Slow Mo
high speed camera hire

Cameras

 

 

SlowMo has two of the latest Photron systems for hire - the APX and the new SA-1. The APX provided the stunning images as seen on Planet Earth and the new SA-1 is the choice of two new major forthcoming BBC wildlife productions, LIFE and Nature's Great Events. The SA-1 has been used this year for several major television commercials.

The cameras can be dry hired (training provided) and come with dedicated laptop. Special power cables are available should either system need to be powered from batteries. The APX has a mono head that is ideal for low light, very high frame rate shoots for industry, ballistics and research.

 

Download DatasheetPhotron APX

Superb light sensitivity allowing good depth of focus even at high shutter speeds. Sensitivity of the camera sensor has been estimated by independent sources to be in the region of 400ASA allowing for F4/F5.6 @ 1000fps in daylight conditions.

True 25Hz playback 'video out' capability immediately after capture. Also the video out can be connected to a viewfinder for a zero-delay live feed allowing for framing, focusing and panning during recordings.

High resolution at high frame rates: e.g. 2000fps at 1024 x 1024, 4000fps at 1024 x 512

Remote head allowing for greater access.

Interchangeable camera heads (10-bit mono and 30-bit color available). Mono head can be used in very low light conditions and with infra-red lights.

C mount or Nikon lens type fitting.

Start, centre, end or custom trigger mode settings.

Memory partition capability allowing for several captures before download. The camera has the extended 8GB memory (see datasheet). This will allow for several recordings before having to download to computer. This is a very useful feature esp. when filming unpredictable events.

Full system can be run off 12V battery power.

Photron APX

 

Photron SA-1Photron SA-1

Released in 2007, the Fastcam SA1 provides blistering fast speed with unmatched light sensitivity.

Capable of over 5,000 full frames per second (fps) at mega pixel (1K x 1K) resolution, the brand new CMOS sensor provides true twelve bit pixel depth and is capable of 150,000 fps at reduced resolution.

Building on the experience gained with the EMMY award winning Ultima APX, the Fastcam SA1 is Photron's most light sensitive camera yet, as well as providing the greatest colour fidelity of any high speed camera available, thanks to true 12-bit performance.

Photron SA1The Fastcam SA1 provides the perfect tool for those looking for mega pixel resolution at true high speeds, as well as those demanding sensitivity and performance with an SDI digital output for TV/movie and commercial work.


Main Differences of the SA-1 over the APX.

The sensitivity is higher (at least 1-2 stops).

The image quality is better (dynamic range is higher and fixed pattern noise is lower).

Colour is much improved (new colour processing algorithms used).

The frame rate is higher (5400fps @ 1024x1024 compared to 2000fps for the APX).

Memory is the same as APX - 8GB.

Variable resolution function (can record @ 9000fps at 1024x576 which equates to 16:9).

The download speed over Gigabit Ethernet is faster (about 2x the speed of FireWire).

All-in-one unit is probably more practical for transporting and set up in remote locations.

Full system can be run off 24V battery power.

Both systems come housed in individual rugged flight cases including a dedicated laptop for easy and secure transport.
Other equipment available includes:

Sturdy Manfrotto tripod
Portable 7" Colour video monitor for video out playback
2 - 2KW, 1 off 650W Arrilites
Portable 120GB external hard drives.
  Various lenses including:
  • Nikon fit 24 to 70mm macro zoom lens
  • 55mm Nikon micro lens
  • 24mm Nikon F2.8
  • Nikon 80-200mm F2.8 zoom
  • 105mm Macro F2.8
  • 300mm F4 telephoto

The camera system can easily be run off a generator. SlowMo have a 1KW Silent briefcase type generator for hire for this purpose.

SlowMo works very closely with Photron (Europe) Ltd to keep the camera systems in optimal working order. Should a system fail on location, SlowMo will endeavour to keep downtime to an absolute minimum, ensure a quick repair and where possible provide a replacement system.

All camera equipment is supplied subject to our terms and conditions. When dry hiring, insurance (to the value of £50K) is the responsibility of the user, including travel to and from the location.