List of Red Digital Cinema cameras

List of Red Digital Cinema cameras — BrandWiki

Redcode

Redcode Raw (.r3d) is a proprietary file format that initially employed wavelet compression to reduce the raw data coming off the sensor. This allows reduced file sizes while still keeping all advantages of a non-destructive raw workflow. In the beginning Redcode was a JPEG 2000 12bit linear file stream with PCM sound without encryption. Several third party applications are able to read Redcode and convert it to other file formats such as Cineform Raw.

Red One

Redcode started as having two different options, named Redcode 28 and Redcode 36, later a Redcode 42 option was added. Redcode 42 records the most amount of data and can only be selected with lower recording resolutions.[32]

DSMC/DSMC2

The Redcode options were replaced with compression ratios in the DSMC lineup of cameras. Since then, Redcode recorded 16-bits of information per color channel. Users choose between compression ratios of 2:1 and 22:1. Depending on the recording resolution, frame rate, and the camera body, some ratios could be unavailable. A compression ratio of 8:1 is selected by default.[33]

DSMC3

RED switched to using DCT for compression starting with the Red Komodo. The granular compression ratios were replaced with just a few quality options in the DSMC3 lineup of cameras.[34][35] The ELQ setting was added later.[37] Some cinematographers still prefer using DSMC2 cameras because they offer more compression choices.[38]

R3D NE

The R3D NE codec was introduced in 2025 alongside the Nikon ZR.[39] It uses the same compression algorithm as Nikon N-RAW called TicoRAW and is therefore different from the traditional Redcode codecs. R3D NE records color information with 12-bits per channel just like the Red One did.

Extended Highlights/HDRx

HDRx was introduced with the DSMC line, allowing the shooter to get up to 6 extra stops of dynamic range. The goal is to preserve more detail in very bright parts of a scene. This works by recording two tracks, one being normally exposed and the other being underexposed. The underexposed track is recorded at a faster shutter speed, compromising motion clarity.[40]

The HDRx feature is not available on DSMC3 cameras[41] but some higher end DSMC3 cameras offer a comparable feature called Extended Highlights, which is just a simple on-off switch for three extra stops[42] of highlight protection without any configuration options.[43]

Phantom Track

This feature is only available on some higher end DSMC3 cameras[44] and lets them record two views in alternating frames simultaneously to separate .r3d tracks. It is intended to be used for VFX work in virtual production environments.[45]

Workflow

Redcine-X Pro

Redcine-X Pro is a free-of-charge post-processing software collection developed by Red, built specifically for Red camera systems. It includes a coloring toolset, integrated timeline, and post effects software collection for both stills and motion. The post-production software allows for non-destructive manipulation of raw .R3D files.[73] Redcine-X was the first workflow software developed solely by Red. Like Redcine, Red offered it as an end-to-end workflow solution for Red customers. It preceded the current Redcine-X Pro.

With Redcine-X Pro, users can mark frames while shooting and access those specific frames within their timeline. Users can take advantage of the countless color grading and raw adjustment options. Additionally, there were features like A.D.D. (Advanced Dragon Debayer), a complex algorithm that analyzes every pixel[74] and is only available for footage captured on specific sensors[75].

Previous Workflow Software

"Red Alert!" was the first form of workflow made available to Red owners/operators, though it was more of a diagnostic tool. It allowed Red One users to tweak debayer settings and render out to dpx/tiff/mov.[76]

Redcine was the first end-to-end workflow for Red users. A third-party company developed the software, and Red provided the SDK.

Previous Workflow Software

Redcine was the first end-to-end workflow for Red users. A third-party company developed the software, and Red provided the SDK.

Hardware accelerators

Red Rocket

Red Rocket is an internal PCI Express card that is capable of 4K, 2K, or 1080p real-time debayering and video playback of R3D files coming from Mysterium and Mysterium-X sensors. It can be used to accelerate video editing in compatible Non-linear editing systems, outputting the image via HD-SDI to a user-supplied monitor. A component of the Red Rocket allows users to convert the HD-SDI signal to four HDMI outputs.[77]

Red Rocket-X

Red Rocket-X is an internal PCI Express card optimized for the 6K Dragon sensor and is designed to accelerate the processing of R3D workflow, regardless of resolution. Compared to Red Rocket, Red Rocket-X processes and transcodes files up to five times faster.[77]

The Red Rocket cards are no longer supported by Redcine-X Pro[78]

Red Rocket

Red Rocket-X

The Red Rocket cards are no longer supported by Redcine-X Pro[78] since 2022[79] in favor of GPU-based video decoding[80][81][82].

Third party workflow systems

Red offers the Red Apple Workflow Installer, which allows R3D Raw settings within Final Cut Pro X. Other applications include support for QuickTime to use .R3D files, and plugins for Adobe Photoshop,[83] Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid Media Composer, Final Cut Pro X, and Sony Vegas Pro.

Notable accessories

3-Axis lens control system

The Red 3-Axis lens control system[84][85][86] is a turn-key wireless lens control kit for driving focus, iris and zoom using the Red Lens Control Motor.[87][88] Included is the T.H.C. (Tactical Hand Controller), a wireless remote that allows the operator to adjust lens settings from a distance.[89]

Motion Mount

The motion mount is a lineup of lens mounts, available in multiple EF- and PL-mount versions. The motion mount is compatible with DSMC and DSMC2 cameras, excluding the Red Raven. It transforms the camera from rolling shutter to global shutter and offers internal ND control.[90][91][92] Using the motion mount results in a light loss of at least 1.6 stops without the additional ND feature engaged.[93][94] The ND feature of the motion mount changes the look of out-of-focus areas. It didn't receive widespread adoption due to its high price[95].

Meizler Module

The Meizler Module was an accessory aimed at larger productions that offered live wireless video, wireless timecode, simultaneous proxy recording with Red Mini-Mags, wireless camera control, wireless focus, iris, and zoom (FIZ) control, all in a single module.[96][97] Even though the accessory was showcased at NAB[98][99], IBC[100], and even appeared in product catalogues, it was never sold. Other accessories that were supposed to work together with the Meizler Module include a Redlink Video Receiver (HD-SDI)[101], Redlink Video Receiver (HDMI)[102]

4K Broadcast module

The 4K Broadcast module was an accessory aimed at broadcast productions that offered 4K live wireless video via four 3G-SDI connectors, whose outputs would be spliced together.[109] Even though the accessory was announced and demonstrated at NAB, it was never sold.

Rear SSD module

The Rear SSD module, which was announced at NAB 2012[110], was a niche accessory for DSMC1 cameras that allowed stereoscopic 3D productions to achieve a closer interaxial distance without the use of a beamsplitter. Compared the Side SSD module, the Rear SSD module didn't feature any buttons, but still offered a status LED.[111] It accepted the traditional 1.8" REDMAGs.[112]

RED Focus

The RED Focus was a PL-mount accessory that allowed camera operators to verify the backfocus on their camera[113] for which RED-branded AA-batteries[114] were created.

List of Red Digital Cinema cameras

Cameras

Red One (introduced in 2007-2009)

DSMC (introduced in 2011-2013)

DSMC2 (introduced in 2015-2018)

Ranger (introduced in 2019)

DSMC3 (introduced in 2020-2025)

Panavision

Nikon and Red

Sensors

Redcode

Red One

DSMC/DSMC2

DSMC3

R3D NE

Extended Highlights/HDRx

Phantom Track

Media

RCP Development Kit

Workflow

Redcine-X Pro

Previous Workflow Software

Previous Workflow Software

Hardware accelerators

Red Rocket

Red Rocket-X

Red Rocket

Red Rocket-X

Third party workflow systems

Notable accessories

3-Axis lens control system

Motion Mount

Meizler Module

4K Broadcast module

Rear SSD module

RED Focus

References