RED's newest camera, the 5K SCARLET-W, is official.

In a first for RED, they've given a media outlet exclusive access before a product launch. With SCARLET-W, they've worked with No Film School. I was invited to come and see the SCARLET-W in person, and also ask RED's President Jarred Land a number of important questions about the camera and how it fits in with their entire lineup.

SCARLET-W & SCARLET-W Monochrome

In addition to the RAVEN announced in September, the SCARLET-W rounds out the lower-end of RED's newer DSMC² line (built-in wireless, 3D LUTs, ProRes) with 5K up to 60fps at 2.40:1, 5K up to 48fps using the entire frame, 4K 2.40:1 up to 150fps, interchangeable mounts and OLPFs, and RAW + 2K Scaled (not cropped) ProRes HQ recording up to 60fps — all starting under $10,000.

The SCARLET-W shares a very similar body as the other DSMC² cameras, which all include cable-less monitor and EVF attachments, as well compatibility with all of the same modules (1st or 3rd party). While it would be nice to have 4K ProRes, apparently it's just not possible at this price and body size, so the SCARLET-W, just like RAVEN and WEAPON Magnesium, tops out at 2K ProRes internally, which can be recorded at the same time as REDCODE RAW.

The SCARLET-W fits more neatly between the RAVEN and the far more expensive WEAPON Magnesium, with a max of 48fps using the entire frame of the 5K sensor. SCARLET-W and RAVEN share the same speeds internally (140MB/s), though RAVEN is limited as it has a physically smaller sensor. Both cameras, however, can ultimately top out at 150fps at resolutions below 5K. SCARLET-W is also twice as fast as the current SCARLET DRAGON, and thus is capable of 4:1 compression at 24fps, half that of the 8:1 minimum on the SCARLET DRAGON.

Beyond the image specs, there is much more versatility with this camera over RAVEN since you can change the mounts and the OLPFs, something that's not possible on RAVEN. By placing SCARLET-W next to RAVEN, I was able to see just how small RAVEN actually is, though SCARLET-W (and the rest of the DSMC² line), isn't much bigger. Even though both models are made of an aluminum alloy, and not fancy metals like Magnesium or something like Carbon Fiber, it's pretty impressive how light they are. There's no question it's quite a feat that RED has been able to squeeze even more high-end tech into such tiny spaces.

The specs:

For the full specs, check out the SCARLET-W page here.

5120 x 2700, 13.8 Megapixel RED DRAGON Sensor

Sensor Size: 25.6mm (h) x 13.5mm (v) x 28.9mm (d)

Interchangeable Mounts & OLPFs

MINI-MAG Media Bay, Record RAW & ProRes Simultaneously

Dynamic Range: Same as Other DRAGON Sensors (Listed at 16.5+)

Range of Aspect Ratios Including 2:1, 2.40:1, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 2X Anamorphic and 1.3X Anamorphic

48 fps at 5K Full Frame (5120 x 2700) and 8:1 REDCODE

60 fps at 5K 2.4:1 (5120 x 2160) and 8:1 REDCODE

100 fps at 4.5K Full Frame (4608 x 2412) and 14:1 REDCODE

120 fps at 4.5K 2.4:1 (4608 x 1944) and 13:1 REDCODE

120 fps at 4K Full Frame (4096 x 2160) and 13:1 REDCODE

150 fps at 4K 2.4:1 (4096 x 1728) and 13:1 REDCODE

160 fps at 3K Full Frame (3072 x 1620) and 10:1 REDCODE

200 fps at 3K 2.4:1 (3072 x 1296) and 10:1 REDCODE

240 fps at 2K Full Frame (2048 x 1080) and 7:1 REDCODE

300 fps at 2K 2.4:1 (2048 x 864) and 7:1 REDCODE

Minimum REDCODE Compression: 5K/24fps/4:1, 5K/48fps/8:1, 4K/24fps/3:1, 4K/60fps/7:1

ProRes 2K (2048×1080): 422 HQ, 422, or LT up to 60 fps (Not cropped — this uses the entire frame of a given resolution)

17x17x17 3D LUTs

Audio: Integrated Dual Channel Stereo Microphones (Uncompressed, 24-bit 48 kHz

Remote control via Wireless, Ethernet, RS232, GPI Trigger with Expander Module

Auto Black Calibration

Compatibility with All DSMC² Modules

Body type: Alluminum Alloy

Weight: 3.5 lbs. Brain with Media Bay

Availability: February 2016 for Brain, March 2016 for Package

Price New: $9950 Body Only for SCARLET-W and SCARLET-W Monochrome, Packages starting at $14,500

$9950 Body Only for SCARLET-W and SCARLET-W Monochrome, Packages starting at $14,500 Price for SCARLET DRAGON Owners: $9950 Body Only, Packages Starting at Only $12,000

Package Deals

The SCARLET-W is going to start at $9,950 for the brain only with media bay and AC adapter (no lens mount), and will include your choice of RED's three OLPFs (which are interchangeable in this model).

A $14,500 package will be available that gets you started shooting (without batteries, of course). Though these packages include a V-Lock adapter, Element Technica is producing a $900 Anton Bauer/Gold Mount module for the original Base Expander. Right now the $14.5K package includes (current SCARLET DRAGON owners get this package for $12K, $2,500):

In addition to the SCARLET-W, RED is also introducing a SCARLET-W Monochrome. This camera will feature all of the same specs, except contains a 5K black and white DRAGON sensor. While I've tried explaining a number of times how Monochrome sensors actually have better image quality, here's an explanation from RED themselves that might help.

As far as new products, here is a look at the V-Lock expander, as well as the new $550 Outrigger Handle, which sits on the side of the camera and can control Start/Stop:

SCARLET DRAGON Owners

As I mentioned in previous posts, SCARLET DRAGON owners were in a strange spot with the RAVEN coming in so much less expensive and boasting much higher maximum frame rates (though no 5K), and a lot more internal features like ProRes. While the current SCARLET DRAGON is capable of 6K at low frame rates suitable for time lapse or still images, SCARLET-W essentially beats it in every other category in terms of both frame rates, features, and lower compression. They're identical at 5K, but everything below goes to the SCARLET-W, which also gets a much improved and lighter body.

It's unfortunate for SD owners who haven't had their cameras very long, but this is often the case with technology getting cheaper and faster. RED won't be doing a trade-in, but they will have a $2,500 package discount for current SCARLET DRAGON owners. Body only price remains the same, but for only $12,000, you'll get the same items as the $14.5K package above. Part of the reason they've decided not to do a trade-in program is that the economics don't really make sense. One thing RED did want me to emphasize, however, is the fact that this discount lets you keep your camera, so you can either have two cameras, or ideally the SCARLET DRAGON you already own would be worth more used than it ever would be as a trade-in.

Where SCARLET-W Fits In (Price and Performance)

Though RAVEN is the least expensive camera in RED's lineup, it's really more designed as a drone and gimbal camera, something that was reiterated to me a number of times by Jarred Land. This is an important point, because it helps explain the mindset of developing a camera like SCARLET-W.

The SCARLET-W is the true budget cinema camera in RED's lineup — with the word budget being used in the context of a line of cameras that reaches into the $70K range. It's less than half the price of the nearest DSMC2 camera, WEAPON Magnesium, and though that camera boasts higher frame rates at 6K and 5K, the rest of the feature set very similar. It's worth noting, however, that all of RED's cameras require some investment beyond the body, and your SCARLET-W package could very easily go into the $20K range fully kitted out. This is not to scare future potential owners, but as a RED owner myself, it's just the reality of RED's ecosystem. That's no different than any of the other cameras, and it's the price you pay for modularity — the body is cheap but to get it working means you have to invest a little bit more.

Since the SCARLET-W does not come with any external outputs, if you wanted to send a signal to an SDI or HDMI monitor, you'll have to spring for the package deal or add a module with outputs separately.