It's Not Just a Rental Anymore. You Can Actually Buy a RED Ranger Now

Today, RED announced that it was expanding its RED RANGER camera system, adding two new Helium 8K and Gemini 5K S35 models to the lineup. And while the original RANGER Monstro VV model, will exclusively be rental-only, the new Helium S35 and Gemini S35 variants are available for sale to cinematographers looking to boost their own personal rental quiver.

The New Red Ranger for Helium and Gemini Super 35 Sensors Credit: RED

RED Digital Cinema President Jarred Land commented:

In collaboration with rental houses to bring the RANGER MONSTRO to market, we have heard great feedback from customers, inspiring these two new variants. We’re excited to offer the RANGER line-up to a wider variety of professional productions and look forward to seeing the amazing images that are created.

While the RED RANGER Monstro 8K VV has been quite popular with higher-end productions looking to rent a more compact and modular system, RED was looking to make the RANGER DSMC2 design available to RED owners as well. Monstro remains a rental product due to its large-format frame, so when designing two new models, RED looked to the 5K Gemini and 8K Helium Super 35 sensors to fit the bill. The Helium and Gemini RANGER models will enjoy the same compact and lightweight design, weighing in at 7.5 pounds, while also offering a standardized modular concept to support RED accessories.

Land also mentioned on Facebook:

At the heart it is the same camera. Ranger runs cooler and quieter because of the bigger fan but the image will be the same. There are benefits, and weaknesses to complete integration... It's really how you use your camera, and more specifically if you ever rent your camera.

As with all current RED cameras in the lineup, the Ranger models will support REDCODE Raw, as well as Apple ProRes or AVID DNxHD/HR at up to 300 MBps. RED's IPP2 color management and pipeline workflows are also in the mix.

Tech Specs

Shimmed PL Mount
New LCD/EVF Adaptor D with improved cable routing when used on the left side of the camera
New 24V AC power adaptor with 3-pin 24V XLR power cable, which can also be used with 24V block batteries
Lens mount shim pack
Compatible Hex and Torx tools

Why did RED officially discontinues DSMC2 and Ranger sales? Credit: RED

The RANGER system will have three SDI outputs (two mirrored and one independent) wide input voltage ranging from 11.5v-32v, two 24v and 12v power outputs, a 12v V-tap, 5 pin XLR stereo inputs, genlock, timecode, the works. VLock and Gold Mount battery options are also supported. Also note that while RANGER initially comes with PL mount, RED will offer a Canon EF Mount version later this year. So I'm not sure if they will offer an EF conversion kit, or if EF mount users should keep their powder dry until the EF mount models arrive, but RED is always about upgrading. I would imagine they'll have a way to kill two birds with one stone.

Pricing for the two new RANGER models are listed as $29,950 US for RANGER HELIUM and $24,950 US for RANGER GEMINI. But there's also an upgrade path. According to a thread on Jarred Land's Facebook page, the upgrade price is the standard $15,000 for any DSMC2 camera. So if you're looking to go that route, it's available. The RED RANGER WEAPON VV will remain exclusively a rental.

Available now through RED.com and at authorized RED dealers. RED will also be showcasing the new Ranger models at IBC in the RED meeting room, so if you're there, swing by and get some hands-on time.

red red ranger RED RANGER MONSTRO VV RED RANGER HELIUM S35 RED RANGER GEMINI S35 8k rentals jarred land

Understanding Film Gauge: From 8mm to 70mm

The No Film School guide to different film gauges—how, when, and why to use them.

In the modern age of digital cameras, it's easy to forget the beautiful edge shooting on film stock can add to your visuals. Many successful movies proudly shot on film were released this year, from indie darlings like Strange Darling to bigger budget fairs like Sean Baker's Anora, Luca Guadagnino's Challengers, and Jeff Nichol's The Bikeriders.

If you're a filmmaker, you already know shooting on film is cool—it's just a heck of a ton more expensive (in most cases) than the much less labor-intensive production styles that come with shooting on digital. No need to buy extra film stock or worry if you make a tiny mistake, you could compromise that stock. That being said, if you have the skill and budget to pull off a successful film shoot, the quality of your picture will more than certainly be worth the stress and money.

On top of shooting on film, there's also the question of projecting on film. Quentin Tarantino famously loves screening projects on film, owning two theaters in Los Angeles, The New Beverly and The Vista, that project films exclusively on film—The New Bev focuses on older restorations, while The Vista does double time with a film currently in theaters and fun midnight screenings and matinees.

It can be extremely daunting if you're interested in film in any capacity—shooting with little experience or even just curious to know more. What do all the different millimeters mean? It can be quite intimidating, so we're here to help. Below, you will find a quick brief of film gauges, as well as a breakdown of the most common formats—8mm, 16mm, 35mm, and 65mm.