Photron Fastcam

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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.

From the crafts

Perspectives

Cinematographer

Die Fastcam ist kein Film-Werkzeug im klassischen Sinn – sie ist für Wissenschaftler konzipiert. Aber wenn ich physikalische Phänomene für Dokumentationen einfangen muss, ist sie unverzichtbar.

Director

Für wissenschaftliche Visualisierungen sind Fastcam-Aufnahmen unersetzlich. Die Bilder zeigen uns Dinge, die kein Auge und keine andere Kamera sehen kann.

Producer

Fastcam-Equipment ist Investitionsgut – teurer als Film-High-Speed, aber für Industrie und Forschung ohne Alternative. Für Film-Produktionen sind andere Kameras meist besser geeignet.