RED V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR [X] Firmware 1.7.2beta Released

Firmware Update

by Francesco AndreolaMarch 5^th, 2024

RED has just released firmware 1.7.2beta for their V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR [X] cameras. The update, which is now available to download free of charge, adds support for RED’s revamped COMPACT EVF, fixes a few bugs, and introduces various new smaller features.

Since its launch in September 2021, the V-RAPTOR platform has grown rapidly both in terms of hardware and software. This line of cameras now consists of 6 models, including the standard 8K Vista Vision (our Lab Test here) and S35 Raptors, their studio-oriented “XL” counterparts with a unified body, and the newly-launched [X] and XL [X] variants featuring an 8K Vista Vision sensor with global shutter technology.

Over time, many useful features were added in a back-to-back series of firmware updates, such as time-lapse and ProRes recording, ELQ setting for REDCODE RAW, Camera-to-Cloud, Gio Scope false color, face-detection AF, and more. But, apparently, there’s still room for improvement.

RED V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR [X] – Firmware 1.7.2beta

Firmware 1.7.2beta is compatible with all V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR [X] models. While it doesn’t bring any game-changing features, it focuses on the little things that can enhance your experience of operating a V-RAPTOR camera.

For example, if you unintentionally eject your media, you can now use the “Remount Media” option to avoid having to pull the CFexpress card from the camera and reinsert it. By the way, the ProGrade Gold 1TB and 2TB CFexpress Type B cards are now fully supported.

Additionally, it seems that RED is trying to equip their DSCM3 cameras with features that were previously available on their DSMC2 bodies, such as the horizon and tilt video overlays and the image flip options. You can check out all the new features in the official firmware release notes below.

Full firmware release notes

Added:

• V-RAPTOR [X] and V-RAPTOR XL [X] Support
• RED COMPACT EVF support
• Video Overlays
• Horizon and Tilt Video Overlay
• Calibrate Gyroscope function
• advanced Image Flip selection
• ASC MHL checksum option
• Function Toggle control
• Proxy Record Menu
• ProRes Proxy Codec
• Max Frame Rate Toggle Assignable Button
• Dedicated False Color and Peaking Assignable Buttons
• Additional Slate Fields
• Remount Media Command
• Operations Guide QR Code
• SmallHD RED Touch OS 5.5.3
• ProGrade Gold 1TB/2TB Support

Fixed:

• SmallHD ND Assignable Buttons (PageOS 5.5.3)
• Intermittent SDI Timecode with External TC
• Extended Highlights not achieving maximum fps (V-RAPTOR [X])
• incorrect 2K Format Heights (V-RAPTOR [X])
• incorrect Edge Timecode after exiting Playback

RED KOMODO-X – Firmware 1.2beta

Many of the above-mentioned functions are also now available for the KOMODO-X via firmware 1.2beta. You can read the full firmware release notes here.

Price and availability

Firmware 1.7.2beta for RED V-RAPTOR and V-RAPTOR [X] and 1.2beta for RED KOMODO-X are now available to download for free from RED’s website. Please keep in mind that these are beta releases, and upgrading your camera in the middle of a production is NOT recommended.

The RED KOMODO-X retails for $9,995 (B&H / CVP), while pricing for the V-RAPTOR cameras is currently as follows:

• V-RAPTOR 8K S35 – $17,995 (B&H / CVP)
• V-RAPTOR 8K VV – $24,995 (B&H / CVP)
• V-RAPTOR [X] 8K VV – $29,995 (B&H / CVP)
• V-RAPTOR XL 8K S35 – $34,995 (B&H / CVP)
• V-RAPTOR XL 8K VV – $39,995 (B&H / CVP)
• V-RAPTOR XL [X] 8K VV – $44,995 (B&H / CVP)

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

Are you a V-RAPTOR or V-RAPTOR [X] owner? What do you think of these new Beta features? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!