Photography

Edgertronic aims to make super slow-motion video more affordable

Edgertronic aims to make super slow-motion video more affordable
The Edgertronic high speed video camera has reached its funding target on Kickstarter
The Edgertronic high speed video camera has reached its funding target on Kickstarter
View 6 Images
The Edgertronic high speed video camera has reached its funding target on Kickstarter
1/6
The Edgertronic high speed video camera has reached its funding target on Kickstarter
On the back of the Edgertronic camera there are two USB ports, one ethernet port, an audio input, and an accessory expansion I/O port for things like external triggers
2/6
On the back of the Edgertronic camera there are two USB ports, one ethernet port, an audio input, and an accessory expansion I/O port for things like external triggers
The Edgertronic high speed video camera takes Nikon F-mount lenses, and ships with a Nikon 50mm F1.8 D
3/6
The Edgertronic high speed video camera takes Nikon F-mount lenses, and ships with a Nikon 50mm F1.8 D
The MIT-trained engineers behind the Edgertronic say the device has been built from the ground up with custom hardware and software
4/6
The MIT-trained engineers behind the Edgertronic say the device has been built from the ground up with custom hardware and software
Edgertronic users are able to control many aspects of the high speed video recording, from ISO and shutter speed to frame rate and resolution
5/6
Edgertronic users are able to control many aspects of the high speed video recording, from ISO and shutter speed to frame rate and resolution
Once connected to a computer, or to a LAN over ethernet, users can control the Edgertronic via a web browser user interface
6/6
Once connected to a computer, or to a LAN over ethernet, users can control the Edgertronic via a web browser user interface
View gallery - 6 images

Whether it's a bursting water balloon or the flapping wings of a bird, super slow-motion video can reveal the incredible nature of seemingly mundane events. But this footage doesn't come cheap. With typical set-ups costing in excess of US$30,000, its use is often limited to those with mega-budgets. The Edgertronic high speed video camera aims to to change that, by offering pro specs with a (relatively) affordable price-tag.

Combining a specialized CMOS image sensor and ultra high-speed electronics, the Edgertronic is capable of shooting 1280 x 1024 pixel video at 494 fps (frames per second). The speed increases to 701 fps at 1280 x 720 pixels, 1,849 fps at 640 x 480 pixels and 5,712 fps at 320 x 240 pixels. By the time resolution is dropped to 192 x 96 pixels, the camera is capable of an almost ridiculous 17,791 fps.

The MIT-trained engineers behind the project say the device has been built from the ground up with custom hardware and software, to give users the frame rate and resolution of a truly professional camera. Measuring just 111 x 108 x 79 mm (4.4 x 4.3 x 3.1 inches) it's smaller than most other slow motion cameras and around the size of a DSLR. It takes Nikon F-mount lenses, and ships with a Nikon 50mm F1.8 D.

On the back of the camera there are two USB ports, one Ethernet port, an audio input, and an accessory expansion I/O port for things like external triggers. Once connected to a computer, or to a LAN over Ethernet, users can control the Edgertronic via a web browser user interface. This gives access to live preview and settings including exposure, frame rate, preview composition and adjust focus.

On the back of the Edgertronic camera there are two USB ports, one ethernet port, an audio input, and an accessory expansion I/O port for things like external triggers
On the back of the Edgertronic camera there are two USB ports, one ethernet port, an audio input, and an accessory expansion I/O port for things like external triggers

Another nice touch is that while running, the camera can constantly capture high-speed video to an internal buffer. This means that users can trigger the device and capture moments which have just happened. Depending on settings, this gives a minimum of eight seconds of continuous capture which makes capturing unpredictable events, like lightning, a lot easier. Footage is recorded in H.264 format and files are stored on a removable SD. Once there, it can also be downloaded to a computer, or replayed in a browser.

Edgertronic is being brought to market via Kickstarter and has recently achieved its funding goal. Pledges range from $4,495 to $5,395 depending on package and estimated delivery date, with the first units expected to ship in December. While these price-tags mean it's still aimed squarely at the professional market, it's a lot less than the Phantom cameras from Vision Research and the Fastec TS3 Cine which we've previously drooled over.

Here's the Edgertronic Kickstarter video, unsurprisingly featuring plenty of those lovely super slow-motion clips.

Source: Edgertronic, via Kickstarter

View gallery - 6 images
3 comments
3 comments
mados123
This camera is similar to the OptoMotive Velociraptor which has a 2048x2048 sensor and does 178fps at full frame, 336fps at 2k and 1080p, 500fps at 720 and so on. Also with global shutter and GigE connectivity, it connects to a computer for unlimited video capture in either Uncompressed or MJPEG on-board compression. Velociraptor seems a little smaller too but nonetheless it is great to see the 'smart cameras' competing in the sub-$5k realm. http://www.optomotive.com/products/velociraptor
MrGadget
To truly bring the price down, it needs to be a mass produced product. Some cameras/comcorders includes this function as a gimmick but I wish they make a more serious attempt.
Arahant
Price seems really good, iv looked into slow motion cameras and its crazy how much they cost for a good one.. its not uncommon to see some that are 75k+, although the article states around 30k for a decent model and i believe them.
i think to be able to get a camera like this for under 5k is amazing, also consider the fact that they arnt selling it at cost so really they are likely making them for 3-3,500.
Also pretty impressive how small the camera is, if i had the extra money i would seriously consider buying one... for now i'll just keep an eye on it for the future... will wait with anticipation for other people to buy some so we can get a depth of material to see how well it works.