Questions about Phantom HD Gold

[Mitch Gross]

Hi Mitch
Correct me if Im wrong here.
The laptop histogram is the only way to monitor the Phantom's RAW data.
The HDSDI Rec 709 signal is tied to the ISO, Gamma and Ped viewing settings you choose. Samewith the Threshold mode.
Therefore it is very important that if you are using the HDSDI or Sony Color Viewfinder to judge exposure that the settings match the RAW data as close as possible.
To determine the ISO setting for the Phantom set up the camera on a luminance chart showing highlights and shadows and adjust iris till the laptop histogram ( RAW ) looks properly exposed. Then adjust the ISO and other viewing settings so the HDSDI monitor matches. Shoot a test and confirm with transcoded footage that everything is accurate. We find 160-200asa to be about right.
This is all reminiscent of the Red in its early days and its my understanding that Abel may be working with VR to get some form of RAW monitoring over HDSDI in the future.

This thread started with Tom asking if he could use the Phantom by himself in remote locations. The answer is absolutely yes. We didnt buy the Phantom until this option was 100% possible. However working with a good Phantom tech who is controlling, monitoring and verifying footage with the Phantom Control Software is the preferred way to work. Its very similar to using the Red. You can use it alone, and many do, but having a good 1st AC and DIT is the only way to go if you can.

Best
John
Chater Camera Inc

John, you are completely correct. There are a few image control functions that effect only the viewfinder and the HD-SDI out, and I generally tell people never to touch them (Don't play with that -- you'll go blind!).

Image controls from left to right:

- EI (exposure index) at 160, which is zero gain. (it is a misnomer because it is based on a technical spec of sensitivity and has little to do with how we all actually expose an image -- same is true for RED btw. Set your light meter to 320 and you'll generally find they match pretty well, at least the way I like to expose.)

- GM (gamma) at 2.2. This is the same as .45 (1/2.2) as represented by a standard gamma that a monitor is expecting in REC709.

- PD (pedestal) at 1.0. This is the black point, so you are not artificially lifting or crushing your blacks.

- CR (chroma) at 1.0. This is saturation level, and again this is just the standard zeroing out point.

Set your settings this way (which is the standard default points) and you will find that the image you see in the viewfinder or monitor most closely represents the RAW file, as do the various measurement tricks i mentioned previously.

 

[Mitch Gross]

Does the Phantom have any issues in cold or inclimate weather? Once it is "warmed up" if you briefly power cycled would it be necessary to both black balance and wait for a period of time for it to come up to temperature?

Phantom doesn't mind rough weather at all. It's been in arctic cold, desert heat and jungle humidity. Did have a problem once pn s mountain top in Chile when the laptop's hard drive crashed (it wasn't rated for 15,000 feet!) but the camera was just fine.

Cycle the power and after the brief startup (IIRC it's 32 seconds) the camera should be fine. Could never hurt to do another black balance, but the sensor wouldn't have had a chance to cool down so a black balance can be performed immediately and it shouldn't change.

BTW, Abel designed and manufactures a special breakout box for the Phantom that wraps its base so neatly that many people assume it is part of the original camera. The Phantom HD Gold is a 24v-36v camera, but our box converts power. So it takes in 12v and ups it to proper voltage for the camera. This allows us to use standard 12v batteries on board for handheld work (the camera drains about the same as the RED One, so a 140w brick lasts a little over an hour), and there are accessory ports for two 12v and two 24v whatever-you-wants. But importantly we also incorporated dual power inputs with an automatic switchover, similar to what is found on the back of every broadcast video camera. There's a proprietary 12v jack for the on board battery plate as well as an XLR4 jack for a block battery or AC power supply. So you never have to worry about shutting down the camera during battery swaps.

There's actually no Power switch on the Phantom HD Gold. When someone asks me how to turn it off I just unplug it!

 

[James T Mather]

Not sure about the "gold" aspect but I shot a couple of months ago on the Phantom HD (http://www.greendoorfilms.co.uk/s/Phantom-HD) - which pictorially and DR-wise was a stunning step up from the previous camera (which had very poor DR) - Great camera, lovely pics and it was great to work with the nice guys at Green Door again.

Still took quite a few 18k cinepars although the results were worth it

 

[Tom Lowe]

I would love to buy one of these outright for my upcoming film, but I'm afraid the cost ($200K) and the depreciation of the camera over a year of shooting will be too much. It has not been decided for sure, but I think we are leaning toward getting and Epic X and just setting aside a nice chunk of change for occasional Phantom rentals. In addition to Abel, I would love to chat with any Phantom HD Gold owner/operators in the American southwest region about possible rentals. My production is kind of unique in the sense that my dates for rentals can be very flexible. Maybe just arrange to take the camera out when it is not otherwise busy?

BTW... I am very protective of gear!

 

[mikeburton]

Hey Tom,

Give John over at Chater Camera rentals in Berkeley CA a call. John is a DP as well and he has done a ton of gigs on his Phantom. We just used it recently on a commercial and it was flawless. I'm sure you two can work something out.

 

[Tom Lowe]

Definitely will give John a call!