When it comes to high-end cinema cameras, ARRI and RED are two of the most respected names in the industry. The ARRI Alexa Mini and the RED Komodo are both compact yet powerful cameras that cater to different types of productions. If you’re looking to invest in or rent one of these cameras for your next shoot, understanding their differences is crucial.

At NCJ Digital, we have extensive experience with high-end cinema gear, and in this blog, we’ll break down the strengths and weaknesses of both cameras to help you determine which is the best fit for your project.

 

1. Sensor & Image Quality

 

ARRI Alexa Mini

• Sensor: ALEV III (same as Alexa XT and Mini LF)
• Resolution: Up to 3.4K (Open Gate)
• Dynamic Range: 14+ stops
• Color Science: ARRI’s industry-leading color science with natural skin tones and organic highlight roll-off

 

RED Komodo

• Sensor: 6K Super 35mm Global Shutter CMOS
• Resolution: 6K (6144 × 3240)
• Dynamic Range: 16+ stops
• Color Science: RED’s IPP2 pipeline offers flexibility in post-production

Winner: Depends on your needs. If you prioritize the “ARRI look” with exceptional highlight roll-off and color rendition, the Alexa Mini is the way to go. However, if higher resolution and a global shutter are critical for your production, the RED Komodo takes the lead.

 

2. Form Factor & Build Quality

 

ARRI Alexa Mini

• Weight: ~5 lbs (body only)
• Build: Rugged, designed for high-end production
• Modularity: Can be built up for large productions or stripped down for gimbal and Steadicam work

 

RED Komodo

• Weight: ~2.1 lbs (body only)
• Build: Compact cube design, made for portability
• Modularity: Requires accessories to be fully functional

Winner: RED Komodo for size and portability. If you’re flying on a drone, gimbal, or doing run-and-gun shooting, the Komodo’s small form factor is a huge advantage. However, the Alexa Mini is more robust and adaptable to larger productions.

 

3. Lens Mount & Compatibility

 

ARRI Alexa Mini

• Native Mount: PL (with optional EF mount adapter)
• Lens Compatibility: High-end cinema lenses (Cooke, Zeiss, Angénieux, etc.)

 

RED Komodo

• Native Mount: Canon RF (supports EF with an adapter)
• Lens Compatibility: Canon RF, EF, and cinema glass with adapters

Winner: Depends on your lens kit. If you work primarily with PL-mount cinema lenses, the Alexa Mini is the clear choice. The RED Komodo shines for productions using Canon RF and EF glass.

 

4. Codecs & Workflow

 

ARRI Alexa Mini

• Codec Options: ProRes 4444, ProRes 422, ARRIRAW (with license)
• Workflow: Easy to edit, optimized for high-end post-production

 

RED Komodo

• Codec Options: REDCODE RAW (R3D), ProRes (Proxy)
• Workflow: Requires more processing power, but offers more flexibility in post

Winner: Alexa Mini for an easier post-production workflow, especially if shooting ProRes. The Komodo’s R3D files offer more flexibility in post, but require more powerful editing systems.

 

5. Power & Battery Life

 

ARRI Alexa Mini

• Power: 24V system, V-mount or Gold-mount batteries
• Battery Life: Moderate, depends on accessories

 

RED Komodo

• Power: Canon BP-955/BP-975 batteries or V-mount with adapter
• Battery Life: Excellent, with long runtimes on BP batteries

Winner: RED Komodo. Its Canon BP battery support makes it more convenient for smaller setups without the need for bulky V-mount solutions.

 

6. Price & Accessibility

 

ARRI Alexa Mini

• New Price: Discontinued, but available used for $25,000+
• Rental Cost: $500-$1,000/day

RED Komodo

• New Price: $5,995 (body only)
• Rental Cost: $250-$500/day

Winner: RED Komodo. If budget is a concern, the Komodo is significantly more affordable to own and rent.

 

Which Camera is Right for You?

 

Choose Alexa Mini if:

✅ You need the best cinematic image quality and dynamic range

✅ You’re working on high-end commercials, features, or TV

✅ You want ARRI’s color science and ProRes workflow

✅ You’re using PL-mount cinema lenses

 

Choose RED Komodo if:

✅ You need a small, lightweight, and budget-friendly camera

✅ You’re shooting handheld, on a gimbal, or drone

✅ You want 6K resolution with a global shutter

✅ You prefer Canon RF/EF lenses and a more modular setup

Final Thoughts

Both the Alexa Mini and RED Komodo are powerful tools, but they serve different purposes. If you’re working on a Hollywood-level production, the Alexa Mini remains one of the best choices in the industry. If you need a compact, high-resolution, and budget-conscious camera, the RED Komodo is an outstanding option.

At NCJ Digital, we offer professional camera rentals and can help you choose the best gear for your next shoot. Contact us to rent a Cooke Optics S4/i lens set or a fully rigged cinema package to match your production needs.

 

Want more camera comparisons? Let us know in the comments!