Red Epic X 2029 "Lilau" arrived. Impressions and video from a long time dvxuser

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SPZ

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Red Epic X 2029 "Lilau" arrived. Impressions and video from a long time dvxuser

Hi all,

For the last 3 weeks and fighting terrible weather- not a single sunny day, 90+ percent humidity and scattered showers- I've shot some real world test footage from my newly purchased Epic X.

I come from a very "dvxuser" background. Started on a Sony TRV900, went to a Panasonic DVX100, then the HVX200, HDSLR (5D and 7D) and now, the Epic. First, the video:


(Still after all these years don't know how to embed this... Can a friendly moderator give me a hand? :) - Yes, Can NE)

This video was shot the same way I used to shoot my "other" camera tests. I did one some years ago with the HVX200 the same way: small lightweight tripod, manfrotto 503 head, lowepro shoulder bag and off to the races with the camera. This time however due to the interchangeable nature of the camera, added 3 or 4 Canon lenses and the Epic in its bare minimum configuration: side handle, 5 redvolts and 5 ssd 64 gb cards. (which got me through 4 to 5 hours aprox. of shooting each day) . Solo, no help, one man band guerrrila style.

What I have to say is that this camera is simply amazing. It should be for its price point. Its not the buggy monster some paint it to be. The amount of costumization you can do to the picture on camera (which doesn't damage the output since its metadata and can be changed in post) is like shooting with a raw stills camera, but with motion. The slow motion- which I feature prominently in this video- is simply stunning and at 5K its breathtaking. Notice the gradients and the subtle change of light on the image. Its something you don't get with DSLR's.

Have to say that, for a guerrilla independent filmmaker like me, one of the fundamental aspects this camera has is the ability to fully utilize Canon EF glass. Having access to IS, to the aperture (autofocus is not very useful in my view, but its there) makes this camera comparably affordable and guerrilla friendly. The mount is excellent and the images this camera takes with Canon glass is stunning.

For low light, I would say that this camera is a bit better than the HVX 200 (non a), but a bit worse than the 5D. However, its more than enough, provided one has fast lenses, for low light shooting.

Please feel free if you have any questions. I have to say that I'm very, very pleased with the camera and that it is worth every cent. Some of the people shots in that video where shot without carrying the tripod and only handheld with the 24-105 IS. Unbelievable experience. "Street Photography" taken to the next level- " Street Cinematography", or "Street Videography" indeed!
 
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Thanks Kegan! Have to say I Feel like a sedan race car driver which is now handling an F1 car. Still trying to figure out what all the knobs do but its nowhere as difficult as people have painted it to be. :)
 
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Haha you know how to write traditional chinese? Thanks, I really didn't see that. I usually do not post videos or images, and with the constant improvement of the site over the years, have just, well, fell behind the times... :)
 
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No problem.

Yes, I speak Mandarin and tiny bit of Cantonese. I saw the video was filmed in 澳门/Macau (as well as your profile states it), and I couldn't resist. Congratulations on the Epic. The footage looks great. I hope it extends your shooting possibilities and expands your business.
 
I speak fluent Cantonese, but my reading is limited to say the least. Was born here, but bad education policy made me a "Chinese iliterate". If you heard me, however, you wouldn't identify me as a "Kwai Lou" :)

Thanks for the well wishes. It truly is a great camera and it cost me an arm and a leg. Good pressure to try and now make the most of it!
 
AdrianF said:
Nicely done, thanks for posting. The original must look great.
Click to expand...

Yes indeed Adrian. My only problem right now is that I do not have a copy of Premiere CS 5.5, so my edits end up being in 1080p. The images I'm getting inside redcine X are breathtaking. Also to note is that I've not downconverted the original files to prores 4:4:4 but to prores 4:2:2 HQ due to my hard disk performance, which made for some loss in quality of the footage. Am still working on an optimal workflow, still reluctant on going Premiere but it seems inevitable for absolute best quality and workflow for Red footage (affordable, that is, not "Shake" or "Smoke" !)
 
James0b57 said:
No problem.

Yes, I speak Mandarin and tiny bit of Cantonese. I saw the video was filmed in 澳门/Macau (as well as your profile states it), and I couldn't resist. Congratulations on the Epic. The footage looks great. I hope it extends your shooting possibilities and expands your business.
Click to expand...
Now, you're able to start with the portuguese! ;-)
 
Thanks Pappas! Seems like yesterday we where here discussing compression with the dvx/hvx, the Andromeda... 6 years we've been around here :) Still love this place!
 
Fabulous. Also an object lesson in proper seque , transitions and use of fluid panning!
I do note though...in the end it's all about 1080p delivery but I imagine 5K>1080p is graceful downsampling no?
 
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