Vision Research has announced the Phantom HD GOLD, a step-up model of their popular Phantom HD high-speed digital camera. With more than 100 Phantom HD cameras in use today around the world on countless commercials, music videos and motion pictures, the Phantom HD has quickly become the standard in the entertainment industry for slow-motion effects.

The specification for the Phantom HD GOLD upgrade was based on feedback from Phantom HD users, along with advances made in Vision Research laboratories. The new Phantom HD GOLD brings a new level of image quality, ease of use and reliability to the industry.

Central to the challenge of all CMOS based cameras is the issue of maintaining black level as the camera reacts to the outside environment and internal temperature changes during normal use. The Phantom HD GOLD has a new internal cooling system, which means significantly less need to set “Black Balance” (Current Session References) and eliminates all temperature induced artifacts. The more stable black level, together with new hardware components, results in lower noise levels and increased latitude for an overall higher quality image.

The Phantom HD GOLD also includes an improved video encoder for real-time HD-SDI output; advancements in the CineMag interface; a newly designed Optical Low Pass Filter; and tactile upgrades to the on-camera control interface.

Rounding out the Phantom HD GOLD package are new accessories from Abel Cine Tech. The new Juicebox and Phantom Breakout Box deliver power and multiple outputs for camera accessories. The Abel Shoulder Rig and Ronford Hand Held grips facilitate quick change from tripod to hand-held use.

The Phantom HD GOLD retains all the outstanding features of the previous generation camera like shooting speed up to 1,000fps at 1920×1080; 14 bit sensor depth; 35mm depth-of-field; Phantom CineMag compatibility and more.

As part of the Phantom HD GOLD introduction, Phantom HD owners will have the opportunity to upgrade their camera to GOLD status cameras.