This article explains how to get started with your RED DSMC2 camera.
Pre-Build
Register the Camera
Purchasing direct from RED will automatically register the camera to your RED Account. If purchasing from a RED Authorized Dealer, register your camera with RED to receive full manufacturer's benefits!
The benefits of registering your camera with RED include:
- Activating your camera BRAIN warranty
- Receiving full access to service and technical support
- Including the RED RAPID REPLACEMENT Program
- Eligibility for upgrade program opportunities associated with the product
Visit www.red.com/product-registration.
Log in to your RED Account via RED.com. Go to Registered Products, and follow the link in "Click here to register a new product."
In the pop-up, please be sure to fill out all required fields. RED camera serial number formatting can be found here.
Protect Your Gear
Know Your Resources
- RED Tech Videos
- RED Operation Guides
- RED Support Help Center
- REDCINE-X PRO for Windows / REDCINE-X PRO for Mac
- RED Tools
Third-Party Support
Some RED BRAINs ship as parts of kits that may include third-party products. To get support for these products, please see the manufacturer websites:
- IDX - http://www.idxtek.com/red-raven-kit/#service
- G-Technology - https://support.g-technology.com/
- Sigma - https://www.sigma-global.com/en/about/world-network/
- Nanuk - https://www.nanuk.com/contact/
Prepare the Camera
Update Firmware
Verify that the camera has the latest firmware and update if necessary.
Calibrate the Sensor
Calibrate the sensor at the recording temperature. Recalibrate after extreme changes in temperature or exposure, or after a firmware upgrade.
Format Media
Perform a secure format of the SSD in the camera, or ensure that the SSD has sufficient available storage space for your intended recording duration.
Watch & Learn
DSMC2 Camera Prep [Part 1] | RED TECH
DSMC2 Camera Prep [Part 2] | RED TECH
DSMC2 Camera Prep [Part 3] | RED TECH
Define Your Project
Select a Resolution and Frame Size
Optimal quality is obtained using the highest resolution available, even if only lower resolution playback is needed. Select an aspect ratio or frame guide that matches or encompasses the intended output frame.
Select a File Format
Select a file format. The camera can record to: R3D (REDCODE RAW), Apple ProRes codecs, and Avid DNxHD codecs.
Select a REDCODE
If recording to R3D files, select a REDCODE® setting. Typically, use a REDCODE of 7:1 for general purpose shoots, 5:1 for feature films, and 3:1 for stills. Selecting a REDCODE of 8:1 or higher is commonly used to enable higher frame rates for slow motion and HDRX®, or when storage space is limited.
Watch & Learn
Select Frame Rates
The project time base defines the playback rate. Use 23.976 fps for cinema, 25 fps for PAL and 29.97 fps for NTSC. The recording frame rate usually matches the playback rate, but can be higher for slow motion playback.
Watch & Learn
RESOLUTION RAW REDCODE | RED TECH
Set Exposure and Focus
Set Exposure
The camera will default to ISO 800 and can be adjusted to best suit your image capture needs. Adjust the exposure and lighting (or ND filters) to match. RED recommends adjusting the exposure only for creative control with motion blur.
Check Exposure
Check exposure by using the in-camera goal post tool and Exposure false color mode. Assess exposure using the full range of potential lighting and subject framing that is anticipated for a given scene.
Goal Posts
These are vertical bars on each side of the image histogram; an optimal exposure minimizes red in both bars, but particularly in the right bar.
False Color: Exposure
The Exposure false color mode indicates exactly which image regions are triggering the goal posts, and appears overlaid on the image as purple in the shadows and red in the highlights. If red is overlaid within the subject of interest, or anywhere except lights and direct reflections, then the image is likely overexposed. If purple is overlaid on key image details that are not in the shadows, then the scene is likely underexposed.
Assess Focus
Use the in-camera Magnify and Focus tools to gauge subject sharpness.
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