Capturing the Unseen at StrayLA
The vibe was electric, the music soul-stirring, and the roof was definitely raised with performances from guests like GasLampKiller, Jeremy Sole, and many others who stood in support of the industry during the strikes. But what made this event truly unforgettable wasn’t just the lineup of fantastic musicians or the ambiance—it was the groundbreaking technology we employed to capture it all: the RED V-Raptor 8k.
Unveiling the Finer Details
Low light is often a photographer’s Achilles’ heel. At previous events, capturing the intricate lighting, the expressions on the musicians’ faces, and the audience’s fervor was always a challenge. However, with the RED V-Raptor, renowned for its high-speed 8K sensor, our perception of ‘capturing dark moments’ changed. This cinematic powerhouse allowed us to unveil the unseen; details that were otherwise lost in the shadows came alive.
Technical Brilliance
The camera’s remarkable 35.4-megapixel sensor delivered a level of detail that’s rarely seen in cinema cameras under low light. Particularly given the V-Raptor’s impressive 16+ stops of dynamic range, we no longer had to choose between preserving highlights or shadows. Even at ISO 1600, this camera absorbed the available light, producing near-noiseless images (images used are without any additional noise reduction from DaVinci Resolve).
Real-world Performance
Words and technical specs can only convey so much. To illustrate the conditions this camera tackled: the main stage was only backlit by 4 Astera Tubes (2 Hyperions + 2 Titan Tubes), and the side soundstage had 18 Titan Tubes hanging from the ceiling. As the artists performed, we captured dramatic silhouettes while retaining exceptional detail and a vibrant array of colors—elements that might have been muted or completely missed with other cameras. With the V-Raptor, each moment’s vivid color and sharpness felt almost surreal.
A New Standard in Low Light Event Coverage
The RED V-Raptor has undoubtedly raised the bar in low light cinematography, marking itself as an essential tool for capturing events and festivals. Through its lens, we seized an experience where the RED V-Raptor has transformed our perspective on low light event coverage. The night may cloak the world in darkness, but with the right tools, it becomes a canvas waiting to be adorned with art.
This entire event was shot exclusively on the RED V-Raptor camera. All opinions and experiences shared here are based on our time documenting the event. If you’re looking to capture an event and need the camera to take on the night, email [email protected] to put in a quote for the RED V-Raptor!
