Good Subject: Warranty??

[Jay A. Kelley]

So what's the deal on this one? What kind of Warranty are we looking at on RED? Any thoughts on this yet?

Jay

[acrochordon]

This is very important. Some people have brought it up before, but I didn't see that there was a reply. Probably RED Camera co. has not thought about it much yet. They will have to test RED more and see what breaks. They should leave the sensor on and see how many hours it lasts. I wonder if RED will replace a sensor that gets burnt out pixels. Maybe thaey could have a digital "odometer" (actually just a timer) to record how many hours the sensor has been on. They could base the warranty around that. Cars get 3 year or 30,000 mile warrantys. It would be nice if the camera would shut itself off it it gets too hot. Also software could work around burnt out pixels or dust covering pixels.

Would RED fix broken cameras, or would a third party do that?
Would RED give loaner camers to customers that have a broken camera in the shop?
Free customer service via e-mial (this could be dangerous because I would have questions all day long)?
Extended warranty available?
Free replacement camera (or prorated) if RED can't fix a broken camera?
(My Canon has been in the shop for 6 months and GE extended warranty co. doesn't return my phone calls. They suck)
If my RED camera breaks will the company act like they don't even know me, or will they do what it takes to make it right?
The main thing is to not use cheap parts in the first place, on that issue RED doesn't seem to be scrimping, but anybody can make a prototype look good. The proof is in the pudding. Hope there are no bugs in the pudding.

[Clint Johnson]

My biggest concern would be getting my hands on a replacement camera if Red351 has to go in for repair. I'll be based out of Vancouver and seeing as how it is the third largest production center in North America there should be a rental place buying a few of these... but they will be pretty scarce on the ground for the first year or two. For at least the first year I think that Red should have a few Red Ones in reserve that could be expressed out when one goes down. It isn't like there will be a plethora of alternative cameras to switch to that would stand up to the targeted quality of the Red One.

[Jay A. Kelley]

I had not thought about the challenge of a replacement camera.. That's going to be tricky for a while

Jay

[Nick_Shaw]

I too had been thinking about how to assure my clients that if there is a problem with my camera during a shoot I will be able to get a replacement quickly and easily.

Maybe we should form Red user groups in local areas, and arrange cross-hire deals for emergencies. Being based in London (UK) I expect there will be a few other Red owners around who I can get together with.

On that subject, is there any London (or nearby) based member of this forum who has a lower reservation number than mine (462) who might be amenable to me coming over for a look at their camera when it arrives?

Nick Shaw

[Lensmith]

This subject, like many others concerning Red, are an indication that what makes a successful product does not simply begin and end with the video image the camera produces.

Customer support after the purchase is just, if not more important.

Those buying the first cameras should do so with eyes wide open and plan accordingly.

[visceralpsyche]

Maybe we should form Red user groups in local areas, and arrange cross-hire deals for emergencies. Being based in London (UK) I expect there will be a few other Red owners around who I can get together with.
Well I am trying to get all the Aussie owners together in this thread (http://dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=67345) so that we will have our local network around to do just that. I'm sure Red will have some good surprises for the support side but it always pays to have a plan B just in case.

Networking is a large part of filmmaking, plus it gives you a local group with which to discuss workflows, options, techniques etc to benefit everyone.