'E is for Essentials." RED has released the V-RAPTOR XE, a streamlined version of the V-RAPTOR starting at $14,995 and designed to deliver on large format, cinema-grade features at a more accessible price point.
Available simultaneously in both Mount and RF-Mount, the new V-RAPTOR XE is built on RED’s DSMC3 platform and provides R3D recording at 8K VV 60P, 4K 120P, and 2K 240P, as well as 17+ stops of dynamic range. It features 2x 12G SDIs capable of unique monitoring views, a locking Nikon Z-Mount or RF-Mount for secure and flexible lens selection, CFexpress Type B media for up to 800MB/s recording, as well as pre-record and simultaneous proxy record capabilities.
It's designed to appeal to filmmakers looking to expand on the features of KOMODO-X. The 8K VV sensor has over 50% more pixels and overall size when compared to KOMODO-X’s 6K S35, resulting in more creative control over depth of field, stabilization, and detail capture. Along with a tightly managed thermal system, V-RAPTOR XE offers what the company says is "best in class" lowlight performance and post-latitude when paired with the R3D recording format.
Of course, it drops some of the features you would find in the original V-RAPTOR, such as some of the Global Vision niceties. Essentially though it will provide the same image quality, workflow, and connectivity options as the V-RAPTOR line.
V-RAPTOR XE features the same in-camera cloud upload integration with Frame.io or AWS as you will fin in the rest of the RED fleet, as well as compatibility with RED Control and RED Control Pro via wireless or wired configuration for complete remote control in any environment.
Both versions of the RED V-RAPTOR XE start at $14,995. If this is your first RED, however the Cine Essentials Pack is where you should be headed. This is priced at $19,995 and adds 1x DSMC3 RED Touch 7.0” LCD, 1x RED V-RAPTOR Z to PL Adapter w/ Electronic ND Filter Adapter Pack, and 1x KOMODO Outrigger Handle. Shipping is in October.
Trade in paths have been set up so that KOMODO and KOMODO-X camera owners can receive credit towards the purchase of the new V-RAPTOR XE or V-RAPTOR [X]. Plus V-RAPTOR XE owners who later want to expand to the V-RAPTOR [X] feature set will be able to have their XE camera fully upgraded. More information on the trade-in process and eligibility can be found on RED.com.