Phantom T1340 Four-Megapixel High-Speed Camera Announced

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by Jakub HanAugust 17^th, 2020

Vision Research introduced a new high-speed camera – the Phantom T1340. With its 4MP (2048 x 1952) low-noise sensor, it can capture up to 3,270 frames per second (full sensor) or 6,160 fps in Full HD (1920×1080). It features a compact body, internal RAM of up to 144GB, compatibility with CineMag V media, and it comes with a variety of lens mounts.

When it comes to speed, a vast majority of cameras on the market currently top out at around 240 frames per second. Two exceptions I know of are the Kinefinity Terra 4K, which can capture 320fps at 2K and RED DSMC2 cameras which can do 300 fps at 2K 2.4:1 (2048 × 864).

If (much) higher frame rates are required, then Vision Research is the company to go to. The US company based in New Jersey practically dominates the high-speed camera market with their Phantom line of cameras. Vision Research offers many Phantom models with different sensors, resolutions, and framerates for different types of uses.

Perhaps the most popular high-speed camera for cinema use is the Phantom Flex 4K which offers a whopping 938 fps at 4096 x 2304 resolution. You can watch my colleague Nino Leitner’s Phantom 4K documentary “Through The Thick” which he shot some years ago in South Africa here. The post is full of interesting production insights.

Recently, Vision Research announced a new camera with a 4MP sensor called Phantom T1340. Let’s take a look at its features and specs.

Vision Research Phantom T1340 High-Speed Camera

The new T1340 has a custom 12-bit CMOS global shutter sensor with 2048 x 1952 standard resolution (1024 x 976 binned resolution) and dimensions of 27.6 x 26.3mm. The camera body itself has dimensions of 5 x 5 x 8″ (12.7 x 12.7 x 20.3 cm) and it weighs 10 lbs (4.5 kg).

In the highest resolution full sensor readout, the camera achieves 3,270 frames per second, in Full HD (1920×1080) it can do 6,160 fps. It also offers a binning mode for higher framerates. The maximum framerate is 113,510 fps at reduced resolution (mainly for scientific purposes). According to Vision Research, the sensor uses a CDS (Correlated Double Sampling) technology for better image quality and lower read noise.

Vision Research states the possible use application for the camera to be object tracking, flow visualization, microscopy, and modern imaging techniques, like Digital Image Correlation (DIC) – mostly industrial use. I think it might be suitable for Full HD cinema applications as well.

Phantom T1340 has a native daylight ISO of 16,000 (mono) and 4,000 (color). For data storage, there are 36GB, 72GB, or 144GB RAM options plus the camera supports Phantom CineMag V media with capacity of up to 8TB.

Because the camera offers 10Gb Ethernet connection, the footage can be offloaded directly through the port from the camera body or via dedicated CineStation IV. 10Gb Ethernet also allows for the fastest data connection and downloads directly from the camera’s RAM buffer.

Phantom T1340 offers the following lens mounts: Nikon F-Mount (aperture support for Nikon G-style lenses is available), Canon EF (with electronic focus and iris control), PL, threaded C and universal M42.

Price and Availability

There is no word yet about the price of the new Phantom T1340 and when it is going to be available. Please mind, that all Phantom cameras are usually at a premium price segment as they offer unique features. Some Phantoms are even available for rent only. If you are interested in purchasing the T1340, you can contact Vision Research directly.

Have you ever worked with a Phantom camera? What do you think about the new T1340? You can share your thoughts and experience in the comments section underneath the article.