- July 24, 2025
- AMETEK
WAYNE, N.J. - July 17, 2025 - Vision Research, a leader in high-speed imaging, has released the Phantom KT-series, a new family of high-performance cameras delivering exceptional precision at extreme rates. Developed with a research-driven approach, grounded in EMVA 1288 standards, it delivers superior image capability allowing accurate and detailed capture of fast-moving subjects in a lightweight, portable form factor.
Available in monochrome and color, the 1- and 4.2-megapixel (Mpx) leverage back side illuminated (BSI) sensors for superior low-light performance. Their high frame rates and nanosecond exposure times provide precise measurements that enhance safety, compliance and operational efficiency.
Models include the 1-Mpx KT 1610, KT 1210 and KT 810, and the 4.2-Mpx KT 1640 and KT 1240.
Built on EMVA 1288 for accurate sensor performance
The KT-series advanced sensors set them apart by providing greater accuracy and sensitivity, especially at high frame rates. They are built around the state-of-the-art BSI sensor architecture, which sustains image throughput up to 16 Gpx/s. This enables the maximum possible pixel resolution at the camera’s highest frame rates. The Quantum Efficiency (QExFF) reaches 88% and an Absolute Sensitivity Threshold (AST) of 24 e-, offers reliable imaging at sub-microsecond exposures or when there is limited light.
Users can be confident in the quality of images captured from these cameras, as all research and measurements follow European Machine Vision Association (EMVA) 1288 standards, ensuring transparency and performance accuracy. EMVA 1288 is an electronic standard which has been established to characterise industrial camera sensor performance using a scientific approach.
The test parameters and equipment used to generate an EMVA 1288 report are provided in the standard, which defines a consistent method to assess image performance among different cameras.
Specialized features for specific applications
Phantom High-Speed designs and manufactures scientific tools for precise data capture, supporting high-speed imaging and R&D teams worldwide.
With this in mind, the different cameras offer features to meet their purpose. The 1-Mpx KT cameras offer a 190-nanosecond export-controlled fast option to further minimize motion blur for ballistics and precise high-velocity measurements. While the 4.2Mpx KT 1640 and KT 1240 deliver improved edge clarity and wider tracking for motion analysis. These capabilities make the KT-series ideal for applications such as industrial testing, ballistics and range work, biomedical research, 3D object tracking, particle image velocimetry (PIV), digital image correlation (DIC), and high-speed microscopy.
But these features don’t compromise the lightweight form factor design, keeping it compact.
Features to improve productivity
KT-series cameras are small and lightweight, weighing 3.2kg and have a 5x5-inch screen. The cameras are engineered for portability and efficient setup. They support CF-Express Type B, SDI and HDMI video outputs and include a new wheel-style control interface for an untethered workflow. Plus, access to three programmable I/O enables fine control of signals for precision synchronization and triggering.
These promotes onsite flexibility, reduces support requirements and eases installation in space-constrained environments.
Specifications of the KT-series:
- Small, 5x5-inch (12.5 cm) form-factor
- BSI sensor architecture
- Up to 15,640 fps at full 1 Mpx and 916,660 fps (with export-controlled Fast option) at reduced resolutions
- Up to 3,750 fps at full 4.2 Mpx and 421,000 fps at reduced resolutions
- Peak QExFF over 88%
- Interchangeable lens mounts
- CF-Express compatibility
- Binned mode provides resolution flexibility at the highest frame rates
- Extreme Dynamic Range (EDR) for bright flash mitigation
- Reported measurements using the EMVA 1288 4.0 standard
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