RED EPIC-W with Helium 8K S35 Sensor

Powered by the HELIUM 8K S35 sensor, RED EPIC-W (based upon the original EPIC which debuted in 2010), captures 8K at up to 30fps and is compatible with Cine lenses. It records REDCODE RAW as well as proxy 4K Apple ProRes or Avid DNxHR simultaneously all with improved low-light sensitivity and high dynamic range. You can also use this versatile camera to capture still photos. 

This camera BRAIN is part of the DSMC2 lineup (DSMC is RED's acronym for Digital Stills and Motion Camera).

The EPIC-W offers cable-free peripherals, an integrated mounting plate, yet still delivers modular options, and wireless control options due to its integrated REDLINK WIFI antenna. Audiophiles can rejoice due to integrated dual-channel audio. Many third-party accessory products exist to pair with this camera.

HELIUM 8K & Dynamic Range

Boasting 16.5+ stops of dynamic range, the HELIUM 8K Super 35mm Sensor produces pixels twice as dense as the sensors in DSMC BRAINs (3.65 microns per pixel). While that will increase your processing time and add to your post production file storage, it also delivers a quality, sharp image with less noise. 

DSMC2 cameras incorporate Apple ProRes and Avid DNxHD/DNxHR and also offer improvements in image processing. Here are some tech specs for your review. You can find more under the Specifications tab.

• REDCODE RAW up to 8K FF 17:9 (8192 x 4320) and 30 fps
• REDCODE RAW up to 8K 2.4:1 (8192 x 3456) and 30 fps
• Apple ProPres 422 HQ up to 4K (4096 x 2160) and 29.97 fps
• Avid DNxHR HQX up to 4K (4096 x 2160) 12-bit and 29.97 fps

Color 

The HELIUM supports ISO up to 3200 and produces natural skin tones even in low-light conditions. The EPIC-W captures RAW images in 16-bit color. Some bloggers state that a slight overexposure yields good results when graded due partly to the higher resolution. With in-camera LUTs and color tools you can make modifications prior to sending your footage to post, too.

When configuring a monitor with your RED EPIC-W, you have the choice to either apply a graded gamma space to the monitor output (Graded mode) or not (Neutral mode). 

Choose to set your color temperature using the presets in the camera:

• Incandescent: 2800 K
• Tungsten: 3200 K
• Fluorescent: 4500 K
• Flash: 5500 K
• Daylight: 5600 K (default setting)
• Cloudy: 7500 K
• Shade: 9000 K

Using REDCINE-X PRO, which is a professional coloring toolset, you can create and export .RMD Look files which can then be imported as camera monitor path color processing presets. The EPIC-W stores this information as reference metadata so you can use them as default values in post production. 

Lens Mounts

Like all RED cameras, DSMC2 cameras do not come with a lens mount; you need to purchase one separately. The good news is you can fit a host of lens mounts onto RED cameras. The two most popular mount options: DSMC Titanium PL Mount (Captive, 725-0022) for your Cooke S4/i lenses or DSMC Aluminum Canon (EF) Mount (Captive, 725-0026).

Interchangable OLPFs

The DSMC2 Standard OLPF (optical low-pass filter) is suited for most shooting environments to balance light and offer protection. It offers optimal colorimetry, IR protection, and optical glare reduction. The OLPFs ship inside an individual, protective case.

The Standard OLPF filter is compatible with RED WEAPON 8K S25, WEAPON 6K, RED EPIC-W 8K, and SCARLET-W 5K cameras.

Accessories

RED EPIC-W and the other DSMC2 camera BRAINs can pair with a variety of RED and third-party accessories which are sold separately. RED's LEMO Adapter A will help you use your pre-existing EPIC or SCARLET displays (like the RED Touch, RED Pro, and RED PRO Touch which use LEMO Adapter A) with the newer DSMC2 body of the EPIC-W. 

Compact & Reinvented

The body of the DSMC2 BRAIN includes an exhaust vent in place of the ports at the bottom rear of the DSMC cameras. The body is lighter and more compact than the original, despite the addition of added functionality inside. You will need to add accessories or modules on the DSMC2 to replace the removal of the timecode and Genlock ports, but this modular camera makes up for that. The EPIC-W includes a V-Mount plate for your batteries.

Unlike the DSMC, the DSMC2 BRAIN in the EPIC-W offers near silent fan operation. Feel free to cheer now.

Keep a lookout for firmware updates so you'll obtain the latest functionality.

NOTE: EPIC-W 8K S35 is not compatible with 8K VV lens mounts.

ALSO NOTE: EPIC-W also does not include a DC IN power pot. A port expander or power module is required to power the camera.