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Jul 01, 2023

RED KOMODO

RED has officially unveiled its new KOMODO-X digital cinema camera, which is

RED has officially unveiled its new KOMODO-X digital cinema camera, which is designed to bridge the gap between the standard KOMODO and RAPTOR cameras.

While the KOMODO-X isn't a massive departure away from the original KOMODO, it does feature some new capabilities and recording options.

Above you can see some of the key physical differences between the KOMODO and KOMODO-X.

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The retail price for the KOMODO-X (body only) is $9,995 USD. That makes it $4,000 USD more than the standard KOMODO.

Please note that $9,995 USD is the price for the limited edition Stormtrooper version.

For that $9,995 USD you get the following items:

The camera sits in an already crowded sub $10K space. There are a lot of competing cameras that sit between $4,000 to $11,000 USD. Let's have a look at how the price of the KOMODO-X compares to other competing cameras that are $10K or less:

So how much would the real cost of entry be to own a KOMODO-X? Well, that depends on a lot of variables, but here is an indication based on several accessories that are available for the camera:

*I am not sure whether these cards will be approved for use by RED

If you just add those items above the total would be $18,744.96 USD

Sure you could go without the RED KOMODO RF TO PL w/ND FILTR/ADAP PK and you could find cheaper batteries, and choose a SmallHD Indie 7 RED RCP2 Monitor Kit for KOMODO/DSMC3 over a RED DIGITAL CINEMA DSMC3 RED Touch 7.0″ LCD Monitor to keep costs down, but my point is, that the cost of whatever camera you buy, is never the real cost. If you are thinking about buying a camera (regardless of who makes it), you need to factor in the associated costs of what is required to make it an operational and functional camera for your personal requirements.

If you look at the majority of the competition in the under $11K space, those cameras come with built-in ND and LCD screens. Sure, the KOMODO-X has a built-in 2.9″ touchscreen LCD on the top of the camera, but that isn't going to be a viable option for monitoring or composing images.

The KOMODO-X utilizes the exact same 19.9MP (27.03 x 14.26 mm) Super35 Global Shutter CMOS sensor that is found in the original KOMODO. According to RED, it features a completely overhauled sensor architecture, with an updated pixel design which is claimed to lead to improvements in both detail and color in the shadows.

RED claims 16.5+ STOPS of dynamic range, but take that figure with a grain of salt. People have independently tested the KOMODO and it doesn't have anywhere near 16+ stops of dynamic range. I really wish companies wouldn't exaggerate dynamic range numbers.

Color management is done through IPP2 image processing pipeline and the camera supports 33×33×33 3D LUTS and the import of CDLS.

The KOMODO-X is capabale of recording in 6K 17:9 / R3D ELQ at 80fps, and 4K at up to 120fps. As a comparison, the original KOMODO was only capable of recording up to 40fps 6K 17:9 (6144 X 3240) in REDCODE HQ, MQ and L. In 4K 17:9 it can record up to 60fps.

REDCODE RAW MAX FRAME RATES

BEST AVAILABLE REDCODE SETTINGS

REDCODE RAW ACQUISITION FORMATS

6K 17:9 at 80fps is pretty good. As a comparison, the more affordable Kinefinity MAVO S35 MKII can do 6K 17:9 at up to 75fps.

The main reason the KOMODO-X can record higher frame rates than the original KOMODO is that it utilizes CFexpress Type B media instead of CFast 2.0 like the original KOMODO. CFexpress Type B is the same media that is used in the V-RAPTOR cameras, so if you owned one of those and wanted to pick up a KOMODO-X as a B camera you could use the same media.

REDCODE RAW ACQUISITION FORMATS

APPLE PRORES

ProRes recording in 4K (4096 x 2160) ProRes 4444 XQ up to 60 fps, ProRes 4444 up to 80 fps, and ProRes 422 HQ, ProRes 422, and ProRes 422 LT up to 120 fps is possible.

The KOMODO-X weighs 2.62 lbs / 1.18 kg (without body cap and CFexpress card). It has physical dimensions of 129.37 x 101.26 x 95.26 mm / 5.1 x 4 x 3.8 in (LxWxH, largest fixed dims.)

Above you can see how it compares size-wise with the original KOMODO.

Above you can see how the KOMODO-X compares in size to both the standard KOMODO and the V-RAPTOR.

Above you can see more details of how it differs from the original KOMODO.

Unlike the original KOMODO which had two slots for BP-9 series batteries, the KOMODO-X utilizes a micro V-Lock allows for direct attachment of professional micro V-Lock batteries without the need for adapters and is also compatible with the upcoming RED Pro I/O Module to provide auxiliary power and compatibility with full-sized V-Lock and Gold Mount batteries.

You can use the new RED NANO-V 49Wh batteries, or you could use other Mini-V-lock batteries such as the Core SWX NANO Micro 98Wh.

An integrated micro V-Lock allows for direct attachment of professional micro V-Lock batteries without the need for adapters and is also compatible with the upcoming RED Pro I/O Module to provide auxiliary power and compatibility with full sized V-Lock and Gold Mount batteries.

There is also an 11 to 17V DC power available via the integrated 6-pin DC-IN port.

REDVOLT NANO-V

The REDVOLT NANO-V battery ($275 USD) is a small, lightweight power solution for the KOMODO-X. It weighs 0.63 lbs / 288g and is ideal for gimbals, drones, and other setups where form factor and weight matter. The battery's dimensions (66 mm x 88 mm x 44 mm) ensure the camera retains completely flat surfaces on the top and sides, allowing users to attach various combinations of cages and plates, without issue.

Featuring a 49 Wh capacity and with a maximum output current of 6 amps, the battery can power the KOMODO-X and DSMC3 RED Touch 7.0" LCD when you want to shoot in as light a configuration as possible.

REDVOLT NANO-V was designed in partnership with Core SWX and is compatible with most cameras/modules that accept V-Lock batteries. For issues or troubleshooting, please visit https://coreswx.supportsystem.com.

Please note that the battery is not currently not shipping to Brazil, China, India, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Thailand and UAE

The KOMODO-X features a locking Canon RF mount which is not the same as the one found on the original KOMODO. The mount will accept Canon RF lenses and adapters, and it will also support Canon EF lenses with full electronic communication via compatible Canon RF mount adapters.

RED tested the following lenses and confirmed the functionality for use with KOMODO and KOMODO-X:

NOTE: Select RF lenses may not display their maximum or minimum aperture value in-camera, however, they are physically achieving the full aperture range. Below are those lenses where this applies:

KOMODO RF TO PL w/ND FILTR/ADAP PK

You can also use RED's new optional KOMODO RF TO PL w/ND FILTR/ADAP PK. This allows you to run PL mount lenses on the KOMODO-X with the added benefit of being able to use ND or other filters.

The RED KOMODO RF to PL w/ Electronic ND Filter Adapter Pack integrates the same precise electronic ND control as used in the V-RAPTOR XL.

The pack includes two filters, a clear filter for when no ND is needed and an Electronic ND Filter with a 2-7 stop range. It features precise control of ¼, 1/3 or full stop increments which allows choosing the exact exposure without compromising the intended aperture.

Each clear and electronic ND filters thickness is measured and paired together to ensure no back focus shifts when switching between filters. ND can be controlled via the integrated buttons on the Electronic ND Filter, onboard LCD, DSMC3 RED Touch 7.0" LCD, RED Control, RED Control Pro, web interface, or any other RCP2 compatible remote control, allowing for easy access to exposure no matter how the camera is configured.

The adapter supports Cooke /i lens communication and record triggering, the RF to PL Adapter w/ Electronic ND expands the functionality of the camera's native RF lens mount for professional applications. Constructed of a titanium core, the shimmable RF to PL Adapter is resistant to environmental temperature changes, providing consistent and precise back focus.

The RED KOMODO RF to PL Adapter w/ Electronic ND Filter Adapter Pack includes both the KOMODO Side Ribs and Adapter Support Brackets to provide additional rigidity and a native-like mount experience.

Users who already own the RED KOMODO RF to PL Adapter Pack and have the KOMODO Side Ribs and Adapter Support Brackets should contact RED sales directly to purchase the RF to PL Adapter W/ Electronic ND only.

This new adapter is only compatible with KOMODO and KOMODO-X

If you don't want to go with RED's option you could also use the Kippertie Revolva RF/PL.

This is a variation of their original Revolva which houses a quick-change cartridge system holding four NDs that can be quickly changed by rotating the cartridge.

Even though was designed for the original KOMODO, it will work on any camera with an EOS RF mount.

The cartridges use Full Spectrum neutral density filters for minimal color shifts.

The Revolva RF/PL reatils for £900 without any cartridges. There is also a Revolva RF/EF if you want to run Canon EF lenses.

There are four different cartridges available which retail for between £400-£450.00 each dependng on which one you choose. While Revolva is a devent enough solution, the amount of ND you can use without having to change a catridge is pretty limited.

If you already have a Revolva for your DSMC2 camera, you can use the same cartridges.

The KOMODO-X only has the same 2.9″ 1440×1440 touchscreen LCD as the original KOMODO. While this allows you to make changes to camera settings, and see a live image, it realistically isn't a viable viewing solution.

RED has made the KOMODO-X comaptible with the DSMC3 RED Touch 7″ LCD Monitor. This a 7.0″ Daylight-Viewable 1920×1080 LCD, with 1300nits of brightness and a ppi of 322. The monitor attaches directly to the camera using the Pogo mount, and it provides video, data, and power to the monitor from the camera. If you need to use the Pogo mount for another accessory, the monitor also features a locking USB Type-C connector that alternately allows you to pass video, data, and power to the camera. The monitor features a tilt mount that allows it to tilt 180°.

It is good that RED has made this compatible with the KOMODO-X because it is not compatible with DSMC, DSMC2, RED RANGER, or KOMODO camera systems.

If you don't want to spend $2,750 USD on RED's solution you could choose the SmallHD Indie 5 RED RCP2 Monitor Kit for KOMODO/DSMC3 or the larger SmallHD Indie 7 RED RCP2 Monitor Kit for KOMODO/DSMC3.

The KOMODO-X only features a single 12G -SDI output like its little brother. There is also a USB-C port, as well as a 5-pin LEMO input for running external audio.

The phantom-powered locking audio connector enables KOMODO-X to seamlessly integrate into any professional workflow. KOMODO-X is compatible with DSMC3 RED 5-Pin to Single 3.5mm Adapter to support existing KOMODO microphones, or the DSMC3 RED 5-Pin to Dual XLR Adapter for general-purpose XLR microphones.

The 12G-SDI can output the following:

There is WiFi camera control available through the interchangable antenna using the SMA connection. Genlock, timecode IN , GPIO and CTRL (RS232) are availavle via the 9-pin EXT port.

Wired control is available by using the KOMODO Link Adapter through USB-C or Gigabit Ethernet (a compatible USB-C to Ethernet adapter is required to do this) that allows camera control and a live video preview feed to be seen.

RED has teased an upcoming module for the KOMODO-X (it could possibly work on the original KOMODO as well) that will probably offer more IO capabilities, and maybe mini or full sized XLR inputs.

There is a KOMODO Expander Module that was designed to support professional shooting configurations, but I am not sure if it is comaptible with the KOMODO-X. It has options for video, power, and communication connections, including Genlock (BNC), GPI (BNC), Timecode in (BNC), and CTRL (4-pin).

It is constructed from lightweight and durable aluminum alloy, the module provides a reliable option for multiple rigging solutions with multiple ¼-20 and 3/8-16 mounting points and ARRI-style locating holes along with an integrated quick-release plate.​ It retails for $595 USD.

The RED Compact Top Handle ($539 USD) easily mounts to the top of the KOMODO-X or V-RAPTOR camera bodies while offering a combination of comfort and utility for carrying or shooting with your camera. This top-mounted machined handle features ergonomic Bocote wood inlays with camera trigger control.

The handle includes a handle trigger, rear 3" piece, front 1" piece, and 15mm Monitor Mount.

COMPATIBILITY: The RED Compact Top Handle is not compatible with DSMC, DSMC2 or RED RANGER® camera systems.

It doesn't come as a big surprise that RED is bringing out another camera as there is a gap between the existing KOMODO and the V-Raptor options. With the popularity of the Komodo, it makes a lot of sense to build on that platform. With the KOMODO-X featuring CFexpress Type B instead of CFast 2.0 you can now get higher frame rates

While it looks like a decent enough camera it is still using the same sensor as the original KOMODO (although with claimed improvements) and both cameras share a lot of similarities and features. It will be interesting to see how many existing KOMODO owners feel like moving to this new camera and whether or not they see the value in paying $4,000 USD more.

Even though the KOMODO-X is not a KOMODO replacement, the price of second-hand KOMODOs is sure to fall as some RED owners will want to upgrade to the new model. There is no indication that RED will be offering any trade-ins or upgrade path from KOMODO to KOMODO-X. Those update paths are long gone. The RED Digital Cinema term that was introduced back in 2006, "Obsolescence Obsolete" is certainly no longer relevant in 2023 when technology moves so quickly. To be fair to RED, not many companies in our industry offer trade-ins or upgrade paths.

Please let us know what you think of the new KOMODO-X in the comments section below.

Matthew Allard is a multi-award-winning, ACS accredited freelance Director of Photography with over 30 years' of experience working in more than 50 countries around the world.He is the Editor of Newsshooter.com and has been writing on the site since 2010.Matthew has won 48 ACS Awards, including five prestigious Golden Tripods. In 2016 he won the Award for Best Cinematography at the 21st Asian Television Awards.Matthew is available to hire as a DP in Japan or for work anywhere else in the world.