RED seems to be shipping its 6K Komodo cinema camera based on Jarred Land's social media activity. In a recent post, Land confirms that Komodo will cost approximately $6,000, and for those who want to step outside the traditional black digs, custom hues are available for $7K.
On May 12, RED reopened its doors and began processing orders. By the end of the week, Land started offering shooters eager to get their hands on the camera an opportunity to order one directly via email.
"Now that our factory is back in action...albeit severely anemic with the new protocols, we can slowly start making Komodos again. it’s [sic] a really, really slow train now so it’s gonna take a while to get enough of our troops back to start making enough volume to blast out to dealers and the world but the good news is to pass that time and keep our skeleton crew busy, in 2 weeks I’m gonna start selling some crazy colored Komodos to my friends and anyone else who wants to be a little “different”. Super limited low quantities. Will make just a handful per week till the stormtroopers are ready. Email me if your [sic] interested."
Two days later, Land posted to Instagram saying that the first batch of custom colors have sold out immediately. According to Land, RED plans to "get through this first round and do this all over again the week after we ship the week one batch." The first round is expected to be delivered by June. The second round of pre-orders will take place shortly after.
RED has been slowly releasing information about Komodo over the last 10 months but hasn't provided the full specs of the camera. Land says those specs "won’t come until the camera is official when the normal black ones ship." Those jumping on the pre-order are receiving beta units that will most likely receive a software update when the camera officially launches.
For those who bought the RED Hydrogen One, a discount will be made available only for the black model of Komodo.
Komodo Specs
- 6K Super 35 27.03 x 14.25mm (6144 x 3240)
- Global Shutter
- Full-sensor up to 6K 40 fps
- 6K WS at 50 fps
- 4K at 60 fps
- 120 fps at 2K
- 12G-SDI output with 2160p at 60 fps
- R3D files (REDCODE RAW)
- 3.5mm microphone/headphone
- No XLR
- CFast cards, not dual
- Wireless video module
- Touchscreen Display
- Phase Detection Autofocus
- Canon RF mount
- Size: 4″ x 4″ (10.16 cm x 10.16 cm)
- Weight: 2lbs (900g) approx.
When comparing Komodo to the current RED lineup, it's a bargain based on price alone.
- Monstro 8K VV (40.96 x 21.60mm) - $54,500
- Helium 8K S35 (29.90 x 15.77mm) - $24,500
- Gemini 5K S35 (30.72 x 18mm) - $19,500
- Dragon-X 6K S35 (30.7 x 15.8mm) - $14,950
- Komodo S35 (27.03 x 14.25mm) - $6,000 approx.
This will be the first time RED has offered a camera below a $10K price tag. Even with the lower price, it faces some competition from Blackmagic Design, Canon, Kinefinity, Panasonic, and Z CAM, who all offer a 6K camera that costs even less.
What are your thoughts on the Komodo? Did you order one? Let us know in the comments below.
