Not Dead Yet! RED Releases Pretty Major New Firmware Updates for V-RAPTOR and KOMODO-X Cameras

For better or worse, ever since RED Digital Cinema was acquired by Nikon just over two years ago, any firmware updates for the current lineup of RED cinema cameras from before the acquisition are good news.

Not that there are any signs that these might stop anytime soon, but with the lifecycles of cameras these days, you never know. We also do know that while RED does operate independently in some ways, the company’s technology has been moved further into Nikon’s ecosystem and is likely to be less autonomous in the future.

So, all to say, we’re excited to see some helpful new firmware updates introduced for a few of the company’s most popular cinema cameras, with notable improvements set to come to the V-RAPTOR and KOMODO-X. Here’s what you need to know.

RED Firmware Updates

So, the biggest—and most exciting—news here for RED shooters in 2026 is that the V-RAPTOR and KOMODO-X cameras will receive firmware updates that will improve their overall performance. We’re looking to reduce boot times, reduce power consumption, and add support for new features and connections.

The list of updates for each camera model is actually pretty long and full of notable additions, like a new Sensor Sync Shift interface, Discrete Phantom Track control, ND Iris tracking, and more.

For the full list of significant changes, you can check them out for each camera below.

RED V-RAPTOR Update

Here’s the full list of updates for the RED V-RAPTOR:

• Reduced boot time
• Reduced power consumption
• Added support for Broadcast R3D in RED Connect
• Added support for Phantom Track in RED Connect
• Added Discrete Phantom Track control
• Added new Sensor Sync Shift interface
• Added support for timecode triggered recording
• Added External Tally Recording system
• Added Test Patterns to R3D Project Format
• Added User Buttons Video Overlays
• Added ND Iris Tracking
• Added Angelbird Media Updater (RD4.30)
• Added Angelbird V4 updater (RD5.04)
• Added SDI Signal Range control in Broadcast R3D Playback
• Added SmallHD RED Touch OS 6.1.2
• Added Exascend Essential Pro Max 1TB/2TB support
• Added Nextorage B2 Pro+ 660GB/1330GB support
• Fixed inconsistent max Broadcast Gain
• Fixed 2nd Zebra with SDI 2
• Changed Serial Protocol "Network (PPP)" to "Network RCP2 (PPP)"
• Improved GIG-E and REDConnect network stability
• Improved XL network stability
• Improved Broadcast Lens communication
• Improved sensor sync adjustment timing
• Improved continuously variable ND live preview
• Improved high ISO ProRes recordings and live preview
• Improved Broadcast R3D Detail parameter
• Improved Peaking performance
• Improved network stability

RED KOMODO-X Update

And here’s the full list of updates for the RED KOMODO-X:

• Reduced boot time
• Added Angelbird Media Updater (RD4.30 & RD5.04)
• Added support for timecode triggered recording
• Added new Sensor Sync Shift interface
• Added External Tally Recording system
• Added Test Pattern support
• Added User Buttons Video Overlays
• Added ND Iris Tracking
• Added Exascend Essential Pro Max 1TB/2TB support
• Added Nextorage B2 Pro+ 660GB/1330GB support
• Added SmallHD RED Touch OS 6.1.2 firmware (SmallHD OS 6.1)
• Changed Serial Protocol "Network (PPP)" to "Network RCP2 (PPP)"
• Improved sensor sync adjustment timing
• Improved continuously variable ND live preview
• Improved high ISO ProRes recordings and live preview
• Improved Peaking performance
• Improved network stability
• Improved Broadcast Lens communication

You can find more info on the updates and how to download and install the latest firmware on the company’s website here.