CAMARA PHANTOM VEO 640S MANUAL

PHANTOM VEO 640S CAMERA MANUAL

1 CAMERA OVERVIEW

Introduction

Phantom Veo high-speed cameras are small, rugged, fully capable and available in various performance levels with two camera body types. The VEO 410 and 710 models use a one megapixel sensor. At 1280 x 800 the VEO 410 captures over 5,000 frames per second and the VEO 710 over 7,000 fps. As with all Phantom cameras, the lower the resolution the faster the recording speed. At 720p the VEO 710 achieves 8'000fps.

With the fast option installed, over 10,000 at minimum resolution. The Phantom VEO 340 and 640 use a 4 megapixel sensor. The VEO 640 achieves over 1,400 fps at full resolution and 2,500 fps at 1920 x 1080. The VEO 4K cameras use a 9.4 megapixel sensor. The PL and 990 models capture up to 1,000 fps at 4K.

Sensitivity and exposure rate.

VEO cameras use 12-bit CMOS sensors designed for optimum image quality and light sensitivity. The exposure index function attempts to set the appropriate ISO either in-camera or in the PCC application. This function applies predefined tone curves to the image, providing an apparent boost to ISO while maintaining image integrity throughout the entire tonal range.

VEO 4K models are configured to capture images in either global shutter or rolling shutter mode. Global shutter has a higher native ISO than rolling shutter (640 vs. 320). Using the exposure index function both modes can record at the same ISO level. The factory recommendation is between 800-1000 in both modes on color cameras.

Lens mount.

All models have 35mm sensor in full resolution and are compatible with common photography optics when equipped with Nikon standard mount and canon EF mount. The canon mount allows remote aperture and focus control. PL and C-mount are also available for VEO cameras.

Camera control.

All phantom cameras come with PCC software to make adjustments and controls via ethernet. The VEO-S models also have their own camera control system (OCC) for use with the operator monitor. The OCC menu allows basic and advanced camera settings to be modified. Recording, playback and saving to CFast cards is also possible with OCC.

CFAST 2.0 workflow

VEO-S models are compatible with CFast 2.0 cards. CFast cards are non-volatile, allow card exchange and enable remote control without compromising recording. The cards must be formatted in camera or computer with NTFS file system.Once the video is stored in RAM, it can be played back, modified with in/out settings, and saved at a speed of approximately 90 mb/sec.

File formats

All Phantom VEO cameras record in proprietary RAW format. These files are saved 12 bit and 10 it in case of CFast 2.0 card.The RAW files can be viewed and edited with the PCC program, where basic motion measurement tools are available. Format file documentation and SDK are available for users who have the Phantom compatibility file embedded in a standalone application.

These RAW files are compatible with many of the popular video editing programs on the market, or transcode to a variety of formats (h264, mp4, apple prores, mov, avi tiff, etc).

Image monitoring and video outputs

All Phantom VEO camera models have 3G HD-SDI, HDMI and 12v output on the side of the body. This makes it easy to incorporate a small monitor or viewfinder to compose shots or playback shots without dependence on a computer.

VEO-S models have a second 3G HD-SDI port on the rear. The signal is identical on the video outputs and displays the shot in frame and the video in playback.

Additional features

• 10GB ethernet option: The fastest way to download files from RAM.
• Programmable input and output: Assign and define signal parameters. See the programmable input and output section for more information.
• (IBAT): Image-Based-Auto-Trigger
• Multicine: supports up to 63 partitions
• Burst mode: Generates a precise number of frames with synchronized pulsing.
• Continuous recording: Saves files to external storage automatically and continuously.

2 CONNECTORS OF THE VEO-L MODELS

• A- SDI: Mini bnc video output with 1.5G and 3G ranges.
• B- HDMI: video output identical to SDI.
• C- VF PWR: Hirose 4 pin 12v output port for mini monitors and viewfinders up to 10w.
• D- 2 TC in: Fixed port time code.
• E- 5 I/O: Programmable input or output port. Default signal "strobo" on P5.
• F- +16-32 VDC: 6-pin main power input port.
• G- Ethernet: RJ45 port for control and data transfer.
• H- Trigger-in: Trigger input.
• I- 3 I/O: Programmable input or output port. Default signal "F-sync" on P3.

The programmable port function is assigned from PCC. Instructions can be found in the PCC section of the manual. The complete guide on connector cables is at the end of the manual.

VEO-S MODELS

• J- SDI: Mini bnc video output with 1.5G and 3G ranges.
• K- HDMI: video output identical to SDI.
• L- VF PWR: Hirose 4 pin 12v output port for mini monitors and viewfinders up to 10w.
• M-6 TC out/P: Programmable input or output port. Default signal "time code" on P6.
• N-5 Ready/P: Programmable input or output port. Default signal "ready" on P5.
• O-4 F-sync/P: Programmable input or output port. Default signal "F-sync" on P4.
• P- 3 Strobe:Programmable input or output port. Default signal "strobe" on P3.
• Q-2 TC in: Time code in fixed port.
• R- Trigger-in: Trigger input.
• S- CFast port: CFast 2.0 input.
• T- Data range: 8-pin Fischer port for data range input.
• U-+16-32 VDC: 6-pin main power input port.
• V- +12VDC in: 12-pin Fischer port. Fischer 12-pin port for capture cable or to be battery powered.
• W- Ethernet: 8-pin Fischer port for control and data transfer.
• X- SDI: Bnc video output with 1.5G and 3G ranges.
• Y- Usb port: For wifi option.

3 NETWORK SETTINGS AND INITIAL GUIDE

Phantom cameras are typically used with PCC software over ethernet. PCC is compatible with 32gb and 64 gb versions on Windows 7 Pro, Windows 8.1 and Windows 10 operating systems. The latest version can be downloaded at: www.phantomhighspeed.com/pcc

10GB & GB Ethernet

All VEO cameras come with standard gigabit ethernet transmission port, and have the option to be configured with 10 gb ethernet as an alternative option. With 10 gb ethernet VEO can achieve highly significant download speeds, making it a great option for saving large files quickly from RAM.

VEO cameras have an ethernet port that supports both protocols. The camera will auto-negotiate the connection speed based on the computer's network card and its IP configuration as described later in this section.

First, check to see if your VEO camera has the 10 gb ethernet option installed by looking at the IP address and serial number area at the top. If it is installed, "10G" will appear next to the XIP address shown in the image.

ASSIGN STANDARD GIGABIT CONFIGURATION ON CAMERA

Connecting the VEO via standard ethernet is simple due to its compatibility with any computer without special equipment or built-in hard drives. The main thing is to reset the ethernet port network settings to detect the IP address range of Phantom cameras.

• 1. In the "network and shared center" window select the camera network, thus opening the "ethernet status" window (Note: for laptops without built-in RJ45 port, the adapter must be physically connected before selecting the network).

• 2. Change the ethernet IP settings by choosing "properties", then "TCP/IPv4" "properties" and finally "use the following IP address.

• 3. Set: 

IP address: 100.100.100.1
Subnet Mask: 255.255.0.0.0
All other boxes should be empty. Save your changes.

• 4. Make sure that the Windows security system is disabled for this connection. You can now start the PCC, which should recognize the connected camera in the administration tab. If you are not working with 10GB, skip ahead to the CINE saving section below.

ETHERNET 10GB

STEP 1: Identify the network adapter

For cameras with the 10GB option, the first step in working with this system is to identify the 10GBase-T network card or the computer's own adapter. For desktop computers, PCs Vision Research specifically recommends the INTEL X540-T2 card. Notebooks should have a thunderbolt connection available so that it has an advantage over any 10GBase-T-T-Thunderbolt converter on the market.

In the writing process, the recommended converter is the Promise Sanlink2 10GBase-T (model # SLE2002TNAA).

This device has 2 thunderbolt 2 ports. This means that if your computer has the new Thunderbolt 3 connection, a second adapter is required to convert the Thunderbolt 2 to Thunderbolt 3.

Note: In the write process, the new Sanlink 3 is not fully compatible with phantom products. Other converters have given better response, including the Sonnet Twin 10G bThunderbolt (model # SOTWIN10TB3, however the Sanlink 2 is physically smaller.

STEP 2: Install the device driver

Once the security card or converter is connected, the next step is to install the latest device driver from the manufacturer's website. The camera should be powered on and connected during the installation of the device driver. After installing the driver, reboot the PC.

A new unidentified camera should now be available on the windows system and shared resources.

STEP 3: Install PCC with 10Gb Phantom driver

The latest version of the PCC software should already be installed from the disk that comes with the camera, or by running the setup.exe file within the package downloaded (and extracted) from www.phantomhighspeed.com/pcc.

Click accept in the prompt windows and be careful to say yes when the program suggests installing the 10Gb ethernet driver.

STEP 4: assigning a 10Gb camera network

Just as it assigns the 100,000 IP range for standard Gb ethernet, the Phantom's 10Gb ethernet network needs to be assigned to work at 172.16 IP range. The camera should be powered on and physically connected to the 10Gb network card or Thunderbolt adapter.

• 1. Under windows system and shares select the camera network. This opens the ethernet status window
• 2. Change the ethernet IP settings by selecting properties, then TCP/IPv4 properties and finally, select use the following IP address.
• 3. Fill in:  

IP address: 172.16.0.1 2.
Subnet mask: 255.255.0.0.0

The other settings should be empty. Click 'ok'.

• 4. Make sure that the windows security system is disabled.

Capturing Cine file

Now that the camera network is set up (via ethernet Gb or 10Gb), the following directions will guide you through a simple capture and save process.

Open the PCC program

Double click on the PCC icon located on the desktop. The camera should be recognized immediately if the connection and network settings are correct.

Choose the camera to use

In the administration tab, double click on the Phantom camera to be used from the 'cameras' group folder. Go to the recording tab.

Define recording parameters.

Enter the recording settings and define the following parameters by selecting each value from the drop-down selection list or by filling in the value in each respective box. 

• 1. Set the resolution to the required width X height.
• 2. Choose the required sample rate, exposure time and exposure rate.
• 3. Observe that the EDR (Extreme Dynamic Range) is set to (0).
• 4. Set the post trigger to (0):

a. Moving the "T" (trigger position) to the right, or
b. Set (0) to the last data box.

Press the CSR button to black balance. On color cameras, perform white balance by pressing the right mouse button on an area of the image that is neutral gray or white, as long as it is not 100% saturated.

Final adjustments

After CSR and white balance is finished, make aperture and/or light adjustments to get a good exposure. CSR should be done every time camera settings are changed.

Using the camera 

Press the capture button to start recording to the camera's internal memory RAM (ring buffer).

Trigger

At the end of the action, press the trigger button in the lower area of the recording panel or trigger a switch closure or an external trigger signal (TTL) via trigger connection.

Clip playback and editing

• Press the play key.
• Scroll through the timeline or use the video control buttons to locate the first image to be saved.
• Press the input mark button "(".
• Locate the last cid image to be saved.
• Press the mark out button to be saved ")".

Review edited clip

• Go to "Playback, speed and options" and enable "Range limit".
• Under the video control buttons, press the "Jump to start" button and view the edited clip using the video control buttons.

Save to computer

Press the large "Cinema Save" button in the lower area of the playback panel.

In the "Cinema Save" window:

• 1. Navigate to the folder where you want to save the recorded file.
• 2. Put a filename in the recorded file in the "Filename" data box.
• 3. From "Save as" drop down the selection list, and select the RAW cine file format.
• 4. Press the save button to start downloading the clip from camera.

Save to CFast (optional)

• Press the down arrow button inside the "Save file" button.
• Choose "Save RAM file to Flash" (in the pop-up window).
• Press the save button to save the cine file to the CFast 2.0 card.
• Confirm saving to card before deleting to internal memory. Choose file from the card in the top Playback/ clip list and scroll through the clip to view.

Confirm save to computer

Press the "open file" button

Navigate to the folder and open the saved file. Review playback by scrolling through the file viewing playback.

Use of the in-camera menu controls requires a video monitor connected to the camera. Veo cameras are compatible with HDSDI and HDMI monitors.

The combination of a VEO battery mount, a small powered camera with monitor and CFast cards creates a totally portable and untethered camera system. More details can be found in the accessories section of this manual or at www.phantomhighspeed.com.

4 CAMERA CONTROLS

• A - Trigger

When the camera is in capture mode (writing to the internal Ram), the buttons glow red. The trigger is used to trigger the record mode by pressing a button. When a clip is saved, the buttons glow green.

With playback mode, press the trigger to return to record mode.

With the menu active, press the trigger to exit the menu.

To clear the RAM of previous recordings and return to record mode, press and hold the trigger for 4 seconds.

• B - Playback

Enters playback mode when a clip is stored in RAM. The playback buttons will glow green when the camera is in playback mode.

• C - B-Ref

In record mode, a long press of the B-Ref button will perform a black balance (CSR). In playback mode, the forward playback symbol is illuminated and is used for playback. A long press makes a fast playback. Press once to pause.

• D - Tools

In record mode, one press of the tools button will cycle through different zoom levels (for focus assist) and exposure assist. In playback mode the rewind symbol is illuminated and is used to rewind. A long press makes a fast rewind. Press once to pause.

• E - Menu wheel

Press the menu button to activate the camera menu system as described in the following pages. Turn the wheel to navigate the menu and press to select. To exit the menu wait ten seconds or press the trigger button.

• OSD

The on-screen display (OSD) provides useful information about the current camera status through live or playback video output.

• F - Camera status

The symbol changes depending on the camera status.

Live: The camera is not recording and the image is displayed from all SDI ports.

Capture: The camera is recording to the internal memory (RAM), and waiting for trigger signal.

Triggered: The trigger has been pressed and the RAM (post trigger frames) is being archived.

Clip stored: Recording has been completed and a clip is stored in RAM. This clip must be deleted from RAM to start recording again.

Playback: The camera is in playback mode. Clips in RAM can be viewed, edited and saved to the external flash card.

• G - Time code

Indicates the IRIG time code stamped each frame. The format is day of year/ hour: minute: second: ns.

• H - Loop bar with trigger point

This timeline represents all available frames in RAM (loop mode), the 't' indicator represents the user-defined trigger point.

• I - Frame counter and duration

Displays the frame counter and recording time based on current camera settings.

• J - Flash memory status 

Indicates CFast card memory size and total available recording time.

• K - EF lens aperture data

Displays the f-stop (aperture) of the lens (valid for Canon EF mounts only).

• L - Capture settings

Bottom zone displays camera name, frame rate, exposure time (reproduced in degrees and microseconds) and acquired resolution.

• M - Cinema RAM indicator

Indicates the number of cine RAM selected per playback.

• N - Playback bar

The playback bar is a visual representation of the file timeline with the trigger point(T), In mark and Out mark and display mark point indicated.

• O - Playback time code

The playback timecode displays the timestamp of each frame in IRIG format and the current frame number.

• P - Playback

Frame counter and playback duration based on the current video settings - within the In and Out points.

Menu View

VEO-S with in-camera controls offer access to basic and advanced camera settings. The menu is activated with a press of the menu wheel and displayed via the video outputs (SDI and HDMI) as a signal overlay in the upper image area.

Navigation

Activate the menu by pressing the menu wheel on the back of the VEO-S camera. Turn the wheel to move through each tab and press to select. The six menu pages can be quickly jumped between by selecting the page title (1/6 CAMERA in this example) and moving between them.

To exit the menu press the trigger button. The menu is also deactivated after a period of time without interaction.

Six menu items

• 1/6 CAMERA
• 2/6 IMAGE
• 3/6 SETTINGS
• 4/6 INFO
• 5/6 AUTO
• 6/6 ADVANCED

1/6 CAMERA: The camera menu page offers controls over fundamental settings of a high-speed camera.

Speed: Determines the frame rate in frames per second.

Shutter: Determines the exposure time, which is displayed in degrees and time (microseconds in this example).

EI: Determines the exposure index, also known as the effective "ISO". The lowest option is the camera's base ISO.

Auto Exposure: Enables auto exposure, which can be useful in case of changing light conditions.

White Balance: For color cameras, determine the white balance by placing a white or neutral gray object in front of the camera. Make sure the white object is not completely saturated. Select the word "White Balance" and rotate to set "OK". The color temperature (K) and color compensation (CC) values can be adjusted manually later if necessary.

Res: Determines the resolution of the sensor

Trigger: Determines the trigger point. The timeline represents all available frames in RAM. The frames before the trigger are pre-trigger frames and the frames after the trigger are post-trigger frames.

Sync: Switches the frame synchronization from internal to external source.