Phantom Flex

Sublab is proud to offer Vision Research’s newest high-speed camera—the Phantom Flex. Packing a four megapixel colour CMOS sensor (2560 x 1600 pixels), it can record at speeds anywhere from 10 up to 2570 frames-per-second (fps) and in a variety of formats. To learn more, consult the article about the FPS/resolution chart in the technical specifications.

In Phantom HQ Mode­—Vision Research’s image enhancement technology—the new digital camera creates deep and stable blacks, low noise, and as wide a dynamic range as any other traditional digital camera. The camera’s sensitivity is moreover 1200 ISO (measured using ISO 12232 SAT method), which translates into major savings in lighting and enhanced comfort for the chief operators.

Flex for flexibility: In addition to being CineMag compatible, the Phantom Flex has a 12-bit dual-link HD-SDI port, making it possible to combine two workflows (raw digital and 4:4:4 video).

As far as accessories go, the Flex features two 12 V auxiliary power outputs, two ports, not to mention an internal mechanical shutter. The camera team can therefore do black balancing in SQ mode without using the manual shutter, camera positioning is made easier, and a range of previously impossible shots are opened up, all the while guaranteeing the ultimate in image quality.

Driven by our clients’ specific needs, Sublab offers personalized rental and support services. Thanks to multiple partnerships with other audiovisual purveyors, Sublab is able to fulfill all your equipment needs—or fill in any gaps. And if your imaging needs seem complicated or even out of the ordinary, feel free to contact us—that’s what we thrive on. See for yourself by checking out our sample work on our Web site.

 Resolution Max. : 2560 pixels x 1600 pixels
 Nombres de Pixels : 4 194 304 pixels
 Pixel Bit Depth : 12 bit
 Dimension capteur : 25.6 mm x 16.0 mm
 ISO : 1000 ( 500 ASA, 25 fps, 180° shutter)
 Type d’obturateur : Global electronic shutter
 High-Speed (DRAM) Memory : 32GB integrated
 Monture Optique : PL Mount
 DC Power / Battery : Yes; Two +24VDC power inputs to allow for “hot swapping” power
 Video Out : 2 x 4:2:2 HD-SDI video ports, can be configured as dual-link 4:4:4 video, viewfinder HD couleur
 Dimensions corps caméra : 31.1 cm x 14 cm x 12.7 cm
 Poids : 4,75 kg (sans cinemag ni optique)
 Ethernet Connectivity Gigabit Ethernet : 1000BASE-T

and more...

 -HQ Mode ensures stable blacks and significantly improves dynamic range  -Phantom CineMag compatible  -Hands-free internal mechanical shutter for black referencing  -Genlock for synchronizing video playback—essential for 3-D video workflows  -Timecode in/out - Dual-fan with silent mode for shooting sound

 What is Phantom Flex’s SQ mode?

In standard (SQ) mode, the Phantom Flex is just like the Phantom HD Gold. In this mode at a resolution of 4 megapixels (2560 x 1600 pixels), the Phantom Flex is capable of shooting anywhere from 10 up to 1560 ftp. By reducing the resolution, it can reach a recording speed of 2800 ftp at 1080P (1920 x 1080), while at 720P (1280 x 720), its maximum speed is 6100 ftp.

 What is Phantom Flex’s HQ mode?

The Phantom Flex is the only camera offering HQ mode. This technology, developed by Vision Research, is based on multiple samples per image. Simply put, the camera records the image several times and completely removes the pixels between the images thus decreasing the noise. The resulting image quality (dynamic range, noise reduction, and stable blacks) is significantly better. Hence in HQ mode, it is no longer necessary to conduct pre-shot black references. In HQ mode, the Phantom Flex’s maximum speeds are almost half of those in SQ mode (get a preview of the speeds in the chart in the technical specifications or by referring to the Recording time calculator below).

 What kind of memory does Sublab’s Phantom Flex have?

To take full advantage of the Phantom Flex’s resolution, Sublab offers a camera with 32 GB of internal memory, in other words, the maximum available. Actually, in HQ mode or at very high speeds in SQ mode, this much memory provides roughly the same recording times as our Phantom HD Gold 16 GB. And to download it all? Well, we were just getting to that.

  What recording possibilities does the Phantom Flex offer ?

The Flex camera proposes two workflows for exporting rushes: a raw digital workflow, a video workflow, or a combination of both.

With a video workflow, the Phantom Flex offers a video signal on the dual-link HD-SDI ports, allowing you to control and record on your favourite digital or tape-based unit without further converting the images to 4:4:4.

And just like the Phantom HD Gold, the Flex is also cinemags compatible for fast downloading during takes and finding the classic raw workflow.

The aptly named Phantom Flex is a perfect fit for Sublab’s services and development. Actually, using fibre optics for downloading in our digital lab has already given us a leg up in on-set downloading (we’re seven times faster than our competitors) and viewing and controlling rushes (in 2- and 3-D), for a streamlined and more economical post-production workflow.

  The Phantom HD Gold sensor vs. the Flex sensor

In terms of size and resolution, here is a very interesting comparison of the two sensors. Sensibility-wise, the Flex boasts 500 ASA (25 ftp, 180 shutter), i.e., close to two stops more than the Phantom HD Gold. Lighting is therefore less expensive and less cumbersome.

  A few useful links :

Recording time calculator

This freeware lets you convert your Phantom .cine sequences to a number of other file formats: Cineviewer 765

 Be sure to check outFAQ de la Phantom HD Gold for more information on recording with a high-speed digital camera and on Sublab’s accessories and locations.