Photron's high-speed camera series for science and industry. The Fastcam models achieve frame rates of over 1 million fps and are used for crash tests, ballistics, and research.
What is the Photron Fastcam?
The Photron Fastcam is a series of scientific high-speed cameras from the Japanese manufacturer Photron. With frame rates of up to over 1 million fps, these cameras are primarily designed for research, crash testing, and industrial analysis – not for classic film production.
Current Fastcam Models
| Model | Max. fps | Sensor | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| SA-X2 | 1,000,000+ | CMOS | Ultra-Research |
| SA-Z | 21,000 | CMOS | Premium |
| Nova S16 | 16,000 | CMOS | Versatile |
| Mini AX | 5,400 | CMOS | Compact |
Fastcam SA-Z Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | 1024 × 1024 CMOS |
| Max. fps (1024×1024) | 21,000 |
| Max. fps (1024×16) | 480,000 |
| Color Depth | 12-bit |
| Light Sensitivity | ISO 10,000 mono |
| Memory | 64 GB internal |
| Global Shutter | Yes |
Frame Rate vs. Resolution (SA-Z)
| Resolution | Max. fps |
|---|---|
| 1024 × 1024 | 21,000 |
| 1024 × 512 | 42,000 |
| 640 × 480 | 50,000 |
| 384 × 256 | 120,000 |
| 1024 × 16 | 480,000 |
Fastcam vs. Phantom (Comparison)
| Feature | Fastcam SA-Z | Phantom v2640 |
|---|---|---|
| Max. fps (1 Mpx) | 21,000 | 25,030 |
| Sensor | 1024 × 1024 | 2048 × 1952 |
| Focus | Scientific | Hybrid |
| Image Quality | Functional | Cinematic |
| Price | Very High | High |
Typical Applications
Crash Test
| Application | fps | Resolution |
|---|---|---|
| Vehicle Crash | 1,000 | Full |
| Airbag Deployment | 10,000 | Full |
| Detail Deformation | 20,000 | Reduced |
Ballistics
| Application | fps |
|---|---|
| Bullet Impact | 50,000–100,000 |
| Fragmentation | 100,000+ |
| Penetration | 20,000–50,000 |
Materials Research
| Application | fps |
|---|---|
| Tensile Test | 5,000–10,000 |
| Fracture Mechanics | 50,000+ |
| Fatigue Test | 1,000–5,000 |
Biology/Medicine
| Application | fps |
|---|---|
| Insect Flight | 5,000–10,000 |
| Droplet Formation | 10,000–20,000 |
| Cell Mechanics | Variable |
Technical Features
Trigger System
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Pre-Trigger | Record event retroactively |
| Post-Trigger | Record after event |
| Center-Trigger | Event in the center |
| External | Sensor synchronization |
Synchronization
- TTL Trigger Input
- Synchronization with Measuring Devices
- IRIG-B Timecode
- Multi-Camera Sync
Workflow
Typical Process
- Setup – Position camera, focus
- Configure Trigger – Define pre/post-trigger
- Record – Trigger event
- Analysis – Evaluate images on PC
- Export – Video/still frames for report
Software
- Photron FASTCAM Viewer (PFV)
- Integration with Analysis Software
- Automatic Measurement Possible
Pricing and Availability
| Model | Purchase Price (approx.) | Rental/Day |
|---|---|---|
| Mini AX | €35,000–€50,000 | €500–€800 |
| Nova S16 | €60,000–€80,000 | €800–€1,200 |
| SA-Z | €100,000+ | €1,500–€2,500 |
The Legacy
In Science
- Standard for Materials Testing
- Reference for Automotive Tests
- Tool for Fundamental Research
For Filmmakers
| Application | Suitable? |
|---|---|
| Science Documentary | Yes |
| Feature Film VFX | Conditionally |
| Commercials | No (Look) |
| Music Video | No |
Today
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Specialized Providers |
| Main Market | Industry, Research |
| Film Usage | Documentaries |
| Trend | Higher Resolutions at Speed |
Development
Photron continuously develops faster sensors for scientific applications – the film market is secondary.
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