The video camera, as we know it, has been around for more than 130 years. To say that it has evolved beyond what original videographers even thought capable would be the understatement of the century. Cameras are becoming increasingly sophisticated in their resolution, processing power, and overall technical capabilities. High-speed cameras are a particularly good example of how far video cameras have evolved, allowing us to slow down time to see what the eyes could never hope to catch. Now, Vision Research has introduced a new high-speed camera that seeks to further push the boundaries of what the medium can do.
The Phantom S991 Machine Vision incorporates cutting-edge fiber optic technology by connecting two fiber cables to the camera’s frame grabbers for faster, more efficient data transferring. Basically, they’ve found a way to boost their already incredible camera technology to make a high-speed camera capable of shooting ultra-sharp 4K footage at more than 900fps. To put that into perspective, most experts believe that the human eyes are capable of processing only 30 to 60fps — in standard definition, no less.
Jokes aside, this is a massive breakthrough for the camera space given that most high-speed cameras need to sacrifice resolution for heightened frame speed. What’s even more incredible, however, is that this camera can capture footage at an eye-popping 52,000fps at lower resolutions, which is fast enough to track a bullet at point-blank range. Vision Research was able to achieve this awesome feat by pairing its innovative fiber optic cables with its equally groundbreaking Phantom CMOS sensor. While the Phantom S991 doesn’t come with its own lens, it has an interchangeable lens mount for a variety of Nikon, PL, C, and Canon EOS lenses.
With a camera this sophisticated, it’s hard to limit its applications in the real world, but it’s safe to say that it most likely won’t be used for your Average Joe vlogger. Vision Research has yet to announce pricing information for the Phantom S991 Machine Vision camera, but you can learn more about it on the brand’s website.
