Photron FASTCAM Mini W Series – Compact, lightweight high speed camera

Background of Photron FASTCAM Mini W Series development

The need for image measurement systems using high-speed cameras with high resolution is increasing year by year in the R&D departments of private companies and in cutting-edge R&D themes at universities and government agencies. In particular, automobile safety testing requires not only high resolution, but also remote lens control, multi-power support, G-force resistance, and compactness and light weight. To meet these needs, we are releasing the FASTCAM Mini W Series, a full HD resolution model of our high-performance high-speed camera, the FASTCAM Mini Series.

Compared to the previous full HD model, the FASTCAM Mini WX, the FASTCAM Mini W5 achieves approximately 2.5 times the shooting speed while maintaining the same high resolution, and achieves a monochrome ISO sensitivity of ISO 10,000, which is approximately 1.5 times higher than the previous model. It is hoped that this high-speed camera, which combines high resolution with compactness and light weight, will be widely supported in cutting-edge research fields.

Main features of the Photron FASTCAM Mini W Series

High-speed, high-resolution shooting performance of 5,280 fps in full HD resolution

The FASTCAM Mini W5 achieves 5,280 fps shooting performance at full HD resolution, which is approximately 2.5 times faster than the previous model ^*1 . Furthermore, at 5,000 fps, it achieves full HD resolution, which is approximately 1.6 times faster than the previous model ^{*2 .}

*1: FASTCAM Mini WX100 (Full HD resolution, 2,000fps)
*2: FASTCAM Mini UX100 (5,000fps, 1280 x 1000 pixels)

Compatible with RF mount lenses for remote control

Using the control software “Photron FASTCAM Viewer4 (PFV4)”, the lens aperture and focus can be remotely controlled from a PC. Furthermore, some RF mount lenses can also be used for remote zoom control by adding an adapter, giving you greater flexibility.

This is useful when access to the camera installation location is restricted or when the camera and control PC are located far apart.

Compact and lightweight sealed housing: 120.0 x 120.0 x 92.4 mm (WHD), 2.1 kg

The FASTCAM Mini W Series boasts high performance yet is compact and lightweight at just 2.1 kg. The compact and lightweight body can be carried with one hand, making it easy to install in difficult-to-reach locations, reducing the risk of interference with other equipment and reducing the cost of creating fixtures.

Furthermore, the sealed structure prevents foreign objects such as dust from entering the camera, reducing the risk of malfunction.

Supports 10GbE for high-speed data transfer and dual power supplies

High-resolution image data can also be transferred to a PC at high speed via 10GbE. In addition, by using multiple power supplies, even if the main power cable is accidentally disconnected, the camera can continue to operate by automatically switching to the secondary power supply.

Equipped with a variety of useful functions for various photography and measurement

In addition, it is equipped with many other functions that are useful for various types of photography and measurement.

Main specifications of the Photron FASTCAM Mini W Series