Weisscam's flagship high-speed camera – 2K at up to 2,000 fps. Known for its cinematographic look and German precision, the HS-2 was the premium choice for European high-speed productions.
What is the Weisscam HS-2?
The Weisscam HS-2 is a German high-speed digital camera for professional cinematography. With 2K resolution at up to 2,000 fps, it combined extreme slow-motion with a cinematic image character that made it the preferred choice for demanding European productions.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Value |
|---|---|
| Sensor | CMOS |
| Resolution | 2048 × 1080 (2K) |
| Max. fps (2K) | ~1,000 fps |
| Max. fps (1080p) | ~2,000 fps |
| Max. fps (720p) | ~3,000 fps |
| Color Depth | 12-bit RAW |
| ISO | 500–2000 |
| Mount | PL |
| Storage | Internal RAM |
Frame Rate vs. Resolution
| Resolution | Max. fps |
|---|---|
| 2048 × 1080 | ~1,000 |
| 1920 × 1080 | ~2,000 |
| 1280 × 720 | ~3,000 |
| 640 × 480 | ~5,000 |
The Cinematic Advantage
Image Character
| Characteristic | Weisscam HS-2 | Typical High-Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Highlights | Smooth Roll-Off | Harsh Clipping |
| Skin Tones | Warm, Natural | Often Flat |
| Noise | Fine-Grained | Digital Pattern |
| Contrast | Film-like | Video-like |
Why the Difference?
- Sensor Design – Optimized for look, not just speed
- Processing – German image processing philosophy
- Color Science – Cinematography-oriented
HS-2 vs. Phantom Flex
| Feature | Weisscam HS-2 | Phantom Flex |
|---|---|---|
| Max. fps (HD) | ~2,000 | ~2,570 |
| Max. fps (720p) | ~3,000 | ~5,350 |
| Look | Cinematic | Neutral/Sharp |
| Noise | Lower | More at high ISO |
| Weight | ~6 kg | ~4 kg |
| Rental/Day | ~€2,000 | ~€1,800 |
Decision:
- HS-2: When image quality over speed
- Phantom: When maximum fps required
Typical Configurations
High-End Commercials
- HS-2 Body
- Cooke S4/i Prime Set
- Preston FIZ
- Cine Monitor
- Rental: ~€2,500/day
Feature Film VFX
- HS-2 Body
- ARRI Master Primes
- Motion Control Integration
- Rental: ~€2,800/day
Tabletop/Product
- HS-2 Body
- Macro Lenses
- Periscope Attachment
- Rental: ~€2,200/day
Application Areas
Commercials (Main Market)
| Type | Application |
|---|---|
| Automotive | Splash, Reflections |
| Cosmetics | Beauty Shots, Hair |
| Beverages | Splashes, Drops |
| Fashion | Fabric Movement |
Film/TV
- VFX Plates for Slow-Motion
- Stunt Doubles
- Explosion Elements
- Nature Shots
The Weisscam Workflow
On-Set
- Recording to internal RAM
- Download during setup changes
- Instant playback control
- RAW export for post
Post-Production
- 12-bit RAW for maximum flexibility
- Compatible with DaVinci Resolve
- Seamless integration with ARRI footage
The Legacy
In High-Speed Cinematography
- Proved: Image quality and speed are compatible
- Set European standard
- Influenced Phantom development
For the Industry
| Aspect | Significance |
|---|---|
| Image Quality | New benchmark for high-speed |
| Workflow | Professional approach |
| Support | Local expertise |
Today
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Availability | Specialized rental houses |
| Rental/Day | €1,800–€2,500 |
| Status | Active (limited) |
| Successor | HS-2 MK II |
| Alternative | Phantom Flex4K |
Current Usage
- Premium Commercials – Where look is more important than max. fps
- European Productions – Local support
- Beauty Work – Superior skin tones
More in the lexikon
Related terms
Manufacturers
Weisscam
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