Ken Willinger

Then how tall must have been the person who took the photo? The angle of view is higher than Jarred. They must all be Giants at RED!

That's true, however I do know quite a few owner/operators in NYC and LA and they make a fine living even with the existence of many very good rental houses. It's all about finding your niche, networking and providing a great product. But all freelancers are currently in the same boat regarding the constantly fluctuating formats and new aquisition methods available. Everybody wants something different. This period of time has been a real boon to the rental houses because only they can afford to stock everything out there. I can't have every camera (nor would I want them all). But RED is an interesting proposition effectively allowing you to record any format. The question remains how to give it to the client? We are all waiting to see.

Freelancers who work like that will not last very long in the business. I've been freelancing since 1988, an owner/operator. I will work as a DP without my gear at one rate, with my gear at another rate. Never do I give my gear away for free. Many producers will however rather work with Freelancers than a rental house, because the rental house is totally a la carte. You might get sticks and batteries with the camera...but you don't get monitor, lights, grip and electric etc. They charge extra for all that stuff...including cables! When a producer hires my package it comes inclusive (except for specialty items like HMI, dolly, lipstich cam etc.). This is the way to go when producing smaller projects. Even some larger projects will go this way with the addition of hiring also a grip truck and Gaffer. Still it's going to be less expensive than going through a rental house.

My first post here! Like some of the others here, I'm in the market for an HD camera as the technology and needs of my clients have changed. More and more often I am having to rent a Varicam, F900, or now the HDX900 etc. for these jobs. It gets to the point where you have to make a decision about acquiring. I've owned high end broadcast SD ENG/EFP cameras for almost 20 years. I currently have a Sony D600WS and it has been a great camera and a real money maker as well. But I've been up in the air about purchasing HD because of all the fluctuation. 720, 1080 etc. RED has definitely caught my interest because it gives you all the flavors, and also some good choices for capturing. The biggest issue as a freelancer is delivering the raw product. For most freelancers that has been the draw of XDCam (but the HD version is 1/2" chips...unacceptable for me). Just pass off the discs like you did the tape. But XD is very limiting. If I can figure out a great way to keep all the clients happy in receiving the footage, RED will be a winner if it really flies. The only area I don't see it working for me is with the major broadcast networks (who are also in great flux now regarding what format etc. they will move to). I've also been watching RED since before NAB last year and have never felt that I was misled, and don't feel that what showed up on the pricelist was misleading. All along changes have been expected. I'll be truly amazed if they can offer a camera of the expected quality and chameleon like ability to record in all formats (but for SD) for less than 20K. Also I have to add, I've yet to own or use a professional camera that came fully equiped with a lens and all accessories. Prosumer cameras do. I've owned Ikegami and Sony. You buy the camera. Then you have to buy everything else! And not to mislead anyone, I have a RED reservation. I'm going to NAB and I am hoping to be stunned! And also to have found an HD solution.