High-Speed Cameras

Photron FASTCAM Nova S6 / S9 / S12 / S16

The FASTCAM NOVA brings together unique CMOS image sensor technologies and extensive high-speed digital imaging expertise to provide a camera with the flexibility to be used in a wide variety of applications. Available in four different models, the FASTCAM NOVA offers 12-bit image recording rates up to 16,000 frames per second (fps) at megapixel image resolution, and shutter speeds to 0.2µs. Recording rates to 1,100,000fps are available at reduced image resolution. All of this available from a camera that is rugged, compact, lightweight and provides the best light sensitivity in its class.

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Technical Specifications

Parameter	Typical Range
Models	Nova S6, S9, S12, S16
Sensor	1-Megapixel CMOS, 1024 × 1024
Sensor Size	20.48 × 20.48mm (diagonal 28.96mm)
Pixel Size	20µm
Quantum Efficiency	78.5% at 590nm
Full Frame Rate (1024 × 1024)	16,000fps (S16) / 12,800fps (S12) / 9,000fps (S9) / 6,400fps (S6)
Maximum Frame Rate	1,100,000fps (S16) / 1,000,000fps (S12) / 900,000fps (S9) / 800,000fps (S6) at 128 × 16
Light Sensitivity	ISO 64,000 mono / ISO 16,000 color
Shutter	Global electronic, 1ms to 0.2µs
Dynamic Range	12-bit mono / 36-bit color
Memory	16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (S6, S9) / 32GB, 64GB, 128GB (S12, S16)
Optional Storage	FASTDrive 4TB removable SSD
Interface	1/10-Gigabit Ethernet
Dimensions	120 × 120 × 217.2mm
Weight	3.3kg
Operational Shock	30G, 11ms, 6-axes
Operating Temperature	0 to 45°C

Key Specifications

•Four models: Nova S6, S9, S12 and S16
•1024 × 1024 pixel CMOS sensor (1 megapixel), 20µm pixels
•12-bit monochrome / 36-bit color
•Megapixel rates at 1024 × 1024: 16,000fps (S16), 12,800fps (S12), 9,000fps (S9), 6,400fps (S6)
•Maximum frame rate at 128 × 16: 1,100,000fps (S16), 1,000,000fps (S12), 900,000fps (S9), 800,000fps (S6)
•ISO 64,000 monochrome / ISO 16,000 color
•Global electronic shutter: 1ms to 0.2µs
•Internal memory: 16GB to 128GB, up to 128 memory partitions
•Dimensions: 120 × 120 × 217.2mm, 3.3kg
•Frame rates above 225,000fps and exposures below 1µs may be subject to export control

Key Features

•Sealed body design prevents dust and corrosive particle contamination
•Ruggedized internal mechanical shutter for remote calibration
•Fan stop function eliminates vibration during sensitive measurements
•Download while recording via memory partitions
•Optional FASTDrive 4TB SSD — 64GB recording transferred in about 1 minute
•Dual slope shutter (20 steps) for extended dynamic range
•Square 1:1 or rectangular image formats, ROI in 128 × 16 pixel steps
•Monochrome sensor without IR filter — ISO 160,000 equivalent including near-IR response
•Auto-sensing secondary DC input for uninterrupted power

Lens Options

•Nikon F-mount (G-type compatible) — standard
•C-mount — optional
•Canon EF with remote focus, aperture and Auto-Focus — optional
•M42 adapter — optional

Software & Integration

•Photron FASTCAM Viewer (PFV)
•Photron FASTCAM Analysis (PFA) — optional
•Photron Device Control SDK with LabVIEW and MATLAB libraries
•National Instruments DAQ synchronization plug-in — optional

Applications

•Microscopy
•Detonics and shock wave visualization
•Combustion imaging, including rapidly accelerating or decelerating engines
•Tensile testing with vertical camera mounting
•Multi-camera and DAQ-synchronized testing

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