It all started out so simple. There was just the RED ONE, a 4K digital cinema camera (back when nobody really knew what the term meant). It would make obsolescence obsolete. But the company soon released the Mysterium-X sensor, meaning that, every time you rented a RED, you had to ask if it had gotten the MX upgrade yet. Then came the Epic, the Weapon, the Scarlett, the Raven, the Dragon, the Helium, and the Monstro. Oh, and don't forget the Gemini. Some of those terms are sensors, while some are bodies, but some users didn't distinguish between the two. It got a little bit overwhelming to constantly keep track of which features, which color science, and which firmware worked on each. So RED has decided to keep it beautifully simple.
RED will now be offering three options for the DSMC2 body: the 8K Monstro VV, the 8K Helium Super 35mm, and the 5K Gemini Super 35mm. That's it.
Credit: RED
There will still be some customization options. The bodies by default are aluminum, but at least the Monstro can be upgraded to a Carbon Fiber body to save a little bit on the weight. The Helium will be available as Monochrome, as an option. While the Gemini has no options, it's the least expensive and has the highest ISO, so it's appealing in its own special way.
Credit: RED
The line also gets major price cuts throughout. With nearly $25,000 coming off the price of a Monstro, it would be enough to add a full Helium to your package. RED has always been generous with current owners, offering a variety of upgrade paths; take a look at its camera page to see a wide variety of ways to upgrade in the current gear. Most impressively, if you are already an Epic-W Gemini owner, you can now upgrade to the DSMC2 Gemini for exactly $0.00.
DSMC2 MONSTRO: $54,500
40.96 x 21.60mm (46.31 mm Ø)
60 fps at 8K Full Format (8192 × 4320)
DSMC2 HELIUM: $24,500
29.90 x 15.77mm (33.80mm Ø)
60 fps at 8K Full Format (8192 × 4320)
DSMC2 GEMINI: $19,500
30.72 x 18 mm (35.61mm Ø),
75 fps at 5K Full Height 1.7:1 (5120 × 3000), 96 fps at 5K Full Format (5120 × 2700), 120 fps at 5K 2.4:1 (5120 × 2160)
18mm sensor height ideal for Anamorphic
Dual native ISO
