The RED DSMC2 Helium 8K arrived in 2016, carrying the Helium sensor in the modular DSMC2 brain first as the Weapon Helium and then in the more affordable Epic-W grade. It sat above the Gemini and Dragon-X in resolution within RED's Super 35 line until the DSMC2 range was retired in favour of Komodo and V-Raptor.
The Helium sensor is a 35.4-megapixel Super 35 CMOS measuring 29.9 x 15.77mm, recording 8K REDCODE RAW up to 30 frames per second at full width and higher rates at lower resolutions, with ProRes and DNx options alongside. The brain weighs about 1.5kg, records to RED MINI-MAG SSDs and takes interchangeable Canon EF or PL mounts plus modular I/O, power and monitoring expanders.
Against the low-light Gemini and the 5K Dragon-X, the Helium trades sensitivity for resolution, giving 8K masters and generous reframing room from a Super 35 window. Kits vary widely because the modular brain needs media, power and monitoring added, so complete packages carry real premiums over bare brains.
Sensor hours matter less than media and modules: confirm the MINI-MAGs, expander, EVF and batteries included, since replacing them is costly. Check the OLPF is present and unmarked and that firmware is current. Epic-W and Weapon grades share the sensor, so compare kits on bundled parts rather than badge.