The Red V-Raptor is bound to be a hugely popular camera.
I am sure you are aware that you will need to attach accessories to it so that it can be used professionally.
Unfortunately, there are few accessories included in the base camera package. You do get a kit, but I guess it needs to be fleshed out a bit more, so you have options.
In this article we will try to list the top four must-have accessories you might need for the Red V-Raptor.
1 External Monitor
The DSMC3 RED TOUCH 7.0? is the perfect solution, though not everyone will be happy with the price. It is from SmallHD, and is as tough as it gets.
If you need a cheaper option, I suggest you look at the SmallHD 702 Touch. It has similar brightness and you can mount it on one of the 1/4″ mounting holes in the camera.
If you need to record externally, I recommend an Atomos Ninja V+. It will allow you to record 4K via 12G-SDI in Prores or DNxHR, something not available in the Red V-Raptor.
2 Red/Angelbird Cinema Pro CFexpress Type B Card
Red provides one card right now. It’s a rebranded Angelbird 660GB card, but not the one currently in the market. Angelbird is coming out with a Mark II version that can sustain 800 MB/s, the highest data rate at 8K.
You’ll also need the Red CFexpress Card Reader:
Angelbird sells a cheaper reader, and I’m sure the prices will come down soon.
CFexpress Type B cards are getting cheaper, and Red is allowing users to use any card in the market as long as they hit sustained 800 MB/s write (assuming you’ll be recording at the highest data rates).
Very few cards do at this time. For an updated list of compatible cards, click here.
3 Zacuto Kameleon EVF Pro
The Zacuto Kameleon Pro EVF Pro (B&H, Amazon) can be a solid addition to your kit if you want a viewfinder with your V-Raptor.
An EVF becomes very important if you decide to set up a shoulder rig, or would like to operate the camera cinema-style.
The Kameleon Pro is slightly expensive, but is light, has both HDMI and SDI ports, and has all the features you could possibly need. The only downside, if you want to call it that, is you need external power via the LEMO connector. Unfortunately, this is true of most EVFs. It isn’t a deal breaker, though.
If it is, you always have the option of the Zacuto Gratical HD Micro OLED EVF, which is heavier and larger.
The Zacuto Kameleon Pro EVF Pro (B&H, Amazon) supports up to DCI 4K input via HDMI and up to 1080p60 via SDI.
It also features 3D LUT support, joystick control, anti-fog technology, frame guides and four user-assignable buttons.
The Z CAM EVF101 is also an option if you’re willing to wait and want something cheaper. However, I’m not sure how reliable it is.
4 3-Pin XLR Female to 5-Pin LEMO Audio
Red will eventually come out with their own XLR adapter that you can fix on top of the camera, but until then, the Remote Audio Two 3-Pin XLR Female to 5-Pin LEMO Audio Input Cable will do the job.
5 Top handle
At this time Red doesn’t include a top handle, though I’m pretty sure there will be one when the black version ships.
For now, you can use something customizable like the SmallRig HTN2362 Rotating NATO Clamp Handle, or SmallRig Wooden NATO-Rail Mini Side Handle:
You’ll need to connect the SmallRig Low-Profile NATO Rail to the camera (The 2.8″ version might be enough, but don’t go by what I’m saying!):
The right size NATO rail and handle system gives you the option to use it according to your needs, and keep it as a backup or use it with another camera at a future date.
I hope you found my list of accessories for the Red V-Raptor useful. If you know of any others please let me know in the comments below.
