Are you a fan of classic cameras? Just like classic cars, vintage cameras are becoming increasingly popular, especially tapeless cinema cameras. Who wouldn’t want a camera that can produce film-like moving images? That’s why Canon’s 5D Mark II camera, which was revolutionary when it first came out twelve years ago, is still being sold on eBay for over $500. It’s that creamy Canon aesthetic that keeps people coming back for more.
If you’re thinking of buying a second-hand cinema camera, there are some caveats to keep in mind. Always check that the camera you’re interested in has a format you can use or at least transcode from. Check the reliability of the camera in forums, including how hot it runs. Also, check the media it uses, the I/Os, the availability of batteries, bug reports, storage choices, and more. Whether you’re looking to replace your current camera or see it as a project purchase, do your research carefully.
Let’s take a look at some classic cinema cameras that are still available on the market. The RED Scarlet 2/3 was launched in 2010 and was priced to compete with full-frame DSLRs from Canon and Nikon. It had a non-full-frame camera that avoided the huge depth of field issues that were both a blessing and a curse. The Scarlet 2/3 also let you use Canon and Nikon lenses and had dual audio inputs with +48V phantom powering. It could record 3K REDCODE RAW video at 120fps and scaled 720p or 1080p recording at 60fps. At the time, it could be bought either as a full Scarlet 8X fixed package or just the brain. Although it may be hard to find now, it’s still a great camera to consider.
The RED Scarlet X was launched in 2011 and was rumored to be a RED Epic in sheep’s clothing. It had a 14-Megapixel MYSTERIUM-X sensor
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