RED Slashes Prices on KOMODO and KOMODO-X Models – Save Up to $3,000

Camera News

by Francesco AndreolaSeptember 4^th, 2024

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RED Digital Cinema has just considerably lowered the entry price point for their Super 35 6K global shutter box-style cinema cameras, KOMODO and KOMODO-X. This price reduction also applies to their Starter and Production accessory packs. Pricing now starts as low as $4,995 for the original KOMODO and just $6,995 for the fully-featured KOMODO-X ($3,000 off!). No price reduction is currently planned for RED’s flagship V-RAPTOR lineup.

RED’s newly announced pricing strategy is already causing a stir across the internet. While existing KOMODO/KOMODO-X owners are turning up their noses at the idea of seeing a rapid depreciation of their investment, this decision opens up the opportunity for many people to enter the RED ecosystem at a fraction of the cost.

Indeed, this could be Nikon’s first attempt at attracting a broader audience to the cinema world after the Japanese corporation acquired RED earlier this year while also trying to clear inventory and prepare the shelves for something new. However, it is also likely that RED needs to find a way to fight back against fierce competition from other manufacturers. Let’s take a look!

RED KOMODO and KOMODO-X – still worth the price in 2024?

Launched in 2020 for $5,995, the original KOMODO was RED’s first attempt at producing a compact, box-style cinema camera featuring a Super 35 global shutter sensor with minimum compromise on image quality. And given the number of units sold, it turned out to be a commercially successful attempt.

Some of its limitations were overcome last year with the launch of KOMODO-X, which was initially introduced for $9,995. “X” brought several improvements – such as doubled frame rates up to 6K80p, a locking RF mount,  an integrated V-mount battery plate, XLR audio, and more – while still offering internal RAW recording in an extremely compact body. And, eventually, it paved the way for the 8K Vista Vision V-RAPTOR [X], which currently represents the pinnacle of RED’s commitment to mastering global shutter technology.

However, the competition is also moving forward, and – if global shutter is not among your top priorities – you might find better deals elsewhere. A good example is the recently announced Canon EOS C400. For “just” $7,999, it packs almost everything one would ever need from a cinema camera, including a 6K BSI stacked full-frame sensor, internal RAW recording and flexible codec options, triple base ISO, built-in ND filters, state-of-the-art autofocus, and professional connectivity. And although it’s not as compact and lightweight as KOMODO/KOMODO-X, it must have put some serious pressure on RED/Nikon.

Before signing off, here’s what RED’s newly-appointed CEO, Keiji Oishi, had to say regarding the price reduction:

RED’s KOMODO lineup has only grown in popularity over the years. Since joining RED, I have heard filmmakers rave about KOMODO’s small form factor and the amazing performance of the global shutter sensor. We’re excited to introduce this new pricing which lowers the hurdle for a new group of filmmakers to take advantage of the exceptional cinema quality and creative possibilities of RED cameras. RED always strives to create an accessible and reliable avenue for artists at any level to get their hands on premier cinema-grade imaging technology. The KOMODO remains one of the most versatile and powerful camera systems that RED has ever developed, and democratizing image capture technology at this level will always remain part of RED’s DNA.

Keiji Oishi, CEO of RED Digital Cinema

Price and availability

So, if you’ve been on the fence about a new KOMODO or KOMODO-X, this might be the right time to pull the trigger. The official retail price of the original KOMODO camera brain has been reduced by $1,000 down to $4,995, while that of KOMODO-X is now $6,995 ($3,000 off).

Finally, if you’re looking for a ready-to-shoot kit, RED has also updated the price of accessory packs:

• KOMODO Starter Pack – $6,500 (B&H / CVP)
• KOMODO Production Pack – $7,500 (B&H / CVP)
• KOMODO-X Starter Pack – $8,995 (B&H / CVP)
• KOMODO-X Production Pack – $11,995 (B&H / CVP)

For more information, please visit RED’s website here.

Are you a KOMODO or KOMODO-X owner? What do you think of RED/Nikon’s new pricing strategy? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!