RED Scarlet Renamed and Retooled...

The REDuser forum has let it be known the Scarlet isn't completely dead, but reborn a different beast. Earlier reports RED had completely abandoned the much anticipated camera targeting the DSLR / Prosumer market may have been slightly premature, but were not entirely inaccurate.

What we do know is rumors the Scarlet would be a fixed lens 3K camera for around $3K were nothing more than rumors. This camera never surfaced and never will. Talk of the Scarlet S35 rose from the ashes, a more expensive version of the Scarlet that evolved from the reality of the EPIC. At this point it only makes sense to drop the Scarlet name (and the disappointment attached to it) in favor of its new incarnation: EPIC Light. In addition to the name change, the features have changed and so has the price (yes, it's going to be more expensive).

At this point all we can do is speculate, but it's safe to assume the RED Light will compete with Sony's F3 in terms of performance and price. So for those of you still waiting to buy a RED product south of $5k, don't hold your breath...or consider putting in your pre-order for an AF-100.

Despite the bad taste the word 'Scarlet' leaves in most camera geeks mouths, we needn't be reminded RED is still a great company who make exceptional, forward thinking products. More details will be revealed within the next two weeks. Stay tuned.