Vision Research Introduces New V-Series High-Speed Camera

27/03/08

Vision Research, a leading manufacturer of high-speed digital imaging systems introduced the Phantom® V5.2, the new workhorse of the company's Phantom family of digital high-speed cameras. At a full-resolution of 1152x896, the Phantom V5.2 allows users to capture up to 1,000 pictures-per-second (pps) with the ability to increase the frame rate to 148,000 pps at lower resolutions.

Building on the success of its predecessor, the Phantom V5.1, the new V5.2 is available with either a monochrome CMOS sensor, which yields a sensitivity rated at ISO 2400, or a color CMOS sensor, which features an ISO of 600. As with all Vision Research Phantom digital high-speed cameras, sensitivity ratings are based on the ISO 12232 standard and are measured without the benefit of any noise reduction filtering which can alter the data in the image.

When shooting fast-moving objects, the Phantom V5.2 will capture crisp, blur-free images with a fast electronic shutter speed of 2µs. Additionally, the Phantom V5.2 captures images with amazing detail with up to 12-bits of grayscale information for each pixel. With a higher bit-depth, users can see details previously unseen in an image and gain insights that would otherwise be lost at lower bit-depths. For added versatility, the Phantom V5.2 also features Extreme Dynamic Range (dual-slope integration), a useful feature that has become standard with all Phantom V-Series digital high-speed cameras.

By using Extreme Dynamic Range, users can see details in areas of an image that are overly bright or even might be "blown out" when using conventional camera settings. Extreme Dynamic Range allows for two exposure settings during a single frame of acquisition. The technique detects which pixels are likely to become overexposed based on their current gray-level at a selected time into the frame exposure. These pixels are then reset and re-exposed for a shorter time all during a single frame's exposure. This gives the user two exposures in a single frame -- one longer exposure for the bulk of the image which allows you to see the details in the dark areas, and a shorter exposure for the brighter areas that prevents them from becoming over-exposed.

Combining dual-slope integration with greater pixel bit-depths provides a set of tools to handle the most challenging of test setups.

The V5.2 is controlled via Gigabit Ethernet from a PC or laptop and included Phantom software runs on Windows XP or Vista. Phantom software is used for camera set-up, control, as well as to review, edit and save high-speed images.

Key Features

-- Electronic shutter speed down to 2µs
-- 12-bit grayscale image depth
-- 1,000 pictures per second full resolution, up to 148,000 pps maximum
-- "CAR" (Continuously Adjustable Resolution) in 96x8 pixel increments
-- 2400 ISO/ASA monochrome, 600 ISO/ASA color sensitivity equivalency
-- Extreme Dynamic Range exposure control
-- Auto Exposure control
-- Features a video-out port that supports NTSC, PAL, SD-SDI and 720p HD-
SDI formats
-- Interchangeable F-mounting lensing standard with C-mount available

For additional information, please visit www.visionresearch.com

About Vision Research Inc.

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.

Vision Research 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™." More information on Vision Research can be found at www.visionresearch.com.

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