Summary of Chronos 1.4, Everyone’s High-Speed Camera
Chronos 1.4 is a new, affordable professional high-speed camera from Canadian Kron Technologies, designed by David Kronstein. It captures up to 1.4 gigapixels per second at 1280×1024 and 1,057 fps (up to 21,600 fps at lower resolutions), offers color and monochrome versions, 8GB/16GB memory, high sensitivity, standalone battery operation, AC power support, Run-n-Gun and continuous record modes, focus peaking, and aims to democratize high-speed imaging at about one-tenth the price of comparable cameras.
Parts used in the Chronos 1.4:
- 1.3 megapixel image sensor
- Color or monochrome sensor option
- Internal battery (1.75 hr)
- AC adapter
- 8GB memory option
- 16GB memory option
- Storage card interface (for saved video)
- Shutter button
- Focus peaking system
- FPGA-based digital processing electronics
The Canadian Kron Technologies, led by its founder David Kronstein, has just launched a brand-new camera: Chronos.
Chronos 1.4 is a purpose-designed, professional high-speed camera. It enables you to capture stunning high-speed video at up to 1280×1024 resolution thanks to its 1.4 gigapixel-per-second throughput. Its frame rate ranges from 1,057fps at full resolution, up to 21,600fps at minimum resolution.
David is an electronics engineer specializing in digital systems, FPGAs, and image processing. His passion for high-speed imaging began in 2006 since he was unable to afford a high-speed camera at the time. Starting from the belief that high-speed imaging should be for everyone, David wanted to disrupt the high-speed video industry with Chronos. Chronos is about 1/10th the price of similar professional camera ($25000), plus it has more features and better usability. Renting a traditional camera that has similar features for 2 weeks may cost you more than getting Chronos!
David started a campaign on Kickstarter for his amazing camera, check the campaign video
Chronos Features
- 1.4Gpx/s, 1.3 megapixel image sensor captures 1280×1024 @ 1057 fps, and up to 21600 fps at lower resolution.
- Available in color and monochrome.
- 8GB or 16GB memory options for 4 or 8 second record time respectively.
- High sensitivity of ISO 320-5 120 (Color), 740-11 840 (Monochrome) enables shooting with modest lighting.
- Completely standalone, untethered operation with 1.75hr internal battery.
- Runs indefinitely on AC adapter. “Run-n-Gun” record mode allows you to forget about saving.
- Take bursts of video by holding the shutter button, and the video is automatically saved to card.
- Continuous record mode records normal rate video (60fps) continuously to storage devices while simultaneously recording bursts of high-speed video.
- Focus peaking highlights sharp edges for quick and perfect focus.
Detailed specification can be found at the datasheet.
Here’s some highlights and demo videos captured using Chronos. More demos here.
Read more: Chronos 1.4, Everyone’s High-Speed Camera
- What maximum resolution and frame rate does the Chronos 1.4 support?
It captures 1280×1024 at 1,057 fps and up to 21,600 fps at lower resolutions with a 1.4 gigapixel-per-second throughput. - Does the Chronos 1.4 come in color and monochrome versions?
Yes, it is available in both color and monochrome. - How much internal memory does Chronos 1.4 offer?
It offers 8GB or 16GB memory options for approximately 4 or 8 seconds of record time respectively. - Can the Chronos 1.4 operate untethered?
Yes, it is completely standalone with a 1.75 hour internal battery for untethered operation. - Can the Chronos 1.4 run indefinitely?
Yes, it runs indefinitely when connected to an AC adapter. - What is Run-n-Gun record mode?
Run-n-Gun allows recording without worrying about manually saving; bursts recorded by holding the shutter button are automatically saved to card. - Does Chronos 1.4 support continuous recording?
Yes, continuous record mode records normal rate video (60 fps) continuously while also recording bursts of high-speed video. - How sensitive is the Chronos 1.4 sensor?
Color sensitivity is ISO 320-5 120 and monochrome sensitivity is ISO 740-11 840 as listed in the features. - Is there a way to help achieve sharp focus on Chronos 1.4?
Yes, it includes focus peaking which highlights sharp edges for quick and accurate focus.
