The Phantom Flex4K produces highly detailed 4K imaging at 1,000 fps. The CineMag recording media enhances workflow capabilities. The Flex4K has been designed specifically for professional cinema applications.
The Phantom Flex4K delivers low noise, high resolution 4K imaging at super 35mm format. The full- size images are delivered via 9.4 Gpx throughput in the Cine Raw file format. With up to 1,000 fps in 4K the images are compatible with major color grading and video editing applications and support standard sync-sound frame rates.
Lens mount options increase the operator flexibility and are interchangeable between PL, Canon EF (with electronic control), and Nikon F. The ability to change mounts encourages shot variety and decreases workflow difficulty between shots.
The Flex4K features a complete on-camera control interface view a menu system. 100% un-tethered operation is possible through battery mounts and remote-control options.
Resolution | FPS |
---|---|
4096 x 2304 | 938 |
4096 x 2160 | 1,000 |
2048 x 1152 | 1,900 |
1920 x 1080* | 1,977 |
1280 x 720* | 2,932 |
Activate ProRes recording using the CineMag menu on the Flex4K or in the Flash Memory menu in PCC. Select between Cine Raw (Packed 10) and ProRes 422 HQ as format options.
Hardware: CineMag IV and CineMag IV-PRO mags are required for ProRes recording. The newer CineMag V does not support this feature.
Resolution: When working with ProRes, the camera must be set to full sensor resolution 4096 x 2304 (however - when using CMIV-PRO 2048 x 1152 is also available). ProRes files can be saved to the CineMag as 4K or scaled 2K resolution. The CineMag IV will not support any other resolutions to record when set to ProRes. In LOOP mode, you can still capture to RAM at other resolutions, but the recording will default to RAW when saved to the CineMag.
Frame rates and save times: In Run/Stop (RS) mode the camera will allow up to 30 fps direct to a CineMag IV, and 120 fps with a CineMag IV-PRO. 2K ProRes recording at higher frame rates is also available on the CineMag IV-PRO.
In LOOP mode, the camera will allow up to 938 fps to RAM, before the file is saved to the CineMag. Saving in ProRes HQ mode takes about 3 times longer to the CineMag IV than saving RAW. CineMag IV-PRO mags are much faster, and actually the save time is equal to saving RAW. The files in the mag are about 2.5X smaller than the un-interpolated RAW files, and take that much shorter to save from the camera or CineStation IV.
Over 5 hours of 24 fps ProRes HQ footage can be stored on a 2TB CineMag IV.
Video playback from the camera body: The camera body will allow for HDSDI video playback of the ProRes files, however it’s a little different than working with RAW. The camera must load the files for playback, which takes about 5 seconds. During this 5 second “switchover” the word “loading” is on the camera menu. This process will happen automatically each time a ProRes file is recorded into the mag or playback is initiated.
Also unique to ProRes playback are the supported video formats. 1080p, 1080psf and 4Kp video modes allow for playback at ZOOM: fit and ZOOM: 1 settings. 1080psf playback actually switches to 1080p during ProRes playback, then switches back to psf for live monitoring and RAW playback.
Not supported are 1080i, 720p modes, anamorphic settings and larger zoom settings.
Vision Research chose to enable ProRes 422 HQ as the initial format, based on the inherent quality and compression value when compared to Cine Raw files. We feel that if higher quality is required, then Cine RAW is a better option. And lower quality formats are more likely used in addition to the Cine RAW, which are better left to be converted outside of the camera.
We do not have plans to add other ProRes formats at this time.The most obvious difference is the pixel resolution: The original Phantom Flex (aka Flex 2K), has a 2.5K sensor and the Flex4K has a full 4K sensor. There are many other differences, which we have tried to capture here:
Recording media
The Flex (2K) uses the CineMag or CineMag II non-volatile magazines. These mount to the top of the camera.
The Flex4K is compatible with CineMag IV and V. These mount in the side camera enclosure of the Flex4K, and are not compatible with the earlier cameras.
In both cases, Raw Cine files are transferred from RAM (or recorded directly) at speeds over 800 Mpx/second. The CineMag IV (and CineMag IV-PRO) includes the option for ProRes recording to save space and increase total record time.
Image properties
The Flex (2K) has a maximum resolution of 2560 x 1600 on a super 35mm CMOS sensor. The pixel size is 10 microns. The Flex4K is also super-35mm but with a full resolution of 4096 x 2304 and with 6.75 micron pixels.
The dynamic range is higher, and the overall noise level of the Flex4K is significantly lower than the Flex (2K).
The base sensitivity of the Flex4K is ISO 250T, and the exposure index can extend the image up to over 1000 (ISO equivalent) without significant loss of image quality. The Flex (2K) has a base sensitivity of ISO 1000T, but we don’t recommend pushing the exposure index on that camera in order to maintain the optimum image quality.
Another difference is that the Flex4K has a progressive scan shutter (with less than 1ms scan time), and the Flex (2K) has a global shutter.
Regarding color processing, the Flex4K operates from the newer Phantom protocol, which lets you set the white balance in Kelvin as opposed to RGB gains like previous Phantom cameras. Powerful image processing controls like tone curves and color matrix are also possible with the Flex4K.
On-camera controls
The Flex (2K) has basic controls on the left side of the camera. The camera needs to be connected to a viewfinder or monitor to see the menu and settings change.
The Flex4K has similar controls on the left side, but on the right side there is a new full menu system that lets you control every setup and control parameter of the camera. This full menu is displayed on a built-in LCD screen.
Power & battery control
The Flex (2K) has two 24-volt power inputs. One can be used as the main AC power (220 watt power supply), and the other can be connected to a stand battery to use as a battery backup. OR, power the camera with a stand battery (like the Anton Bauer VCLX series)
The Flex4K has one 24-volt power input, and three standard battery backs are available that support Hawk-Woods, V-Lock and AB-Gold mount batteries. When using 14.4 volts only high-capacity batteries are recommended.
Video features
The Flex (2K) has two 1.5G HD-SDI outputs and one component video signal, and they all output an identical scaled 1080p or 720p output. The two outputs can work together to provide a 4:4:4 1080p signal.
The Flex4K has three main HDSDI outputs that can output at either 1.5G or 3G, and an additional SDI for viewfinder. Two of the outputs can be used together for a dual-link 4K signal. The camera can be set to continuously monitor the live feed where 2 of the outputs play back what was captured to camera RAM or the CineMag IV. The cameras outputs can also switch between Rec709 and Phantom LOG mode for monitoring purposes.The record time is completely dependent on the camera’s resolution, frame rate, and the size of memory that is being recorded to. At the camera’s maximum resolution and frame rate the camera will capture 10 seconds of video to 128GB of RAM.
Visit our Record Time Calculator.
The camera body weighs in at 14 lbs (6.3kg) and the size is 11.5 x 5. x 7.9 in (LxWxH); 29.2 x 14 x 20cm. It is roughly the size of the original Flex.
Download the Flex4K Mechanical Drawing