NAB 2012: Vision Research Rolls Out Latest Phantom High Speed Cams

Vision Research, a manufacturer of digital high‑speed cameras, will showcase the newly unveiled Phantom v642 and Phantom Miro M320S digital high-speed cameras at NAB 2012.

The high-speed digital camera retains the unique ability to both record and playback ultra-slow motion footage simultaneously, while adding the capability to accurately color match regular speed broadcast cameras using advanced Multi-Matrix Color Correction Technology. The Phantom v642 incorporates Academy Award- and Emmy Award-winning technology to record and deliver ultra slow-motion images.

“We at Vision Research pride ourselves on responding to customer feedback. After the introduction of the v641, many customers asked for better color-matching capability. We’ve addressed our customers’ top priority request by adding this technology to the Phantom v642,” comments Patrick Ott de Vries, broadcast business manager for Vision Research. “With advanced Multi-Matrix Color Correction Technology, the Phantom v642 delivers an essential tool to color-match regular speed cameras used in Live Sports Broadcast.  This upgrade is the hallmark of the v642 and marks Vision Research’s continued interest and commitment to bringing innovation to the Live Sports Broadcast market and to our integration partners.”

Vision Research’s ultra slow motion technology has been widely adopted in sporting and other live events around the world, including the Super Bowl, World Series, Olympics, World Cup, and Commonwealth Games.  This technology is also used in television commercials and motion pictures and is a key component of the 3D imaging in many Hollywood films.

The v642 is supported by a custom-designed ultra-sensitive 4-megapixel 2K sensor that can record full-resolution frame rates of 1450 frames-per-second and be leveraged to support pan and zoom applications. Typical broadcast resolutions are supported, in addition to 1080p at 2560 frames-per-second.

With shutter speeds down to 1 microsecond and a global electronic shutter, crisp, sharp images are guaranteed with little or no image blur or motion artifacts.  Extremely high frame rates at HD resolutions enables playback speeds as much as 90X times slower than live action.

Multi-Matrix Color Correction Technology
The v642 supports Multi-Matrix Color Correction Technology.  This technology allows for accurate color matching to normal frame rate cameras, leveraging independent adjustments of saturation and hue of each of the 16 axes. Working with video matrix, hue, gamma and chroma adjustments enables the Phantom v642 to color match with normal speed broadcast supporting live sporting events.

Storage and Workflow
The v642 includes 8 GB of built in high-speed dynamic RAM with 16 GB and 32GB versions also available.  A segmented memory feature allows users to divide images into up to 63 segments, creating multiple back-to-back shots without the need to download data from the camera.  In addition, users can record into one segment while playing back a slow-motion clip from another.  One segment is always recording the live action.

This feature gives the v642 flexibility to support environments with and without playback server support. The v642 can be connected to a controller in the studio or Outside Broadcast truck, which can access the camera’s memory for playback while the camera operator is framing and recording the live action.

The v642 comes standard with a PL-mount for full sensor coverage (2560 X1600 pixels). Native support for 1080p using customized B4 adapter options.

Key  Features Include:
–      Supporting up to 90X ultra-slow motion at 2k, 1080p and 720p resolutions.
–      Multi-matrix color correction for fast and accurate color matching to regular frame rate Live Sport cameras.
–      Light sensitivity, ISO 1200T color (ISO 12232 SAT method)
–      Versatile Dual HD-SDI, two HD-SDI ports for dual-link 4:4:4 or 2x 4:2:2
–      Multi-cine recording capability
–      Remote Replay Camera Control
–      EVS integration for camera control and playback
–      1 μs minimum exposure times for sharp images of fast moving events
–      Internal mechanical shutter for hands-free / remote black referencing
–      8 GB, 16 GB or 32 GB built-in high-speed memory
–      8-bit or 12-bit pixel depth
–      Extreme Dynamic Range (EDR): two different exposures within a single frame
–      Burst Mode

“Our new M320S follows the Miro M-Series tradition of versatility by adapting to many imaging applications,” says Rick Robinson, Division VP Marketing, Vision Research. “With precise control over resolution, frame rate, exposure time, and trigger point, this camera is an ideal tool for everyone from scientists and engineers to professionals in TV production and new media applications.”

The Miro M320S is capable of recording 1320 frames-per-second (fps) at its full resolution of 1920 x 1200; 1540 fps at 1920 x 1080; 2250 fps at 1152 x 1152; and higher frame rates at reduced resolutions.  The Phantom Miro M320S has standard 12-bit pixel depth and can be configured with 3GB, 6GB or 12GB of internal RAM Memory.

Featuring a single HD-SDI output, the M320S can adapt to a wide range of monitors and HD field recorders for a video-based workflow. For maximum quality using uncompressed raw files, the M320S takes advantage of the new Phantom CineFlash Storage system that ships standard with every M320S camera. The removable CineFlash drives offer up to 240 Gigabytes of non-volatile flash storage. Once full, quickly download the drives via a CineFlash Dock over eSata, and the resulting Cine Raw files are ready to be reviewed and processed with either Phantom software or a number of compatible third-party solutions.

When used together with the Phantom Remote Control Unit (RCU), the Miro M320S becomes a fully portable high-speed camera system. In addition to controlling all recording parameters, the RCU’s built in video monitor allows for live preview, framing, focus and full control of the HD-SDI playback. Users can trim the shot and quickly save it to the removable CineFlash drive, then start capturing the next shot right away.

Additional features include HD-SDI video output, for 720p, 1080psf and 1080i monitoring; Canon EOS, Nikon F, 35mm PL, and C lens mounts, and a weight of only three pounds.