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Photron FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual

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Summary of Contents for Photron FASTCAM BC2 HD

  • Page 2 Photron Limited using the contact information provided at the end of the manual. • · Photron Limited is not responsible for the aftermath of the results of using the product or from following the instructions in this manual.
  • Page 3 This manual contains the operating instructions and warnings necessary for using the system. Please read the entire manual before using the system. If any part of this manual is unclear, contact Photron using the contact information printed at the back of the manual.
  • Page 4 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.
  • Page 5 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 product. However, the extent of damage and injury potentially caused by ignoring the content of the safety precautions and using the product incorrectly is explained next.
  • Page 6 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.
  • Page 7 Caution ▪ Always unplug the system when cleaning it or when it is unused for a long period of time. Leaving or storing the product connected to the power source might cause fire from insulation deterioration or electrical discharge. ▪ Do not place the product in a location where the temperature gets unusually hot.
  • Page 8 Cleaning the Image Sensor Surface The image sensor can be destroyed by electrostatic discharge (ESD). Be aware of the following precautions when cleaning the image sensor's glass surface. ▪ Do not bring any tools without an antistatic treatment near the image sensor. Do not use such tools to clean the image sensor.

  • Page 9: Table Of Contents

    Table of Contents 1. Overview 1.1. Product Overview and Features ............2 2. Setup 2.1. System Components and Accessories..........4 2.1.1. Components ..............4 2.1.2. Optional Accessories ............4 2.2. Part Names ................5 2.2.1. Camera body ..............5 2.2.2. Camera Body Part Names ............6 2.2.3. Camera Body Rear Status Display LEDs ........8 2.2.4.
  • Page 10 3.5.8. RANDOM MANUAL Mode ............ 27 3.6. LOW LIGHT Mode ..............28 3.7. VARIABLE Setting ..............28 3.8. White Balance Adjustment ............. 29 3.8.1. Using Preset White Balance ..........29 3.8.2. Using User White Balance ............ 29 3.9. Color Enhancement Function ............30 3.10.
  • Page 11 Remote Controller (Optional Accessory) ........63 5.2.4. AC Power Supply Adapter ............ 64 5.2.5. AC Power Supply Adapter (With AC Cord Anchor Case)....65 5.3. Cleaning the Filter............... 66 6. Warranty 6.1. About the Warranty ..............68 7. Contacting Photron 7.1. Contacting Photron..............70...

  • Page 13: Overview

    1. Overview 1.1. Product Overview and Features FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 14: Product Overview And Features

    Overview 1.1. Product Overview and Features The FASTCAM BC2 HD demonstrates its versatility in creating video content to make broadcast programming even more entertaining by capturing decisive moments in sports such as baseball, soccer, swimming, and motorsports, or by recording various types of events in variety, science, and educational programs.

  • Page 15: Setup

    2. Setup 2.1. System Components and Accessories 2.2. Part Names 2.3. Device Connections FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 16: System Components And Accessories

    (1.5 mm, 2 mm, 3 mm, 4 mm) 1 each Lens mount cap (camera integrated) FASTCAM Series Setup Disk (driver/application CD) FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual (this manual) Photron FASTCAM Viewer User’s Manual Making a Gigabit Ethernet Connection (simple procedure manual) Warranty card...

  • Page 17: Part Names

    2.2. Part Names The system is composed of components including the camera body, AC power supply unit, and the "Photron FASTCAM Viewer" control software (referred to below as PFV). For the system's camera body, AC power supply unit: ·Do not expose to a shock outside of specifications.

  • Page 18: Camera Body Part Names

    Setup 2.2.2. Camera Body Part Names Handle Focus Hook F Mount Front Handle Duct (Filter) Status Display LEDs POWER SW Power Switch USER SW Programmable Switch POWER TRIGGER IRIG SYNC SYNC LINK/TRANS MODE READY GIGABIT ETHER SYNC IN Gigabit Ethernet LAN US ER 1 US ER 2 US ER 3...
  • Page 19 View Finder Relay Box Connector Focus Mark FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 20: Camera Body Rear Status Display Leds

    Setup 2.2.3. Camera Body Rear Status Display LEDs There are a number of LEDs on the rear of the system's camera body. These LEDs indicate the status of the system. The meaning of each LED is explained here. POWER (Green) LED ON: Power on LED OFF: Power off IF LINK/TRANS (Red)

  • Page 21: Interchangeable Lens Mounts

    After attaching the unit, always check to ensure it is not loose or rattles. ④ PL Mount Nikon F Mount (Standard) • When using the C mount or B4 mount, clipping may occur around the edge of the video. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 22: Remote Controller (Optional Accessory)

    Setup 2.2.5. Remote Controller (Optional Accessory) The system can be operated while checking a monitor by connecting the optional remote controller to the [KEYPAD] connector on the rear of the camera body. The remote controller is also hot-pluggable, it can be plugged into and unplugged from the camera while the power is on. Camera body Camera body Remote controller connector...

  • Page 23: Rs-422 Serial Control

    • For inquires related to RS-422 serial control, see "7.1 Contacting Photron", page 70. • Serial control commands are available as separate list of commands. Please contact Photron or the dealer where the system was purchased regarding the command list.

  • Page 24: Power Supply Connector

    Setup 2.2.7. Power Supply Connector This connector is used to input the DC power supply. Connect the supplied AC adapter or the optional IDX battery cable (battery sold separately) to this connector. The connector for the cable is available as an optional accessory. When using other power supplies, construct a cable using the pin diagram below for reference.

  • Page 25: Device Connections

    PAL setting 1080p 25Hz , 24Hz , 23.98Hz , 24Hz(sF) , 23.98Hz(sF) HD Compatible Video "HD SDI" Connector (BNC) The HD SDI (High Definition Serial Digital Interface) output. • Use 5C-FB compliant cables for HD-SDI output. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 26: Connecting The Ac Power Supply Unit

    Setup 2.3.2. Connecting the AC Power Supply Unit Connect the supplied AC power supply unit to the power supply. ① ② Connect the AC power supply unit to the [DC18-36V 100VA] connector on the rear of the ① camera body. Connect the AC cable to the AC power supply unit.

  • Page 27: Connecting The Remote Controller (Optional Accessory)

    (15 pin) on the right side of the remote controller. • The remote controller is hot-pluggable. It can be plugged in and unplugged while the system's power is on. • For how to operate the remote controller, refer to the "Remote Controller User's Manual". FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 28: Connecting A Pc

    The maximum cable length between the PC and the system is, compliant to the 1000BASE-T specification, up to 100 m. One PC can connect to a maximum of 64 Photron Gigabit Ethernet interface equipped cameras using a hub. When connecting multiple devices, connect them through a switching hub that can connect at 1000BASE-T.

  • Page 29: Recording

    3.9. Color Enhancement Function 3.10. Look-Up Table 3.11. Edge Enhancement Function 3.12. Partition Memory & Record 3.13. Input Signals 3.14. Using External Triggers 3.15. Using External Synchronization Signals 3.16. Signal Delay 3.17. Using the Programmable Switch (USER SW) FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 30: Image Initialization (Calibration)

    Calibration is executed from the remote controller (optional accessory) or from PFV. • For how to execute the calibration procedure, refer to the "Remote Controller User's Manual" or the "Photron FASTCAM Viewer User's Manual". 3.1.2. Saving Calibration Settings The black image data for correction that was obtained by executing calibration can be saved as one pattern internally on the system.

  • Page 31: Selecting The Frame Rate

    Example: The recording time is the same for a 2,048 x 1,536 pixels resolution and a 1,920 x 1,536 pixels resolution. • For more information on the relationship between frame rate and resolution, see "5.1.4 Frame Rate & Resolution", page 54. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 32: Selecting The Shutter Speed

    Recording 3.4. Selecting the Shutter Speed The shutter speed is independent of the frame rate, so you can control the exposure time in one frame using the electric shutter. By making an exposure that is of a shorter period than the frame rate, high-speed objects can be recorded blur-free.

  • Page 33: Auto Exposure Operation

    • The AUTO EXPOSURE function maintains a constant image brightness by varying the shutter speed (sensor's exposure time). Therefore, the image may deteriorate as the shutter speed varies from the calibrated setting when using this function. For details, see "3.1 Image Initialization (Calibration)", page 18. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...
  • Page 34 Recording • When the AUTO EXPOSURE function is operating, the camera will not operate the shutter with an exposure time longer than the shutter value set here. These settings are shown in the diagram below. ① + RANGE ③ TARGET VALUE ③...

  • Page 35: Selecting The Trigger Mode

    For example, in a situation with a maximum useable memory of two seconds for recording, one second before and one second after the trigger was input is recorded for a total of two seconds of high-speed video. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 36: End Mode

    Recording 3.5.3. END Mode END mode is a trigger mode where the content recorded immediately before the trigger is input is saved to memory. This mode is suitable for recording a high-speed phenomenon where it is hard to predict when the important action will start and stop. For example, in a situation with a maximum useable memory of two seconds for recording, the two seconds of high-speed video immediately before when the trigger was input are saved.

  • Page 37: Random Reset Mode

    For this reason, the trigger input time and when the first frame’s exposure starts are the same. The interval from when the trigger is input until the exposure beings is approximately 2.5 μsec. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 38: Random Center Mode

    Recording 3.5.7. RANDOM CENTER Mode RANDOM CENTER mode is a trigger mode, similar to RANDOM mode, where each time a trigger is input only a predetermined number of frames are saved to memory. The difference between this mode and RANDOM mode is that in RANDOM mode the number of specified frames are recorded directly after the trigger signal, whereas in RANDOM CENTER mode, at the timing of the trigger signal, the frames before and after the trigger are left in the recording memory.

  • Page 39: Random Manual Mode

    • For how to configure this mode, see "3.5.5 RANDOM Mode", page 24. Setting the RANDOM MANUAL mode frame count To use RANDOM MANUAL mode, the proportion of frames to record before and after the trigger must be set in advance before recording. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 40: Low Light Mode

    Recording 3.6. LOW LIGHT Mode The more you increase the frame rate or shutter speed of the camera, the less light enters the camera making the displayed image darker. Low light mode is a function that temporarily increases the exposure time, making the displayed image easier to see to enable you to focus and setup the camera.

  • Page 41: White Balance Adjustment

    The values set here are stored in the camera body’s internal memory as the user preset, and they can be loaded by selecting “USER”. There are also two methods for setting user white balance, “AUTO USER” and “EDIT USER”. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 42: Color Enhancement Function

    Recording 3.9. Color Enhancement Function Color models feature an image color enhancement setting. The image color enhancement level can be adjusted in five steps, including the OFF setting. 3.10. Look-Up Table (LUT) The LUT (look-up table) refers to a reference table that defines the relationship between the pixel brightness gradation of the original image data taken and the brightness gradation displayed on a PC or video monitor.
  • Page 43 D1: Gain 1x The input is always linear output. This LUT is used for normal conditions. D2: Gamma 0.6 This LUT is 0.6 gamma correction. D3: Gamma 0.45 This LUT is 0.45 gamma correction. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...
  • Page 44 Recording D4: Gain 2x The gain is doubled and you can display the dark areas of the image emphasized. D5: Gain 4x The gain is quadrupled and you can display the dark areas of the image emphasized. This LUT emphasizes the dark portions even more than D4.

  • Page 45: Using A Custom Lut

    3.10.1. Using a Custom LUT Creating a LUT pattern is done with PFV. • For how to create a LUT pattern, refer to the "Photron FASTCAM Viewer User’s Manual". 3.11. Edge Enhancement Function With the system's edge enhancement setting, you can enhance the edges in the recorded image in three steps.

  • Page 46: Input Signals

    Recording 3.13. Input Signals Signals to operate the camera can be input via the terminals on the back of the system's camera. The signals that can be input are listed below. A signal other than the specified signal must not be input to the connectors. Use extreme caution as there is a risk of damage to both devices, the input device and the output device.

  • Page 47: Using External Triggers

    3.14.1. Inputting an External Trigger Signal The only external trigger system that can be used by the system is a contact signal. The circuit diagram is shown below. TRIG SW IN Circuit Diagram MICROSD150-02 NFW31SP506X1E4 TRIG_SW__IN TRIG_SW 220ΩF 0.1μF FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 48: Using External Synchronization Signals

    None independently. Synchronizes to a positive polarity signal from an TTL level, positive ON CAM POS external device (including other Photron products). polarity Synchronizes to a negative polarity signal from an TTL level, negative ON CAM NEG external device (including other Photron products).

  • Page 49: Synchronizing The System With Other External Devices (Frame Rate Synchronized Recording)

    • When conducting frame rate synchronization recording on the system, the signal that can be input must meet the following conditions. ▪ TTL level, positive polarity or negative polarity ▪ 60 Hz (50 Hz when set to PAL) to 86,400 Hz FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...
  • Page 50 Recording System settings For PFV (standard) Verify that the camera mode is in "LIVE" mode (the image displayed is passed through from ① the camera). If the system is in a mode other than "LIVE "mode, check "Live" on the camera control panel.
  • Page 51 (an error occurs of about ±1 to 5 Hz). Example: When performing external device synchronization inputting a synchronization signal of 10,000 Hz, the monitor display error is 10,000 Hz ± 1 Hz = 9,999 fps to 10,001 fps. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 52: Synchronizing The System With Other Cameras (Mixed Device Synchronized Recording)

    • For camera models that can perform synchronized recording or for detailed instructions on configuring the settings, contact Photron at the contact information in "7.1 Contacting Photron".

  • Page 53: Signal Delay

    PFV or the remote controller (optional accessory). The content of each setting is listed in the chart below. Settings Setting range (value) SYNC IN DELAY 0-1/frame rate (s) 100 ns units FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 54: Using The Programmable Switch (User Sw)

    Recording 3.17. Using the Programmable Switch (USER SW) There are four configurable switches on the back of the system. Each switch can be assigned a different function by configuring it with the menu. The content of each setting is listed in the chart below.
  • Page 55 Same function as the remote controller's [REC] key. LOW LIGHT Same function as the remote controller's [LOW LIGHT] key. CALIBRATE Same function as the remote controller's [CALIBRATE] key. OSD ON/OFF Shows/hides the screen display on the video monitor. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...
  • Page 56 Recording...

  • Page 57: Connecting A Pc

    4. Connecting a PC 4.1. Connecting the Gigabit Ethernet Interface to a PC FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 58: Connecting The Gigabit Ethernet Interface To A Pc

    The maximum cable length between the PC and the system is, compliant to the 1000BASE-T specification, up to 100 m. One PC can connect to a maximum of 64 Photron Gigabit Ethernet interface equipped cameras using a hub. When connecting multiple devices, connect them through a switching hub that can connect at 1000BASE-T.

  • Page 59: Connecting The Pc And A Pc

    IP addresses that are already in use on the network. • For how to configure the system's IP address, refer to the "Photron FASTCAM Viewer User's Manual" or the "Remote Controller User's Manual".

  • Page 60: Connecting Multiple Systems And A Pc

    With PFV, the system's control software, a single PC can connect to and control multiple FASTCAM BC2 HD cameras and Photron's Gigabit Ethernet compatible cameras mixed together. • When connecting to multiple systems, set the IP address of each one to a unique setting.

  • Page 61: Product Specifications

    5. Product Specifications 5.1. Specifications 5.2. Dimensions 5.3. Cleaning the Filter FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 62: 5.1. Specifications

    Product Specifications 5.1. Specifications 5.1.1. Product Specifications Image sensor C-MOS image sensor Sensor resolution 2,048 x 2,048 pixels Maximum 1,080 fps when full frame resolution Frame rate Maximum 86,400 fps at reduced resolution F mount, C mount (optional accessory), PL mount (optional accessory), B4 Lens mount mount (optional accessory), EF mount (optional accessory) Recording color...

  • Page 63: General Specifications

    Remote controller (+0.5 m cable) 620 g Photron has verified two types of AC cables, type A (standard for Japan, USA, Canada, etc.) and type SE (standard for Germany, France, etc.). However, when those cables cannot properly receive power when plugged in, use the proper AC cable for the region's standards and verify the AC cable works properly.

  • Page 64: Optional Accessories

    Product Specifications 5.1.3. Optional Accessories User options Remote controller C mount kit PL mount kit (normal type/shim type) B4 mount kit EF mount kit (normal type/remote type) 4 output trigger box Dedicated carrying case Spare power supply connector (for creating a custom cable) Dust-proof LAN connector cover External battery cable...
  • Page 65 FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 66: Frame Rate & Resolution

    Product Specifications 5.1.4. Frame Rate & Resolution Image 2,048 2,048 2,048 2,048 2,048 2,048 1,920 1,920 1,920 1,920 1,920 1,536 1,536 1,536 1,024 size × × × × × × × × × × × × × × × Frame Rate (fps) 2,048 1,536...
  • Page 67 The circle indicates a possible setting. The green items are the maximum resolution setting at that frame rate. This table is the list of default settings. Even finer settings are possible with the variable setting. FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 68: Recordable Image Count/Resolution

    Product Specifications 5.1.5. Recordable Image Count/Resolution Resolution Rec. frames 2,048x2,048 5,457 2,048x1,536 7,276 2,048x1,472 7,592 2,048x1,280 8,731 2,048x1,080 10,348 2,048x1,024 10,914 1,920x1,536 7,276 1,920x1,280 8,731 1,920x1,080 10,348 1,920x1,024 10,914 1,920x768 14,552 1,536x1,536 9,701 1,536x1,024 14,552 1,536x768 19,403 1,024x1,024 21,829 1,024x768 29,105 1,024x640 34,926...

  • Page 69: Shutter Speed List

    146,000 149,000 156,000 186,000 194,000 202,000 212,000 196,000 208,000 202,000 202,000 277,000 283,000 289,000 295,000 256,000 266,000 277,000 261,000 367,000 367,000 367,000 367,000 367,000 367,000 367,000 367,000 The unit in the chart is 1/x s FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...
  • Page 70 Product Specifications • About the configurable shutter Configurable shutter speeds differ with the horizontal width of the maximum resolution of the frame rate being used. An example is shown below. Example 1: When using 2,000 fps The maximum resolution is 2,048x1,080, so the horizontal width is 2,048. Configurable shutter speeds at this setting are listed in the column titled 2,048.
  • Page 71 Configurable shutter speeds at this setting are listed in the column titled 256. Since the frame rate is 10,000 fps, with a maximum exposure of 1/10,000 s, the shutter speeds are listed below. 1/10,000s 1/12,000s 1/15,000s ⋮ 1/202,000s 1/261,000s 1/367,000s FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 72: List Of Frame Rates Selectable With The Variable Setting

    Product Specifications 5.1.7. List of Frame Rates Selectable with the VARIABLE Setting Selectable frame rate (fps) 1,080 9,000 1,125 9,600 1,200 10,000 1,250 10,800 1,350 12,000 1,440 12,500 1,500 13,500 1,600 14,400 1,800 15,000 1,875 16,000 2,000 18,000 2,160 20,000 2,225 21,600 2,400...

  • Page 73: Dimensions

    5.2. Dimensions 5.2.1. Camera Body (mm) 288.5 61.6 38.1 5-1/4-20UNC Depth 6 23.5 227.5 236.4 φ20 77.1 (75.9) 222.4 optical center 202.4 129.2 3-1/4-20UNC Depth6 φ4.5 φ7.5 2-3/8-16UNC Depth6 65.8 6-M6 Depth6 FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 74: Camera Body (With View Finder Mount)

    Product Specifications 5.2.2. Camera Body (With View Finder Mount) (mm) 288.5 38.1 5-1/4-20UNC Depth 6 23.5 227.5 236.4 φ20 77.1 (75.9) 222.4 optical center 202.4 129.2 3-1/4-20UNC Depth6 φ4.5 φ7.5 2-3/8-16UNC Depth6 65.8 6-M6 Depth6...

  • Page 75: Remote Controller (Optional Accessory)

    PRESET4 FRAME RATE RESOLUTION SHUTTER TRIGGER MODE PLAY PAUSE STOP FUNCTION LOW LIGHT PARTITION/ PLAYBACK RATE MENU BACK ZOOM SCROLL SLOW FAST ENTER FIT/1:1 CALIBRATE STORE STATUS SEGMENT PLAYBACK LIVE REC READY REC START ON/OFF FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 76: Ac Power Supply Adapter

    Product Specifications 5.2.4. AC Power Supply Adapter (mm) 300.0 LED INDICATOR AC INPUT IEC 320/C14 INLET(ClassⅠ) 207.6 190.2 58.8 RUBBER FOOT...

  • Page 77: Ac Power Supply Adapter (With Ac Cord Anchor Case)

    5.2.5. AC Power Supply Adapter (With AC Cord Anchor Case) (mm) 279.5 FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 78: Cleaning The Filter

    Product Specifications 5.3. Cleaning the Filter To prevent the buildup of heat, the system circulates air into the camera body with a fan. In order to lower the risk that dirt and dust in the air will enter the camera, the air vent and exhaust vent are fitted with filters.

  • Page 79: Warranty

    6. Warranty 6.1. About the Warranty FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 80: About The Warranty

    Consumable goods (cables) ⑤ When repair, adjustment, or alternation done by an entity other than Photron service has ⑥ been performed on the system, or damage or malfunction that is determined to be attributed to a fault in the use the product.

  • Page 81: Contacting Photron

    7. Contacting Photron 7.1. Contacting Photron FASTCAM BC2 HD Hardware Manual...

  • Page 82: Contacting Photron

    Contacting Photron 7.1. Contacting Photron For inquires related to the FASTCAM BC2 HD, contact Photron at the contact information listed below. When calling, please ensure that you have dialed the correct number. Additionally, the following items will be verified when inquiring, so please ready them in advance.
  • Page 83 Hardware Manual Revision 1.00E Publication Date March, 2010 Publisher PHOTRON LIMITED Chiyoda Fujimi Bldg., Fujimi 1-1-8, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-0071, JAPAN © 2010.PHO T RON LIMIT ED, All rights reserved. Printed i n Japa n. Control No. J1003253603U...

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