Full review of the Highly-anticipated RED Komodo

Written by Monika

Published 24 February 2021

Last updated on 30 June 2021

Now that it is finally on the market, RED’s new Komodo 6K camera system astonishes with its compact build and advanced features. After being extensively engineered, the Komodo was upgraded with a global shutter sensor (27.03mm x 14.26mm). This allows the camera to maintain Red’s high standard of image quality and dynamic range.

Weight & Specs

Weighing only 2.1 pounds (0.95 kg), the Komodo packs a range of options in a small 4-cubic-inch (101.6 mm) form factor. This makes it a great companion for all travelers and nomad content creators that need the highest quality available in a portable, easy-to-use, and versatile form of camera.

As RED Digital Cinema’s president Jarred Land says, “This tiny chameleon of a camera packs in huge resolution, dynamic range and image quality with a global shutter that has allowed filmmakers to capture footage in ways never thought possible.”

Komodo is able to capture 6K at 40 fps, 6K WS at 50 fps, and 4K at 60 fps.

6K Super 35 sensor
RED RAW Recording
Global Shutter
6K at 40 fps
6K WS at 50 fps
4K at 60 fps
120 fps at 2K
12G-SDI output with 2160p at 60 fps

More highlights of the camera include:

Anamorphic lenses that allow for maximum creative flexibility
PL and other lens systems
An RF mount that enables users to use adaptors for EF
Autofocus control that is based on phase detection featured on the LED touchscreen color display

Display, Codec & Connectivity

Speaking of the display, it significantly simplifies monitoring and menu navigation. It is also updated with new streamlined RedCODE RAW settings (HQ, MQ, and LQ compression options). This enhances the user experience and covers all the shooting needs.

Moreover, Komodo is compatible with CFAST 2.0 recording media, 4K SDI output, enables wireless connections, and can be connected via the all-new Red Control app. You can download the app for iOS here and Android here.

Many industry’s leading creative have tested the camera and had nothing but positive reviews. A renowned filmmaker Michael Bay says, “The sensor is beautiful. I always wanted something this small, this sophisticated in terms of a high-quality image. It’s very lightweight; very handheld.”

Versatility & Use Cases

Emmy-nominated cinematographer Erik Messerschmidt adds, “There is no other camera on the market with a global shutter that is this size and this versatile. And yet there are no quality compromises.”

Jason Momoa, an artist, notes, “It’s like cinema in the palm of your hands” after putting the Komodo to the test in the tundra of New Jersey while shooting footage for Harley-Davidson.

The best part is that immediately after its release on the market, there are a plethora of accessories available for Komodo. Some of these are:

Additionally, if you work in any of these programs: Adobe, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut, Assimilate, Autodesk, Avid and Colorfront, then you would be happy to know that they all offer post-production support for the material created by Komodo via Red’s latest SDK.

The camera itself is priced at $5,995 and, as such, is perfect for a wide range of filming situations. In the studio, you can use the Komodo as a B, C, or D camera. Plus, it can be fitted onto drones, gimbals, cranes, and remote heads thanks to its small and compact casing. Stunt Camera Crew is a prime example of what this type of camera is good for, shooting stunt camera work using small cinema cameras.

Red komodo fpv — Image via Stunt Camera Crew

You can ramp up production quality on the go no matter where the shooting takes place thanks to Komodo’s user-friendly system combined with the high-quality performance. No matter what level you are on, all content creators can produce content in unparalleled quality for the price and the intuitiveness of usage.