Phantom HD

Phantom HD

         Many have contemplated shooting with the Phantom HD camera from Vision Research and are hesitant due to some rumors of disastrous results. This camera due to its nature is a very complex camera that needs to be used with care and attention. If decisions are made to shoot with this camera cutting corners to save money, it usually results in disastrous outcome. First and foremost this camera like the RED captures its footage in RAW format giving the material a lot of latitude in post production for working the material. This means that using the RAW material gives you also the ability to select the color depth from 8-, 10-, and 12-, 14-bit. Most people to save money will use the HDSDI output of the camera to go directly to tape, reducing the quality and the range of the camera to an 8 bit process via a decoder board also limiting timebase option not being compatible between deck and camera. This methodology has only benefits in saving cost but it scarifies quality. Transferring the RAW files has its draw back in that it takes a lot of time between shots. Usually about 10 minutes per shot if not selective. This cuts into production time and is usually not an option. A third option and the best option is having the cinemag, an onboard extended memory that stores up to 50 shots with no transfer time. This method is the best way to go as it does not scarify quality and does not cut into production shooting time. Unfortunately due to its higher cost productions tend to not go with this option. This is unfortunate because comparing productions that have opted for using RAW files as opposed to tape the quality and range is apparent. In comparison shooting with its film equivalent the Photosonic there are a lot of draw backs. With the Photosonic the reload times are quite long as the camera has to be taken apart and cleaned after every shot. The camera runs through film even if the shot was no good as for the phantom you can easily reset and go again if the shot was missed. With the Photosonic you have to develop your film before you can see if you got the shot. Comparing the cost of film stock and processing to the cost of memory, we see that in terms of high speed photography shooting with the Phantom HD is the right choice.