I think there are a couple points you need to keep in mind, though. Those of us who experienced the rocky public roll out of the first RED One cameras BEGGED RED to make sure all aspects of the DSMC system was solid before shipping this time around. Jannard listened and the beta testing period is part of the delay so you can lay some of the blame on us as well. ; ) I really don’t think the majority of potential Scarlet owners would be cool with the issues we were having on those first RED Ones.

Secondly, I know a lot of Scarlet people feel totally left out by the Oct. 30th announcement, but I think this is due to a misunderstanding of what exactly DSMC system is. I still get calls from people thinking the Epic and Scarlet are two entirely different cameras. What you have to keep in mind is that when the “Tattoo” cameras go out for beta testing within the next two months, the Scarlet’s are basically getting tested as well since the components are 99% the same. The modules being tested during the beta period are 100% the same so any kinks that are worked out during this period will directly impact the modules you purchase for your 3k Scarlet. The technology in the Epic and Scarlet brains is basically the same with the Epic probably having a few more ASICS and larger sensor. There is nothing the Scarlets have that won’t be out in the field being beta tested within the next two months. I think if Jim had worded it differently and said the *Scarlets* would be out being beta tested before the end of the year many of you would feel differently.

I would urge you to to look at any progress made on any part of the DSMC system as progress made on the Scarlet as well. The delays suck and the word “Scarlet” was awfully scarce in the Oct. 30th announcement but I don’t think it is as bad as some of you are taking it.

Release Schedule:

Summer 2008 (Possibly Earlier) – Here comes the announcement of a 3k (resolution) Camera for around $3,000. Considering that this shoots higher resolution than 32mm film (around 2k resolution) it was a BIG deal. The common slogan was “3k for $3k!” and it was being paraded around. It would ship early 2009 (Jan-Apr. estimated)

Fall 2008 – Instead of releasing the camera, they announce they are changing the specs of all the camera’s and implement a really cool, revolutionary way to buy your equipment. Modular. Great, but the camera is pushed back six months for release. It’s still the 3k for 3k deal. Camera’s should start releasing summer 2009.

Later in Fall 2008 – New specs and prices are released.

Summer 2009 – A statement is released saying they are being slow to release the camera’s because their manufacturers dropped, went out of business, and the people at RED are working less hours (expected because of the economy). They said this would be a 2-3 month delay, not bad.

Now, 2-3 months later or more – We are told that the Scarlet specs have changed AGAIN, that the price is going to go up (we don’t know how much except that the camera is better than before so it makes sense for a price raise). Also, there’s no announcement as to the release of the Scarlet. Also, with the announcement we learn that there will be ANOTHER announcement at the end of November…How about they actually release something and stop making announcements?

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