Slow Motion Filming and High Speed Cameras

We’ve all seen slow motion. From an instant replay at a sporting event to special effects in films, it is a familiar and often beautiful spectacle.

Traditionally, slow motion was achieved by “over-cranking” (running at a higher frame rate than usual) a film camera.

Our high speed slow motion camera can film at up to 1000 frames per second (and beyond at reduced resolution) at 1080p HD resolution (normal video is shot at 25 or 30fps. We can also shoot at 500fps, 250fps, 120fps and 60fps). When played back at normal speed, time appears to have been slowed down by 40 times, giving the classic slow motion look. Ordinary events suddenly start to take on an ethereal quality. Obviously, being digital, there is no expensive film wastage for test shoots, re-shoots or pre-rolling to ensure the capture of an event.

Quite aside from the visually stunning nature of slow motion filming and high speed video, it can also be invaluable for fault finding and analysis in industrial, engineering and scientific applications. It has also been used extensively for motion analysis in sport. Put simply, it allows you to see things that are too fast for the naked eye to pick up.

This allows for modification or redesign early on in the production stage, or in the case of motion analysis in sport, a subtle change in technique for maximum speed and efficiency.

Here are just a few of the applications for our high speed camera:

Frequent client questions about slow motion filming and high speed cameras

Below are a few questions we frequently get asked about in relation to slow motion or high speed video. If there is anything else you would like to know, don’t hesitate to contact us.

How does the slow motion filming process work?

Once the high speed camera is set up, it is constantly capturing video to its internal memory. When the high speed camera is triggered, it will pause the capture and record the previous 4-10 seconds of action (160-400 seconds of footage). This ensures that, in the case of an explosion, you do not have to worry about synchronising the capture to the event. You simply watch the explosion, trigger the camera a second or two after the bang, and the full explosion is captured in slow motion.

Can we see the results of the slow motion filming instantly?

Yes! Once the video has been shot, it can be viewed straight away. Once the client has approved the take, it will then be converted and presented (see below).

How will the slow motion video be presented to us?

The data from the high speed camera is captured in a specific RAW format, unique to the high speed camera. It is then transferred to a laptop running specialised software. This raw data can then be converted into whatever video format the client requires (at maximum resolution and loss-less compression). The video can be supplied on a DVD, or in the case of larger files (4GB+) an external hard drive can be loaned to the client. All this takes place on location.

What about lighting for slow motion filming?

As with any sort of high speed filming, a lot of light is required. The traditional flicker associated with slow motion can be minimised by the use of correct lighting. Tungsten lights (red-heads etc.) can be used for small scale work, but there may still be evidence of flicker. This is caused by the filament switching on and off 50 times per second (50Hz AC mains supply). There are techniques to reduce this (light wattage, diffusion, lighting placement) but we would recommend the use of HMI or LED panel lights, which can be supplied by us. One light source which is often overlooked is the sun – it's bright (most of the time!) and flicker free.

How much does slow motion filming cost?

Not as much as you'd think! As with most video work, it depends on the project.

Slow Motion Filming & High Speed Camera Hire

Quench Studios Ltd. Registered in England and Wales: Company No. 6441141