Ultra high-speed @ 1 MegaPixel

Phantom 310 from Vision Research

Vision Research, the leading manufacturer of high speed digital imaging cameras, recently extended its Phantom family of cameras with the introduction of the v310. Featuring a custom-designed, high-performance CMOS sensor, the Phantom v310 offers users a wide aspect ratio and a top speed of 3,400 frames per second (fps) at the camera’s maximum resolution of 1280x800. At reduced resolution, the v310 can record at speeds up to 500,000 fps.

Ideally suited for a number of applications, including scientific research, product development, ballistics and explosions testing, the v310 offers an impressive price/performance ratio that sets a new industry standard for one-megapixel digital high-speed cameras. The v310 is also as stylish as it is advanced, boasting a new camera architecture and design first introduced in the award-winning Phantom v12.1.

Proprietary CMOS Sensor

Compared to traditional square imaging sensors, the wide aspect ratio afforded by v310’s proprietary CMOS sensor allows users to keep moving subjects in-frame longer and see more of the event being recorded. Available in color or monochrome, the v310’s CMOS sensor outperforms comparable imaging systems in terms of light sensitivity. It features an active pixel size of 20 microns coupled with improved quantum efficiency. To eliminate blur and accentuate detail, users can take advantage of short exposure times - as fast as one microsecond.

The Phantom v310 supports both 8- and 12-bit pixel depth for maximum detail and clarity and also incorporates Vision Research’s Extreme Dynamic Range (EDR) technology. EDR is a useful feature which allows users to capture two different exposures within one single frame. Furthermore, Vision Research adds to the overall ease of use and flexibility of the new Phantom v310 thanks to auto exposure, which automatically adjusts the camera to adapt to changing lighting conditions.

Remote Calibration

Thanks to the Phantom v310’s new optional internal shutter mechanism, users can perform a session specific black reference, also known as a current session reference (CSR), without having to physically cover the lens. During use the response of a CMOS sensor’s pixels can change due to changes in selected resolution, exposure time and temperature, which can lead to inaccurate color representation and substandard image quality. A CSR calibrates all pixels that will be used for a given set of camera parameters and sets them to pure black - an important step in ensuring the most accurate image possible.

With the v310’s new internal shutter, the CSR operation can now be performed remotely. This proves extremely useful especially in situations where the v310 would be mounted out of reach or used on a range for ballistics or explosives testing.

Vision Research’s Phantom v310 is also the ideal high-speed imaging solution for particle image velocimetry (PIV) applications. The camera features a high-resolution timing system that yields a timing resolution of better than 40 nanoseconds, a 700 nanosecond straddle time and no image lag. A frame synchronization signal is also now available via a dedicated BNC for easier cabling and increased signal integrity.

High-Performance, Non-Volatile Memory

Eight gigabytes of high-speed dynamic RAM comes standard with the new Phantom v310, with the option to upgrade to 16GB or 32GB. The internal high-speed dynamic RAM is also dividable up to 64 segments, allowing users to record multiple shots, back to-back, without having to download data from the camera.

Security and versatility also abound with the Phantom v310 as the camera is fully-compatible (optional) with Vision Research’s CineMag™ system. CineMag is a non-volatile, hot-swappable, very small and light memory magazine that attaches directly on the body of the camera, providing added storage and data protection. Available in 256GB or 512GB it enables maximum speed sequences captured to RAM to be moved easily, quickly and efficiently to the Cinemag and so enables the operator to take more high speed sequences to RAM without downloading and downtime. The CineMag also gives end-users the ability to record full-resolution video at a maximum frame rate of 700 fps, directly to the magazine, enabling very long record times.

CineMags are designed to work with Vision Research’s Phantom CineStation™, the company’s proprietary CineMag docking station. Streamlining the high-speed imaging workflow for the end-user, the CineStation allows the high-speed footage - also known as “cines” - stored on a CineMag to be viewed, trimmed, played over video and recorded, and saved to hard disk. The Cinestation has a Dual HD-SDI outputs and so can output RGB 4:4:4 video. It also features a 10Gigabit Ethernet port for file transfers to disk. This enhanced workflow ultimately provides uninterrupted use of the Phantom digital high-speed camera as the cines can be downloaded and edited offline, rather than utilizing the valuable camera asset to transfer the data.

Immediately View Recordings

The Phantom v310 also offers users several options to view recordings immediately. The camera features an analog video-out port for use with a component video monitor or viewer, allowing the recordings to be displayed in a variety of formats, including NTSC, PAL and high definition 720p. The HD-SDI port also offers up to 4:2:2 playback. Files can be transferred directly from the camera with its Gigabit ethernet port.

Adept Electronic Solutions are 'The Machine Vision and Imaging Specialists' and exclusive distributor for Vision Research products in Australia and New Zealand. To find out more about Vision Research High Speed cameras please email us at: adept@adept.net.au, call us at Perth (08) 92425411 / Sydney (02) 99792599 / Melbourne (03) 95555621 or use our online contact us form.