Red dsmc dragon w still worth it at $4k complete?

jonpais wrote:

ronald weissman wrote:

I have an opportunity to buy a DSMC scarlet W kit w everything except minimag for about $4k. I shoot theatrical productions and events. Is it worth it compared to a $7-8k Komodo or canon c70? Is the last generation Red still worth it?

I purchased a RED Scarlet Dragon for $4 grand but ended up returning it and getting the Komodo for the following reasons. (1) The Dragon isn’t repairable (not easily, in any case), while the Komodo comes with a 1-year warranty (extendable to 3 years for $500). (2) The Komodo is much smaller and lighter (2.1 lbs vs. 5 lbs) and accepts smaller batteries, ideal for balancing on a gimbal like the DJI RS 3. (3) Global shutter. (4) Countless accessories are available from third-party vendors. (5) Readily accessible media (CFast 2.0. cards) and card readers. (6) More versatile lens mount enabling the use of focal reducers and ND filter adapters. (7) Autofocus (though not really reliable, at least not yet). (8) Compatibility with an incredibly well thought-out remote app, the best in the industry. (9) Higher frame rates (6K 40 fps vs. 6K that maxes out at 12 fps burst mode). (10) The camera will continue to be updated in the future, improving functionality. It will receive Gio Scope, ELQ and improved AF this month if all goes according to plan.

RedCode RAW is awesome to work with. If I hadn’t purchased the Komodo, the C70 would have been my next choice for sure.

Jonpais, I did exactly the same thing last week--bought a Komodo--and for exactly the same reasons that you listed.  The only real negatives I've found so far are: 1) no XLR audio; 2) Autofocus is very much "beta" (and they're honest about that), and 3) one really needs an external monitor for accurate manual focus, increasing the footprint of the Komodo substantially.  But I knew all of those issues going in. And you're right about the IoS remote application. It is spectacular with seemingly zero lag.