Fastcam Nova series high-speed cameras

Choose a NOVA S model when temporal resolution, light sensitivity and very short exposure are the main priorities, and choose a NOVA R model when spatial detail across a larger image area matters more. The S6 to S20 cameras record 1024 × 1024 images at between 6,400 and 18,750 fps, while the S20 also reaches 20,000 fps at 1024 × 992. The R3-4K and R5-4K record 4096 × 2304 images at 750 and 1,250 fps respectively. Their maximum reduced-resolution rates are 150,000 or 200,000 fps, compared with up to 1,100,000 fps for the S family. Selection should therefore begin with the smallest feature that must remain visible and the time interval that must be resolved.

The S models provide a minimum exposure of 0.2 µs, while the R3-4K and R5-4K provide a minimum of 2 µs. Motion blur at the object plane is approximately object speed multiplied by exposure duration, so an object moving at 100 m/s travels about 20 µm during 0.2 µs and 200 µm during 2 µs. This travel distance should be compared with the calibrated object-plane distance represented by one pixel. The S family also offers ISO 64,000 monochrome sensitivity, whereas the R family is rated at ISO 3,200 monochrome, so the 4K models normally require more illumination for short exposures. S-series exposures below 1 µs may also be subject to export controls in some regions.

Reducing the region of interest limits sensor readout to the part of the image containing the event, which increases the available frame rate and reduces data volume. The S cameras configure the region in increments of 128 horizontal pixels and 16 vertical pixels, reaching between 800,000 and 1,100,000 fps at 128 × 16 on the highest-rate model configurations. The R3-4K and R5-4K use increments of 128 horizontal pixels and 8 vertical pixels, reaching 150,000 and 200,000 fps at 2048 × 8. Cropping does not alter pixel pitch, but it reduces the captured field of view. The event position, expected movement and trigger uncertainty must therefore be considered before defining a narrow readout area.

Memory capacity should be selected from the required resolution, bit depth, frame rate, event duration and uncertainty in trigger timing. S-family configurations provide up to 128 GB, while the R3-4K and R5-4K configurations provide 32, 64 or 128 GB. As an example, a 128 GB S20 configuration stores approximately 87,357 frames at 1024 × 1024 in 12-bit mode, corresponding to roughly 5.3 seconds at 16,500 fps. Up to 128 memory partitions can divide the available capacity between repeated events and support recording in one partition while another is downloaded. A removable SSD with up to 4 TB capacity and transfer rates up to 1 GB/s can shorten the offload stage between tests.

Yes, the range provides trigger inputs, programmable inputs and outputs, IRIG-B time code and variable-frequency external synchronisation. Programmable trigger delays have 100 ns resolution, allowing timing offsets to be applied to selected input and output signals. Available recording modes include start, centre, end, manual, random and record-on-command arrangements, with additional random modes on the R family. Frame-rate accuracy is specified at ±50 ppm, while IRIG-B timing can be referenced to the beginning or end of frame exposure. In a multi-instrument test, the trigger polarity, signal voltage, cable delay and selected exposure-time reference should all be documented before acquisition begins.

The sensor dimensions differ considerably between the S and R families, so field of view and image-circle coverage must be calculated for the chosen model. S cameras use a 20.48 × 20.48 mm square sensor with 20 µm pixels and a 28.96 mm diagonal, while the R3-4K and R5-4K use a 26.62 × 14.98 mm sensor with 6.5 µm pixels and a 30.55 mm diagonal. An F/G-type mount is standard, with C-mount, EF and M42 options; selected S configurations also support RF mounts. The square S sensor can be useful where vertical and horizontal coverage are equally important, whereas the R sensor provides a wider 4K format. Lens image circle, working distance, aperture, magnification and remote-control requirements should be checked together rather than selecting by focal length alone.

The S6 to S20 bodies measure 120 × 120 × 217.2 mm, while the R3-4K and R5-4K are 223.2 mm deep; camera weights range from 3.3 to 3.5 kg. Camera-only limits are −10 to 40°C for the S20 and −10 to 45°C for the R3-4K and R5-4K, while the stated lower limit for S6 to S16 differs between 0°C and −10°C in the available documentation. Installing a FASTDrive can reduce the permitted maximum temperature; for example, the S20 is limited to 25°C with the drive mounted on the side or 32°C with it on top. The S cameras require a 22–32 VDC, 150 VA supply, while the R3-4K and R5-4K require 120 VA. Fan-stop operation should be limited to recording periods that require reduced vibration because normal thermal management depends on internal fan cooling.