2014Cameras (Film/Video/HD) forum
Operating the Phantom Flex 4K high-speed camera on a music video shoot with steadicam
12 years old. Gear and prices may have changed since.
What the thread found
- The Phantom Flex 4K balances well on steadicam rigs and feels lighter than an Alexa.
- Power consumption is extremely high; 172Wh heavy-duty batteries provided adequate runtime.
- The camera outputs highly saturated and contrast-heavy images, but RAW recording preserves additional image data for post-processing.
- Recording at 125fps and below uses R/S mode with standard start/stop operation.
- Recording above 125fps requires Loop mode, where the camera continuously buffers approximately 5 seconds to internal RAM and saves only the final 5 seconds after the stop button is pressed.
- Loop mode takes about as long to initialize as booting an Alexa.
- Operating this camera for standard-speed shots alongside high-speed footage is practical for commercial and film work.
- Manual button operation works for recording control when wireless control systems are unavailable, though timing awareness is critical in Loop mode.
Depends on
- This was a rental package from a specialized supplier with specific configuration.
- The camera did not include a standard wireless control system in this instance.
- One report of malfunction in an RS control cable during shooting.
- The time window for pressing the stop button in Loop mode is approximately 5 seconds.
- Experience limited to music video production context.