Though it's going to be a rather long process just like with their previous upgrade programs, we are now starting to see the very first cameras leaving the assembly line. The first model we're seeing now is a special one, as it's a forged Carbon Fiber body. Instead of the typical weave of Carbon Fiber, forged CF is created by applying significant heat and pressure to create a composite that is very strong and sturdy. The 6K CF cameras are shipping first, with the 6K Magnesium body cameras coming later — and 8K much later (6K Magnesium has slightly lower ProRes specs and can't be upgraded to the 8K camera directly).


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If you're one of the lucky few getting a WEAPON in the next day or so (or you've already got it), firmware 6.1.6 adds:

  • Apple ProRes 4444 (HD)
  • Apple ProRes 4444 XQ (HD)
  • Apple ProRes 422 (HD,UHD)
  • Apple ProRes 422 HQ (HD, UHD)
  • Apple ProRes 422 LT (HD, UHD)
  • R3D + Apple ProRes
  • Sensor Auto-calibration
  • REC709,REC2020 Color Space
  • 3D LUT, Multi Look Support
  • Multi Look Flip/Mirror

One of the big changes after NAB is the fact that the Carbon Fiber WEAPON is capable of 4K ProRes internally, matching a camera like the ALEXA Mini. It's been a long time coming for RED, but having ProRes internally should be huge not just for proxies, but for actually being able to shoot a high-quality non-RAW file right in the camera.

In addition they have released the user guide for WEAPON. Here are a few more shots of the camera on the assembly line:

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Source: REDUser