MINIMUM, they will at least ask for a quote. This is from PERSONAL experience. Many many years in production. I'm 42 years old, and I know which production companies in my local area shoot with REDs by company name and DP. And so do the marketing depts of every single company in my area looking for video work.

[@LowellProductions]

damn, sick set and the cooke lenses. Especially for only 1.8k subs. Subbed, cheers sir

[@ansenvideoproduction]

Great great video! Makes me wanna think again about selling my good old Scarlet MX kit....

[@KARIMYATRIB]

I sold my scarlet w for the Red epic 6K , the best move I did 🔥🔥🔥

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

Yes! People don’t realize how great the dragon sensor is, and how many beautiful things have been shot with it. Everything you need for shooting high level stuff…especially the epic versions with higher frame rates.

[@willvazquez3218]

I concur. I own a Komodo but the image is not as filmic or as beautiful as the Dragon sensor. Lots of times when I'm watching an older film on Netflix, I'll think that it was shot on film and look then find out it was shot on Epic Dragon. This is the case for the movie "Sing Street", I was admiring how organic the image was and then find out that it was shot on Epic Dragon.

[@joshkiddfilms1295]

@@willvazquez3218 this happened to me recently when I was watching Gatsby and then saw it was shot on epic. It has held up so well it looked like it could have been shot yesterday.

[@RubenStuveling]

@@joshkiddfilms1295that one was even shot on MX, right?

[@KyleSliger]

Great video Mike! I wish red would make a version of a 6k camera that didn’t take 30 seconds to boot and with internal ND.

[@oleschreiterdopac696]

Yeah the dragon sensor is great but I don’t think the DSMC 1 is that reliable as you’ve mentioned. My epic died out of nowhere and I ve seen more problems especially with the older reds than I would have like to. AND these are NOT serviceable anymore so if something goes wrong you have an expensive paperweight.

[@CGPENT]

I service DSMC1

[@GabrielScindian]

Thanks for posting. I am still using my Dragon. It is a remarkable camera system. What monitor arm are you using on it?

[@GabrielScindian]

What good audio wiring / equipment could I use on the Red Epic Dragon? those 3.5 mono jacks are a nightmare

[@TonyLaPron]

I've filmed with all of those, and I think I like Epic the most, there is something about the way it produces the image.

[@LanceMeaux]

Picked my epic package up in 2019 and it has been the best bang for the buck!

[@hugohuertas2752]

Thanks to this video I decided to compare the Epic Dragon. I had had Blackmagic and this network is another story. My kit is complete + a Zeis 85mm CP2 and a Freefly Movie Pro

[@JosueEscogido]

FACTS!!! also, komodos frame rate sucks that's why I bought a used DSMC2

[@DANAMIONLINE]

A well-presented case for this camera.

[@bobbystefano]

Hi. What camera is is shooting you in the video?

[@robertdouble559]

I still pull out an original epic mx here and there. Still an awesome camera. I'll run it into the ground. Then it'll be a sweet paperweight.

[@MrObiorah]

Another great video! I want to buy this camera. I'd like to use an AIVASCOPE 1.5X anamorphic adapter with the camera. Please, what is the name and model of the other EXTERNAL MONITOR you have on the camera??? Can the monitor desqueeze a 1.5x anamorphic??? Please help me with some information. Thanks in advance.

[@SumrSurf]

Where do you recommend to look to find one ?

[@NakeanWickliff]

Awesome video. Thanks for sharing. Has me thinking for sure! I really want an inexpensive camera that can shoot open gate for Anamorphic but all my glass is sony FE :(

[@mark12345697]

Lumix s5ii?

[@retrodigital9064]

How did you manage to use the Kippertie OLPFs when they're only made for DSMC2 bodies?

[@NorthwestCameraCo]

Kippertie actually started with dsmc1 but right at the time dsmc2 came out. So both were options early on.

[@retrodigital9064]

@@NorthwestCameraCo ah dang, I can't seem to find any anywhere. Happen to have any extras you'd be willing to sell? Or a place to find them?

[@SamTziotzios]

Full package in the 2 to 4 thousand range? Looking at ebay thats just for the brain, similar to what your video ebay footage shows, unless im missing something

[@filmcolouristuk]

My sound guys hate the fan 🤣 but it's only really annoying when we're tight. I love my Epic

[@jean-philippegrignom6479]

Idk the Ursa is pretty production ready, especially for doc, it has way better preamps than the red

[@REDEpicGuy]

What other monitor is that you’re using with the antennas?

[@NorthwestCameraCo]

Cine 7 with the built in teradek transmitter

[@REDEpicGuy]

@@NorthwestCameraCo thank you! Great vid btw

[@dmitryduma]

Hi. RED Scarlet w a good choice?

[@SamureyeVlogs]

yes! still the same beautiful dragon sensor!

[@Bradum]

There's a reason it's that price now; it's being matched by modern mirrorless cameras.... See GH6 and X-H2S.

[@aliranjbar655]

Hello. You are a professional. Why doesn't the camera look at it when it switches to another camera... It doesn't make sense that you talk to the viewer in one camera and to a third person in the other.

[@dm.b7560]

This cameras are still being used as Camera B in Hollywood.

[@memphismadetez]

🔥🔥🔥 do this for Dana Dolly's... I recommend the glide gear dev 4 kit for $199.. only high quality option under $1k

[@KeithsTVHD1]

I luv cameras!

[@District7DrewGeraci]

Maybe the best RED digital cinema camera but the Alexa LF/65 and Sony Venice 2 are still #1 for the industry.

[@guapdonfit]

I’m highly considering

[@mavrkmusik]

Who’s budget? 😅

[@seanfrancis7101]

Bro. Let’s please not for the Monstro. It’s literally in the same price range!!!! Larger than full frame! Vista vision 8k camera with insane dynamic range. It’s comparable to the red raptor VV that’s going for 60k+ It’s essentially the same type of sensor but much larger. My buddy has one and is super pissed about how cheap they are now! 😆

[@MonstroInLA]

Red mags is the caveat

[@florinbalaican7419]

Best example of not to buy when u have cheaper competitors for review your image on a small screen after all this huge sell highdef

[@BrodiBarringer]

No no, only if RED allows third party memory, Samsung, Sandisk etc..I won’t own a camera that Only allows proprietary attachments

[@Sundirre]

Would be great bang for buck if Blackmagic didnt exist:)

[@sergiologullo2217]

One of, but not the best camera ! No way !

[@LanceMeaux]

🧢🧢 You're not finding that price anywhere lolol

[@thetys4659]

Yeah no... The Epic Dragon is a nice camera to work with but by no means great or even the best and especially not for people coming from a dslm. It's loud, it's hot, the parts are super cheap in quality but sold really expensive. The support is bad and most important the camera is completely unreliable. It can produce a nice image... like most other cameras aswell but that's pretty much where it stops already. The menu feels 10 years older than it is and has a strong lag to it. The image at 800 ISO can be really noisy. You maybe can adjust fansettings but that doesn't get you anywhere when you are in a hot room and the camera is overheating constantly if you don't put it to fullblast. I had days while I couldn't understand anything the team yelled at me when I had the cam besides my ear. I don't know a single camera that get's even half as loud... not even talking about that you can't even hear most other cameras and they still manage to keep the temperature low and controll the fan automatically. The Epics I used also had some random issues even RED supposedly didn't know how to fix. If you come from a dslm and are in the market for an EPIC just get an ursa instead... The Blackmagic Menu is simple and userfriendly, the codecs are nice and the cams are mostly much more reliable than you'd think. Or just get an Alexa if you want the big brand name. This will be a reliable workhorse and produce the best image you can get.

[@jacopoabbruscato9271]

RED and best budget in the same sentence? With its bullshit overpriced proprietary media, batteries and accessories?

[@alexey8772]

Red Komodo is better becuase of global shutter!

[@ThisisnotTwitter]

And better media and general reliability.

[@dp_zee]

I would NOT recommend this camera... Far better, more modern options, for less.

[@TheHiddenCardVillage]

Like what?

[@dp_zee]

​@@TheHiddenCardVillage anything made since 2020

[@robvision3888]

@@dp_zee besides Blackmagic and Arri all other cameras max out shooting in prores raw only.. which is shit in the film industry. How are you going to use on high volume Davinci which is the industry standard lol… The Epic Dragon is the best value. 16bit RedRAW 6K internal 16+ Stops for less than $3K and it’s Netflix Approved lol

[@miguelcastro5754]

@@dp_zee🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️🤦🏻‍♂️

[@joshdiditt]

I'm undecided between this camera or the Red Scarlett W. Which do you think is best?

[@NorthwestCameraCo]

We had scarlet w cams at our rental house and ended up getting rid of dsmc2 completely due to lack of reliability. Plus I like the FOV on 6k dragon.