Photron FASTCAM SA-X2 User manual

FASTCAM SA-X2
Hardware Manual
Rev.4.00E

FASTCAM SA-X2 2
The copyright of this manual is held by PHOTRON LIMITED.
Product specifications and manual contents are subject to change without notice.
PHOTRON LIMITED bears no responsibility for any results by using our products nor by
applying this manual to any operations.
WARNING
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a
commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio
frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a
residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
CAUTION:
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for
compliance could void the user's authority to operate the equipment.

FASTCAM SA-X2 3
Introduction
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of Photronʼs high-speed camera system, the “FASTCAM SA-X2”
(referred to below as the system).
This manual contains the operating instructions and warnings necessary for using the system.
Before using the system, please read the entire manual.
If any part of this manual is unclear, contact Photron using the contact information printed at the
back of the manual.
After you finish reading the manual, store it in a safe place along with the warranty card and refer
back to it when necessary.

FASTCAM SA-X2 4
Using the Manual
Using the Manual
This section explains the layout of the manual.
• Introduction
The introduction explains the manual and safety precautions.
• Chapter 1, Setup
This chapter gives an overview of the components that make up the system. It also explains
basic keypad operation and a list of items that should be checked before using the system.
• Chapter 2, Recording
This chapter explains operations related to recording.
• Chapter 3, Product Specifications
This chapter explains the systemʼs specifications.
• Chapter 4, Warranty
This chapter explains about the warranty.
• Chapter 5, Contacting Photron
This chapter lists the contact information to use when contacting Photron if the system
malfunctions or if a portion of the manual is unclear.

FASTCAM SA-X2 5
Using the Manual
Manual Notation
The following icons and symbols are used in the explanations in this manual.
Icon/Symbol Description
This symbol indicates content that should always be read.
This symbol indicates instructions that should always be followed when using the
software, or things to be careful of when using the software.
This symbol indicates supplementary items to be aware of when using the system.
This symbol indicates a space for you to make notes.
“ “ This symbol is used to indicate the names of items on a screen, references, dialog
names, and connectors.
[ ] This symbol is used to indicate menu names, and sub-menu names.

FASTCAM SA-X2 6
Using the System Safely and Correctly
Using the System Safely and Correctly
In order to prevent injury to yourself and others, and to prevent damage to property, carefully
observe the following safety precautions.
Photron has given its full attention to the safety of this system. However, the extent of damage
and injury potentially caused by ignoring the content of the safety precautions and using the
system incorrectly is explained next. Please pay careful attention to the content of the safety
precautions when using the system.
• The safety precautions to be observed are explained with the following symbols.
This symbol indicates actions that carry the risk that a person could receive a serious
injury.
This symbol indicates actions that carry the risk that a person could receive a moderate
injury, or that damage to physical property might occur.
This symbol indicates actions that require caution.
This symbol indicates actions that are prohibited and must be avoided.
This symbol indicates actions that must always be performed.
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FASTCAM SA-X2 7
Using the System Safely and Correctly
■Do not perform actions that will damage the AC cable or plug.
(Do not damage the cable, modify it, use it near a heater, excessively bend, twist or pull on
it, place heavy objects on it, or bundle it.)
Using the cable when damaged can cause fire, electric shock, or a short circuit.
■Do not use the system in a manner which will exceed the rating of the power outlet or
wiring equipment used.
Exceeding the power rating might cause a fire from excessive heat.
■Do not insert metallic objects inside, or pour liquids such as water on, the system.
Doing so can cause fire, electric shock, or malfunction from short circuit or heat.
■Do not disassemble or modify the system.
There are high voltages inside the system that can cause electric shock.
■Do not plug in or unplug the power cord with wet hands.
Doing so can cause electric shock.
■Make sure the power plug is fully insert into the socket .
Not fully plugging in the power cable can cause fire from electric shock or heat.
■When something is wrong with the system, unplug the power cable immediately.
• When a foreign substance or liquid, such as metal or water, gets inside.
• When the outer case is broken or damaged, such as from a fall.
• When the system produces smoke, a strange smell, or strange sound.
Using the system in these conditions might cause a fire or electric shock.
■Do not use the accessories by the usage that a manufacturer does not specify. It may cause
damage of protection.
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FASTCAM SA-X2 8
Using the System Safely and Correctly
■Always unplug the system when cleaning it or when it is unused for a long period of time.
Leaving or storing the system connected to the power source might cause fire from
insulation deterioration or electrical discharge.
■Please consult us in advance when you perform an event by which laser light or direct rays
fall on the image sensor surface.
■Do not set the system in a location where the temperature gets unusually hot.
The trunk and inside of a car can get especially hot in summer.
Doing so can cause the outer case and internal components to deteriorate or cause a fire.
■Do not place the system in a location prone to oily smoke or steam, or in a location with a
lot of humidity or dust.
Oil, moisture, and dust conduct electricity, which can cause a fire or electric shock.
■Ambient temperature 0-45°C, humidity 80% RH or lower, maximum altitude 2,000m or
lower. In addition, if exceeding these limits, use in a condensation-free environment.
Use in a condition out of the above limits can cause malfunction.
■Do not store the equipment in a location where the temperature goes below -20°C or higher
than 60°C. Also, prevent condensation from forming during shipment.
■When shipping, remove the connecting cable and use the original packaging or a dedicated
carrying case.
Do not ship the equipment in an environment where the temperature goes below -20°C or
higher than 60°C. Also, prevent condensation from forming during shipment.
■The rubber foot used in this product might be hydrolyzed if it is stored or used in a high
humidity environment for a long time.
Moreover, it might be hot melted if it is stored or used in a high temperature environment
for a long time.
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FASTCAM SA-X2 9
Using the System Safely and Correctly
“CE” mark indicates that this product complies with the European requirements for safety,
health, environment and customer protection. “CE” mark equipments are intended for sales
in Europe.
These symbols indicate that this product is not to be disposed of with your household waste,
according to the WEEE Directive (2002/96/EC), the Battery Directive (2006/66/EC) and/or
your national laws implementing those Directives.
This product should be handed over to a designated collection point, e.g., on an authorized
one-for-one basis when you buy a new similar product or to an authorized collection site for
recycling waste electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) and batteries and accumulators.
Improper handling of this type of waste could have a possible impact on the environment
and human health due to potentially hazardous substances that are generally associated
with EEE. Your cooperation in the correct disposal of this product will contribute to the
effective usage of natural resources.
For more information about the recycling of this product, please contact your local city
office, waste authority, approved scheme or your household waste disposal service or visit
www.photron.com.
(EEA: Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein)
This product is in conformity with the protection requirements of EU Council Directive 2014/
30/EU (Class A) on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to
electromagnetic compatibility.
Warning: This is a Class A product. In a domestic environment, this product may cause
radio interference, in which case the user may be required to take adequate measures.
European Union (and EEA) only

FASTCAM SA-X2 10
Using the System Safely and Correctly
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) events may cause immediate and unrecoverable damage to the
image sensor.
Please read the following instructions and take EXTREME CARE when cleaning the image sensor
surface.
■ALWAYS take appropriate anti-static precautions when cleaning or working near the Image
sensor.
■DO NOT use any form of cleaning equipment using electrostatic or ʻcharged fiberʼ
technology.
■Please discharge any electrostatic build up in your body by touching a grounded metallic
surface before working near the camera sensor.
■Very gently, use only clean and dry air to remove dust from surface of the image sensor.
■To remove stubborn contamination use the highest grade (e.g. VLSI grade) pure Isopropyl
alcohol (IPA) with optical wipes of ʻclean roomʼ grade.
■Extreme care must be taken! Gently wipe across the sensor in a single action.
(DO NOT rub to avoid abrasive damage to delicate optical coatings on the glass surface.)
Cleaning of the Image Sensor Surface

FASTCAM SA-X2 11
To assist in preventing data lost by a system shutdown induced from a lightning surge and the like, please
add the supplied ferrite core to the power cable approximately 200 mm (approximately 8 inches) from the
system connector. The power cable should pass through the core three times. Please see illustrations
below.
Put the ferrite core to the AC adapter

FASTCAM SA-X2 12
Contents
Contents
Chapter 1 Setup ...................................................................... 14
1.1 About the Systemʼs Components and Accessories .............................. 15
1.1.1 Components .............................................................................................. 15
1.1.2 Accessories/Options.................................................................................... 15
1.1.3 Type ......................................................................................................... 16
1.2 Part Names................................................................................... 17
1.2.1 Camera Body ............................................................................................. 17
1.2.2 Camera Body Part Names............................................................................ 18
1.2.3 Interchangeable Lens Mounts....................................................................... 20
1.2.4 Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body...................................... 21
1.2.5 Programmable Switch (USER SW) ................................................................ 22
1.2.6 RS-422 Serial Control.................................................................................. 23
1.2.7 Power Supply Connector, DC Cable............................................................... 24
1.2.8 GigabitEthernet Connector........................................................................... 25
1.2.9 SD Memory Card Slots ................................................................................ 25
1.2.10 I/O Port Connector ................................................................................... 26
1.3 Input / Output Signal Types ............................................................ 28
1.3.1 TRIG TTL IN Connector ............................................................................... 28
1.3.2 TRIG SW IN Connector................................................................................ 28
1.3.3 SYNC IN Connector..................................................................................... 29
1.3.4 GENERAL IN Connector ............................................................................... 29
1.3.5 Synchronization with a Variable Frequency .................................................... 30
1.3.6 TRIG TTL OUT Connector ............................................................................ 32
1.3.7 GENERAL OUT (1, 2, 3) Connector ............................................................... 33
1.3.8 IRIG Time Code (External Time Synchronization) ........................................... 34
1.3.9 IRIG-sync Operation ................................................................................... 35
1.3.10 Signal Delay............................................................................................. 36
1.4 Device Connections........................................................................ 38
1.4.1 Minimum Equipment Connection .................................................................. 38
1.4.2 Remote Controller (Optional) ....................................................................... 39
1.4.3 Connecting a Video Monitor ......................................................................... 40
Chapter 2 Recording ................................................................ 41
2.1 Selecting Frame Rate / Resolution ................................................... 42
2.1.1 Switching Frame Rate (13.5K mode Function)................................................ 42
2.2 Selecting Shutter Speed ................................................................. 43
Chapter 3 Product Specifications................................................ 46
3.1 Specifications ................................................................................ 47
3.1.1 Product Specifications ................................................................................. 47
3.1.2 Random Reset Delay / Interframe Time ........................................................ 48
3.1.3 Other Supported Function............................................................................ 48
3.1.4 General Specifications ................................................................................. 49
3.1.5 Frame Rate and Resolution .......................................................................... 50
3.1.6 Shutter Speed List (Uncertain interval extension: Disable) ............................... 54
3.1.7 Shutter Speed List (Uncertain interval extension: Enable)................................ 55
3.1.8 Shutter Speed List (Special mode) ................................................................ 56
3.1.9 Shutter Speed List (13.5K mode OFF / Uncertain interval extension: Enable) ..... 57
3.1.10 Recordable Image Count/Resolution (12bit) ................................................. 58
3.1.11 Recordable Image Count/Resolution (8bit)................................................... 59
3.1.12 Recordable Times/Resolution (12bit)........................................................... 60
3.1.13 Recordable Times/Resolution (8bit)............................................................. 61
3.2 Dimensions ................................................................................... 62

FASTCAM SA-X2 13
Contents
3.2.1 Camera Body ............................................................................................. 62
3.2.2 AC Power Supply Unit ................................................................................. 66
3.2.3 I/O Cable .................................................................................................. 66
Chapter 4 Warranty ................................................................. 67
4.1 About the Warranty ....................................................................... 68
Chapter 5 Contacting Photron ................................................... 69
5.1 Contact Information ....................................................................... 70
A. Appendix ............................................................................ 71
A.1 Reference Information ................................................................... 72
A.1.1 Relative Spectral Response (monochrome) .................................................... 72
A.1.2 Quantum Efficiency (monochrome)............................................................... 72
A.1.3 Relative Spectral Response (color)................................................................ 73
A.1.4 Quantum Efficiency (color) .......................................................................... 73

Chapter 1 Setup
This chapter gives an overview of the components
that make up the system. It also explains a list of
items that should be checked before using the
system.

FASTCAM SA-X2 15
1.1 About the Systemʼs Components and Accessories
1.1 About the Systemʼs Components and Accessories
1.1.1 Components
Refer to the attached packing list for this product's standard components and accessories.
1.1.2 Accessories/Options
The following options are available for the system.
1. Remote Controller for SA8/SA-X/SA-X2/SA-Z
2. Remote Controller with LCD for SA-X2/SA-Z
3. EF Remote Controll Mount Option for SA-Z
4. FASTCAM SA-Z Specialized Carrying Case
5. Photron Trigger Box
6. Mount with Filter changer (3 type)
7. Mount with Filter changer (1 type)
Use only the components and accessories/options specified on the "1.1 About the Systemʼs
Components and Accessories" for AC power adapter/AC cable and others.

FASTCAM SA-X2 16
1.1 About the Systemʼs Components and Accessories
1.1.3 Type
For the FASTCAM SA-X2 system, there are monochrome and color versions, and for each of these
versions, there are 8 GB standard memory capacity type and 16 GB (or 32GB, 64GB, 128GB) high
capacity type. When purchasing, it is possible to select from these models according to the
application or your demands.
The type categories are listed as follows.
■ Camera type name and category
Item list Explanation
Fame Rate
1080K 1,080,000fps
480K 480,000fps
200K 216,000fps
200KS 216,000fps (Shutter speed 1usec control type)
Censor M monochrome
Ccolor
Memory
18 gigabyte
216 gigabyte
3 32 gigabyte
464 gigabyte
5128 gigabyte
• Export-controlled model type 480K / 200K / 200KS is subject to certain restriction on the frame
rate.
• Export-controlled model type 480K / 200KS are subject to restriction on the shutter speed.
• ExportEF-mount is available with any of the types.
Example: FASTCAM SA-X2 type 1080K -C1E (E: EF-mount available)
•"RV (Range Version) type” is prepared for each type.
It has be sealed-up a camera chassis for keep it free of dust.
Subject to restrictions under Export Trade Control Order, your camera may NOT be used depending
on the country where you intend to use. If you are considering exporting your camera, check with
Photron first. Contact information is given in "Chapter 5 Contacting Photron", page 69.
FASTCAM S
A
-X2 t
yp
e 1080K-C-1
Camera Name Fame Rate Censor Memory FAST Drive

FASTCAM SA-X2 17
1.2 Part Names
1.2 Part Names
The system is composed of components including the camera body, AC power supply, and the
"Photron FASTCAM Viewer" control software (referred to below as PFV).
1.2.1 Camera Body
The camera body contains IC memory for image recording and has been designed to be able to
record high-speed images uncompressed. The back of the camera body is equipped with the video
output terminals, which can playback the recorded images on a video monitor; the Gigabit
Ethernet interface, which permits full camera control and data download possible via connection to
a PC; the input/output connector, which allows external synchronization signals, trigger signals,
IRIG time code.
For the camera body and the AC power adapter
• Do not expose the camera body, AC power adapter and other optional components to
shock.
• Do not use in an area where flammable gas or dust is present.
• Do not place in an unstable location such as on an unstable platform or an incline.
• Do not disassemble or modify.
• Do not expose to liquids such as water.
• Do not subject to excessive force.

FASTCAM SA-X2 18
1.2 Part Names
1.2.2 Camera Body Part Names
ヘッダ
G type F Mount Front
Handle
FASTCAM SA-X2
POWER SW
Power Switch
GIGABIT ETHER
Gigabit Ethernet
LAN Cable Connector VIDEO OUT
Video Output Connector
HD SDI
HD SDI Output Connector
Status Indicator LEDs
USER SW
Programmable Switch
KEYPAD
KEYPAD Connector
DC20-36V MAX 230VA
Power Supply Connector
I/O PORT
I/O Port Connector
SD memory card slots
Back
Front
Handle

FASTCAM SA-X2 19
1.2 Part Names
Back
Front
G type F Mount Front
Handle
POWER SW
Power Switch
Handle
GIGABIT ETHER
Gigabit Ethernet
LAN Cable Connector VIDEO OUT
Video Output Connector
HD SDI
HD SDI Output Connector
Status Indicator LEDs
USER SW
Programmable Switch
KEYPAD
KEYPAD Connector
I/O PORT
I/O Port Connector
DC18-36V 210VA
Power Supply Connector
SD memory card slot
FASTCAM SA-X2 RV

FASTCAM SA-X2 20
1.2 Part Names
1.2.3 Interchangeable Lens Mounts
The lens mount on the system can be changed according to the recording purpose.
There are 3 types of interchangeable lens mounts: “G type F Mount”, “C Mount”, and “EF Mount
(Option)”.
The system has mechanical shutter as a standard feature.
• How to change the lens mount (G type F Mount → C Mount)
1. Remove the four M5 bolts with the hexagonal holes using the hexagonal wrench.
2. Remove the G type F Mount portion as a unit.
3. Install the C Mount unit using the bolts with hexagonal holes in the 90° diagonal holes.
4. After installation, always verify that the unit is not loose and does not rattle.
G type F Mount
C Mount