Vision Research Phantom Flex4K Manual
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Vision Research Phantom Flex4K Manual

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Flex4K
P H A N T O M
M A N U A L
PN: ZDOC-64105-MA-0001 Rev 1
When it's too fast to see, and too important not to.
®

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  • Page 1 Flex4K P H A N T O M M A N U A L PN: ZDOC-64105-MA-0001 Rev 1 When it’s too fast to see, and too important not to. ®...
  • Page 2 PN: ZDOC-64101-MA-0001 Rev2 Last Updated: October 2016 Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 3 ® Phantom Flex4K M A N U A L 100 Dey Road Wayne, NJ 07470 USA +1.973.696.4500 www.phantomhighspeed.com...
  • Page 4 Written and produced by the Marketing Department at Vision Research. The contents of this manual are subject to change without notification. PN: ZDOC-64101-MA-0001 Rev2 06.10.2012...

  • Page 5: Table Of Contents

    C o n t e n t s Camera Overview Connectors Quick Start Guide On-Camera Controls Phantom CineMag IV & CineStation IV Control via Phantom Software Download & Image Processing Video Configurations Accessories Support Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 6 • Video outputs can switch between Rec709 and Phantom Log • Viewfinder: Camera supports both component and HD-SDI-based viewfinders. Vision Research offers a full HD OLED EVF. • Optional interchangeable battery mounts • Lens mount: PL standard, interchangeable w/ Nikon F and Canon EF •...

  • Page 7: Camera Overview

    Camera Overview Introduction The Phantom Flex4K is a digital cinema camera capable of shooting standard sync-sound or ultra slow-motion frame rates up to 1,000 frames-per-second (fps) at 4K resolution, and up to approximately 2,000 fps at 2K. A proprietary super-35mm 4K CMOS sensor provides ultra low-noise images with exceptional detail and a wide dynamic range.
  • Page 8 Exposure index (EI) range: from 250 to 1250 Recommended EI: 800 - 1000 Camera Controls Controlling the Phantom Flex4K is easier than ever with a full-featured on-camera control interface for both basic and advanced camera operation. Set up universal capture...
  • Page 9 File formats Like previous Phantom cameras, the Flex4K records Vision Research’s proprietary Cine Raw format. These files are captured in 12-bit and efficiently saved to the CineMag IV in a 10-bit ‘packed’ format. The Cine Raw files are compatible with many of the industry’s top editing...
  • Page 10 Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 11: Connectors

    Connectors Monitor 3G HD-SDI output – Supports 1080/720p standards. Rec B 3G HD-SDI output – Both Rec A and Rec B support 1080/720p standards or combine them for a dual-link Rec A 4K video output. Return 3G HD-SDI input – Accepts feed from separate source, switches monitor output.
  • Page 12 Camera view front (left) Camera view front (right) Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 13 (HD-SDI) Viewfinder Standard BNC – For SDI-based viewfinders – Including the Phantom OLED HD EVF. 4-pin Hirose – For 12V viewfinder or on-camera VF PWR monitor power. Component VF 7-pin Fischer – Provides +12V power and component signal for viewfinders such as the Sony HDVF35W. Also works with the Phantom YPRPB cable.
  • Page 14 Phantom CineMag Door Release Latch to open and close the Phantom CineMag door. Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 15: Quick Start Guide

    Quick Start Guide Connect the Phantom power supply or suitable power Power Up Camera (+12 - 28 VDC) to the Power input. Setup Video Monitor Connect and power an HD-SDI monitor and/or viewfinder to the Mon or VF HD-SDI connectors Insert a Phantom CineMag IV, if available.
  • Page 16 Press the button above ‘Save’ to save the marked Save to Phantom CineMag IV portion of the selected cine to a Phantom CineMag IV (This option is disabled when playing back a cine from the mag). Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 17 Review the File Saved to CineMag Switch from playing the RAM cine to the latest CineMag cine and scrub through the playback to confirm the save. Re-Arm the Camera Tap the trigger to return to live. Hold down the trigger button for 2 seconds to start the next recording.
  • Page 18 Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 19: On-Camera Controls

    On-Camera Controls Lock By default, long press locks all menu buttons. Cycles through video tools: Zoom 1; Zoom 2; and Tools threshold for exposure assist. Long press initiates BREF (black reference). User Button is not active Enters playback menu allowing takes to be played, Play edited, and saved to Phantom CineMag IV.
  • Page 20 Tools Playback User 2 / Reverse User 1 / Forward Trigger Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 21 Left side button functions vary based on the camera’s operational mode, as follows: Live Mode - Short press cycles through video tools: Tools Zoom 1; Zoom 2; Threshold. Live Mode - Long press initiates BREF (black reference). Playback Mode – Tap for reverse playback. Hold in for fast-reverse Playback Live Mode - Short press starts playback of last take...
  • Page 22 Sets the white balance for the current lighting conditions, manually or automatically. EI (Exposure Index) EI (Exposure Index) represents the camera’s apparent light sensitivity & is derived from the base ‘ISO’ plus image adjustments. Sets the acquisition resolution (width x height), Resolution in pixels. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 23 Mode A long press switches the camera between Loop mode and Run/Stop Mode (for longer duration direct CineMag recording). Camera Status The symbol changes based on the camera’s state: Live: The camera is not recording and a live image is displayed from all SDI ports.
  • Page 24 Tap to change. Frame Rate (FPS) / Sync (Clock) ‘FPS’ defines the speed (Frame Rate) of camera capture. The available speeds will change according to the resolution and mode selected. Smaller resolutions generally allow for higher speeds. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 25 Use the control knob to scroll through the available settings, and push to select. A long press above the User < > fields will save the current frame rate, for easy access later. ‘Sync’ instructs the camera to utilize one of the following frame sync clock sources: •...
  • Page 26 When the camera’s video output is set to ‘Log’ mode, the EI can not be adjusted, and must be used as a reference only. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 27 Mode Mode specifies the operational ‘Mode’ of the camera in relation to CineMag recording • Loop Mode - image data is recorded to camera internal memory (RAM buffer / circular buffer) prior to saving it to an attached Phantom CineMag IV or external hard drive.
  • Page 28 1920 x 1080 crop 16:9 4096 x 2160 native DCI 1280 x 720 scaled 16:9 4096 x 2216 native 1.85:1 1280 x 720 crop 16:9 4096 x 1712 native 2.39:1 3840 x 2160 cropped 16:9 *subject to change Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 29 Common 4K resolutions Common 2K & windowed resolutions Chapter 4: On-Camera Controls...
  • Page 30 Cine timeline bar with trigger point, play head position and in/out point indicators. Selected frame count and playback duration based on current video settings. Playhead position. Scrub setting to fine tune play position (tap the select knob to change). Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 31 Press ‘Playback’ button to start playback of last take Navigation (whether in RAM or Phantom CineMag IV). Tap the ‘Return’ button to access previous screen. Tap ‘Trigger’ button to jump to ‘Home’ menu. The video will return to ‘Live’ state, unless multi-cine (partitions) are in use.
  • Page 32 Toe: Adjusts the lower portion of the gamma curve only. Lowering the toe value will lift the shadow detail without affecting the highlights. By default, this setting is 1.0, and it can be set in the range between 0.1 and 1.0. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 33 Exposure Index (E.I.) value, and allow you to achieve equivalent ISO values higher than the preset values. Vision Research recommends not adding too much Gain (keep it around the default value of 1.0) in order to maintain the highest image quality.
  • Page 34 VF and/or MON outputs. Anamorphic: The camera can accommodate a 2.0x or 1.33x de-squeeze compensation for anamorphic lenses. This only applies to the video outputs, and only to 1080p 23.98, 24, 25, 29.9 and 30 signals. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 35 Color Bars: Display SMPTE HD Color bars on video outputs. Auto Playback: When enabled, RAM Cines will automatically play back after a trigger is received. Format: Choose between Cine Raw and ProRes 422 HQ CineMag as recording formats. Dual Save: When enabled, a back-to-back save is done in both Cine Raw and ProRes 422 HQ formats.
  • Page 36 This takes approximately 30 seconds to load once selected. The ‘About’ sub-menu displays unique information about About the camera including: Camera name, serial number, IP address, the current firmware, and the current temperature information of the camera. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 37 Flex4K Mini-BOB and The Flex4K’s Sync port is compatible with a multi-bnc capture cable and Phantom Mini-Break out Box Capture Cable (commonly known as the Mini-BOB). Both of these accessories provide the same functions, however the Mini-BOB is designed to mount to the top of the camera (as pictured) for better cable management.
  • Page 38 When the erase-protect switch is Green for read activity in the lock position, the CineMag IV indicates recording cannot be erased. Use an appropriate Orange indicates erasing tool, such as a micro-flathead screwdriver to flip the switch. Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 39: Phantom Cinemag Iv & Cinestation

    & CineStation IV Introduction The Phantom CineMag IV is a high-speed solid-state storage module, compatible with the Phantom Flex4K for recording, and the CineStation IV for downloading. It records raw sensor data in 10-bit packed format, and differs significantly from a traditional hard drive or solid- state disk in that there is no file system.
  • Page 40 CineMag before removing it. Unless recorded as ProRes, Vision Research recommends Saving from a CineMag IV that you save the clips from a CineMag IV as Cine Raw files, even though it is possible to save them in a number...
  • Page 41 The 10-bit ‘Packed’ format is the default when saving Cine Raw files from a CineMag IV. This results in smaller, more manageable files than the 12-bit ‘unpacked’ format, and with no quality loss. If you are using 3rd party post production software to read the Cine Raw files, please ensure they are compatible with this ‘packed’...
  • Page 42 CineMag IV. When locked, the CineMag can be recorded to, but not erased. If you find it impossible to erase the CineMag check that the erase protect switch is in the unlocked position. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 43 Phantom CineStation IV The CineStation IV is a simple device meant to quickly and efficiently download the contents of a CineMag IV. When connected to a computer running Phantom software, a CineStation behaves almost identically to a camera, except that no capture or live functions will be enabled. The CineStation IV comes standard with both a 1Gb and Connecting a CineStation IV 10Gb Ethernet port.
  • Page 44 10G Network settings 10G Network IP: 172.16.0.1 Subnet: 255.255.0.0 At the time of this writing, Vision Research recommends Intel X540 10G PCI Express cards with modern Windows operating systems. On computers (Mac or Windows) with a Thunderbolt port, there are several Thunderbolt-to-10G conversion devices available.

  • Page 45: Control Via Phantom Software

    Windows 7, 8.1 and 10. The computer and camera must be associated with the same sub-network to communicate with one another. Vision Research has preset IP address (100.100.x.x) with a subnet mask (255.255.0.0) to the camera. Typically the IP address 100.100.100.1 / 255.255.0.0 is defined to the control computer.
  • Page 46 PVP can be launched directly from the desktop, or by PVP (Phantom Video Player) clicking the ‘Video Out’ toolbar button in PCC. Application Overview PVP controls only the camera’s HD-SDI outputs as connected to a compatible SDI monitor. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 47 PVP, provides the ability to view, capture, review, edit, and/ or save a Cine recorded into the camera’s RAM to a hard drive, or installed Phantom CineMag IV. PVP is extremely effective when used with the high-resolution cameras since most computers are not powerful enough to view the live or captured raw files smoothly.
  • Page 48 You probably will want this set to degrees. The other unit to set is PTF (Post Trigger Frames) covered later in this section. The Phantom Flex4K does not support EDR (Extreme Dynamic Range) exposure. Double-click the camera(s) to be controlled listed in the Selecting a Camera ‘Manager’...
  • Page 49 You can adjust the display options by clicking on the ‘Image Tools’ toolbar button. The ‘Image Tools’ window is used to view a ‘Histogram’ and change settings that affect the computer display and the video output of the camera. Some of the variables include; brightness, gain, gamma, saturation, hue, white balance adjustments (Temp (K) and Tint), individual red, green and blue pedestal, gain and gamma values, tone control, and more.
  • Page 50 Just below the ‘Camera’ selector in the ‘Live’ tab are a series of expandable headers, which contain groups of related camera settings. This manual will cover the most commonly used settings, see the ‘Pcc Help’ file for details of other settings. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 51 Camera Settings Set Time: Synchronizes the time stamps embedded in the recorded image data to the computer’s clock. & Cine Settings Bit Depth: The Flex4K camera operates in 12-bit mode Camera Settings are used only. to set and recall the overall camera system parameters.
  • Page 52 • LockToVideo - Frame rate is driven by the camera’s current video rate. FPS will jump to the closest multiple of the current video rate (23.98, 24, 25, 29.97 or 30). Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 53 Flash Memory Specifies the camera’s operation mode in relation to CineMag recording: Loop (record to RAM first) or R/S (bypass RAM and record directly to CineMag). It also displays the amount of ‘Free’ space and size (in Gigabytes) of the Phantom CineMag IV. Recording a Cine In ‘Loop’...
  • Page 54 Right-Click on the ‘Play’ button to begin the image search. Besides image content changes, Image Search can also look for images that are tagged as ‘Event’ images. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 55 Editing a Cine Using the following ‘Video Control’ buttons locate the first image of the cine to be saved and click the ‘Mark-In’ button. Locate the last image of the cine to be saved and click the ‘Mark-Out’ button. Click ‘Play, Speed, & Option’ and enable (check) ‘Limit to Range’.
  • Page 56 PCC. It can be used to adjust image processing parameters including; brightness, gain, gamma, toe, saturation, white balance and more. Any image tools adjustments will also apply to the PCC live image and the metadata in saved Cine Raw files. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 57 The Main PVP window Basic capture and playback are performed from the main ‘PVP’ window. The ‘Capture’ button starts recording to RAM when the camera is in ‘Loop’ mode. Press ‘Trigger’ to stop recording. Switch to the desired clip to view by selecting it in the ‘Cine:’...
  • Page 58 Séance keeps Cine files organized, allows for multiple save destinations, queued saves and maintains all Cine metadata. Complete documentation for how to use Séance can be found within the software. Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 59: Download & Image Processing

    Download & Image Processing The images recorded on the camera’s RAM or Phantom CineMag IV are stored in a Vision Research proprietary RAW (uncompressed) file structure called a ‘Cine’ file. These Cine files can be converted to industry standard formats (ProRes, H264, DPX, DNG, TIFF, JPEG, and more) with PCC software provided by Vision Resaerch.
  • Page 60 With each Flex4K purchase Vision Research is supplying one license of Glue Tools Séance and the Cine Toolkit for the Flex4K. This is a special package designed to work with files from the Flex4K only, however an upgrade is available for the full version (which works with Cine files from all Phantom products) from the Glue Tools website.
  • Page 61 To convert a cine clip into a sequence of images (frames) you must add one of the following annotations to the end of the file name: ‘!n’ or ‘+n (where n is the number between 1 to 8). This will assign the sequential frame numbers to the file name for each frame being created.
  • Page 62 file extension to each image. Once the ‘Convert’ button is clicked a progress window appears. Each converted cine will be placed in it’s own folder named after the original cine file. Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 63: Video Configurations

    Video Configurations Features The Flex4K has three main 3G HD-SDI outputs, one additional HD-SDI output reserved for viewfinder, a component viewfinder signal and one 3G HD-SDI input for a return feed and Genlock. The three main outputs can switch between 3G and 1.5G, and two of them can be used together for a dual-link Ultra-HD (4K) signal.
  • Page 64 • 4:2:2 4K (dual-link) 2160p at 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 Hz according to the SMPTE 425-3 standard The front viewfinder connector is limited to 1080p/1.5G for viewfinder compatibility. Diagrams to illustrate the various video configurations: Multi-channel SDI Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 65 Versatile SDI The VF and MON outputs can be set to always show a live signal, where the REC output displays a clean feed that will switch between live and playback. This is called ‘broadcast mode’ in the camera’s video & playback menu.
  • Page 66 Two cameras can be easily synchronized with a genlock source, or by taking the video output from one camera and linking it to the return feed of the second camera. Ensure the video modes of both cameras match perfectly. Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 67: Accessories

    Viewfinder Two dedicated outputs are available to accomodate both component and HD-SDI compatible viewfinders. Vision Research is offering a full HD OLED viewfinder as the recommended viewfinder for the Flex4K camera system. The viewfinder is manufactured by Astro Design and includes a dedicated mounting bracket and necessary cables.
  • Page 68 12V power and YPRPB component video. The standard connector is a Fischer 7-pin, which works with Sony HDVF30, HDVF35W (with a custom cable from Vision Research) and the Vision Research YPRPB monitor cable. There is an option to substitute (factory install) the 7-pin Fischer with a Hirose connector for Panasonic HD Shown with optional Hirose connector.
  • Page 69 Battery Mount The Flex4K ships with a blank back, and different battery mounts are available as accessories. Vision Research offers the following options: - Hawk Woods mount for 26V Reel-Power batteries - Anton Bauer Gold mount (14.4V) - V-Lock mount (14.4V) To install the battery back, remove the small panel at the back of the camera.
  • Page 70 10 Amps (at 14V) when fully charged. Battery power can be continuously monitored on the on-screen display and the side camera screen. At the time of writing, Vision Research has verified the following batteries: Hawk Woods Reel Power (26V). The RP100 model will...
  • Page 71 Phantom Remote Control Unit (RCU) The Phantom Remote Control Unit (RCU) is a small, lightweight, hand-held controller which allows you to adjust most settings on your camera as well as view and save recorded cines to the CineMag IV. The RCU is available in both wired and wireless versions.
  • Page 72 Lens Mounts The Phantom Flex4K always ships standard with a 35mm PL mount. A Nikon F mount (pictured) is also available. The Nikon mount offers manual aperture control of G-Style Nikon lenses. A Canon EF mount is also available. The Canon mount offers electronic focus and aperture control.
  • Page 73 19mm bridge plates and common 35mm film accessories. Vision Research manufactures a riser for this purpose that mounts to the base of the camera. In addition to brining the camera to the proper height for 19mm rods, there are through-holes for 15mm rods for lightweight accessories like lens supports and smaller matte boxes.
  • Page 74 Bottom View Phantom Flex4K Manual...

  • Page 75: Support

    Support Top View Chapter 10: Support...
  • Page 76 Right View Left View Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 77 Front View Rear View Side View showing sensor plane Front View (uncapped) Chapter 10: Support...
  • Page 78 Mis-wired cables can cause serious damage to the camera, which is not covered under warranty. Vision Research recommends only using cables supplied by Vision Research. These pin-out diagrams refer to the con- nectors on the camera body. Part numbers indicated are for the cable’s connector.
  • Page 79 8-pin Ethernet (Female) Ethernet port 8-pin Fischer part # S-103-A-058-130 Function ETHRXP 10/100/1000 Base-T Ethernet Receive Positive ETHRXN Ethernet Receive Negative ETHTXP Ethernet Transmit Positive ETHTXN Ethernet Transmit Negative MDI2P Media Dependent Interface 2 Positive MDI2N Media Dependent Interface 2 Negative MDI3P Media Dependent Interface 3 Positive MDI3N Media Dependent Interface 3 Positive 7-pin Component Viewfinder...
  • Page 80 IOGND Ground for EBU input EBUIN Digital Audio input for AES/EBU Capture cable = Yellow UNUSED UNUSED TCOUT Timecode Output for IRIG-B or SMPTE timecode. IRIG Swings to RS-232 levels of +/- 9V Capture cable = Blue Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 81 3-pin R/S (Female) R/S ports 24V power + trigger 3-pin Fischer part # S 102 A052-130+ Function GND Chassis Ground +24 VDC (unregulated) / up to 1.5 Amps. The power on this pin is an unregulated supply and follows the voltage input into the camera (if 12V then the power out is 12, if 24 it is 24V).
  • Page 82 50 and 500 milliseconds in duration. Pulses which are longer or shorter will be ignored. When the Phantom Flex4K is in LOOP mode: (high-speed recording to RAM) just a single push will trigger the camera. There is no start (re-arm) function.
  • Page 83 RAM after the save command: a Cine Raw and a ProRes 422 HQ version. The Raw version is always at full 4K and the ProRes version can be either 4K or scaled 2K as described above. Frame rates and save times: In Run/Stop (RS) mode the camera will allow up to 30 fps direct to the CineMag IV.
  • Page 84 The lens controls for focus, iris and tally will be passed through the camera protocol with the intention of manipulating the lens from a separate device. There is no in-camera or software interface for ENG lens control. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 85 There is no separate ‘HQ’ mode for the Flex4K, as the camera is basically always running in that mode to maintain the optimal image performance. Vision Research has determined that a black reference Is a black reference necessary? (otherwise known as a CSR / current session reference) is NOT necessary under most circumstances.
  • Page 86 Note that in many cases, the camera’s time zone should be set to UTC in order for the time stamps to match the SMPTE source exactly. This can be done in the camera menu or in the PCC Live / Camera menu. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 87 What is the difference The Flex4K sensor natively operates in either 4K or 2K mode. Any output resolution that is not 4096 or 2048 between ‘Native’, ‘Scaled’, pixels wide is considered non-native, and as such the and ‘Cropped’ resolutions? software needs to crop or re-sample when set to different resolutions.
  • Page 88 files will be at the intended cropped and/or resampled output resolution. Cine Raw files that have been flagged with crop/resample metadata can still be exported at the full captured resolution by turning off the Crop & Resample options in PCC’s Image Tools menu. Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 89 • Sensor & OLPF Cleaning Sensor cleaning should only be attempted by Technical Tips experienced imaging professionals. • Use a small, but powerful flashlight to look at the sensor and filter, it’s easier to spot debris. • The OLPF assembly is removable and located in front of the sensor.
  • Page 90 Vision Research small apertures. recommends not to use canned air or cotton swabs to clean the sensor surface.
  • Page 91 Global Headquarters Vision Research, Inc. - Wayne, New Jersey 100 Dey Road Wayne, New Jersey 07470 USA T: +1.973.696.4500 F: +1.973.696.0560 For answers to most questions, please visit us at: www.phantomhighspeed.com For general product, account, order / RMA status inquires and other non-technical questions please e-mail us at: customer.support@visionresearch.com...
  • Page 92 Updated left-side button descriptions (page 15) Added reference and functional descriptions to ProRes 422 HQ recording format Added reference and functional guide to Audio recording Added documentation about R/S port description Added documentation about new camera menu settings Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 93 Phantom Flex4K Manual...
  • Page 94 Vision Research - Corporate Headquarters 100 Dey Road Wayne, New Jersey 07470 Ph: +1.973.696.4500 Toll Free: 800.737.6588 Fax: +1.973.696.0560 PN: ZDOC-64101-MA-0001 Rev2 Phantom Flex4K Manual...

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