Photron Cameras

Slowmo has three of the latest Photron camera systems for hire - the High Definition Photron BC2 HD, the tried and tested Photron SA1.1 and the portable Photron SA3. Coming soon, the new Photron SA-X.

The Photron SA1.1 is the ideal camera for filming ballistics and other ultra high speed subjects by offering high resolution at extremely fast frame rates.

The Photron BC2 HD is the successor to the SA2, which was praised for its image quality, sensitivity and its ability to record 2048 x 2048 at 1000fps and full HD at 2000fps. The Photron BC2 can be used with a HD-SDI recorder for computer-less, portable operation.

The Photron SA3 generates images on par with the SA1.1 in a smaller, sealed unit. It is the perfect camera for production line analysis and diagnostic/research.

The Photron SA-X will be the next acquisation for Slowmo in February 2012.

Photron BC2 HD (32Gb)
Photron SA1.1 (8Gb)
Photron SA3 (120K Model)
Photron SA-X

Photron BC2 HD (32Gb)



2048 x 2048 pixels @ 1080 fps 1920 x 1080 pixels @ 2000 fps 1280 x 720 pixels @ 4000 fps 1024 x 576 pixels @ 5400 fps Maximum - 86000 fps

The FASTCAM BC2 HD camera system has been engineered to provide a complete solution to high speed video requirements in broadcast, commercials, television, and motion picture production applications. The camera provides 12bit dynamic range, high light sensitivity and the highest possible image quality and colour fidelity.

Photron has engineered the Fastcam BC2 HD to deliver significant improvements in image quality by minimising dark noise for better detail in the black areas of the image and reduction of image ghosting for regions with high contrast. The camera has been independently rated between 640-800asa. Same outstanding reliablility as the SA2 especially when working under hot lights. Never had a fan pointed at it.

The camera has 2 x HD-SDI video output which are live before and during recording with no time lag. The Photron BC-2 HD camera can be used with an ATOMOS HD-SDI recorder allowing Apple ProRes HQ movies to captured in quick time. No computer required.

It has the maximum 32GB on board memory providing 20 s capture time at 500fps full HD. Extended range of frame rates including 50fps, 60fps, 72fps, 96fps, 100fps, 120fps etc.

Arri bridge plates (BP5/BP8) together with bars and matt boxes can now be easily attached to the BC-2 via a custom base plate.

Photron SA1.1 (8Gb)



1024 x 1024 pixels @ 5400 fps 1024 x 576 pixels @ 10000 fps 640 x 480 pixels @ 18000 fps 512 x 128 pixels @ 75000 fps Maximum - 675000 fps

Released in 2007, the Fastcam SA1.1 provides blistering fast speed with superb light sensitivity.

Capable of 5400 full frames per second (fps) at mega pixel (1K x 1K) resolution, the CMOS sensor provides true twelve bit pixel depth and is capable of a massive 675,000 fps at reduced resolution.

The Fastcam SA1.1 is one of Photron's most light sensitive cameras, as well as providing high colour fidelity thanks to true 12-bit performance.

This camera has been extremely busy since it's release covering nearly every high speed application from major wildlife programmes to filming bullets at 50000fps. Slowmo has used this camera to film at a staggering 500,000fps in 2010 (detonator rod). The Fastcam SA1.1 is still the best Photron camera when capturing at 6000fps (superceded by the new SA-X) and above. As such it is still in use for commercials, especially for extreme macro shots. The Photron SA1.1 provides the high speed images on ITVs The Cube.

Slowmo has two SA1.1 cameras to cover its many rentals.

Photron SA3 (120K Model)



1024 x 1024 pixels @ 2000 fps 1024 x 576 pixels @ 3000 fps 512 x 512 pixels @ 5000 fps Maximum - 120000 fps

Added to the Slowmo camera list in September 2009, the Fastcam SA-3 provides superb image quality and sensitivity in a portable rugged package.

It is an extremely flexible and reliable camera covering all applications including television, industry and research. Capable of 2,000 full frames per second (fps) at 1024 x 1024 resolution.

Slowmo's Fastcam SA3 comes with the maximum 4GB memory. The SA3 differs in terms of construction from the SA1.1 in the fact it is not fan cooled but is a sealed unit. This makes it more suitable for dusty/dirty environments as well as lending itself to being used with underwater housings. It is also tested to 100G.

The SA3 makes a good supplementary camera with the SA1.1 on shoots where two cameras are needed especially useful for ballistics testing.

It has been successfully used on shoots in Japan, Norway, Madagascar, Saudi Arabia and India.

Photron SA-X



1024 x 1024 pixels @ 10000 fps 1024 x 576 pixels @ 20000 fps 515 x 512 pixels @ 30000 fps Maximum - 324000 fps

A quick insight into the new Photron SA-X.

FASTCAM SA-X brings together unique CMOS image sensor technologies and digital imaging expertise to provide optimum imaging performance. The system offers recording rates up to 10,000 fps at Megapixel image
resolution with 12 bit dynamic range and high image quality.

Extremely high light sensitivity.

16 GB on board memory

Hardware image trigger function allowing automatic triggering from a change in the image.

To be added to the Slowmo camera list in early 2012.

Common Functions (all cameras)

Nikon, C, PL and now B4 mount available (subject to availability)

Note for all Canon FD lens users: By using the C mount with a FD to C mount adapter (both available), you can shoot at 1920 x 1280 without any vignetting. A slight vignetting only becomes visible at 1920 x 1536 resolution.

Gigabit Ethernet (1000BASE-T) interface.
Handheld remote controller for simple control of all functions and viewing of live and recorded images.
Low-light mode for initial set up of camera position and focus.
Rugged design for use in industrial environments.
Built to exacting standards providing excellent reliability.
LIVE view during recording and download.

All the cameras can be dry hired and come with dedicated laptops/computers. For silent power use, Slowmo has a dedicated 2 x 12V battery system for powering the camera for 10+ hours as well 2 x portable 24V packs for 2 hrs runtime each. Special brackets are available should any system need to be powered from V-lok batteries. The BC-2 and SA1.1 cameras draw approximately 4 amps @ 24V. Extended batteries are provided with the laptops.

Other equipment includes -

TVLogic 5.6" and 7" Colour HD video monitor with waveform.

Various Nikon mount lenses including:

20mm and 16mm F2.8 wide angle
Nikon fit 24 to 70mm macro zoom lens
55mm Nikon micro lens
24mm Nikon F2.8
85mm Nikon F1.8
Nikon 80-200mm F2.8 zoom
105mm Macro F2.8
500mm F4 Nikon telephoto + lens support

There is no charge for hiring these lenses except for the 500mm.

All systems come housed in individual rugged flight cases including dedicated computers for easy and secure transport. 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, work hard to find a quick solution 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 £75K BC-2, £40K SA-1 and £25K SA-3) is the responsibility of the user.