SSD storage modules by RED with 240–960 GB capacity and 300 MB/s read speed for 6K REDCODE RAW recording on DSMC2 cameras.
RED Mini-Mags utilize internal SATA III SSDs with capacities of 240 GB, 480 GB, and 960 GB. The transfer rate is a maximum of 300 MB/s for reading and 225 MB/s for writing, enabling 6K footage at 23.98 fps in REDCODE RAW 7:1. The housing is made of anodized aluminum with a 22-pin connector and an LED status indicator. The modules operate within a temperature range of -10°C to 55°C and weigh 113 grams. An integrated write-protect switch prevents accidental overwriting, while the contacts are rated for over 10,000 insertion cycles.
RED introduced the Mini-Mag system in 2013 with the RED Dragon sensor family, as a successor to the larger RED-Mag modules. The first generation supported 120 MB/s but was expanded to 225 MB/s in 2014. In 2016, the Mini-Mag SSD 2.0 arrived with improved heat dissipation and higher reliability. With the introduction of DSMC2 cameras in 2017, the modules received the current 300 MB/s specification. RED developed the system in response to the increasing data volumes from RAW 4K and 6K footage.
Mini-Mags are used in productions such as "The Martian" (2015, RED Dragon), "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" (2017, RED Weapon 8K), and Netflix series like "Mindhunter." The workflow requires at least three modules per camera: one in the camera, one as a backup, and one for data download. With 6K REDCODE footage, a 480 GB module fills up in approximately 45 minutes. The modules cannot be swapped during recording, thus requiring precise capacity planning. Advantages include immediate playback without spooling and digital metadata capture.
Unlike CFast 2.0 cards (max. 600 MB/s) or Sony XQD (max. 440 MB/s), Mini-Mags are exclusively compatible with RED cameras. The larger RED-Mag 1.8 modules offer higher capacities up to 1.92 TB but are significantly bulkier. Newer RED cameras like the V-Raptor support CFexpress Type B cards as an alternative. However, Mini-Mags remain the most cost-effective option for RED workflows, as data transfer occurs via standard USB 3.0 docks instead of expensive proprietary readers.
Ich plane immer mit 20% Pufferkapazität pro Mini-Mag, da höhere Kompressionsraten bei komplexen Motiven mehr Speicher verbrauchen als kalkuliert. Die LED-Anzeige am Modul ist bei Run-and-Gun-Drehs essentiell – ein blinkendes Rot bedeutet sofortigen Modulwechsel. Bei Kältedrehs unter 0°C erwärme ich die Module vorher in der Innentasche, da kalte SSDs langsamere Schreibraten haben.
Die 45-Minuten-Laufzeit eines 480-GB-Moduls bei 6K zwingt mich zu disziplinierteren Takes – maximal drei Anläufe pro Setup statt endlosem Durchlaufen lassen. Für Improvisation oder lange Dialogszenen setze ich bewusst niedrigere Auflösungen ein, um kontinuierlich drehen zu können. Die sofortige Playback-Funktion revolutioniert meine Regiearbeit, da ich problematische Takes direkt erkenne.
Ein 480-GB-Mini-Mag kostet etwa 1.400 Euro – bei mehrkamerigen Drehs investiere ich mindestens 15.000 Euro nur in Speichermedien. Die Downloadzeit von 45 Minuten pro vollem Modul erfordert einen dedizierten DIT und verlängert die Wrapping-Zeit um mindestens eine Stunde täglich. Dafür entfallen Filmkosten und Entwicklungslogistik, was bei 4-wöchigen Drehs etwa 8.000 Euro Ersparnis bedeutet.
1. Zu welchem Department gehört „RED Mini-Mag"?
2. Wie viele verschiedene Fachperspektiven bietet dieser Eintrag?
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