Re: In all fairness...

It would appear that those who are very critical about RED are as passionate and focused in their contempt as the RED fanatics are in their praise. And honestly I am not sure why after reading this whole thread. After all It is just a tool as many have mentioned. If you don't like it or don't want to use it, then don't.

With that said I am a RED reservation holder (#2XX) and expect to get my camera soon. Am I excited? You bet. Is it the best thing since sliced bread? Probably not, maybe, I don't know. Having been in this business 25 years I've been through a lot of tools and this is just one of them. Despite my years, I am always trying to learn something new and try to improve my skills using the tools I have. Adopting new technology both in hardware and workflow as you can afford them is vital to success in this fast changing industry.

I make commercials and corporate video in a medium sized market. I am by no means a film maker in regards to features, shorts, docs or indys. My often small budgets would simply amaze most of you on the west and east coasts. I do however, try to make the best 30-second stories and corporate videos I can with the tools I can afford.

For those like me, and I think we represent a good sized segment all camera manufacturers appeal and cater to, the RED camera is a gigantic leap in image quality compared to anything else for the price. That is the principle point for RED fanaticism, wether it's from the dv generation, seasoned dp's or noted film directors.

The RED business model with deposits, open development, etc. is actually a breath of fresh air for many of us. Has Mr. Sony, Mr. Panasonic or Mr. JVC every asked you for your opinion on direct product development? I suspect not many. Yet, apparently, F900's still have heat issues despite not being shipped until they were ready? My JVC HD100 makes nice images but it's plastic build quality and drum life is horrendous. Solid state, no tape P2 is now an accepted work-flow yet originally "professionals" questioned it's efficiency. Go figure.

I find it funny that Graeme addressed the deposit and other issues very clearly and professionally yet some discounted his opinion, especially in light of his inside tract. It's very easy to be on the outside looking in making generalizations despite your experience and pedigree.

At RED, new features are being added regularly. RED software is openly available for download. The FCP codec is ready. They have been completely honest from the beginning on everything. I can get my deposit back today if I want to. They are replacing free of charge the first 100 cameras as things have improved since those shipped. Noted film directors are successfully using RED. Sony Pictures apparently is attempting to block its use on it's films. Hmm, there must be something to this still under development, beta RED camera thing.

Yes I still see it as just a tool, yet one I can grow with and make money with. That's without spending over $100k for the same or lesser quality. And I am more than willing to accept some initial limitations (call me a beta tester if you will) to get in on the ground floor.

Ok, rant over, RED fan boy signing out.