Vision Research Unveils High-Speed Digital Camera Capable of Recording One-Million Pictures-per-Second

Market Wire, January, 2008

Vision Research, a leading manufacturer of high-speed digital imaging systems, today marked another world's first with the launch of the Phantom V12, a revolutionary new high-speed digital camera that can record an amazing 1,000,000 pictures-per-second (pps). The flagship model of the company's full range of digital cameras, the Phantom V12 opens up a new dimension in the world of high-speed imaging and sets a new standard in both speed and resolution. The Phantom V12 is the ideal solution for recording extraordinarily fast events, specifically ballistics and explosions testing, and those that take place at the microscopic level.

Essentially the heart of the camera, the Phantom V12 boasts a specially designed, 1280x800 high-definition CMOS sensor, which is built specifically for high-speed imaging applications. At full-resolution, the Phantom V12 can record 6,315 pps in a wide aspect ratio, and at lower resolutions, the camera can go even faster maxing out at 1,000,000 pps at a resolution of 256x8 (optional). The Phantom V12 also features unprecedented light sensitivity with an active pixel size of 20 microns coupled with an improved quantum efficiency. To eliminate blur and accentuate detail, the camera features sub-microsecond shuttering, down to 300 nanoseconds (optional).

The Phantom V12 supports both 8- and 12-bit pixel depth for maximum detail and clarity, and also boasts Vision Research's Extreme Dynamic Range (EDR) feature, which allows the user to capture two different exposures within one single frame. For added ease of use and flexibility, the Phantom V12 also features auto exposure, which automatically adjusts the camera to adapt to changing lighting conditions.

Eight gigabytes of high-speed dynamic RAM comes standard with the Phantom V12, with the option to upgrade to 16GB or 32GB. Taking versatility to the next level, the Phantom V12 is also compatible with Vision Research's CineMag(TM) system. CineMag is a non-volatile, hot-swappable memory magazine that mounts directly to 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 1,000 pps, directly to the magazine. To record at higher speeds, users can utilize the Phantom V12's onboard memory and then manually or automatically transfer those files to the CineMag.

To view recordings immediately, the Phantom V12 features a video-out port which users can connect to a component video monitor. The recordings can be displayed in a variety of formats, including NTSC, PAL, SDI and high-definition 720p.

The Phantom V12 will be available in two models, either with or without the CineMag interface and in either color or monochrome. The V12 base model operates at up to 680,000 pps with a minimum shutter speed of 1, and the step-up model can record at up to 1,000,000 pps with a minimum shutter speed of 300ns.

Specifications: Phantom V12
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Resolution (pixels)                        1280x800
Continuously Adjustable Resolution (CAR)   Yes, 256x8
Pictures-Per-Second at Full Resolution     6,315 pps
Maximum Frame Rate                         680,000 pps (standard)
                                           1,000,000 pps (optional)
Exposure Time / Shutter Speed              1µ (standard)
                                           300ns (optional)
Built-In Memory                            8GB, 16GB or 32GB
ISO (ISO-12232 Standard)                   4800 Mono
                                           1200 Color
Non-Volatile Memory                        Phantom CineMag
Memory Segmentation                        Yes, up to 64 segments
Pixel Bit-Depth                            8 and 12 bits
                                           Trigger, Aux (IRIG-out or
Camera Trigger and Signals                 Strobe), Ready, FSync,
                                           IRIG-in, Video
GB Ethernet                                Yes
Analog Video Out                           PAL, NTSC, HD Component (720p)
HD-SDI                                     720p
Lens                                       F-mount
                                           Height= 5.0" (7.5" with handle)
Size                                       Width= 5.0"
                                           Length= 11.5" (without lens)
Weight                                     11.5 pounds (without lens)
Power                                      60 Watts
Operating Temperature                      10°C - 40°C

About Vision Research

Vision Research Inc. designs and manufactures high-speed digital imaging systems used in domains including defense, automotive, engineering, scientific and medical research, industrial and commercial, sports and entertainment, and digital broadcast and cinematography.

The Wayne, N.J.-based company prides itself on the sensitivity, high-resolution and quality of images produced by its systems, robust yet easy-to-use software interfaces, and reliability and versatility of its camera family -- that continues to be the benchmark for all other high-speed digital camera manufacturers.