FASTCAM NOVA S-Series
Flexible high-speed imaging for demanding research, engineering, and industrial applications—from 6,400 to 16,000 frames per second at full 1-megapixel resolution.
One platform. Four levels of performance.
The FASTCAM NOVA S-Series combines Photron’s proprietary CMOS sensor technology with extensive high-speed imaging expertise to deliver a flexible camera platform for a wide variety of scientific and industrial applications.
Four models—S6, S9, S12, and S16—provide full-resolution recording rates from 6,400 to 16,000 frames per second at 1,024 × 1,024 pixels. Reduced-resolution recording rates extend to as much as 1.1 million frames per second, depending on the selected model and configuration.
Every NOVA S-Series camera includes 12-bit image recording, class-leading light sensitivity, a global electronic shutter, advanced triggering and synchronization, high-speed data transfer, and support for common lens formats.
High-speed performance across the entire series
Select the performance level that best matches your required frame rate, resolution, and application.
Choose the right NOVA S model
Each camera shares the same rugged platform, imaging features, controls, software, lens flexibility, and workflow tools.
FASTCAM NOVA S6
A versatile high-speed camera for general research, engineering, education, and industrial imaging applications.
FASTCAM NOVA S9
Higher full-resolution speed for applications that demand increased temporal detail without sacrificing megapixel resolution.
FASTCAM NOVA S12
Designed for demanding scientific and engineering work requiring high full-resolution frame rates and ultra-high reduced-resolution speeds.
FASTCAM NOVA S16
The highest-performance model in the series, providing up to 16,000 fps at full 1-megapixel resolution.
Advanced features across every model
The NOVA S-Series combines image quality, rugged construction, flexible optics, and efficient operation in one compact camera platform.
1-Megapixel CMOS Sensor
Record detailed 1,024 × 1,024-pixel images at high frame rates using Photron’s proprietary CMOS sensor technology.
Class-Leading Sensitivity
ISO 64,000 monochrome and ISO 16,000 color sensitivity support short exposure times and difficult lighting conditions.
0.2 µs Exposure
A global electronic shutter from 1 millisecond to 0.2 microseconds freezes extremely fast motion with minimal blur.
Mechanical Calibration Shutter
An internal mechanical shutter allows remote black-balance calibration through the camera-control software.
10-Gigabit Ethernet
High-speed Ethernet provides dependable camera control and fast image transfer to a standard computer.
Memory Segmentation
Record into one memory partition while downloading from another to improve repetitive testing workflows.
Flexible Lens Formats
Support for Nikon G-type, C-mount, Canon EF, and Canon RF lens formats expands optical flexibility.
Canon RF Lens Control
Compatible Canon RF systems support remote focus, aperture, and optional power-zoom operation.
Sealed Camera Body
The enclosed housing helps prevent dust and corrosive particles from reaching sensitive internal electronics.
Efficient recording, transfer, and software integration
FASTCAM Viewer software is included for camera control, replay, saving, image enhancement, calibration, and basic measurement.
The Photron Device Control SDK supports custom application development, while supplied libraries enable integration with MATLAB and LabVIEW environments.
Applications
The NOVA S-Series supports a wide range of high-speed imaging applications across science, engineering, testing, and industrial research.
Combustion
Capture ignition, flame propagation, detonation, shock structures, and other rapidly changing combustion phenomena.
Fluid Dynamics
Observe sprays, droplets, jets, particles, cavitation, and turbulent flow with high temporal detail.
Materials Testing
Study fracture, deformation, strain, crack propagation, impact, and failure mechanisms.
Aerospace and Defense
Record propulsion, impact, ballistics, structural response, separation events, and other fast transients.
Automotive Testing
Analyze airbags, components, crash events, sprays, combustion, tire behavior, and structural motion.
Scientific Research
Capture high-speed phenomena using precise triggering, synchronization, short exposure, and 12-bit image data.
FASTCAM NOVA S-Series specifications
Compare full-resolution speed and maximum reduced-resolution recording rates across all four models.
| Specification | NOVA S6 | NOVA S9 | NOVA S12 | NOVA S16 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum resolution | 1,024 × 1,024 | 1,024 × 1,024 | 1,024 × 1,024 | 1,024 × 1,024 |
| Full-resolution frame rate | 6,400 fps | 9,000 fps | 12,800 fps | 16,000 fps |
| Maximum frame rate | 800,000 fps | 900,000 fps | 1,000,000 fps | 1,100,000 fps |
| Additional maximum-rate types | 500K / 200KS | 500K / 200KS | 500K / 200KS | 500K / 200KS |
| Sensor type | Proprietary 1-megapixel CMOS image sensor | |||
| Light sensitivity | ISO 64,000 monochrome / ISO 16,000 color | |||
| Shutter range | 1 ms to 0.2 µs, independent of frame rate | |||
| Dynamic range | 12-bit monochrome / 36-bit color | |||
| Internal memory | 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB | |||
| Optional storage | 1 TB or 4 TB removable FAST Drive SSD | |||
| Camera interface | High-performance 10-Gigabit Ethernet | |||
| Lens compatibility | Nikon G-type, C-mount, Canon EF, and Canon RF | |||
| Software | Photron FASTCAM Viewer included | |||
| Development tools | Photron Device Control SDK, MATLAB libraries, and LabVIEW libraries | |||
| Dimensions | 120 × 120 × 217.2 mm | |||
| Weight | 3.3 kg | |||
| Cooling | Internal fan cooling with remote fan-stop function | |||
Downloads and support
Access current product information, software, manuals, analysis tools, technical support, and contact resources.
NOVA S-Series Datasheet
Review model performance, sensor data, memory, storage, interfaces, software, lenses, and system specifications.
View Current Datasheet →PFV Software
Learn about Photron FASTCAM Viewer software for control, replay, saving, enhancement, calibration, and measurement.
View PFV Software →Product Manuals
Access Photron hardware and software manuals for installation, triggering, synchronization, operation, and setup.
View Product Manuals →PFA2 Analysis Software
Explore optional 2D tracking and motion-analysis tools for displacement, velocity, acceleration, and movement.
View PFA2 Software →Technical Support
Get help with setup, lenses, triggering, synchronization, software, networking, storage, and service.
Visit Technical Support →Contact Photron
Discuss frame rate, exposure, sensitivity, lenses, memory, storage, lighting, and application requirements.
Contact Photron →Find the right NOVA S-Series configuration
Talk with Photron about frame rate, resolution, exposure, sensitivity, memory, storage, optics, and synchronization.