At the core of the camera is the remarkable Helium 8K Super 35 CMOS sensor, a tool that offers incredible creative freedom. Capturing images at a stunning 8192 x 4320 resolution allows for a multitude of benefits both on set and in post-production. You can deliver an oversampled 4K image with breathtaking sharpness and detail, or use the extra resolution to reframe, crop, and apply digital stabilization while still maintaining a pristine final image. Paired with an expansive 16.5+ stops of dynamic range, the Helium sensor produces a rich, film-like image with deep, clean shadows and beautifully rendered highlights.
REDCODE RAW: The Ultimate Digital Negative
Renting a RED camera means harnessing the power of REDCODE RAW (R3D). This is not just a video format; it is a digital negative that preserves the full data from the sensor in a highly efficient compressed file. This provides complete control in post-production, allowing you to non-destructively adjust parameters like ISO, white balance, and color space to perfect your final look. With adjustable compression ratios, you can tailor your workflow to the needs of the project, balancing ultimate quality with manageable data rates.
Modularity for Any Production (DSMC2)
The DSMC2 system is a master of adaptability. The camera BRAIN is the central component in a completely modular ecosystem. This allows your production to build the exact camera rig you need for any scenario, from a lightweight, stripped-down setup for gimbal or drone work, to a fully-equipped studio configuration. Unicorn Films can provide a custom-built package with your choice of modules—including PL or EF lens mounts, I/O expanders for professional connections, monitors, and power solutions—to match the specific demands of your shoot.
Professional Workflow and Color Science
The RED Helium 8K is built for a seamless professional workflow. It offers the crucial ability to record edit-friendly proxy files in Apple ProRes or Avid DNx simultaneously alongside the master R3D RAW files. This allows your post-production team to begin editing immediately with lightweight files. The entire process is managed through RED’s advanced IPP2 (Image Processing Pipeline 2), which ensures accurate, consistent color from on-set monitoring all the way through to the final color grade.
| Feature | Description | Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Helium 8K Super 35 CMOS Sensor | A 35.4 Megapixel sensor capable of capturing 8K (8192 x 4320) resolution. | Delivers incredible detail and creative flexibility for reframing, VFX, and oversampled 4K delivery. |
| 8K Resolution at up to 60 fps | High-resolution and high-frame-rate recording capabilities in a classic cinema format. | Allows for the capture of pristine, detailed motion and slow-motion effects at cinema quality. |
| REDCODE RAW (R3D) Recording | An advanced, variable compression RAW codec that captures 16-bit color information. | Provides the ultimate in post-production flexibility for color grading and image manipulation. |
| 16.5+ Stops of Dynamic Range | An extremely wide exposure latitude for capturing detail in extreme lighting conditions. | Produces a rich, film-like image with clean shadows and smooth highlight rolloff. |
| DSMC2 Modular Camera Body | The camera BRAIN is the core of an ecosystem of interchangeable modules. | Allows for custom camera builds, from small and lightweight to a full studio configuration. |
| Simultaneous RAW + Proxy Recording | Can record R3D RAW files and Apple ProRes or Avid DNx files at the same time. | Streamlines post-production workflows by providing lightweight, edit-ready files immediately. |
| IPP2 Image Processing Pipeline | RED’s advanced color management system for accurate and consistent color. | Ensures a reliable and predictable color workflow from on-set monitoring to final delivery. |
8K capture provides incredible creative freedom. You can deliver an oversampled, exceptionally sharp 4K image, or you have the flexibility to reframe, crop, and apply digital stabilization in post-production, all while maintaining a pristine 4K resolution.
No, the Helium sensor is a Super 35 (S35) format. This is a classic and widely used cinema standard, meaning it is natively compatible with the vast majority of professional cinema lenses.
REDCODE RAW is RED's proprietary compressed RAW format. It preserves the full data from the sensor in manageable file sizes. You will need to process the R3D files in post-production software like DaVinci Resolve or Adobe Premiere Pro using RED's plugin, which gives you complete control over the final look.
It means the camera "BRAIN" (the core component) can be configured in many ways. You add modules as needed, such as your choice of lens mount (PL or EF), a battery plate, a monitor, a side handle, and an I/O expander to build the exact camera your shoot requires.
This allows you to balance image quality with file size. Lower compression ratios (e.g., 5:1) provide higher quality for feature films, while higher compression ratios (e.g., 12:1) are excellent for TV and documentaries where longer recording times are needed.
