FASTCAM Orion S40
Advanced BSI and CDS sensor technology delivers exceptional sensitivity, low temporal noise, and high image quality for demanding scientific measurement.
See more with less noise.
The FASTCAM Orion S40 is the world’s first high-speed camera to combine backside illumination with correlated double sampling in a single imaging platform.
This architecture significantly reduces temporal dark noise while improving black-level resolution and dynamic range, making the camera especially well suited to Particle Image Velocimetry, Digital Image Correlation, schlieren, combustion, materials research, and other measurement-intensive applications.
The 1.3-megapixel sensor records 1,280 × 1,024 images at 31,250 frames per second and reaches up to 312,500 fps at reduced resolution.
High-speed imaging with exceptional sensitivity
Capture fast, low-light events with the resolution, exposure control, and signal quality required for quantitative analysis.
BSI and CDS in one high-speed sensor
Backside illumination places the photodiode layer directly beneath the color filter array, allowing more incoming light to reach each pixel.
Correlated double sampling measures and subtracts reset noise on a pixel-by-pixel basis for every frame, reducing temporal noise and improving low-level detail.
Designed for advanced imaging and analysis
Orion combines a specialized sensor architecture with practical tools for calibration, synchronization, triggering, downloading, and software integration.
Ultra-Low Temporal Noise
CDS technology reduces reset noise and improves black-level resolution for subtle image changes and quantitative processing.
10-Gigabit Ethernet
High-speed Ethernet supports reliable camera control and rapid transfer of large high-speed image sequences.
Mechanical Calibration Shutter
A ruggedized internal shutter enables remote black-balance calibration through the system software.
Flexible Lens Mounts
Use Nikon G-type lenses as standard, with optional C-mount and Canon EF lens adapters.
Remote Canon EF Control
PFV software supports remote focus, aperture adjustment, and autofocus when using the Canon EF mount.
Memory Segmentation
Store multiple events and download from one memory partition while recording into another.
Dedicated I/O
Three programmable inputs and outputs support triggering, synchronization, event marking, and DAQ integration.
PFV Software Included
Control the camera, replay images, save data, calibrate measurements, enhance images, and perform basic analysis.
SDK Integration
Use the Photron Device Control SDK with C++, MATLAB, and LabVIEW environments for custom workflows.
Applications
The Orion S40 is optimized for applications where light sensitivity, low noise, short exposure, and quantitative image quality are critical.
Particle Image Velocimetry
Capture particle fields with high sensitivity, low noise, and stable black-level performance for accurate flow measurements.
Digital Image Correlation
Resolve subtle surface deformation and displacement with clean 12-bit image data and high spatial consistency.
Combustion
Record ignition, flame development, shock structures, and rapidly changing combustion events under difficult lighting.
Schlieren Imaging
Visualize density gradients, shock waves, and airflow changes using high sensitivity and short exposure times.
Materials Testing
Observe fracture, strain, deformation, crack propagation, and impact response with high temporal precision.
Scientific Research
Capture fast transient events with advanced triggering, synchronization, quantitative calibration, and software integration.
FASTCAM Orion S40 specifications
Key imaging, sensor, memory, interface, mechanical, and environmental information.
| Specification | FASTCAM Orion S40 |
|---|---|
| Sensor type | Proprietary advanced CMOS with BSI and CDS |
| Maximum resolution | 1,280 × 1,024 pixels |
| Full-frame performance | 31,250 fps |
| Square-resolution performance | 1,024 × 1,024 at 37,500 fps |
| Maximum frame rate | 312,500 fps on 312K model; 200,000 fps on 200K model |
| Light sensitivity | ISO 40,000 monochrome / ISO 12,500 color |
| Exposure index | ISO 25,000–64,000 monochrome / ISO 8,000–20,000 color |
| Minimum exposure | 1.0 µs, independent of frame rate |
| Dynamic range | 12-bit monochrome / 36-bit color |
| Pixel size | 16 × 16 µm |
| Sensor size | 20.48 × 16.384 mm; 26.23 mm diagonal |
| Temporal dark noise | 7.2 e- |
| Quantum efficiency | 57.5% at 490 nm |
| Recording memory | 32 GB, 64 GB, or 128 GB |
| Memory partitions | Up to 128 selectable segments |
| Lens mount | Nikon F/G-type standard; optional C-mount and Canon EF |
| Camera control | 10-Gigabit Ethernet, RJ45 10GBASE-T |
| Trigger delay | 100 ns programmable resolution |
| Time code | IRIG-B input |
| Dimensions | 267 × 182 × 93.6 mm |
| Weight | 4.07 kg |
| Operational shock | 30G, 10 times, six axes |
| Operating temperature | 0 to 40°C |
| Power | 100–240 VAC adapter or 22–32 VDC input |
Downloads and support
Access the Orion datasheet, PFV software information, manuals, analysis software, and Photron technical support.
FASTCAM Orion Datasheet
Review sensor technology, frame rates, sensitivity, interfaces, software, memory, and environmental specifications.
Download Datasheet →PFV Software
Learn about Photron FASTCAM Viewer software for camera control, replay, image enhancement, saving, and measurement.
View PFV Software →Product Manuals
Access Photron hardware and software manuals for installation, triggering, synchronization, and operation.
View Product Manuals →PFA2 Analysis Software
Learn about optional automated 2D tracking and motion-analysis tools for displacement, velocity, and acceleration.
View PFA2 Software →Technical Support
Get assistance with camera setup, lenses, triggering, synchronization, software, networking, and service.
Visit Technical Support →Contact Photron
Discuss frame rate, sensitivity, exposure, lenses, memory, integration, lighting, and application requirements.
Contact Photron →Capture more usable data from every frame
Talk with Photron about sensitivity, noise, exposure, frame rate, lens selection, synchronization, and measurement requirements.