These days our cameras are like fine wines -- they just keep getting better with time and, well, firmware downloads. Today RED is kicking off the new year by dropping firmware 5.1.34, a significant release build over the their current 4.0.18 release build (Beta releases have given us some of these features, but release builds are theoretically far more stable). Notable on the feature list is the addition of HDRx (which was announced late last year) and Speed Ramp for the DRAGON sensor, as well as major UI enhancements and additional lens support. Read on for the full feature list and download links.
[Update]: Apparently NASA is doing some interesting things with HDRx on the current EPIC as well. Jarred just posted this in the forum:
HDRx should lead to some impressive possibilities in terms of dynamic range on DRAGON. For a quick look at what it can do on the old MX sensor, here is Luke Neumann shooting on the RED EPIC with HDRx:
Here's the full (and impressive) list of features and fixes from the new build:
- Added Dragon support of HDRx and Speed Ramp
- Added support for QuickPlate Battery module
- Added support for XL Battery Module
- Added support for Motion Mount
- Added In-Camera help
- Added Search Help
- Added User Lens Calibration (rudimentary support for unsupported lenses)
- Added Quick Presets
- Added Create Shortcut
- Added Reverse Key Mapping
- Added Auto-Hide/Remove Menus Mode
- Added support for MiniMag 512GB media
- Added Adaptive fan mode for Dragon. Epic/Scarlet default set to Auto.
- Added meta data for RedCode compression ratio and Sensor revision id.
- Added fan control dialog to display warning if auto or manual mode is selected
- Added option for Rack points to show distances on the overlay
- Added raw mode indicator to "Standard" overlay configuration
- Added shutdown notification when more than one rear battery module is found
- Added support for Canon EF-S 15-85mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
- Added support for Canon EF 24-70mm f/4L IS
- Added support for Canon EF 600mm f/4L IS II USM
- Added support for Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L USM
- Added support for Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS
- Added support for Canon EF_24mm f/2.8
- Added support for Canon EF 400mm f/2.8
- Added support for Canon EF 500mm f/4
- Added support for Canon EF 28mm f/2.8
- Added support for Canon EF 300mm f/2.8
- Added support for Canon EF 35mm f/2.0
- Added support for Canon EF 70-300mm f/4.0
- Added support for Canon EF 24-70mm f/2.8L II USM
- Added support for AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
- Added support for Sigma 18-35mm
- Added REDMOTE firmware v8.0.8
- Playback Enhancements
- Rack Focus Mode Enhancements
- Major UI Enhancements
- Improved On-Screen Keyboards
- Support for returning to dialog after opening sub-dialog
- Advanced Format Dialog
- Large Pull-Down lists are searchable
- Easier sensor calibration management
- Extra confirmation required for formatting media
- 9" Touchscreen supports large menu items by default
- Simplified Time/Angle and Absolute/Relative exposure time setting
- Fix shutter speed menu when ramp record is in progress
- Fix guide with the shading to be on top of the other guides
- Fix player hang with invalid in/out set points
- Fix REDcode calculation using fps/2 for MoCo mode
- Fix Nikon lenses iris control for unsupported lenses
- Fix removes "OK" from "Incompatible Battery" dialog and replaced with 10 second timeout
- Fix limits the REDcode displayed in playback similar to preview
- Fix will round up displayed REDCODE value for display (e.g., 10.35:1 is now 11:1)
- Fix REDmote unresponsive left navigation button
You can download build 5.1.34 from the following links:
Epic M-X
Scarlet M-X
Epic Dragon
REDmote
Operation Guide
For RED owners out there, what are your thoughts on the new build? Is it significant for your work? Is there any feature or fix on this list that you've been waiting for? As always, join the discussion below.
