MARCH 13, 2009--The Phantom v310 camera offers a top speed of 3400 frames/s at maximum resolution of 1280 x 800. It is suited for applications including scientific research, product development, and ballistics and explosions testing. At reduced resolution, it can record at speeds up to 500,000 frames/s. Compared to traditional square imaging sensors, the wide aspect ratio afforded by the 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 camera's CMOS sensor features an active pixel size of 20 µm coupled with improved quantum efficiency. Exposure times as fast as 1 µs help eliminate blur and accentuate detail. Auto exposure automatically adjusts to adapt to changing lighting conditions. The unit supports 8- and 12-bit pixel depth and incorporates Extreme Dynamic Range (EDR) technology, which allows users to capture two different exposures within a single frame.
Vision Research
Wayne, NJ, USA
www.visionresearch.com
-- Posted by Carrie Meadows, Vision Systems Design, www.vision-systems.com
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PRESS RELEASE
Vision Research Extends Phantom Digital High-Speed Camera Family with the Introduction of the v310
One-Megapixel Phantom v310 Sets New Standard for Affordability and Performance
WAYNE, N.J., February 25, 2009 - Vision Research, a leading manufacturer of high-speed digital imaging systems, today extended its Phantom family of digital high-speed 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, and 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, as 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 drift due to changes in 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 also is 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 with Vision Research's CineMag system. CineMag is a non-volatile, hot-swappable memory magazine that mounts to an optional interface directly on the body of the camera, providing added storage and data protection. Available in 256GB or 512GB, the CineMag 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. To record at higher speeds, users can utilize the camera's onboard memory and then manually or automatically transfer those files to the CineMag for storage and maximum data protection.
CineMags are designed to work with Vision Research's new 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 saved to hard 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, allowing the recordings to be displayed in a variety of formats, including NTSC, PAL and high-definition 720p. 4:2:2 playback also is available with the Phantom v310 as the camera includes an HD-SDI port.
About Vision Research
Vision Research designs and manufactures high-speed digital imaging systems used in applications including defense, automotive, engineering, science, medical research, industrial manufacturing and packaging, sports and entertainment, and digital cinematography for television and movie production.
The Wayne, N.J.-based company prides itself on the sensitivity, high-resolution and image quality produced by its systems, robust software interfaces, and reliability and versatility of its camera family - all which continue to stand as benchmarks for the high-speed digital imaging industry.
Vision Research digital high-speed cameras add a new dimension to the sense of sight, allowing the user to see details of an event when it's too fast to see, and too important not to. For additional information regarding Vision Research, please visit www.visionresearch.com.
Vision Research is a business unit of the Materials Analysis Division of AMETEK Inc., a leading global manufacturer of electronic instruments and electromechanical devices.
