V-RAPTOR - FAQs

Setup and Configuration 

What RF and EF lenses are compatible?

See the full list of RF and EF compatible lenses here: V-RAPTOR - Compatible RF and EF Lenses

What CFexpress media is compatible?

See the full list of compatible CFexpress media, here: V-RAPTOR - Compatible CFexpress Media

What Micro-V batteries are approved?

See the full list of compatible Micro V-Lock batteries here: V-RAPTOR - Compatible Batteries

Will my KOMODO accessories work with V-RAPTOR? 

The KOMODO Outrigger Handle is compatible with V-RAPTOR.

How do I update my camera firmware? 

Visit red.com/downloads to acquire the latest firmware version for your camera. Firmware installation instructions appear under the firmware release notes or within your camera’s Operation Guide. 

When do I need to calibrate the sensor? 

• After allowing the camera to warm up, if the T in the T/E Status Bar indicator turns yellow or red, a new calibration is suggested.
• After an extreme change in exposure time (+/–1/2 sec). The E in the T/E Status Bar indicator will turn yellow indicating that a new calibration is needed.
• After each firmware upgrade. 

NOTE: When shooting within the camera's permissible operating temperature range (0-40° C) only one calibrations should be necessary.

Why is the autofocus menu grayed out and inaccessible? 

Autofocus only works with EF and RF lenses. Please check to make sure your lens’s Focus Mode Switch is set to AF. See our list of compatible RF and EF lenses, here: V-RAPTOR - Compatible RF and EF Lenses

Why am I not getting a video signal out of my SDI port? 

Check that Menu > Monitoring > SDI > Resolution is set to a resolution compatible with your monitor. Most camera-top monitors can only accept an HD signal and not 2K, UHD, or 4K. 

Why do I not see video signal in RED CONTROL? 

In the camera menu, check that Menu > Monitoring > Live Stream > Enable is active. Then, check that the RED CONTROL’s Preview is enabled by toggling the second header button from the right. 

Image 

How should I judge exposure on the camera? 

The histogram, exposure meters, and false color tools can assist in attaining a proper exposure. The RGB Exposure meter indicates if any Red, Green, or Blue pixels are clipped in the shadow or highlight region in the frame. An ideal exposure would have a balanced histogram and no Red, Green, or Blue exposure indicator lights active. 

When should I use HQ, MQ, and LQ R3D qualities?  

The latest evolution of REDCODE is optimized for V-RAPTOR, allowing users to continue unlocking unbelievable image capture potential and creative flexibility with a new simplified user experience. We recommend using the available options in the following scenarios:

• HQ is perfect for VFX, extremely detail scenes, and stills from motion. 
• MQ is great for cinema and high-end TV. 
• LQ is ideal for TV, online content, documentary, interviews, and long takes. 

Why is the “T” indicator yellow or red? 

When “T” is yellow or red, it indicates that the camera requires sensor re-calibration. 

Why is the “E” indicator yellow or red? 

When “E” is yellow or red, it indicates that the camera requires sensor re-calibration.

How do I load LUTs into the camera? 

Insert a RED Approved CFexpress Card into your computer, ensuring that your Card Reader is switched to Read/Write access if applicable. Create a folder on the root directory of the CFexpress card titled “luts” and drop all compatible cube LUTs into that folder. Please note the camera accepts 17x17x17 and 33x33x33 sized LUTs. Eject the CFexpress card from your computer, insert it into the camera, navigate to Menu > Image / LUT > 3D LUT > On-Media LUTs, and import all desired LUTs. 

I have loaded a LUT into the camera, but it looks overly saturated and high contrast – why?

V-RAPTOR accepts two kinds of 3D LUTs: Creative LUTs and Technical LUTs. 

• Creative LUTs are LUTs that adjust the contrast and color of an image, but do not include any color space transforms as they are designed for use in an IPP2 Color Managed Workflow. These LUTs, when put in camera, can be used regardless of the viewing destination, they are compatible with both SDR, HDR, and Wide Gamut imaging. 
• Technical LUTs are much more limited in that they are built to specific viewing destinations and are locked into the space they were designed for. Technical LUTs include the Color Space and Gamma transforms from REDWideGamutRGB/Log3G10 to the intended viewing space, and for that reason the camera’s Output Color Space must be set to REDWideGamutRGB to view them properly. 

If you are seeing an improperly saturated image, it is most likely because you have a Technical LUT but have not selected REDWideGamutRGB under Output Color Space, resulting in a doubling of the output transforms.

Post 

What software will accept V-RAPTOR footage? 

Many non-linear editing systems (NLEs) can open and edit RED footage. Each NLE version may have specific compatibility requirements, such as camera firmware version or camera type. Before shooting, check all compatibility requirements. The following programs can be used to open and/or edit R3D files: 

• REDCINE-XPRO: RED's proprietary application. Download REDCINE-X PRO for Windows or REDCINE-X PRO for Mac from www.red.com/downloads. 
• Adobe Premiere Pro
• Assimilate Scratch
• AutoDesk Flame
• Avid Media Composer
• ColorFront Transkoder (beta for latest support)
• DaVinci Resolve
• Final Cut Pro X: Requires you to download the RED Apple Workflow Installer from www.red.com/downloads. 
• Foundry Nuke
• Adobe Photoshop: Can open .R3D files, however, you must download the RED Adobe Photoshop  from www.red.com/downloads.

NOTE: Third-party applications may have limited compatibility with R3D files. Third-party developers must use the most recent R3D SDK to offer compatibility with the latest RED firmware.

What is the lock on the back of my RED CFexpress Reader? 

This is a Write Protect switch, which prevents your computer from writing to the card when it is mounted. This helps preserve your card’s integrity when connected to systems that index attached drives. We recommend leaving the switch in the locked position and only recommend switching to read/write when necessary.

What are CFexpress cards formatted as? 

The camera supports exFAT as the file system for the media card to accommodate larger files and data rates. exFAT is supported both on macOS and MS Windows. 

Why does my V-RAPTOR footage come into my post software looking flat and desaturated? 

V-RAPTOR uses RED’s proprietary IPP2 color space and gamma curve – REDWideGamutRGB and Log3G10. This provides the most flexibility as a starting point for grading, but you can use a 3D LUT to bring the footage into a color space and gamma curve for a more finished look. 

Do you have any recommendations for configuring DaVinci Resolve? 

The Decode Quality in DaVinci Resolve is automatically set to Half Res, which is great for prioritizing smooth, realtime playback. However, this Decode Quality will result in a softer, noisier image and may introduce artifacts such as moiré. We recommend changing the Decode Quality to Full Res. Premium to see the truest representation of your image. 

RED CONTROL

How do I connect the app to the camera? 

Your device and camera must be on the same network. In camera, enable WiFi via Menu> Communication. 

What are the differences between Ad-Hoc and Infrastructure modes? 

Ad-Hoc Mode uses the camera as a hotspot. The default password to connect from your device is the same as the SSID network name, which is also your camera serial number. 

Infrastructure Mode joins an existing network and is recommended whenever possible to help ensure a stronger connection. 

What are the differences between 2.4 and 5 GHz networks? 

In general, 2.4 GHz has more range, but the band may be more crowded with other devices, especially on busy sets. 5 GHz is faster but does not like obstacles like walls. 5 GHz is always recommended for live streaming video.

Can the live stream show tools like false colors or focus peaking? 

The live stream can only show a clean image, as no overlays are sent from the camera on that image path. 

Why am I having issues connecting to the camera? 

Typing a password on the mini on-screen LCD keyboard can be tricky. Make sure you pay extra attention to your SSID and password case when entering it. Make sure your SSID name or password do not use special characters that may not be available in the camera. Passwords must be a minimum of eight characters.

Why am I having connection problems or interference?

In Ad-Hoc mode, you may have to turn on airplane mode to stay connected to the camera WiFi or any other network without internet access. 

2.4 GHz may be crowded in cities, on set with other accessories using that band, or in areas with a high number of mobile devices. Try changing to a different channel.

What characters are accepted for a SSID / network name?

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789 -=[];',.!@#$%^&*()_+{}:<>?"

What characters are accepted for a password?

ABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZabcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyz0123456789 -=[];',./!@#$%^&*()_+{}:<>?"\`|