Photron | FASTCAM Mini W5 High Speed Camera

The Pharsighted E9 ultra high speed camera series represents a remarkable breakthrough in high-speed imaging technology. These cameras combine several groundbreaking features that collectively elevate them above conventional offerings in the market. First and foremost, the revolutionary backside-illuminated CMOS sensor with massive 52μm pixels delivers unprecedented light sensitivity. This exceptional design, coupled with exposure times as brief as 34 nanoseconds, enables researchers to capture phenomena previously invisible to even advanced imaging systems.

Frame rate capabilities across the E9 lineup truly set these cameras apart from competitors. The flagship E9•150S captures an astonishing 489,000 frames per second at full resolution, while all models can achieve the breathtaking maximum of 2.7 million frames per second at reduced vertical resolution. Such extreme temporal precision allows scientists and engineers to analyze ultra-fast events with unmatched clarity.

Additionally, the extraordinary light sensitivity ratings—ISO 200,000 for monochrome and 80,000 for color models—eliminate the need for excessive lighting setups that might otherwise interfere with test conditions. This sensitivity advantage transforms challenging imaging scenarios into straightforward recording sessions.

Memory capabilities further enhance the practical utility of these cameras. With RAM configurations reaching 648GB in the top model, users can record for over three seconds at full resolution—ample time to capture unpredictable high-speed events. The thoughtful implementation of removable U.2 NVMe storage alongside a substantial internal drive creates a seamless workflow from capture to analysis.

The question posed at the beginning of this article asked what makes an ultra high speed camera capturing 2.7 million frames per second look like. Throughout our exploration, we've seen the answer lies not just in raw specifications but in thoughtful engineering decisions. The Pharsighted E9 series combines exceptional sensor technology, unprecedented frame rates, remarkable light sensitivity, and practical storage solutions within a rugged, field-ready package.

These cameras undoubtedly open new frontiers for scientific research, defense applications, automotive testing, and industrial analysis. Their ability to reveal previously invisible phenomena transforms our understanding of high-speed events, making the E9 series a significant milestone in imaging technology.

Light Sensitivity and ISO Performance

Light sensitivity emerges as a critical factor in capturing usable footage at extreme frame rates. Even with the most advanced sensors, inadequate light capture can result in noisy, unusable images. The Pharsighted E9 Series tackles this challenge head-on through remarkable ISO performance that establishes new benchmarks for ultra high speed cameras.

ISO 200,000 Monochrome Sensitivity

The monochrome variants of the E9 Series deliver exceptional light sensitivity with an ISO rating of 160,000. This impressive specification applies across all models in the lineup, including the E9•50S, E9•80S, E9•100S, and E9•150S. Such remarkable sensitivity comes primarily from the combination of backside-illuminated sensor technology and the large 52-micron pixel size.

For context, many competing high-speed cameras offer significantly lower sensitivity ratings. For instance, some comparable systems provide monochrome sensitivity of only 16,000 ISO with gain off, or 125,000 with gain artificially boosted. The E9 Series achieves its superior 200,000 ISO rating without requiring additional gain, thus maintaining better image quality and signal-to-noise ratio.

According to technical specifications, this sensitivity is measured using the ISO 12232 daylight standard, making it an objectively high-performing camera in low-light situations. In practical applications, this translates to clearer footage when capturing phenomena that occur too quickly to allow for additional lighting setups.

ISO 80,000 Color Sensitivity

The color variants of the Pharsighted E9 Series offer an ISO rating of 80,000. Although naturally lower than their monochrome counterparts due to the color filter array's light absorption, this remains an exceptional value for color high-speed imaging.

To put this in perspective, many competing color high-speed cameras provide sensitivity ratings of merely 4,000 ISO with gain off, or 32,000 with gain enabled. The E9 Series' native 80,000 ISO represents a substantial improvement over these alternatives, allowing researchers and engineers to capture color footage in lighting conditions that would render other cameras ineffective.

This superior sensitivity enables the E9 cameras to excel in applications where both color information and extreme frame rates are required. Moreover, this capability effectively eliminates what has traditionally been a significant limitation in high-speed color imaging - the need for extremely powerful lighting setups that may alter the very phenomena being studied.

ISO 12232 Standard Compliance

The Pharsighted E9 Series adheres to the ISO 12232 standard for sensitivity measurement. This internationally recognized standard was originally established to provide a means for comparing digital sensors to film speed. Notably, it helps users understand camera capabilities and set appropriate exposure parameters for well-exposed images.

Under ISO 12232, sensitivity is measured using a saturation-based method. Effectively, a higher ISO value indicates that less light is required for an image to reach saturation. The standard specifically defines light sources for measurement - either Tungsten (approximately 3,050K) or Daylight (D55 standard illuminant).

Nevertheless, it's important to understand certain limitations of the ISO 12232 standard. Primarily, it doesn't account for noise performance, which is crucial for evaluating low-light capabilities. Additionally, ISO values can be manipulated through techniques like gain adjustment, which may increase brightness but reduce signal-to-noise ratio and dynamic range[163].

The E9 Series cameras use the ISO 12232 daylight measurement method, resulting in the documented 200,000D monochrome and 80,000D color ratings. These exceptional values indicate that the Pharsighted cameras require significantly less light than typical high-speed cameras to produce properly exposed images at extreme frame rates.

In practical terms, these sensitivity ratings allow the best ultra high speed camera models in the E9 Series to "see" in lighting conditions where competing cameras would produce only noise. This capability opens new possibilities for recording phenomena that occur in naturally dark environments or at such extreme speeds that traditional lighting solutions prove inadequate.

Internal Memory and Storage Options

Robust memory capacity forms the backbone of any ultra high speed camera system, dictating both recording duration and workflow efficiency. The Pharsighted E9 Series pushes boundaries in this domain through innovative memory architecture and storage solutions that address the massive data requirements of high-speed imaging.

RAM Configurations: Up to 648GB

The E9 Series offers substantial internal memory configurations tailored to each model's capabilities. The flagship E9•150S boasts the most impressive options with 162GB, 324GB, or 648GB of high-speed RAM. This generous allocation enables 3.45 seconds of real-time recording at full resolution with the maximum configuration.

Similarly, the E9•100S and E9•80S models feature memory options of 108GB, 216GB, or 432GB, providing extended capture times compared to many competing systems. Even the entry-level E9•50S offers substantial memory with 54GB, 108GB, or 216GB configurations.

These substantial memory allocations serve a critical purpose - they extend recording durations at extreme frame rates, addressing a historical limitation of ultra high speed cameras. For instance, with maximum memory configuration, the E9•150S can record for 1.15, 2.3, or 3.45 seconds at full resolution, giving operators crucial flexibility when capturing unpredictable high-speed events.

Furthermore, the systems support sophisticated memory management with up to 128 memory segments available on the higher-end models. This partitioning capability allows users to capture multiple sequential events without downloading between shots, streamlining workflow in fast-paced testing environments.

Removable U.2 NVMe for Fast Offload

Beyond internal RAM, every Pharsighted E9 model includes a removable U.2 NVMe SSD drive bay for rapid data transfer. This technology represents a significant advancement over traditional storage solutions in several ways.

First, the U.2 NVMe interface delivers exceptional data transfer speeds - substantially faster than conventional SATA connections. In fact, comparable U.2 interfaces can achieve throughput up to 64Gbps, facilitating rapid offloading of multi-gigabyte high-speed sequences.

Second, the removable nature of these drives creates workflow advantages. Users can quickly swap drives between recording sessions, minimizing downtime in testing environments. The E9 Series implements this through a specially designed drive tray system that protects the SSD connector from wear during repeated insertions.

Each E9 camera includes a USB-C dock, enabling simple connection to editing workstations without directly handling the camera. This feature proves especially valuable in field environments where mobility and rapid turnaround are essential.

1.6TB Internal Drive for Extended Recording

Complementing the removable storage system, every model in the E9 Series incorporates a substantial 1.6TB internal drive. This generous capacity serves multiple purposes in high-speed imaging workflows.

Primarily, it functions as immediate backup storage for captured sequences, protecting valuable data from accidental loss. The large capacity accommodates multiple recording sessions before requiring offload to external systems.

In addition, the substantial storage capacity enables direct recording at lower frame rates, bypassing RAM limitations for certain applications. This capability extends the camera's versatility beyond ultra-high-speed capture to applications requiring longer duration recordings at more moderate speeds.

The storage architecture of the E9 Series reflects a comprehensive approach to addressing workflow challenges in high-speed imaging. By combining massive RAM configurations with fast, practical storage solutions, these ultra high speed cameras overcome traditional bottlenecks in the capture-to-analysis pipeline, enabling more efficient testing protocols across scientific, industrial, and defense applications.

Connectivity and Software Integration

Effective data transfer stands at the heart of professional high-speed imaging workflows. The Pharsighted E9 Series addresses this crucial aspect through advanced connectivity options and intuitive software that streamline the capture-to-analysis pipeline.

10Gb Ethernet Interface for High-Speed Transfer

Reliable data transmission becomes increasingly vital as frame rates and resolution climb. The E9 Series integrates a fast 10-Gigabit Ethernet interface that provides both camera control and high-speed image download capabilities to standard PC, MAC, and Linux systems. This connection substantially outperforms traditional interfaces, enabling much faster transfers of the massive data sets generated by ultra high speed cameras.

For enhanced durability in challenging environments, the E9 cameras feature a rugged IP68-rated RJ45 connector. This robust connection withstands dust, moisture, and physical stress that might compromise standard connectors. The system supports IEEE 1588 (PTPv2) time code, enabling precise synchronization across multiple devices – an essential capability for multi-camera setups in complex research environments.

Practically speaking, the 10Gb Ethernet interface allows for cine downloads at speeds more than 5X faster than standard Gigabit Ethernet. This acceleration dramatically reduces downtime between recording sessions, a critical factor when working with the substantial file sizes generated at extreme frame rates.

SLOW Application for Cross-Platform Control

The proprietary SLOW software application serves as the command center for E9 Series cameras, offering a clean, intuitive interface for controlling and monitoring live camera feeds. Unlike manufacturer-specific solutions that often impose platform limitations, SLOW provides genuine cross-platform functionality with compatible versions for Windows, MAC OS, and Linux systems.

Primary functions of the SLOW application include:

• Live camera monitoring and control
• Playback from image buffer, on-board SSD, or local .SLOW files
• Adjustment of recording parameters and camera settings
• Management of multi-camera configurations

This software ecosystem addresses a common frustration in professional imaging – the "vendor lock-in" that restricts users to particular hardware or operating systems. By offering true cross-platform compatibility, the best ultra high speed camera systems in the E9 lineup provide flexibility for diverse workflow environments.

The SLOW application features an intuitive user interface, designed specifically for the demanding requirements of high-speed imaging. This emphasis on usability proves particularly valuable given the complex parameters involved in ultra high speed camera operation, where small adjustments can significantly impact results.

RAW Format Export to Standard Video Formats

The E9 Series employs a proprietary .SLOW format that contains both RAW image data and comprehensive metadata. This approach preserves maximum information while facilitating efficient workflow management. Henceforth, this format serves as the foundation for subsequent processing and analysis.

Equally important, the SLOW application provides conversion capabilities from the native .SLOW format to common video and image formats. These include industry-standard options such as:

• AVI video files
• TIFF image sequences
• Other widely supported formats

This conversion flexibility addresses a critical workflow challenge – the need to integrate high-speed footage with standard post-production and analysis tools. The captured files in proprietary RAW format can be readily exported into common video formats for analysis or distribution, eliminating compatibility barriers often encountered with specialized imaging systems.

Concurrently, the system maintains access to the original RAW data when needed for advanced processing or scientific analysis. This dual-path approach gives users the benefits of both uncompromised image quality and broad compatibility with existing software ecosystems.

Overall, the connectivity and software integration features of the Pharsighted E9 Series combine technical sophistication with practical usability. The result is an ultra high speed camera system that not only captures extraordinary imagery but thereafter enables efficient management, analysis, and distribution of that content across diverse computing environments.

Physical Design and Environmental Readiness

The rugged engineering of the Pharsighted E9 Series enables reliable operation in demanding field conditions where typical imaging equipment would fail. Every aspect of the physical design reflects a commitment to durability without compromising performance.

IP68-Rated RJ45 Connector

The E9 Series features a rugged IP68-rated RJ45 connector that ensures consistent network connectivity even in harsh environments. This rating represents the highest level of protection, with complete dust resistance and capability to withstand continuous water submersion. For field operations involving moisture, dust, or mechanical stress, this robust connection point prevents network failures that might otherwise compromise critical data collection.

Rugged Body: 10.88Kg, 240mm x 212mm x 175mm

The camera body measures precisely 240mm (H) x 212mm (W) x 175mm (D), or 9.45" (H) x 8.35" (W) x 6.89" (D) in imperial units. Weighing 10.88Kg (24 lbs), the substantial yet manageable chassis incorporates mounting points (3/8-16) on the top, bottom, and left side for versatile positioning options. The ultra high speed camera operates reliably within temperature ranges from 0 to 40°C (32° to 104°F), making it suitable for various testing environments.

Power Supply: 24-28VDC, 280W Output

Power requirements include 24-28VDC input at 200W, with an additional 30W allocation for SSD operation. The included power supply accepts standard 100-240VAC, 50/60Hz current and delivers 24VDC at 280W. Notably, the system supports both primary and backup power configurations, ensuring uninterrupted operation during critical high-speed imaging sessions.

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