RED announced February 13 that the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X will be released with the Nikon Z Mount. It doesn’t surprise that RED would be adding the Nikon Z Mount since they acquired RED. It also makes sense that RED has recently given deep discounts on the KOMODO with RF mount, as it will most likely be discontinued and fully replaced with the KOMODO-X and Nikon Z Mount. The RF mount Komodo-X is still available—both Komodo-X models retail for $6,995 USD. The V-RAPTOR [X] starts at $29,995 USD.
RED Cameras with Nikon Z Mount Premiere on NAB Show Floor
The all-new RED V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X with Nikon’s premier Z Mount will be a RED highlight at NAB. These new camera variants offer tremendous flexibility in lens selection and provide a comprehensive capture solution, from lens to sensor to codec. With a shallower flange depth and a wider diameter, the Nikon Z Mount enables lens designs with higher sharpness and superior aberration control. RED states the Z lens delivers unrivaled low-light performance, edge-to-edge detail, and autofocus performance on both the V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X cameras.
RED also states that the RED V-RAPTOR [X] Z MOUNT features unmatched low-light performance, dynamic range, resolution, high frame rates, and an industry-leading 8K VV global shutter large-format sensor. RED’s KOMODO-X Z MOUNT features a 6K S35 global shutter sensor and frame rates at 6K 80P and 4K 120P, all in a form factor measuring only 4x4x5 inches and 2.6 lbs.
The KOMODO-X Z Mount, part of the new Z CINEMA Series, now features a native locking Nikon Z mount, introducing Nikon’s latest optical innovations into the cinema market. Close coordination between Nikon and RED brings Z lenses into the cinema style shooting experience, with advanced features such as smooth iris control, customizable lens response, and adjustable auto focus speeds. Given the shallow flange depth, the Nikon Z mount is compatible with even more lens systems using third-party adapters.
Cine-Broadcast Module Now Available
RED will be showcasing its advanced Cine-Broadcast Module, now available for worldwide productions. Compatible with V-RAPTOR XL [X], V-RAPTOR [X] and standard V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR XL camera systems, the module supports live broadcasting of up to two channels of 4K 60P (HDR/SDR) via 12G-SDI and IP broadcasting compliant with SMPTE ST 2110 (TR-08) and up to a 4K 60P JPEG-XS feed. It features a robust LEMO SMPTE 311M/304M hybrid fiber optical cable connector linked to a rack-mountable 2U full rack or 4U half rack base station. The module further expands workflows with advanced slow motion, AI/ML enhancements, and real-time 8K 120FPS R3D streaming through the RED Connect license-enabled feature.
“RED is excited to share our groundbreaking Cine-Broadcast Module on the NAB show floor this year. This innovative technology will enhance productions worldwide by seamlessly blending cinematic and live broadcast imagery.”
RED CEO Keiji Oishi
CBS Sports will be integrating the Cine-Broadcast Module into some of its productions, showcasing the high cinematic image quality of the RED camera systems.
RED Cinema Broadcast Module Key features
- Supports up to 2 channels of 4K 60P (HDR/SDR) over 12G-SDI.
- New broadcast color pipeline for seamless camera shading and iris control with industry-standard RCPs.
- Advanced live workflows.*3x and 4x super slow motion possible with a RED Connect license and a RED Connect CCU.
- Learn More About Super Slow Motion Integrations
- SMPTE ST 2110 (TR-08) with up to 4K 60P JPEG-XS Hybrid Fiber Optical Cable.
- Features include slow-motion, AI/ML augmentation, and live streaming to headsets using 8K 120FPS R3Ds with RED Connect IP Broadcast Ready.
- Utilizes SMPTE 311M/304M cables, connecting to a rack-mountable 2U full rack or 4U half rack base station.
RED’s demo at NAB will also feature the new advanced Broadcast Color pipeline, which enables live painting of RED cameras in broadcast or streaming environments and allows for on-demand adjustments and multi-camera color matching using traditional broadcast controls. This latest functionality, which comes in a firmware update for V-RAPTOR XL and V-RAPTOR cameras, utilizes industry-standard RCPs to control painting parameters in real time over IP while saving information per frame in the recorded file’s metadata.
RED will be presenting a newly available integration with EVS’ XT-VIA® live production server, which allows broadcasters to enhance their workflows with up to 4x super-slow-motion at 4K and 8x at 1080p, while simultaneously delivering two baseband channels through the RED Cine-Broadcast Module. This capability is powered by RED’s license-enabled RED Connect feature, which enables IP live streaming of R3Ds and unlocks advanced workflows, including real-time AI/ML augmentation and live-to-headset using 8K 120FPS R3Ds. These advanced workflows are capable due to a close integration with NVIDIA GPUs, including the NVIDIA RTX 6000 Ada Generation GPU and NVIDIA L40S GPU for real-time image processing.
Cine-Broadcast Base Station
Cine-Broadcast Base Station Key features
- Integrated 2-channel 2-wire and 4-wire intercom system, compatible with RTS and Clear-Com.
- Supports 3 return feeds and 1 teleprompter feed.
- Flexible network connectivity with 2x RJ45 ports for camera control and data trunk, plus a 10G SFP+ transceiver slot for advanced RED Connect workflows.
Attendees at NAB Show in Las Vegas, April 6–9 can get a peek of the new V-RAPTOR [X] and KOMODO-X with the Nikon Z Mount at Booth #N2038.
