Panavision announced an agreement with Abel Cine Tech and Vision Research to acquire Phantom HD high-speed digital cameras for its rental operations around the world.
The contract means that the Phantom HD cameras and custom accessories will be available for rent in a complete Panavised system along with Panavision’s inventory of industry leading optics, including anamorphic lenses. Abel Cine Tech, the exclusive North American agent for Vision Research’s Phantom HD and 65, is supplying the camera systems, technical support and training to Panavision.
The Phantom HD is capable of recording at frame rates of over 1,000 frames per second at full HD resolution— 1920x1080P. Its circular in-camera buffer recording enables cinematographers to “trigger” the camera either before, during or after the event being photographed.
The 35mm CMOS image sensor accommodates all standard Panavision lenses, including anamorphic, and has the same depth-of-field characteristics as Panavision’s 35mm film and digital cameras, including Genesis.
Each Panavised Phantom HD camera system will include two newly introduced products, the 512 GB CineMag flash storage magazine and the CineStation download station. These are designed to speed up production and enhance workflow on set and off. Panavision is the first to supply this full system (2 CineMags and 1 CineStation) with each Phantom HD Camera package.
“We’re very pleased to help create a digital standard for high-speed cinematography by offering the Panavised Phantom HD camera to our feature film, television and commercial customers,” said Bob Beitcher, president and CEO of Panavision. “The combination of Panavision’s lenses, Vision Research technology, and Abel Cine Tech know-how will change how the industry looks at high-speed imaging.”
“Our strategic relationship with Panavision moves Phantom HD into an arena we have eagerly sought since the camera’s inception,” said Peter Abel, president of Abel Cine Tech. “With their experience and unique position in the market, we couldn’t hope for a more accomplished partner than Panavision to make this objective a reality.”
