RED V-RAPTOR firmware 2.2: key updates and new features

RED has released firmware 2.2 for the V-RAPTOR platform, including the newly launched V-RAPTOR XE. The update spans power management, monitoring, virtual production, and broadcast workflows.

As RED’s Cleigh Reed puts it in the video below: “Firmware 2.2 brings meaningful upgrades that support power efficiency, system stability, and real-world production workflows from narrative sets all the way down to broadcast and virtual production stages.

“In my opinion, it not only upgrades the V-RAPTOR platform, but refines its power profile, stability, and workflow responsiveness.”

The headline efficiency gain for all users is a reduction in power draw of up to 5 W, which RED says extends battery life and improves consistency over long shooting days. Boot times have also been cut by as much as 8 to 10 seconds.

Broadcast additions

The transition for high-end cinema cameras to become general industry workhorses seems to be accelerating. ARRI has set its stall out with a high-profile Eurovision 2026 performance, Blackmagic has introduced 100G versions of the URSA Cine 12K LF and the slightly more edge-case URSA Cine Immersive, and now RED is ramping up its pitch for broadcast workflows with the new V-RAPTOR firmware 2.2.

For multi-camera broadcast productions, 2.2 introduces tally-triggered recording. A preview tally from the video switcher starts pre-recording; a program tally starts full recording; and recording stops when the tally clears. Broadcast teams can run their live production in HD or UHD over SDI while simultaneously capturing full-resolution 8K files for post-production relinking. RED Connect gains support for the broadcast color pipeline and Phantom Track, enabling live 4K at 240 fps for EVS super slow motion and live 8K productions.

ND control and monitoring improvements

Firmware 2.1 introduced smooth variable ND control but required an external controller such as a wireless hand unit or RED Control Pro. Version 2.2 adds two new interfaces directly on the DSMC37's touchscreen, removing the need for an external controller when adjusting ND on the fly.

On the 7-inch monitor, assignable buttons can now be set to specific focus and exposure tool modes, and mapped to mirror the side LCD's user page buttons, effectively bringing the camera's full assignable button set to the monitor. The focus peaking algorithm has been updated to more accurately identify peak focus. Built-in test patterns and solid color outputs are also new, giving crews an on-set tool for display calibration and signal confidence without external hardware.

Virtual production

With firmware 2.2, Phantom Track 1 and Phantom Track 2 can now run at different shutter angles, improving timing and phase alignment on LED volumes

Phantom Track, which allows a single V-RAPTOR X or XL to capture final pixel and green screen outputs simultaneously, now supports discrete shutter speeds per track. Previously both tracks were locked to the same shutter angle. With 2.2, operators can set track one to 180 degrees and track two to 90 degrees independently. RED says the change came out of feedback from LED processor partners Brompton and Megapixel VR.

Firmware 2.2 is available now at RED’s download pages.