DSMC2 brain with the 5K Dragon-X sensor — RED's workhorse Super 35 of 2019.
The RED DSMC2 Dragon-X 5K is a digital cinema camera released in 2018, pairing the DSMC2 brain with the Dragon-X sensor, an updated version of the Red Dragon sensor with a revised OLPF and the IPP2 image pipeline. It was positioned as the entry point to the DSMC2 range below the Gemini, Helium and Monstro bodies.
5K Super 35 (25.6x13.5mm) Dragon-X CMOS sensor, REDCODE RAW recording at up to 96fps in 5K full format and 120fps in 4K, with simultaneous Apple ProRes or Avid DNx proxy recording. RED MINI-MAG SSD media, interchangeable lens mount commonly supplied as Canon EF, brain weight around 1.6kg.
As the lowest-cost DSMC2 brain at launch it shares the full DSMC2 accessory and module ecosystem, so rigs built for Gemini or Monstro bodies fit directly. IPP2 colour management matches the more expensive sensors in the line.
Most used examples come from owner-operators or rental fleets; check operating hours, the media bay, fan behaviour and sensor/OLPF condition. MINI-MAG media is discontinued and expensive. The DSMC2 Gemini is the low-light step up; the Komodo 6K is the compact newer alternative.