Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1501110
CINEMA CAMERAS & LENSES www.postmagazine.com 27 POST MAY/JUNE 2023 RED INTRODUCES NEXT-GEN KOMODO-X CAMERA FOOTHILL RANCH, CA — Red Digital Cinema (www.red.com) recently intro- duced the Komodo-X camera, which marks the newest addition to the compa- ny's popular Komodo line of small form-factor 6K global shutter sensor cameras for cinema. Komodo-X builds on the original Komodo, multiplying frame rates and advancing dynamic range performance while expanding on its versatility. The new Komodo-X features a next-generation 6K S35 global shutter sensor, which allows for increased low-light performance and double the frame rates at 6K/80p and 4K/120p. Komodo-X is being offered in a limited-edition white ST beta version ($9,995). The black production version will be available to order at the same price shortly after the ST beta program ends. The black production version will also be sold with options for a pre-bundled starter pack or production pack. Komodo-X maintains the platform's small form factor at (4"x4"x5") and weighs 2.62lbs. The new I/O array features 12G SDI, full-sized DC-IN, USB Type-C and a phantom powered locking audio connector. In addition, an integrated 2.9-inch LCD allows for simplified control and image preview. For more precise monitoring, Komodo-X supports the direct-mounted DSMC3 7-inch Touch LCD. The new system also shares many features with the flagship DSMC3 lineup, including compatibility with CFexpress, an integrated micro-V- Lock power plate and a reinforced RF lens mount. The new Micro V-Lock pow- er option allows for direct attachment of professional Micro V-Lock batteries without the need for adapters. Red also announced multiple new accessories that are compatible with the Komodo-X system and other cameras in the Red lineup, including the Redvolt Nano-V ($275), Red Compact Top Handle ($539), and RF to PL with Electronic ND Filter Adapter Packs ($3,500). BLACKMAGIC DESIGN UPDATES POCKET CINEMA CAMERAS, GAINS NETFLIX APPROVAL FREMONT, CA — Blackmagic Design recently announced the Blackmagic Camera 8.1 update, which adds support for vertical aspect ratio video to its Pocket Cinema Cameras, allowing users to create cinematic vertical video for platforms such as TikTok and YouTube Shorts. This update adds automatic rotation of the camera's on-screen HUD and automatically tags files as vertical so they display correctly when imported for editing. Users can simply rotate the Pocket Cinema Camera to shoot vertical aspect ratios, such as 9:16 and 4:5. The on-screen HUD rotates so information such as frame rate, shutter angle and frame guides are easy to view, even when the camera is turned upside down. Users can even switch on frame guides so important details stay in-shot for different aspect ratios. When users import their files into DaVinci Resolve, clips are automatically tagged as vertical, so they appear correctly in their timeline. The update is available for download from the Blackmagic Design website (www.blackmagicdesign.com). In related news, Blackmagic Design's Ursa Mini Pro 12K digital cinema camera was recent- ly added to the Netflix-approved camera list. Officially titled "Cameras and Image Capture: Requirements and Best Practices," the list highlights the capture requirements necessary to be qualified as an approved camera by the streamer. Specs include dynamic range, resolution, codec and workflow compatibility. Netflix requires 90 percent of a program's final total runtime to be captured on approved cameras. The list already includes the Blackmagic Design Ursa Mini Pro 4.6K G2 amongst its approved systems. The Ursa Mini Pro 12K, which won a "Post Picks" Award at NAB 2023, boasts a 12,288x6,480 12K Super 35 image sensor, 14 stops of dynamic range and high frame rate shooting at up to 60 frames per second in 12K at 80 megapixels per frame.