Flex4K

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

We test the ISO of every Phantom camera model to the industry standard ISO 12232. We use the SAT method which we believe is the best method for determining a sensor's sensitivity. The SAT method does not use gain to boost sensitivity. When using gain to increase sensitivity, you also boost the noise level. A gain adjustment to boost sensitivity is available on all Phantom cameras using image processing tools, if increased noise can be tolerated.

Per the spec, we will often publish both a Daylight (D) and a Tungsten (T) value because the source of illumination has a significant bearing on the result, particularly with monochrome sensors. When T or D is not specified, it can be assumed that the value published is the Daylight variant.

Please note that most modern Phantom cameras include Exposure Index control, which will boost the apparent ISO through the use of pre-defined tone curves that get applied to the raw images. The exposure index (EI) range is specified by Vision Research per camera model to ensure optimal image quality throughout the range.

We do not manufacturer specialized enclosures such as underwater housings directly. There are manufacturers of underwater housings on the market compatible with Phantom cameras. Here are a few examples:

Gates has a specialized housing for the Flex4K: https://www.gateshousings.com/flex-4k/

Nauticam has an underwater housing for the Phantom VEO (all S-model VEO) https://www.nauticam.com/

Prevco is a subsea engineering consultancy and manufacturer specializing in submersible pressure vessels, instrumentation housings, junction boxes, vent plugs, pressure relief valves and other accessories, also compatible with Phantom cameras

If you supply underwater housings or know of another supplier, please let us know so we can add to this list.

Most Phantom cameras come with a fixed amount of high-speed dynamic RAM. When the camera is in the pre-trigger mode (you've pressed "Capture" in the user interface), the camera is continuously recording images into that memory. When it gets to the end of memory, it cycles back to the beginning and continues recording, constantly overwriting itself – until the camera is triggered. This behavior is called "circular buffer recording".

What you end up actually saving in memory is a function of how you've set up your trigger. It can be set so that only frames that occur after the trigger are saved (100% post trigger). In this mode, once the trigger is pressed any images already in memory are overwritten and you record until memory is full, then it stops. If you set the trigger to stop the recording (0% post trigger) and save all frames up to the time of the trigger, the camera will simply stop recording upon the trigger and all the frames in memory before the trigger will be saved. Finally, you can set the trigger anywhere in the middle, for example having 90% of the recorded movie be what happens prior to the trigger and 10% after the trigger.

Yes you can!  Information on discontinued Phantom cameras is archived. Information on most legacy products can be found in the ‘Support by Model’ section at www.phantomhighspeed.com/support

The Phantom RCU is a legacy solution for Flex, Miro and v-Series models. The Bluetooth dongle that was designed for the RCU also works with the handheld PCU from AbelCine, which is also compatible with most modern Phantom cameras. The Bluetooth dongle is needed for wireless connectivity with the RCU or PCU and connects to Phantom cameras with a “Remote port” (v-Series, UHS and Flex cameras). Note that Miro and VEO camera models do not have a ‘Remote’ port directly on the camera body. However, VEO cameras can be connected using the CAMEO VEObob accessory.
There are two third-party solutions that Vision Research recommends highly because they work for ALL Phantom cameras over their Ethernet connection:

• The Semote handheld remote controller includes a handheld unit and camera unit to transmit the signal. This device provides a connection up to approximately 30 meters.


• The iPhantom app works on any Apple IOS device, and connects to any Phantom camera that has a WiFi router attached to the camera. This is particularly great for VEO S-model cameras (with firmware after version 106), because those cameras include a USB port for a USB WiFi dongle available from Vision Research.

We offer hands-on training for Phantom cameras at our Wayne, New Jersey facility. The two-day class has both lecture and labs for the best learning experience. This class is targeted at applications where the cameras will be used for scientific and engineering applications.
On-site training is available.

For customers outside of North America, who prefer local training, most of our International Sales Partners offer training courses tailored to your needs.

If your application is TV or Motion Picture production, consider training courses targeted at those applications from AbelCine, or other Phantom resellers around the world who focus on the "entertainment" market.

Yes. Look in the General Support Documents page for the CE Declarations here: phantomhighspeed.com/support

Vision Research welcomes slow motion videos from our industrial users as well as our entertainment customers. Submission is easy. Send us an email (phantom@ametek.com ) that explains what you’d like to share. In the body of the email give us all the details about your shoot, equipment used, workflow and anything else you think we need to know. We will send you a permission to use form to complete. This form gives us permission to use your footage and tells us how to credit your work. Once we get the completed form, we’ll work with you to get the footage (we prefer the original cine file). Then, we’ll post your high speed video in the Gallery and on our YouTube channel. Slow motion videos in our Gallery are rotated on a weekly basis and randomly chosen for inclusion into the Gallery.

Vision Research sends out a monthly newsletter that includes product announcements, featured projects and other news. Fill out a Contact form to be added to our email list! http://www.phantomhighspeed.com/Contact-Us/Contact-Form

All Phantom v-Series cameras with the Airborne option (these are no longer shipping) are classified as ECCN 7A994.

All Phantom Miro Airborne and Miro Airborne HD cameras (these are no longer shipping) are classified as ECCN 9A991D.

Any Phantom camera with the FAST option installed (typically this gives you frame rates >= 1,000,000 fps and/or digital exposures < 1 microsecond) such as the Phantom v611, v711, VEO 710 and the Ultrahigh-speed 10, 11, and 12 Series are classified as ECCN 6A003 and are export controlled.

Cameras with ECCN 6A003 can only be exported to these countries with no license required (NLR):
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom.

All other countries require an export license.

All other Phantom cameras are classified as ECCN EAR99.