Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit, which starts shooting in February in New Zealand, will use 30 Epic cameras from Red Digital Cinema.

It will be the first significant production shot using the new cameras which promise 5k resolution, and up to 120 frames per second recording.

The 5k resolution refers to the size of the camera’s imaging sensor which can register 5120 x 2700 pixels or six times that of conventional high definition cameras.

The film is also being shot in 3D, hence Jackson’s requirement for pairing 30 units together on 3Ality Digital rigs.

In a press statement, Jackson said: “Many competing digital systems require the cameras to be tethered to large cumbersome VTR machines. The Epic gives us back the ability to be totally cable free, even when working in stereo.”

Also, the current shoot for Spider-Man directed by Marc Webb, will use a similar combination of Red Epics paired with 3Ality Digital rigs.