Phantom Flex4K - flexible enough to cater to different production styles

Built on Phantom award-winning technology, the Phantom Flex4k provides the best of both worlds by offering features found in the latest cine cameras with those found only in speciality cameras.

Adaptable and feature-rich
This full-featured digital camera is capable of capture speeds that range from standard frame rates; to 1000 frames-per-second at 4K pixel resolution; to 2000 frames-per-second at 2K pixel resolution.

The ability to shoot in variable frame rates is not the only benefit. The Phantom Flex4K also offers a flexible workflow by providing the option to record either uncompressed raw or with industry-standard compression. Add to that, the ability to move data quickly using the latest in non-volatile storage. Plus, a complete on-camera control menu does away with the need for a computer on set.

Advantages for the cinematographer
Specially designed
With the ability to shoot from inside-studio right through to shooting in extreme and varied conditions, the Phantom Flex4K is specifically designed for the cinematographer's convenience in mind.

Simplicity, flexibility and convenience
Controlling the camera is made easy and intuitive with a comprehensive on-camera control interface for both basic and advanced camera operation. Capture and recording parameters can be set up before the shoot while still retaining the ability for immediate adjustment of common parameters (eg frame rate and exposure settings) by pushing a button. Additionally, a seamless workflow for different shooting environments is provided by having a capture, trigger, playback and save controls on both sides of the camera. Remote control is also possible with a handheld Phantom RCU.

Workflow features
Performance characteristics
Offering 35mm depth-of-field at 4K resolution, the camera's 9.4 megapixel sensor captures in exceptional detail with an impressive dynamic range and low noise, providing excellent image quality and low-light performance. (The sensor's low-noise performance capability allows for the effective ISO to be dialed in with the camera's Exposure Index function without significant loss of image quality). Additionally, clever temperature control and a streamlined design enables quick-shooting while maintaining an ultra-stable image.

Bundled PC- and Mac-based Workflow software solutions
The Phantom Flex4k ships with both Windows- and Mac-based download solutions. Further, one licence of Glue Tools Cine Toolkit and Seance download software for the Mac is also provided which facilitates the downloading of Cine raw files directly in Mac OSX as well as provide direct compatibility with most Quicktime-based edit and colour-grading software.

Also included is the PC-only Phantom PCC controller software for downloading, file conversion and full camera control with now includes both h.264 and Apple ProRes encoding for Phantom Cine raw files.

Expanded recording options
The camera's option of 64 GB internal RAM enables "loop mode" to be selected for the fastest high-speed workflow as it allows recording into the RAM buffer at the camera's top speed. The camera can then be triggered to offload the files quickly to an attached Phantom CineMag IV hot-swappable, recording media, available in sizes up to 2TB. Longer recording times using run/stop mode can be delivered directly to the CineMag IV. This option is especially valuable when ultra-high speed is not required. (At 24 fps, almost two hours of raw 4K footage can be recorded directly into the CineMag.)

Another workflow option is the capacity to record the HD-SDI video playback with a video-based field recorder. Easy to find and to use, these devices advantage of the camera's in-camera video scaling for high-quality 4:4:4 1080p or 4:2:2 4K video via two 3G HD-SDI outputs.

File compression
Phantom cameras generate Cine raw files that are uncompressed and maintain the maximum information for post-processing. Being compatible with many of the industry's top colour-grading software packages, the files can also be converted to a variety of formats using the shipped software.

Image monitoring and video outputs
Each of the camera’s 4x total 3G HD-SDI outputs, and 1x return is customizable for monitoring with adjustable frame guides, and/or a clean output for use with field recorders. All HD-SDI outputs support video scaling for a sharp 4:4:4 1080p output of the camera’s full sensor. Two of the 3G HD-SDI outputs can also be combined for a 4:2:2 ultra-HD signal, which will allow the full resolution to be viewed on 4K production monitors.

Vision Research Phantom Flex4k Camera Datasheet