RED V-RAPTOR Firmware 1.3.4 Released – Adds ELQ R3D Quality Recording, RED Connect and More

Firmware Update

by Jakub HanSeptember 30^th, 2022

New firmware 1.3.4 for RED V-RAPTOR is out and it brings ELQ R3D quality, RED CONNECT (beta) for full resolution live R3D streaming, AF improvements, and more. The firmware can be downloaded for free on RED’s website.

It has been roughly over a year since RED first announced the white stormtrooper version of the V-RAPTOR cinema camera with an 8K 120fps VV sensor and shortly after the black version (production) models went online.

A few days ago, the US-based company released yet another firmware update that brings some new features and irons out some bugs. Let’s take a closer look.

RED V-RAPTOR firmware 1.3.4

The new V-RAPTOR firmware adds ELQ R3D quality recording, RED Connect (beta) for full resolution live R3D streaming, AF improvements, support for various new memory cards, and more.

The full list of significant changes since firmware 1.2.7 includes the following items:

• Added ELQ R3D Quality
• Added RED Connect (beta) – Full Resolution Live R3D Streaming. Please note that this is a license-enabled feature. Calibration must be performed in Sensor Flip mode. Some devices may experience intermittent connection issues over USB-C tethering. A warning message will occur with unapproved Media and Batteries. More information about the RED Connect can be found here.
• Added AF Improvements
• Added Quiet Record Fan Control
• Added DSMC3 Monitor through-camera firmware update support (Requires SmallHD OS5 or later)
• Added enhanced timecode behavior
• Added User calibration optimization reducing process from several minutes to approximately 30 seconds
• Added discrete monitor LUT support
• Added Basic, Standard and Technical overlay mode
• Added Tint to SDI Advanced Overlay
• Added Overlay Opacity control
• Added voltage display for non-communicating batteries
• Added Low Voltage Warning control
• Added QR code support for Wi-Fi passwords
• Added RCP2 external lens data support
• Added ‘Auto’ to Top LCD Resolution menu
• Added RED PRO 1.3TB and 4TB support
• Added Angelbird AV PRO MK2 660GB, 1320GB, 2TB and 4TB support
• Added Exascend Archon 2TB CFx support
• Added ProGrade 325GB and 650GB support
• Fixed custom preset disappearing when assigned to user page
• Fixed unintended RF lens motor movement in manual mode
• Fixed Sigma Cine lens communication issue
• Fixed incorrectly displayed minimum lens F stop
• Fixed incorrect scrolling text
• Fixed issue with Sensor Flip calibration
• Fixed horizontal tear in 4K 8:1 at HFR
• Fixed horizontal tear in Flip/Mirror mode
• Fixed ‘low speed’ message with SanDisk CFx card
• Fixed refresh of LUT menu after import or delete
• Fixed slow/stalled playback of long clip
• Fixed EF lens detection on startup in AF mode
• Fixed CFx Time Indicator on startup
• Fixed Livestream freeze after disabling
• Fixed no static IP after reboot
• Changed PPP Baud Rate and IP Address string in UI
• Changed user calibration dialog to include time estimate
• Removed BETA from Autofocus feature
• Improved SDI Latency

Update process

The new firmware can be installed into the camera following these steps:

1. Copy the upgrade folder (containing the upgrade.bin file) to the top directory on the CFexpress card.
2. Power up the camera and insert a CFexpress card into the V-RAPTOR media slot.
3. Go to Menu > Maintenance > Upgrade and select OK.
4. The camera starts the upgrade process which will automatically restart the camera.
5. After the camera restarts to complete the upgrade process, select RESTART once it appears.
6. Go to Menu > System Settings > System Status > Camera Info to verify the firmware version after the camera boots.

Price and availability

The firmware update 1.3.4 is available now free of charge and can be downloaded directly at the RED website (149.8 MB). The RED V-RAPTOR camera body currently retails for $24,500 (around €25,800 plus VAT in Europe).

Do you have experience working with the RED V-RAPTOR? What do you think about the new firmware update? Let us know in the comment section underneath the article.