RED Komodo X 6K global shutter cinema camera offers 6K80p and 4K120p RAW

RED has officially unveiled the new RED Komodo X 6K (buy here) digital cinema camera. RED says that the update to the RED Komodo 6K (buy here) line features the same size 6K Super 35 global shutter CMOS sensor as its predecessor but with a “ground-up redesign and key architecture improvements”. This brings improved detail and colour in the shadows, with double the framerates of its predecessor.

It maintains the original RED Komodo 6K form factor but has an “enhanced body and I/O”. It sports an integrated V-Lock for use with micro-sized V-mount batteries without the use of an adapter, and is compatible with RED’s upcoming Pro I/O Module for external power with full-sized V-Lock and Gold Mount batteries. It still features a Canon RF Mount, with PL compatibility through the use of an adapter.

RED Komodo X – New Sensor & Faster Frame Rates

The sensor in the RED Komodo X is the same size and resolution as that found in the original RED Komodo 6K. It’s also a global shutter CMOS sensor. But it is not the same sensor. RED says that the sensor for the Komodo X has been redesigned from the ground up to offer better colour and detail with faster frame rates.

Whereas the original Komodo 6K offered 6K at up to 40fps and 4K at up to 60fps, the new Komodo X boasts 6K at up to 80fps and 4K at up to 120fps. Komodo X also offers an extra half a stop of dynamic range over the Komodo 6K, bumping the advertised 16 stops up to 16.5 stops.

RED Komodo X ST – Limited Stormtrooper Edition

The RED Komodo X is initially being launched in an ST Limited Edition flavour. ST, naturally, stands for Stormtrooper. This means that as with previous Stormtrooper edition cameras from RED, it has the signature white colour and will only be available for a limited time before it goes back to the more standard black.

It sees a significant price increase over its predecessor, with the new Komodo X ST priced at $9,995 vs the original Komodo 6K at $5,995. It is unknown whether this is a limited edition price for the Stormtrooper model and if it will drop a little once it goes black or if this is just the price. I expect it may come down a bit once the limited edition run ends, but this is RED, so it may not.

Reinforced, locking RF mount

As with the original Komodo 6K, the Komodo X sports a Canon RF Mount on its front. It’s also seen a bit of a refresh, though, with a new reinforced locking design. Of course, this can be adapted to be able to utilise Canon EF Mount (and compatible) lenses, but you’re also still able to use Arri PL mount lenses with the RED RF to PL adapter.

The RF mount isn’t the only part of the exterior interface that’s seen a bit of an update. The Komodo X a USB-C connection along with integrated WiFI for easier and more streamlined IP workflows and virtual production. It also has improved audio connectivity, including a locking, phantom-powered 5-pin connector that can be used with either a 3.5mm adapter or dual XLR adapter.

RED Komodo X Specs

Sensor	27.03 x 14.26 mm (Super35) Global Shutter CMOS
Lens Mount	Canon RF (PL with adapter)
ISO Sensitivity	250-12,800
Dynamic range	16.5 Stops
Internal Video Modes	ProRes 422/ProRes 422 HQ 4096 x 2160 up to 59.94 fps ProRes 422 2048 x 1080 up to 120 fps REDCODE RAW 6144 x 3240 up to 40 fps [280 Mb/s] 5120 x 2700 up to 48.00 fps [280 Mb/s] 4096 x 2160 up to 59.94 fps [280 Mb/s] 2048 x 1080 up to 120 fps [280 Mb/s]
External Video Modes	4:2:2 10-Bit via SDI/BNC 4096 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 3840 x 2160 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 2048 x 1080 at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps 1920 x 1080p at 23.98/24.00/25/29.97/50/59.94 fps
Built-in Display	2.9" 1440x1440 pixel fixed touchscreen LCD
Price	$9,995 (ST Edition)

Price and Availability

The RED Komodo X is currently available in Stormtrooper Limited Edition only. It’s available to pre-order now for $9,995 and should begin shipping at the end of May. Whether the price will remain the same or be reduced once the limited run ends is currently unknown.