FASTCAM NOVA S20
Extreme frame rates, class-leading light sensitivity, and selectable 10-bit or 12-bit performance in a rugged, compact high-speed camera.
Maximum speed. Maximum sensitivity. Maximum flexibility.
The FASTCAM NOVA S20 combines Photron’s proprietary CMOS sensor technology with decades of high-speed imaging expertise to deliver exceptional performance across research, engineering, and industrial testing applications.
Users can select between 10-bit and 12-bit operation to optimize either maximum frame rate or image depth. The S20 records up to 20,000 frames per second at megapixel resolution in 10-bit mode and up to 16,500 fps at full 1,024 × 1,024 resolution in 12-bit mode.
At reduced resolutions, the S20 reaches up to 1.1 million frames per second while maintaining a minimum exposure time of 0.2 microseconds.
Performance for the fastest transient events
Capture megapixel imagery at extreme speed or reduce the image height to reach ultra-high recording rates.
Engineered for demanding high-speed imaging
The NOVA S20 combines extreme performance with rugged construction, flexible optics, fast workflow, and advanced control features.
Proprietary CMOS Sensor
A 1-megapixel CMOS sensor with 20-micron pixels provides high sensitivity, strong light collection, and excellent image quality.
Selectable 10-Bit or 12-Bit Operation
Choose 10-bit mode for maximum frame rate or 12-bit mode for greater tonal depth and dynamic range.
Class-Leading Sensitivity
ISO 64,000 monochrome and ISO 16,000 color performance support short exposures and low-light applications.
Mechanical Calibration Shutter
A ruggedized internal shutter enables remote black-balance calibration through the camera-control software.
Flexible Lens Support
Use Nikon G-type lenses as standard, with optional C-mount, Canon EF, Canon RF, and M42 lens support.
Remote Lens Control
Canon EF and compatible Canon RF systems support remote focus, aperture, autofocus, and optional power zoom control.
Memory Segmentation
Record into one memory partition while downloading from another for efficient repetitive test workflows.
Sealed Camera Body
The enclosed body helps prevent dust and corrosive particles from contaminating sensitive internal electronics.
Fan Stop Function
Cooling fans can be remotely switched off during recording to reduce vibration in high-magnification applications.
Fast recording, download, and integration
The NOVA S20 supports 10-Gigabit Ethernet for reliable camera control and high-speed image transfer to a standard computer.
An optional 4 TB FASTDrive SSD can transfer recorded image data at up to 1 GB per second. PFV software is included for camera control, playback, saving, image enhancement, calibration, and basic analysis.
Applications
The NOVA S20 is ideal for applications where extreme frame rate, very short exposure, high sensitivity, and rugged performance are required.
Combustion
Capture ignition, flame propagation, detonation, shock structures, and rapidly changing combustion events.
Dynamique des fluides
Observe sprays, droplets, particles, jets, cavitation, and high-speed flow behavior with short exposure times.
Aérospatiale et défense
Record impact, propulsion, ballistics, separation events, and structural response at extreme frame rates.
Essais des matériaux
Study fracture, crack propagation, deformation, impact, and failure mechanisms with high temporal precision.
Microfluidique
Capture rapid small-scale flow, droplet formation, and transient phenomena using high magnification and short exposure.
Recherche scientifique
Analyze transient events using advanced triggering, synchronization, high sensitivity, and selectable bit depth.
FASTCAM NOVA S20 specifications
Key imaging, performance, storage, interface, mechanical, and environmental specifications.
| Specification | FASTCAM NOVA S20 |
|---|---|
| Sensor type | Proprietary advanced CMOS |
| Maximum resolution | 1,024 × 1,024 pixels |
| 10-bit full-frame performance | 18,750 fps at 1,024 × 1,024 |
| 10-bit maximum megapixel rate | 20,000 fps at 1,024 × 992 |
| 12-bit full-frame performance | 16,500 fps at 1,024 × 1,024 |
| Maximum frame rate | 1,100,000 fps at 128 × 16 on the 1100K model |
| Model options | 220K, 550K, and 1100K maximum-frame-rate versions |
| Light sensitivity | ISO 64,000 monochrome / ISO 16,000 color |
| Equivalent monochrome sensitivity | ISO 160,000 including near-infrared response |
| Minimum exposure | 0.2 µs, independent of frame rate, subject to export control |
| Dynamic range | Selectable 12-bit / 10-bit monochrome; 36-bit / 30-bit color |
| Pixel size | 20 × 20 µm |
| Sensor size | 20.48 × 20.48 mm; 28.96 mm diagonal |
| Quantum efficiency | 78.5% at 590 nm |
| Recording memory | 8 GB, 16 GB, 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB |
| Memory partitions | Up to 128 selectable segments |
| Optional storage | 4 TB removable FASTDrive SSD |
| Lens mount | Nikon F/G-type standard; optional C-mount, Canon EF, Canon RF, and M42 |
| Camera control | High-speed 1/10-Gigabit Ethernet |
| Trigger modes | Start, end, center, manual, random, random reset, and record on command |
| Trigger delay | 100 ns programmable resolution |
| Time code | IRIG-B input |
| External synchronization | ± TTL 5 Vp-p variable-frequency synchronization |
| Dimensions | 120 × 120 × 217.2 mm, excluding protrusions |
| Weight | 3.5 kg |
| Operational shock | 30G, 11 ms, six axes, 10 times per axis |
| Operating temperature | −10 to 40°C |
| Cooling | Internal fan cooling with fan-off mode |
| Power | 100–240 VAC adapter or 22–32 VDC input |
Downloads and support
Access the NOVA S20 datasheet, PFV software information, manuals, analysis software, technical support, and contact resources.
FASTCAM NOVA S20 Datasheet
Review frame rates, sensitivity, sensor data, memory, FASTDrive storage, interfaces, software, and environmental specifications.
Download Datasheet →PFV Software
Learn about Photron FASTCAM Viewer software for camera control, replay, saving, enhancement, calibration, and image measurement.
View PFV Software →Product Manuals
Access Photron hardware and software manuals for installation, triggering, synchronization, operation, and system setup.
View Product Manuals →PFA2 Analysis Software
Learn about optional 2D tracking and motion-analysis software for displacement, velocity, acceleration, and movement analysis.
View PFA2 Software →Technical Support
Get help with camera setup, lenses, triggering, synchronization, software, networking, storage, and service.
Visit Technical Support →Contacter Photron
Discuss frame rate, sensitivity, exposure, lens selection, memory, storage, lighting, and application requirements.
Contact Photron →Capture the fastest events with confidence
Talk with Photron about frame rate, exposure, sensitivity, bit depth, lenses, memory, storage, synchronization, and lighting.