RED V-Raptor 8K VV camera
Image courtesy: RED

RED’s constantly pushing the boundaries of professional video production, whether it works out or not (we’re looking at you, Hydrogen One). Now, RED’s pushing the boundaries of its camera line, claiming to have made the most powerful RED cinema camera ever: the RED V-Raptor 8K VV.

V-Raptor 8K VV has an insane 8K sensor

There are many impressive parts about the new V-Raptor 8K VV, but the one that stands out the most is its sensor. RED’s V-Raptor 8K VV houses a powerful multi-format 8K sensor — capable of shooting “large format” 8K or 6K in super-35. The point of shooting at such high resolutions is to capture as much detail as possible. That way the image has the highest possible quality when downscaling the video to 4K. Also, it gives productions more frame space to work with when cropping for a 4K project.

V-Raptor 8K VV: one of RED’s most impressive cameras

In addition to high resolutions, according to RED, the 8K VV delivers the fastest scan time of any of its cinema cameras. RED claims the V-Raptor 8K VV can scan twice as fast as previous RED cameras. RED also says the camera has the highest dynamic range of any RED camera, offering up to 17 stops of dynamic range.

RED V-Raptor 8K VV
Image courtesy: RED

Versatile setup options

You can choose to shoot with a variety of framerates with the V-Raptor 8K VV. At the top of the options is 8K at 120 frames per second in a 17:9 aspect ratio. You can also choose 240 frames per second at 4K in a 17:9 aspect ratio. If you want to slow it down even more, you can shoot 2K (2.4:1) at 600 frames per second. or you can shoot at 150 frames per second at 8K resolution, though you will have to settle with a slightly smaller aspect ratio (8,192 x 4,320 to 8,192 x 3,456 pixels).

The 8K VV features a Canon RF mount, but you can use PL and EF lenses if you attach a lens adapter. Additionally, you can choose to record in three different recording modes: REDCODE HQ with up to 360 MB/s, MQ mode at up to 300 MB/s and LQ mode — shooting at up to 180 MB/s.

Pricing and availability

You can get the RED V-Raptor 8K VV later in 2021 for $24,500. This price will likely be out of reach for most productions, but RED intends this camera to be for high-end productions and rental houses. Most of its specs are likely unnecessary for typical productions.