Updated! Our original Phantom v4.0 high speed digital imaging system was the first commercially available CMOS camera to offer rates of 1,000 pictures per second at　512x512 pixels. With improvements this camera evolved into the 4.1, and for 2003 we have added even more features to this venerable workhorse and it advances to version 4.2. The v4.2 gets a new sensor that increases image quality and is also a 2 f/stops faster than the original design. Maximum recording speeds have more than doubled, to a maximum full frame rate of 2,100pps , and Gigabit Ethernet has also been added to the v4.2's selection of communication methods.

All of our SR-CMOS sensors have been designed exclusively for high speed use and　balancing sensitivity and resolution. On-chip circuitry provides true "snap shot" shutter capabilities and pixel level Extreme Dynamic Range?(EDR) exposure control to extend picture quality in harsh lighting conditions. Unlike CCD sensors, CMOS will not bloom, our sensor is also totally immune from multi panel imaging artifacts associated with many high speed sensors.

An important advantage of CMOS technology is the extremely low power requirements needed for operation. This results in a cooler running system, and has allowed us to pack the entire camera and image memory into a small, light weight, and very rugged housing. This makes the Phantom an ideal choice for most test environments including those extreme conditions commonly experienced in military, automotive,airborne, and industrial applications.

In the past, you could choose either high imaging speeds or good resolution. v4.2 Our Unfortunately, getting both features out of the same camera was difficult at best. The offers the performance needed for most applications and does it at an affordable price. square 512x512 pixel array produces high speed framing rates and excellent image quality. The Phantom v4.2 offers a maximum recording speed of 2,100 pictures per second using the sensor's full 512x512 pixel array. Frame rates are continuously variable from 30 to 2,100 pictures per second. Selections for higher rates at reduced image sizes are available using the Phantom camera control software.

The Phantom v4.2 offers a maximum recording speed of 2,100 pictures per second
using the sensor's full 512x512 pixel array. Frame rates are continuously variable from 30 to 2,100 pictures per second. Selections for higher rates at reduced image sizes are available using the Phantom camera control software.

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Color or monochrome

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The v4.2 is available in color or monochrome models. Monochrome offers the highest sensitivity and image resolution, but many times color is an important application requirement and the 4.2's new pixel level RGB striping offers outstanding high speed color images. Click the breaking bulb photo or linked text to view some images recorded by the v4.1 (new images from the v4.2 will be posted soon).

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10 micro second exposure

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Even at 2,100 pictures per second, some subjects are moving fast enough to cause image blur without the help of additional shuttering. The Phantom's SR-CMOS sensor allows us to offer continuously variable shutter speeds down to 10 micro seconds (1/100,000 second). This shutter is a true "snap shot" or synchronous shutter. Other designs may offer "rolling" shutters that can distort high speed data results.

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Speeds of up to 90,000pps

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If your application involves extremely fast moving subjects, take advantage of the Phantom's capability for increased recording speeds. By reducing the image size, data from the sensor can be moved more rapidly resulting in higher speeds. This option can also be used to increase recording time at any frame rate. This chart illustrates the various image aspect ratios and corresponding maximum frame rates.

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Gigabit Ethernet, Firewire, or RS232/422

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High speed digital cameras generate big files fast! The Phantom software allows you save entire "ciné" image files or just small portions of them to an external computer or storage device. We have speeded this process by incorporating both Gigabit Ethernet and IEEE 1394 FireWire? I/O technology into the v4.2 design. Both Gigabit Ethernet and Firewire data transfer is much faster than serial, parallel, or USB connections, and FireWire features plug and play and hot swap capabilities. A single PC FireWire connection supports control of up to sixty-three v4.2 cameras. When using FireWire for camera communications, optional v4.2 Remote Control Units , allow the Phantom to be operated from a remote location for applications requiring camera placement in hazardous or inaccessible locations.

By the way, don't let the extensive cable array shown in the photo scare you. The and majority of these connections are for optional features. Basic camera operation requires only a connection to a common laptop or desk top PC for setup, plus power trigger connections. For remote or mobile platform applications, after camera setup is complete the PC can be disconnected and only power and trigger connections are required for use. Phantom v4.2 network/cable array image.

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Software: setup, view, analyze

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The Phantom software that is included with each camera provides the user with EDR controls to setup camera operating parameters while viewing the "live" image on the controlling computer's monitor or NTSC video monitor. Frame rate, shutter speed, and functions are set here before the shot.

The software also provides controls for recorded image playback directly from camera memory or archived image files. Image analysis functions are also included in this part of the software and features measurement, speed, and angular data that can reviewed on site immediately after the test. This software may also be run on a desktop PC for additional analysis and data report generation, presentations, or training purposes at any time.

Single, multiple images, or whole ciné files can be enhanced using sharpen, lighten, darken, and gamma tools and then saved in your choice of several common, and not so common, image formats making the results of your test suitable for almost any electronic or print application.

This small package, the one that led the high-speed CMOS revolution, packs a big punch and continues to be one of our most popular products.

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