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LAS VEGAS — Red is getting ready to launch its new Dragon sensor, which the company says supports 6K, or 10 times the resolution of HD.
Red had located a manufacturing production line in its NAB booth where visitors can watch engineers swapping out the 5K electronics of existing Red Epic cameras for the upgraded version.
“The hardware is ready and we are able to build the upgrades but the final firmware and color calibration is still being tested,” explained Red’s Ted Schilowitz. “When they are done, these cameras are going straight onto some big feature projects.” (He declined to name the titles.)
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Recent projects shot on the Red Epic include 42, directed by Brian Helegland, and Michael Bay‘s Pain & Gain.
“Dragon is better in every way than our 5K sensor,” Schilowitz said, claiming “it is ten times the resolution of HD, over two times the resolution of our original 4K sensor and has over 40 percent more resolution than the 5K sensor. We conservatively estimate it offers 17 stops of dynamic range.”
Neither Red nor Sony would comment about the duo’s patent dispute. In February, Red filed a lawsuit alleging that Sony’s F65, F55 and F5 cameras infringe on patents held by Red. Last week Sony filed a counter suit against Red with claims that Red had infringed up to seven Sony patents.
“We have a great relationship with Sony on many levels. It’s a bit like that of Apple and Samsung,” said Schilowitz. “In some cases we are best of friends and partners and in other places we are not, but both will achieve their objectives.”
In related news, Red is launching a wireless control unit for its cameras. The Meizler module, devised by assistant camera operator Steven Meizler and co-developed by Red and 3ality Technica, permits wireless 1080p transmission and remote-control of follow focus, aperture and zoom control.
The unit is currently being tested by David Fincher, Schilowitz said.
Red is also the new home for Element Technica, acquired from 3Ality Digital (though 3Ality will continue to offer Element’s 3D rigs). Element Technica founders Hector Ortega and Stephen Pizzo become Red employees with the move. The acquisition of the camera accessories specialist includes a Burbank manufacturing facility.
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