There is no question that RED makes very good cameras – together with Arri, they are the most popular digital cameras among Hollywood and other large budget productions. Unsurprisingly, though, they are very expensive.
For example, the RED Epic-W with Helium 8K S35 sensor starts at almost $30K, and that only includes what RED calls the brain. Once you start adding all the other essential parts, the bill grows fast past that figure.
Well, there is some good news for indie filmmakers hoping to buy a RED camera. As reported by Nikkei, Foxconn is eyeing a partnership with RED, which might dramatically alter the prices of RED cameras.
Here is what Terry Gou, the chairman of Foxconn, said recently:
“We will make cameras that will shoot professional-quality films in 8K resolution, but at only a third of current prices, and a third of current camera sizes.”
That is a bold statement. It is not clear how close Foxconn is to making this partnership, since RED has not commented on the matter publicly. Let’s hope Mr. Gou’s promises become a reality.
By the way, Foxconn is a giant Taiwanese electronics manufacturer that Apple relies on to make the iPhones. For more information about Foxconn, please see this Wikipedia article.
In the meantime, if you’re looking for a RED camera under $10K, then please check out the RED Raven on B&H.
I film all weddings with blackmagic, this is going to put a lot of pressure on the brand. Currently, it is alone as movie cameras at low prices.
Don’t count on Red cannibalizing their own product line. There are just not that many indie film makers who will spend $ 10,000 to make up for the lost revenue at the top end of Red’s product line.