Shoot 1,540 Glorious FPS at 1080p with the New Phantom Miro LC320S High-Speed Camera

It's almost not funny now -- it seems like every few days a new camera is introduced (or at least rumored). Vision Research, the company famous for its high-speed cameras, has introduced a new model in its lower-priced (considering) and smaller-sized Miro line, the easy-to-remember LC320S. For starters, it can record up to 1,540fps at 1080p, which is nothing short of astounding if you've ever seen it on a large screen. It's quite a different experience seeing 240fps at 1080p with the Sony FS700 and then seeing Phantom footage at over 1,000fps (or more). Mitch Gross over at AbelCine has a very nice introduction video we've embedded below.

Here are some of the basic specs:

• Maximum Resolution1920 x 1200
• 1920 x 1080
• Number of Pixels2Mpx sensor with 3.2 Gpx/s throughput
• Max FPS at Max Resolution1,540 fps @ 1920 x 1080
• Max FPS8,490 fps @ 640 x 480
• Pixel Bit Depth12-bit pixel depth
• Sensitivity1100 ISO
• Compatible Lens Mount35 PL, Nikon F, C and Canon EOS lens mounts
• RAM Size (Max)12 GB
• Storage Capacity/Price60GB = $1,690,
• 120GB = $2,490
• 240GB = $4,990
• xfer time from RAM to Storage12GB = 3 minutes
• Internal Capping Shutter: Yes
• Simultaneous Playback/Record: No
• On-camera controls: No
• Weight (w/out batt., lens, storage): 3 lbs

Active Imager Size (16×9 motion picture shooting mode)19.2 mm x 12 mm

If you're wondering what this footage looks like, here's a sample shot with of one of the other Miro models:

Pricing is variable as is usually the case with any Vision Research camera, but it's safe to assume that most of you won't be buying one of these, especially since it's really only useful as a slow motion camera, not as a daily shooter. The rental price will likely be somewhere between $1,500 and $2,000, which may seem pricy, but when you consider that the camera can do 5 times the framerate of the FS700, you're dealing in very high-end territory.

Speaking of AbelCine, they are still running their Miro High-Speed Inspiration Challenge where you can win your very own Phantom Miro M320S camera. You must submit an application for a 3-6 minute project that would feature high speed footage. Four finalists are then selected to receive training and one week with a complete Miro M320S package to put their ideas into motion. The Grand Prize Winner will receive a brand new Phantom Miro M320S package courtesy of Vision Research. Additional prizes, consisting of AbelCine rental certificates with a combined value of over $10,000, will be awarded to the 2^nd place winner and runners-up. They are still taking applications until September 16th.

Vision Research is certainly heading in the right direction with their designs, and it will be interesting to see how performance scales with future models. What do you guys think? Would you rent it for a project with a budget?

Links:

• Phantom Miro LC320S -- Vision Research Website
• First Look: Vision Research Phantom Miro LC320S -- CineTechnica Blog
• Phantom Miro LC320S High-Speed Digital Camera - AbelCine
• Miro High-Speed Inspiration Challenge - AbelCine