Fastcam Orion S40 series high-speed cameras

Select the 312K configuration when the event requires frame rates above 200,000 fps; choose the 200K speed class when 200,000 fps is sufficient. Both use the same 1,280 × 1,024 sensor format and record full-frame images at 31,250 fps, so the difference matters mainly when the ROI is reduced for the fastest sequences. The 312K option reaches 312,500 fps at 896 × 32, whereas the 200K class is capped at 200,000 fps. Model suffixes 312KS and 200KS identify versions with export-control restrictions affecting shutter speed and, for 200KS, frame rate. Check the intended country of use and required exposure time before finalising the order code.

The selection should begin with the smallest field of view that still contains the motion and measurement features of interest. Full-frame recording provides 1,280 × 1,024 at 31,250 fps, while 1,024 × 1,024 raises the rate to 37,500 fps and 896 × 512 permits 80,000 fps. Rates of 100,000, 125,000, 200,000, 250,000 and 312,500 fps use progressively shorter vertical resolutions down to 896 × 32. Reducing resolution also lowers the data generated per frame, which can extend the recorded time despite the higher frame rate. For DIC or PIV, retain enough spatial sampling for correlation windows or particle images before increasing speed.

The sensor architecture is suited to low-light measurement because the 16 µm pixels and backside illumination improve photon collection, while correlated double sampling removes pixel reset noise from each frame. The monochrome version is rated at ISO 40,000 with an exposure-index range of ISO 25,000 to 64,000; the colour version is ISO 12,500 with an ISO 8,000 to 20,000 range. Temporal dark noise is 7.2 e−, and monochrome quantum efficiency is 57.5% at 490 nm. These values support clearer black-level detail for schlieren, combustion, PIV and DIC processing. Illumination, aperture and working distance still need to be sized for the selected exposure, particularly near the 1.0 µs minimum.

Memory capacity should be selected from the required pre-trigger and post-trigger window, rather than from capacity alone. At 1,280 × 1,024 and 31,250 fps, the nominal recording times are 0.559 seconds with 32 GB, 1.118 seconds with 64 GB and 2.237 seconds with 128 GB. At 896 × 32 and 312,500 fps, the corresponding times are 2.556, 5.112 and 10.225 seconds because each frame contains far fewer pixels. Up to 128 memory partitions allow repeated events to be retained, and one partition can be downloaded while another is used for recording. For intermittent tests, memory segmentation can be as important as choosing the largest single buffer.

The camera provides three programmable BNC inputs and three outputs for trigger, synchronisation, ready, recording, exposure, event and time-code functions. Trigger and external synchronisation inputs accept +3.3 to +12 V signals with switchable polarity, while the external synchronisation output is +5 V. Selected input and output delays can be programmed with 100 ns resolution, although this value describes the setting resolution rather than overall timing accuracy. IRIG-B input allows timing to be referenced to an external clock, with the time stamp associated with either the start or end of exposure. These interfaces support coordinated imaging, waveform acquisition and multi-camera experimental arrangements.

The standard G-type F mount is accompanied by optional C-mount and EF remote-control mount configurations. The 20.48 × 16.384 mm sensor has a 26.23 mm diagonal, allowing lenses designed for full-frame and APS-C formats to cover the sensor at full resolution. C-mount lenses must have a rear protrusion of no more than 9.5 mm from the mounting flange towards the sensor. The EF mount supports software control of focus, aperture and autofocus, but EF-S, EF-M and RF lenses cannot be attached. Electronic aperture control for E-type lenses is not supported through the standard G-type F mount, so lens control requirements should be checked before selecting the adapter.

Camera control and image transfer use a dedicated RJ45 10GBASE-T connection, requiring a compatible 10-Gigabit network interface in the control computer. Category 7 or higher STP cabling is specified, with a maximum cable length of 100 m between devices, computers or compatible switches. A single computer can address up to 64 cameras through suitable network hardware, although data throughput and system architecture must be considered separately. The included software supports camera configuration, replay, image saving, calibration and basic analysis, with output formats including TIFF, PNG, MRAW, AVI and MOV. A C++ SDK and control libraries for MATLAB and LabVIEW support integration into automated test systems.

The camera should be operated between 0 and 40 °C at no more than 80% relative humidity, without condensation, and at an altitude of 2,000 m or less. Its body measures 267.0 × 182.0 × 93.6 mm and weighs 4.07 kg, so the tripod, optical table or test-rig mount must have sufficient load capacity. The camera accepts 22 to 32 V DC and has a specified consumption of 300 VA, while the supplied adapter accepts 100 to 240 V AC. Operational shock resistance is rated at 30 G for 10 ms across six axes, ten times per axis. The system is Class A digital equipment, so electromagnetic interference control may be required if it is installed outside an industrial or laboratory environment.