After weeks of ad teases, Red has gone live with its announcement of its DSMC (Digital Stills and Motion Camera) System – which many think will change the way we think about image capture forever.

The hybrid system is available in multiple configurations, based around one of two 'brains' – the Scarlet, or the higher-spec Epic – with sensor sizes available from 2/3-inch to 6x17cm, reportedly delivering still image resolutions ranging from 4.9 million pixels to a whopping 261 million, together with full-frame motion picture capability.

Add to the brains with the many various lenses and accessories, Red is only half-joking when it boasts there are '2,251,799,813,685,248 possibilities (as of today)'.

'An extreme case of multiple personalities' indeed.

'Scarlet will launch in four choices ranging from $2500 (and possibly less) to $12,000 with a variety of lens mounts (yes, Canon and Nikon) capable of shooting 3K @120fps on up to 6K @30fps,' reports Endgadget. 'Epic will offer similar mounts with capabilities spanning 5K @100fps ($28k) to 9K @50fps ($45k) - a 28K system hitting 25fps is expected in 2010 for $55k. Still image resolutions will range from 4.9 megapixels to a freakish 261 megapixels. The first Scarlet systems could come as early as Spring of 2009 while Epic should arrive by summer.'

But there's more. Namely, the unnamed '5D Mark II-killer'.

'We believe, and are developing for late 2009, a replacement for DSLRs,' says Jim Jannard, founder of Red on the RedUser site today. 'Currently, we call it a DSMC (Digital Still & Motion Camera). 'While (insert code name) is not a replacement for Epic or Scarlet, it is strategically targeted at the DSLR space. As Nikon and Canon release their 720P and 1080P, respectively, DSLRs with video capture... Red has a more advanced view of the future. We look forward to rapidly pushing the "big guys" along in feature sets and capabilities.

'Red firmly believes in higher resolution, higher S/N, higher DNR, higher frame rates, smaller bodies, more system flexibility, and many more options as we move forward in camera development.

'The strength of Red is in our sensor development program, "REDCODE", and having no legacy platforms to deal with. That left us free to explore, develop and prepare to deliver a new platform. DSMC.

'We think all our customers already know what the future will bring. They are just afraid to wish for it for fear of disappointment. Fear not. Sleep tight. Red is awake.'

Our friends over at PDN have some background and analysis of the new Scarlet and Epic systems.