6 Reasons Why RED Cameras Are The Current System of Choice in the Natural History Filmmaking Industry by Roger Horrocks

By Jamie G 0 Comment February 2, 2024  RED, red digital cinema

Roger Horrocks is a wildlife cinematographer with 15 years of experience filming behavioural sequences for the BBC, Netflix, Disney and National Geographic. His recent LinkedIn post caught our eye where he highlighted 6 reasons why RED Digital Cinema cameras are the current system of choice in the natural history filmmaking industry.

Here is why he think’s RED takes the crown for go-to camera for Natural History Productions:

1. Industry and Price Disruption
   -RED’s first camera, the RED One, launched in 2007 and was the first 4K digital camera to offer a modular design philosophy.
   -They lowered the relative price for a full-functioning cinema system, making it more attainable for cinematographers to own their cameras.
   
2. Digital Resolution
   -Since the RED One, RED was ahead of the curve with 4K.
   -They also have 6K & 8K resolution which helps immensely with stabilization in post.
   
3. Variable Frame Rates
   -Roeger says “As natural history filmmakers we are not constrained by needing to record audio with video.” So this opens up endless possibilities to shoot off speed.
   -RED cameras allows you to shoot at any frame rate between 1fps and 120fps.
   
4. REDCODE RAW
   -RED was the first to offer RAW recording in-camera. REDCODE is critical for managing the massive detail in 8K imagery which translates into saved time and money for shooters. Also, REDCODE allows for non-destructive editing and stores the original material without modifying or requiring a duplicate copy of the material. This makes grading fully reversible, maximizes image quality, and reduces storage requirements.
   
5. Pre-Record
   -Roger says the ability to pre-record is a big deal in Natural History filmmaking.
   -RED has offered pre-record since the REDONE.
   
6. The Netflix Effect
   -RED cameras are on Netflix’s list of approved cameras.

“Love them or hate them, RED are the current MMA champions of the Natural History Camera Octogon for the above reasons.
If you are getting into natural history filmmaking, investing in a RED would be an optimal decision.”

Roger Horrocks

Check out Roger Horrocks’ full LinkdIn post here!

Learn mor about Roger Horrocks here!

Learn more about RED here!