Global Shutter

First cab off the rank is the trademark feature of the Komodo - Global Shutter. This differs from Rolling Shutter in that all pixels in the frame are exposed simultaneously, rather than each row of pixels having slightly offsetted exposure. This is great for shots with fast camera movement, such as having the camera mounted onto a car for a high-speed chase or essentially any other situation where the Komodo would be used as a crash camera. It can also be great for getting beautiful crisp shots of things such as fireworks, flash photography lights and other things that give bright flashes of light. Given it has 16 stops of dynamic range, just like the DSMC2 range of cameras, exposure isn’t going to be an issue in these circumstances.

6K Resolution and S35 Sensor

Most camera operators are aware of the advantages of high-resolution, and why it’s extremely beneficial to shoot with the camera that can give you lots of flexibility in post-production. The Komodo is capable of shooting 6K resolution, making it extremely powerful for its size compared to the DSMC2 bodies. In addition, the camera has an S35 sensor and shoots in the R3D Raw format, much like other DSMC2 bodies, meaning it actually cuts really nicely alongside DSMC2 footage. For the professional RED user, this makes it the perfect B-camera to work alongside your larger RANGER or DSMC2 cameras.

RED CONTROL App

What’s more, RED has released the RED CONTROL App, allowing you to sync your Komodo to your smartphone and control the camera settings through a WiFi connection. Simply connect your camera to the app via WiFi, or can you access the UI of the camera via it’s IP address. The app is only compatible with the Komodo, however it is extremely handy for a multitude of applications - especially control multiple Komodo’s at once so you don’t need to change the settings of each camera individually if you need them synced. This is also handy if the camera is being used as a crash-cam and getting to change settings on the camera isn’t possible because it’s in a hard-to-reach place. You can also record, pull focus, and manage audio levels, as well as other great features all through the app, making it the perfect camera assistant’s tool for use with the Komodo. 

Other Features

In the past, DSMC2 and RANGER cameras required additional accessories such as the monitor, V-lock module and lens mount to be usable. This has often been a turnoff for people thinking of joining the RED ecosystem, because the need for these accessories to use the camera can inflate the price immensely. That’s no longer the case with the Komodo, as it is ready to be used straight out of the box with Canon BP battery mounts, a monitor and Canon RF lens mount already built into the camera body (for those with Canon EF lenses, it also has an RF to EF adaptor mount in the box). 

RED have also moved away from the often-pricey Mini Mag media cards for the Komodo, opting to make it compatible with C-Fast cards, which are much more accessible to a wider market. While it’s obviously recommended getting additional accessories such as the Expander Module and Outrigger Handle, the fact that you can start shooting with it straight out of the box is a great choice on RED’s part and makes the camera much more appealing to those who may have once thought the extremely high quality of RED’s colour science was just out of their financial reach.

FAQ

Does the Komodo replace DSMC2?

No. While the Komodo does have some great features that make it stand out as an innovative and unique camera, there are definitely reasons why DSMC2 cameras might be a better choice for you. Whether it be higher processing power, the ability to shoot in higher frame rates, or the ability to use OLPF’s to better control light before it hits the sensor, the DSMC2 cameras definitely still have their place within the RED ecosystem.

Why does the Komodo have an inbuilt RF mount and not an EF mount?

Because the Canon RF lens mount is the mirrorless, and therefore slightly smaller version of the EF mount for DSLR’s, it is actually easier for RF to adapt to other lens mounts, than it is for EF to adapt down to an RF mount. This is why the Komodo already comes with an RF to EF lens adaptor to allow those with existing EF lenses to begin shooting right away.

Being a 6K camera, how does it compare to the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K?

The biggest competitor to the Komodo on the market is definitely the Blackmagic Pocket Cinema 6K, since they are both compact cinema cameras capable of shooting 6K resolution. While the Pocket 6K is significantly cheaper (less than a third of the cost of a Komodo), the Komodo has a lot more flexibility with what it is actually capable of. With R3D Raw, the RED CONTROL app, global shutter and it’s overall user-friendliness, the Komodo definitely justifies its price tag in comparison to the Pocket 6K. That’s not to take anything away from the Pocket 6K, which is still an extremely good camera in its own right, but the Komodo truly is something to admire.

How can I get my Komodo today?

Because stock is so limited at the moment, the best way to put your name down for a Komodo is by placing a pre-deposit, which can be done in any of our stores or online. If you have any questions regarding the process to get one, what accessories are available with it, or simply any questions about the Komodo in general, please don’t hesitate to contact your local store today!