Portable high-speed camera by Vision Research capable of up to 1.75 million fps at reduced resolution.
Technical Details
The current VEO series is based on CMOS sensors with 12-bit color depth and offers resolutions up to 4096x2304 pixels (VEO4K-990). The internal RAM holds up to 288 GB for caching high-speed recordings. Light sensitivity reaches ISO 25,600, while shutter speeds are up to 1/25,000,000 second. Connections include 10-Gigabit Ethernet, USB 3.0, and professional trigger inputs. The cameras weigh between 3.4 and 7.2 kilograms depending on the model and require a power supply of 90-240V AC or 24V DC.
History & Development
Vision Research introduced the first Phantom VEO in 2009 as the successor to the successful Phantom v-series. The VEO710L quickly established itself in Hollywood productions through its combination of high image quality and practical recording rates. In 2016, the VEO4K series with 4K support followed, and in 2019, the current VEO4K-PL with PL mount and improved low-light performance. The latest VEO-E series from 2021 significantly reduces size and weight for mobile applications.
Practical Use in Film
In "The Matrix Reloaded" (2003), the Wachowski sisters used Phantom cameras for the famous Bullet Time sequences. Christopher Nolan employed the VEO4K in "Tenet" (2020) for time-manipulated action scenes, while "Mad Max: Fury Road" (2015) realized over 480 high-speed shots with VEO cameras. The typical workflow requires intensive pre-planning, as just 10 seconds of recording at 25,000 fps results in over 17 minutes of footage in real-time. The high data rates of up to 26 GB/s necessitate specialized storage systems and post-production workflows.
Comparison & Alternatives
Main competitors include the Photron NOVA series and Redlake MotionXtra cameras, which, however, mostly offer lower resolutions at comparable frame rates. Modern cinema cameras like the RED Raptor or ARRI Alexa Mini reach a maximum of 300 fps, covering only a fraction of the VEO's capabilities. For extreme slow motion above 100,000 fps, specialized high-speed cameras like the Phantom TMX series remain the only option, while the VEO represents the optimal compromise between speed and cinematographic image quality.