With RED touting 120 frame-per-second shooting speeds -- impressive on its own, and even more impressive given each frame is at 5K resolution -- Vision Research's claims that their new Phantom Flex camera shoots at up to 2,800 FPS (2,500 in 1080p) seems like a joke. But it's not, and the following is proof. Tom Guilmette was hired to shoot the World Champtionships of Ping Pong, and found himself alone in his hotel room before the shoot with the Phantom Flex; here is the resulting video.

The Phantom can even reach 10,000 FPS in 480P (though you'll need a raft of lights to provide enough illumination at those speeds). As you can imagine, the camera is priced to rent, not own; prices reportedly range from $50k-$150k. See below for more details.

Phantom Flex Specifications

  • Up to 2,570 fps at 1920x1080 in Standard Mode
  • 12-bit pixel depth
  • 1200 ISO (measured using ISO 12232 SAT method)
  • HQ Mode provides ultimate in image stability under changing shooting conditions
  • Phantom CineMag compatible, CineMag interface has field-replaceable pin array
  • 2 x 4:2:2 HD-SDI video ports, can be configured as dual-link 4:4:4 video (4:4:4 not available at 60fps video formats)
  • Global, electronic shutter to 1 μs (shutter angles in HQ mode dependent upon frame rate and resolution)
  • Multi-cine capable via segmented memory
  • Internal mechanical shutter for hands-free and remote Current Session References
  • On-camera controls for camera modes, settings, playback, edit & save
  • Frame synchronization to external signal, allows multiple cameras to be synchronized – essential for stereo 3D recording
  • Three 12VDC, 1.5A auxiliary power outputs for powering external devices (one is on the Viewfinder port), 4A maximum load
  • External trigger signal on camera connector panel and both 12VDC power ports
  • Genlock for synchronizing video playback – essential for 3D video workflows

Link: LOCKED IN A VEGAS HOTEL ROOM WITH A PHANTOM FLEX

[via Engadget]

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Cinematography & Cameras