Just in, RED Digital Cinema has announced a collaboration with Nikon. This collaboration offers compatibility with their top-of-the-line cinema cameras and Nikon Z mount lenses. Starting today, the V-RAPTOR (X) and KOMODO-X Camera systems will now be available with the Nikon Z-mount. Some of these lenses’ many benefits include unmatched low-light performance, incredible edge-to-edge details, and ultra-fast autofocus performance. RED’s announcement of the RED Nikon Z MOUNT support will surely be exciting if you’re a working professional in the video or film industry. This is the perfect serendipity for those who have their eyes on the recently released Nikon NIKKOR Z 28-135mm f/4 PZ.
Key Features of the RED Nikon Z Mount V-RAPTOR (X)
- First Large Format Global Shutter Camera
- 8K/120p Footage
- Just over 4lbs
- Unmatched Low-Light Performance and Dynamic Range
- Extended Highlights Control with Global Vision
- Supports RED Connect for Live Broadcasting
- Compatible with Nikon Z-Mount Lenses
- Z to PL Adapter Pack Available
Key Features of the RED Nikon Z Mount KOMODO-X
- 6K/80p or 4K/120p Footage
- 2.6lbs
- Supports RED Connect for Live Broadcasting
- Compatible with Nikon Z-Mount Lenses
- Z to PL Adapter Pack Available
What New About These RED Nikon Z MOUNT Camera Systems?
The V-RAPTOR (X) camera system offers an industry-leading resolution and framerate in a body of just over four pounds. Additionally, it provides incredible low light and high-dynamic range performance. For a more compact system that is still plenty capable, the KOMODO-X Z MOUNT is just 2.6 lbs and includes many features that will be more than enough for most creators. Both cameras are compatible with RED Connect for live broadcasting in up to 8K/6K resolution and can be used with Nikon Z Mount Systems. Let’s take a closer look at some of the impressive features of these two new camera systems.
Unmatched Resolutions and Framerates
The 8K/120p resolution of the V-RAPTOR (X) gives creators the piece of mind that the footage they’re capturing will be future-proof for years to come. CFexpress Type B media slots are included to give the ability to capture 800MB/s to a memory card. The KOMODO-X is just a small step down in available resolutions and framerate, offering 6K//80p or 4K/120p footage. When you need the most resolution possible at the highest framerate, both cameras are designed to meet the needs of the most demanding filmmakers.
RED Nikon Z Mount Compatibility
This is just the beginning of the collaboration between RED and Nikon, with both cameras being compatible with Z-mount lenses. With four different Z to PL adapters available, you can also utilize the many PL options available. This pairing allows us to use some of Nikon’s latest optical innovations, such as smooth iris control, customizable lens response, adjustable autofocus speeds, and excellent-quality optics. Finally, for those already shooting on an RF mount version of the KOMODO-X or V-RAPTOR (X) who want to harness some of the powerful features of the Z-mount, you have the option to convert for $1595/$1695, respectively.
First Large Format Global Shutter
The V-RAPTOR (X) is the world’s first large-format global shutter camera system. Previous cameras have been rolling shutter, meaning pixels are read out line-by-line when the shutter button is pressed. Unlike a rolling shutter, the global shutter reads out all pixels simultaneously, making it ideal for fast-moving scenes. In a traditional rolling shutter camera, it isn’t uncommon to see distortion for objects that move very quickly. The addition of a global shutter eliminates any distortion problems and ensures that the data from every pixel is recorded precisely at the same time.
RED Connect for Live Broadcasting
When you’re filming a live event, you want the best for live broadcasting. The V-RAPTOR (X) is capable of live 8K R3D video over IP or live 4K over SMPTE ST 2110. On the KOMODO-X, you can expect live broadcasting of 6K images over IP. RED Connect makes it easy to broadcast and stay connected, whether you need to relay video instantly or just review your footage on the fly. Lastly, the V-RAPTOR (X) has AWS direct upload, remote control and monitoring, and in-camera Frame.io integration to help streamline the workflow of the working professional.
Low Light and HDR Performance
These two new camera systems’ low-light and high-dynamic range performance is truly second to none. The V-RAPTOR (X) is equipped with an Extended Highlights feature, which allows the camera to see even further into the highlight detail, which is perfect for filmmakers who find themselves capturing video in harsh outdoor lighting. This produces more detail for HDR finishes or a more subtle highlight roll-off for SDR. Extended Highlights allow you to recover the brightest spots in your image that you never thought possible before and will undoubtedly be a feature that excites outdoor shooters.
Who Should Buy the RED Nikon Z MOUNT V-RAPTOR (X) and KOMODO-X?
The V-RAPTOR (X) is designed for working professionals or businesses that demand the best video quality, resolution, and capabilities. 8K/120p footage will keep this camera and your video footage future-proof for years to come, and the new Global Shutter sensor is ideal if you capture fast-moving scenes. On the other hand, the KOMODO-X is also a high-end camera that would best suit creators who don’t reasonably need the incredible resolution of the V-RAPTOR (X) and want a camera body that is a little smaller (2.6 lbs vs. 4 lbs +). The KOMODO-X will be enough to satisfy the needs of most creators with 6K/80p footage, but if you are looking for the very top-of-the-line, the V-RAPTOR (X) is probably best suited for you.
Comparable RED Camera Systems
For those looking for Canon compatibility, the older V-RAPTOR (X) and KOMODO-X versions are compatible with RF-mount lenses. Suppose you’re already shooting on one of these RF-mount cameras. In that case, you can convert them to Z-mount to utilize the shallower flange depth, wider diameter, higher sharpness, and superior aberration control of Z-mount lenses. Regardless of which mount you choose, you can rest assured that the V-RAPTOR (X) and KOMODO-X will offer best-in-class performance and capabilities.
RED Nikon Z MOUNT in a Nutshell
The new collaboration between RED Digital Cinema and Nikon will excite many of the industry’s best filmmakers and videographers. The RED V-RAPTOR (X) and KOMODO-X can now use Z-mount lenses, opening the possibilities for creators in lens selection. Many Z-mount lenses can deliver top-tier low-light performance, edge-to-edge details, and lightning-quick autofocus performance.
