Category Archives: Media Showcase

The latest hi speed video by talented shooters on the web!

Sony Xperia XZ Premium Slow Motion Samples!

The Sony Xperia XZ Premium and XZs have been exploding in popularity since the announcement was made at MWC 2017. The capability of the stacked sensor to record slow motion video at 960fps in HD 720p has opened possibilities only dreamed of a short year a go in the phone video space. Even the Galaxy S8 seems to be in the running with 1000fps video touted as a spec in the rumors.

The stacked sensor technology is the same one used in the Sony RX series cameras but this time attached to a smaller cellphone oriented sensor block which makes it possible to be combined with a powerful SoC solution to offer these high frame rates. It is of note that the recording limit on these devices is 1 second at 960fps. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Planet Earth II Slow Motion Techniques!

Planet Earth II Slow Motion

The British BBC has always been at the forefront of image techniques that revolutionize our understanding of the nature around us. Planet Earth II is the culmination of millions of hours of work condensed into 6 episodes showcasing the wonders of the natural and human built world. The news site Vox has created some mini segments that explain some of the techniques used to create the series.

Of particular interest is the use of slow motion 4k Phantom cameras, a Sony a7s for low light and the use of an IR sensitive RED Epic camera shooting at up to 300fps in complete darkness.  The videos go into camera evolution as well as techniques perfected over decades. We encourage you to subscribe to the Youtube Channel for Vox Here and of course watch Planet Earth II which is a real majestic piece of modern documentary film-making. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Chronos 1.4 Production Update 3!

Chronos 1.4

The Chronos 1.4 Kickstarter Project is advancing forward with FCC and CE approval which is crucial for shipment. Also the battery shipment issue seems to have been sorted out which could have halted delivery. Li-Ion batteries have special shipment requirements that make it hard for such electronics to travel by air for example or in tightly packed containers.  No details on the fix are specified.

There has been a setback however and that has to do with the LCD panels having a quality control issue. So the supplier will take 4 weeks extra to ship them. So all backers will have their camera deliveries pushed back by 3 weeks. The first week has already passed.  Other than that it seems to be ready for mass production. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Phantom Flex4K-GS Introduces Global Shutter!

Phantom Flex4K-GS

The Phantom Flex 4k camera has made a big splash in TV, Film and Youtube with it’s amazing 4k resolution at 1000fps with a large S35mm sensor. However the first iteration of the camera only had a very fast reading; but in the end a rolling shutter sensor. This made the camera an option for visual recording only; leaving scientific research at 4k out of the realm of the camera due to distortion.

That changes today with the Phantom Flex4k-GS which offers the option to use the sensor in both rolling shutter and Global Shutter mode which is a first on a camera of this resolution. Now scientists can use the resolution prowess of the camera  to examine minute detail that needs extreme speeds to be recorded. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Sony Xperia XZ Premium and XZs do 960fps!

Sony Xperia XZ Premium

Just a few days ago Sony released footage from their smartphone stacked sensor which was capable of up to 1080p 1000fps see here.  Today however marks the release of the Xperia XZ Premium and the Xperia XZs both of which include the new camera module and the stacked sensor high speed capability.   Both new phones same the exact same camera specifications but differ in the higher end features.

The most advanced phone is the Sony Xperia XZ Premium which has a true 4k resolution 5.5″ screen with HDR like the one present in Sony Bravia TVs. It is also splash proof and rain proof which is good for taking it on the go without much care for weather conditions. → Continue Reading Full Post ←

Strobe Alley Birth of High Speed!

Strobe Alley

Doc Edgerton was the scientist behind the modern high speed camera and imaging techniques. His experiments made slow motion and the possibility of freezing incredibly fast phenomena a possibility.  The principles many decades later remain the same such as extreme amounts of light and ultra fast shutters along with a highly sensitive film or sensor for modern photo and video.

As a piece of history, Strobe Alley is a repository of technology and information from the early days of high speed and what it took to get us here. We found an old video that goes through the place with explanations about these aging strobes and gadgets. You can visit this place at MIT’s Edgerton center if you are ever there but you can also take a look through this footage. → Continue Reading Full Post ←