5K Super35 cinema sensor with dual ISO (800/3200), 16.5 stops of dynamic range and up to 96 fps ideal for low-light documentaries and VFX productions.
History & Development
RED introduced the Gemini at NAB in 2018 as a successor to the Dragon series and a more affordable alternative to the 8K Helium. Market launch occurred in late 2018 with a focus on improved low-light performance through its new Dual-ISO architecture. In 2019, the Gemini received the IPP2 firmware update, further enhancing color reproduction and noise characteristics. Production ceased in 2021 in favor of the Komodo series.
Practical Use in Film
The Gemini was used in productions like "The Mandalorian" (2019) for specific low-light sequences, where its Dual-ISO capabilities offered advantages in LED volume setups. The typical workflow involves recording in REDCODE RAW onto CFast 2.0 cards, followed by conversion using RED's REDCine-X Pro software. The camera is particularly suitable for documentaries and independent productions where the weight-to-quality ratio is crucial. Weaknesses emerge with extreme heat generation during extended takes exceeding 20 minutes.
Comparison & Alternatives
Compared to the more expensive RED Helium, the Gemini offers 5K instead of 8K but excels with significantly better low-light performance. The ARRI Alexa Mini competes in similar price ranges but achieves only 3.2K resolution with superior color science. The RED Komodo 6K (2020) positions itself as a modern alternative with a more compact design and improved efficiency. The Gemini is ideal for productions aiming for 4K deliverables that require post-production flexibility through RAW recording.
Technical Specifications
Sensor & Resolution
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor Type | Dual Sensitivity CMOS (Super35) |
| Resolution | 5,120 x 2,700 pixels (5K Full Format) |
| Sensor Size | 15.4 Megapixels |
| Sensor Dimensions | 30.72 x 18.00 mm |
| Pixel Size | 3.0 µm |
| Format | Super35 (30.72 x 18mm) |
Dynamic Range & ISO
Dynamic Range: 16.5+ stops
Dual Native ISO: 800 / 3,200 ASA
Noise Characteristics: Identical noise profiles in both modes
Extended ISO Range: 50 – 16,000+ ASA (via gain)
Recording Formats & Frame Rates
| Resolution | Maximum Frame Rate | Format/Aspect |
|---|---|---|
| 5K Full Format (5,120 x 2,700) | 96 fps | 17:9 |
| 5K 1.7:1 (5,120 x 3,000) | 75 fps | 1.7:1 |
| 5K 2.4:1 (5,120 x 2,160) | 120 fps | 2.4:1 Cinemascope |
| 4K Full Format (4,096 x 2,160) | 120 fps | 17:9 DCI |
| 4K 2.4:1 (4,096 x 1,716) | 150 fps | 2.4:1 |
| 3K Full Format (3,072 x 1,620) | 150 fps | 17:9 |
| 3K 2.4:1 (3,072 x 1,280) | 200 fps | 2.4:1 |
| 2K Full Format (2,048 x 1,080) | 240 fps | HD |
| 2K 2.4:1 (2,048 x 856) | 300 fps | 2.4:1 High-Speed |
REDCODE RAW Compression
Available Compression Ratios: 2:1, 3:1, 5:1, 8:1, 12:1, 16:1, 22:1
Storage Requirements (5K 24fps):
- 2:1: ~1.5 TB/hour
- 5:1: ~600 GB/hour
- 8:1: ~375 GB/hour
- 12:1: ~250 GB/hour
- 16:1: ~190 GB/hour
Alternative Codecs:
- ProRes 4444XQ, ProRes 4444, ProRes 422 HQ, 422, 422 LT
- DNxHR HQX, HQ, SQ, LB
Recording Media: CFast 2.0, RED MINI-MAG, External SSD possible
Optics & Mount Options
Lens Mount: Canon EF Mount (native) or PL Mount (via adapter)
Lens Support: Spherical and Anamorphic (2x Anamorphic possible)
Motor Options: EF motorization for iris/focus/zoom on compatible lenses
Crop Modes: Full 5K possible, windowed readout for higher frame rates
Body & Physical Characteristics
Camera Brain Weight: ~1.5 kg (without lens/battery)
Total Weight (with lens/battery): ~3.5-4.5 kg (depending on configuration)
Dimensions (Brain): ~160 x 120 x 120 mm (camera specific)
Materials: Magnesium alloy, carbon fiber options
Body Variants: DSMC2 Brain, RANGER Body, modular system
Rolling Shutter & Timing
Rolling Shutter: 15.5 ms at 24 fps (full window)
Shutter Angle: 360° electronically adjustable
Frame Rate Stability: Precise at high rates due to optimized readout architecture
Timecode: Robust, BNC In/Out, Genlock support
Power Supply & Batteries
Battery Mount: Gold Mount or V-Mount (camera specific)
Power Consumption: 45-70 Watts continuous operation
External Power: 12-24V DC 4-Pin XLR
Backup Battery: Internal capacitor for timecode/metadata
Monitoring & Output
Video Outputs: 3G-SDI (monitoring), HDMI optional
Timecode Connections: BNC In/Out, Genlock (Tri-Level Sync)
Monitoring Format: H.264 proxy simultaneously possible
Metadata Recording: Automatic ISO/aperture/frame rate logging
Color Science & Post-Workflow
Color Pipeline: REDCine-X Pro Software (R3D native)
IPP2 Color Science: Advanced color reproduction and noise reduction
Color Space: REDWideGamutRGB, REDLog3G10 (12-bit float encoding)
LUT Export: 3D LUT for grading systems (ACES compatible)
Color Temps: Automatic detection, manually adjustable
Conversion Options: to ProRes, DNxHR, or external formats