Phantom V710 Video Camera Delivers 1,400,000fps

Vision Research has claimed its Phantom v710 provides the fastest image acquisition available in a CMOS high-speed digital video camera. The Phantom v710 delivers 1,400,000 frames per second (fps). Increasing to a higher resolution allows the camera to capture at 7,530fps (1280 x 800). Phantom v710 features remote/automatic black referencing, versatile dual HD-SDI outputs, a component viewfinder port, high-speed synchronisation, range data input and Phantom Cinemag support. The custom-designed CMOS 1280 x 800 sensor provides an aspect ratio that is 25 per cent wider than conventional square cameras and allows the cinematographer to keep moving targets in-frame longer and see more of the event.

The v710's wide-aspect ratio can also capture 1280 x 720 with a one-megapixel camera. he v710 provides 7,500fps at full megapixel resolution. Decreasing the frame rates allows higher frame rates, up to 1,400,000fps. Its unsurpassed sensitivity is possible with an active pixel size of 20 microns and improved quantum efficiency. Even using Phantom's sub-microsecond shuttering, the user can obtain the highest sensitivity with the lowest noise possible. Phantom's optional sub-microsecond shuttering eliminates blur, which vastly improves image clarity. Sub-microsecond shuttering is programmable in 18ns increments, down to 300 nanoseconds.

The v710 supports 8- and 12-bit pixel depth. Smaller bit-depth provides more recording time and smaller files, while greater bit-depth results in more grey levels and finer details. The Extreme Dynamic Range (EDR) feature allows two different exposures within a single frame. Combining these two exposures results in a single very high dynamic-range image. Changing lighting conditions are catered to by the v710's auto exposure. The Phantom v710 has an internal shutter that automatically shades the sensor when performing a current session referencing.

The camera can therefore be used remotely and the CSR performed far more regularly, ensuring the highest quality images in changing conditions. The v710's high-resolution timing system yields a timing resolution of better than 20ns. The trigger signal can be an external TTL pulse (hardware produced), contact closure or open, or via command (software produced). The continuous recording feature can be used to capture automatically, trigger, edit and save image data into any fixed, removable or networked drive accessible from the Phantom camera's control unit.

The camera will then return to recording mode and wait for the next trigger signal, without the need for operator intervention. The combination of 8GB high-speed dynamic RAM (16 or 32GB optional) and segmented memory allows the division of memory into 64 segments, meaning that multiple shots can be taken back-to-back without needing to download from the camera. Alternatively, recording can be made directly to the Phantom Cinemag. Cinemag is a compact, non-volatile, hot-swappable memory magazine that fits snuggly on the camera and is an optional accessory. Vision Research's engineers designed the Cinemag module to fit neatly onto the Phantom range of cameras.

Within the module, cines can be shifted quickly or recorded directly, eliminating the need to download. Not only does the portable Cinemag change workflow, it also protects cines from volatile memory loss. Once saved in the Cinemag, data is secure and the next shot/experiment can be taken almost immediately. The Phantom Cinemag also enables long record times for events that would normally exhaust built-in memory and is available in three sizes: 128, 256 and 512GB. In combination with a Cinestation, a Cinemag can be clipped off the camera, loaded to the Cinestation and while cines are downloaded from the Cinestation at 10GB Ethernet speeds, a second Cinemag can be clipped to the camera to continue shooting.