RedCam Central :: View topic - RED explains 5K 30x15mm sensor choice for EPIC-X

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RED's Jim Jannard:

"So why did we choose 5K and a 30x15mm sensor for Epic-X?

There have been a ton of formats in the past. 8mm, Super 8, 16mm, S16, 35mm, S35mm, 2:1 Anamorphic, 1.33 Anamorphic, Vista Vision, IMAX... you get the idea. These are just some of the motion formats... add stills and the list goes on forever (almost).

So why did RED choose another oddball format? Two reasons.

1. 5K RED bayer capture is roughly the equivalent of 4K measured output resolution. It takes something under a 30mm wide sensor to deliver that. Add "lookaround" and you get to 30mm.

2. While all the other film formats were pretty much "one format options", RED is many. Inside of our 30x15mm sensor lies many formats. RED 5K, S35, 35mm, S16, 16, 2/3", special ratios (2:1, 2.40:1. 16:9, etc.) and anamorphic of different flavors. You can use RPPs or Master Primes to shoot full 5K resolution, full frame. You can use S4s or Ultra Primes to shoot 4.5K. You can use shoot 2K with just about anything, including S16 lenses and B4 with our adaptor.

The downside to EPIC-X is that you have a ton of choices and need to put your thinking cap on to use them all. Or just pick what you know and stick with it.

The upside to EPIC-X is that you have versatility like no other camera ever made. Interchangeable everything. Formats forever."