Photron FASTCAM SA-Z User manual

F
FA AS ST TC CA AM M S SA A- -Z Z

•The copyright of this manual is held by PHOTRON LIMITED.
•Product specifications and manual contents can change without advanced notification.
•This manual was created taking every possible measure to ensure the accuracy of its contents. However, if you find a section which is unclear, a mistake, or an
omission, please contact PHOTRON LIMITED using the contact information provided at the end of the manual.
•PHOTRON LIMITED bears no responsibility for the results of using the product or from following the instructions in this manual.
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.

Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of Photron’s high-speed camera system, the “FASTCAM SA-Z” (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.
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 the location of a reference.
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.

Using the Manual
This section explains the layout of the manual.
•Introduction
The introduction explains the manual and safety precautions.
•Chapter. 1 Overview
This chapter gives an overview of the system and an explanation of its features.
•Chapter. 2 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. 3 Recording
This chapter explains operations related to recording.
•Chapter. 4 Connecting a PC
This chapter explains the procedure for connecting the system to a PC. Refer to the “Photron FASTCAM
Viewer User’s Manual” for additional details on using a PC to control the system.
•Chapter. 5 Product Specifications
This chapter explains the system’s specifications.
•Chapter. 6 Warranty
This chapter explains about the warranty.
•Chapter. 7 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.

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.
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.
•The safety precautions to be observed are explained with the following symbols.
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.
Caution
Warning

■ 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.
■ This chapter lists the contact information to use when contacting Photron if the
system malfunctions or if a portion of the manual is unclear.
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.
Warning

■ 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 85% RH or lower, maximum altitude 2,000m
or lower.
In addition, if exceeding these limits, use in a condensation-free environment.
Doing so 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
Caution

“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 Directiv
e (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 hazar
dous 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 ClassAproduct. 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

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 ‘charged fiber’ 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 ‘clean room’ 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

Table of Contents
Chapter. 1 Overview 1
1.1. Product Overview and Features..............................................................................2
Chapter. 2 Setup 3
2.1. About the System’s Components and Accessories.................................................4
2.1.1. Components................................................................................................4
2.1.2. Accessories/Options ...................................................................................4
2.1.3. Type ............................................................................................................5
2.2. Part Names..............................................................................................................6
2.2.1. Camera Body..............................................................................................6
2.2.2. Camera Body Part Names..........................................................................8
2.2.3. Status Display LEDs on the Rear of the Camera Body ............................10
2.2.4. Interchangeable Lens Mounts...................................................................12
2.2.5. Remote Controller (Optional)....................................................................13
2.2.6. RS-422 Serial Control...............................................................................14
2.2.7. I/O Port Connector....................................................................................15
2.2.8. Power Supply Connector ..........................................................................17
2.2.9. SD Memory Card Slots .............................................................................18
2.3. Device Connections...............................................................................................19
2.3.1. Connecting a Video Monitor......................................................................19
2.3.2. Connecting the AC Power Supply.............................................................20
2.3.3. Connecting the Keypad (Optional)............................................................21
2.4. Connecting a PC....................................................................................................22
2.4.1. Giabit Ethernet..........................................................................................22
Chapter. 3 Recording 23
3.1. Image Initialization (Calibration) ............................................................................25
3.1.1. Executing Calibration................................................................................25
3.1.2. Saving Calibration Settings.......................................................................25
3.1.3. Loading Calibration Settings.....................................................................25
3.1.4. The operation of the Mechanical shutter ..................................................26
3.2. Selecting the Frame Rate......................................................................................27
3.2.1. Switching Frame Rate (20K mode Function)............................................27
3.3. Selecting the Resolution........................................................................................28
3.4. Selecting the Shutter Speed..................................................................................28
3.5. Dual Slope Shutter.................................................................................................31
3.6. AUTO EXPOSURE Operation...............................................................................32
3.7. Image Trigger.........................................................................................................34
3.8. Selecting the Trigger Mode....................................................................................36
3.8.1. START Mode.............................................................................................36
3.8.2. CENTER Mode .........................................................................................36
3.8.3. END Mode.................................................................................................37
3.8.4. MANUAL Mode .........................................................................................37

3.8.5. RANDOM Mode........................................................................................37
3.8.6. RANDOM RESET Mode...........................................................................38
3.8.7. RANDOM CENTER Mode........................................................................39
3.8.8. RANDOM MANUAL Mode........................................................................40
3.8.9. REC ON CMD Mode.................................................................................41
3.8.10. RANDOM LOOP Mode.............................................................................42
3.9. LOW LIGHT Mode.................................................................................................43
3.10. VARIABLE Setting .................................................................................................43
3.11. White Balance Adjustment (Color Models Only)....................................................44
3.11.1. Using Preset White Balance (Color Models Only)....................................44
3.11.2. Using User White Balance (Color Models Only).......................................44
3.12. Color Enhancement Function (Color Models Only)...............................................45
3.13. Look-Up Table (LUT) Operations...........................................................................45
3.13.1. Using a Custom LUT.................................................................................48
3.14. Edge Enhancement Function ................................................................................48
3.15. Partition Memory & Record....................................................................................48
3.16. Simultaneous Replay/Record Function .................................................................49
3.17. Input / Output Signal Types ...................................................................................50
3.17.1. TRIG TTL IN Connector............................................................................50
3.17.2. TRIG TTL OUT Connector........................................................................50
3.17.3. TRIG SW IN Connector ............................................................................50
3.17.4. SYNC IN Connector..................................................................................50
3.17.5. GENERAL IN Connector...........................................................................51
3.17.6. GENERAL OUT (1, 2, 3) Connector .........................................................51
3.18. Using External Triggers .........................................................................................52
3.18.1. Inputting an External Trigger Signal..........................................................52
3.18.2. Outputting External Trigger Signals..........................................................54
3.19. Using External Synchronization Signals................................................................55
3.19.1. Inputting an External Synchronization Signal...........................................55
3.19.2. Outputting an External Synchronization Signal ........................................55
3.19.3. Synchronization with a variable frequency ...............................................56
3.19.4. Synchronizing Multiple FASTCAM SA-Z Systems....................................57
(Multiple Unit Synchronized Recording)..................................................................57
3.19.5. Synchronizing the System with Other External Devices...........................59
(Frame Rate Synchronized Recording)...................................................................59
3.19.6. Synchronizing the System with Other Cameras (Mixed Device
Synchronized Recording)..................................................................................................62
3.20. GENERAL Signal Settings.....................................................................................63
3.20.1. GENERAL IN Signal Settings ...................................................................63
3.20.2. GENERAL OUT Signal Settings ...............................................................64
3.21. Signal Delay...........................................................................................................65
3.22. Event Marker Function...........................................................................................66
3.23. Using Programmable Switch (USER SW).............................................................67
3.24. IRIG Time Code (External Time Synchronization).................................................68
3.25. IRIG-sync Operation..............................................................................................69

3.26. 8bit Recording Mode..............................................................................................70
3.27. Fan Controll ...........................................................................................................70
3.28. TRG-EXP (time between trigger and exposure) Display.......................................70
3.29. Direct Trigger / Direct Start Mode ..........................................................................71
Chapter. 4 Connecting a PC 73
4.1. Connecting the Gigabit Ethernet Interface to a PC ...............................................74
4.1.1. Connecting the System and a PC.............................................................75
4.1.2. Setting the IPAddress ..............................................................................75
4.1.3. Using DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol)...............................76
4.1.4. Connecting Multiple Systems and a PC ...................................................76
4.1.5. High-speed Download Feature.................................................................76
4.1.6. Simultaneous Replay/Record Function ....................................................77
4.1.7. Gigabit Ethernet Interface Initialization.....................................................77
4.1.8. Camera IP Address Initialization...............................................................77
Chapter. 5 Product Specifications 79
5.1. Specifications.........................................................................................................80
5.1.1. Product Specifications...............................................................................80
5.1.2. General Specifications..............................................................................81
5.1.3. Options......................................................................................................82
5.1.4. Frame Rate and Resolution......................................................................84
5.1.5. Shutter Speed List (uncertain interval extension: Disable).......................88
5.1.6. Shutter Speed List (Uncertain interval extension: Enable) .......................89
5.1.7. Shutter Speed List (special mode)............................................................90
5.1.8. Shutter Speed List (20K mode OFF / Uncertain interval extension:
Disable) 92
5.1.9. Shutter Speed List (20K mode OFF / uncertain interval extension:
Enable) 93
5.1.10. Recordable Image Count/Resolution (12bit).............................................94
5.1.11. Recordable Image Count/Resolution (8bit)...............................................94
5.1.12. Recordable Times/Resolution (12bit)........................................................95
5.1.13. Recordable Times/Resolution (8bit)..........................................................95
5.2. Dimensions............................................................................................................96
5.2.1. Camera Body............................................................................................96
5.2.2. Remote Controller (Optional)..................................................................100
5.2.3. Remote Controller with LCD (Optional) ..................................................101
5.2.4. AC Power Supply Unit ............................................................................102
Chapter. 6 Warranty 103
6.1. About the Warranty..............................................................................................104
Chapter. 7 Contacting Photron 105
7.1. Contact Information..............................................................................................106

Chapter. 1 Overview
1.1. Product Overview and Features
1 FASTCAM SA-Z Hardware Manual

Chapter. 1 Overview
1.1. Product Overview and Features
The FASTCAM SA-Z is a powerful engineering tool for use in research and development, design,
production, and quality control, and in numerous fields such as science, medicine, biology, aviation
and space. The system features superior basic performance with mega pixel resolution, an
ultra-sensitive image sensor capable of clear recording in low-light, and an ultra-high speed frame,
rate of a maximum of 480,000 fps (frame per second). It also employs a hybrid design to allow
operation via a monitor keypad and operation from the PC software via a gigabit Ethernet
connection to more easily implement analysis of dynamic bodies that had been difficult to analyze
until now.
Use the state-of-the-art technology in the FASTCAM SA-Zto slow down and observe
high-speed dynamic bodies or events, and also as an input component for a dynamic image
measurement system.
FASTCAM SA-Z
2

Chapter. 2 Setup
2.1. About the System’s Components and Accessories
2.2. Part Names
2.3. Device Connections
3 FASTCAM SA-Z Hardware Manual

Chapter. 2 Setup
2.1. About the System’s Components and Accessories
2.1.1. Components
The system’s standard components are listed below. Remove the components from the packaging
and check them.
1. Camera Body (with G type F mount) One
2. AC Power Supply Unit/AC Cable One
3. DC Cable One
4. C-mount One
5. Hexagonal Wrench for Changing Lens Mounts
(1.5 mm, 2 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm) One each
6. Lens Mount Cap (built into the camera body) One
7. I/O (Input and Output) Cable One
8. FASTCAM Series Setup Disk (Driver/Application DVD) One
9. First-Step Guide Booklet For FASTCAM Cameras
(Simple Procedure Manual) One
10. Gigabit Ethernet Interface Cable (LAN Cable) One
2.1.2. 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)
The accessories use only accessories meeting the specifications of the manufacturer.
4

2.1.3. Type
For the FASTCAM SA-Z 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) 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
2100K
2,100,000fps
480K
480,000fps
200K
224,000fps
200KS
224,000fps (Shutter speed 1usec control type)
Censor
M
monochrome
C
color
Memory
8GB
8 gigabyte
16GB
16 gigabyte
32GB
32 gigabyte
64GB
64 gigabyte
FAST Drive
FD
FAST Drive / FAST Dock support
No mark
FAST Drive / FAST Dock unsupported
•EF-mount is available with any of the types.
Example: FASTCAM SA-Z type 2100K -M-8GB-E (E: EF-mount available)
•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.
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 using your camera
outside Japan, check with Photron first. Contact information is given in Chapter 7 (page 102).
FASTCAM SA-Z type 2100K-C-64GB-FD
Fame Rate
Censor
Memory
FAST Drive
Camera Name
5 FASTCAM SA-Z Hardware Manual

Chapter. 2 Setup
FAST Drive / FAST Dock
Name
Explanation
FAST Drive type 1TB
Special high speed SSD Box (1TB)
FAST Drive Cable
Cable for special high speed SSD Box(500mm)
FAST Dock
Dock station for special high speed SSD Box
2.2. 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).
For each of the system components.
- Do not expose to shock.
- Do not use in an area where flammable gas or dust present 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.
2.2.1. 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.
Models that do not support FAST Drive have an SD card slot on the lower part of the rear panel
while models that do support FAST Drive are equipped with a dedicated connection port.
6

Apperance
Rear
FASTCAM SA-Z
Apperance
Rear
FASTCAM SA-Z FAST Drive model
7 FASTCAM SA-Z Hardware Manual

Chapter. 2 Setup
Handle
G type F Mount Front
Front
FASTCAM SA-Z
USER SW
Programmable Switch
Status IndicatorLEDs
Handle
KEYPAD
KEYPAD Connector
DC18-36V 210VA
Power Supply Connector
GIGABIT ETHER
Gigabit Ethernet
LAN Cable Connector
POWER SW
Power Switc
h
HD SDI
HD SDI Output Connector
VIDEO OUT
Video Output Connector
I
/O PORT
I/O Port Connector
Back
SD memory card slots
2.2.2. Camera Body Part Names
8