HELIUM 8K S35 Sensor FAQs

I am excited about image quality with the new HELIUM 8K S35 sensor, but am concerned about how going from 6K to 8K will impact file sizes and workflow. How should I address this?

Everything else being equal, higher resolutions translate into more recorded detail and consequently larger file sizes. However, several settings and techniques can help ensure the transition to higher resolutions is a net benefit to your workflow.

First, you can capture at a slightly higher REDCODE ratio with 8K and still record a superior image compared to what would have been stored with 6K.

Second, you can save a highly compressed "proxy" file using ProRes 422 LT or DNxHD LB that simplifies editing in third party software until full transcoding is necessary.

Finally, you can crop in a little to reduce the resolution.

Do Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro, OR Avid Media Composer support the new HELIUM 8K S35 footage?

All major software packages are planning to support HELIUM 8K S35 footage in their next publicly released versions. The latest version of Baselight currently supports HELIUM 8K S35 footage, Adobe and Apple have also recently released updated versions of their NLEs with +6K footage support. However, third-party software timelines are subject to change depending on their internal development.

Does RED ROCKET-X support the new HELIUM footage?

Yes, but with reduced performance and functionality compared to prior RED sensors. A GPU is now necessary for RED ROCKET-X to operate, and this GPU needs to be as high-performance as possible in order to achieve optimal RED ROCKET-X performance; a RED ROCKET-X paired with a laptop and integrated GPUs will not provide a substantial performance boost. Video output is also no longer supported directly from the RED ROCKET-X.