EXCLUSIVE NORTH AMERICA AUTHORIZED REPRESENTATIVE OF SHIMADZU HYPERVISION ULTRA HIGH-SPEED VIDEO CAMERAS

Celebrating 25 Years of HyperVision Ultra High-Speed Video Cameras
Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3
Extreme Speed with High Resolution

Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3
World-class ultra high-speed video recording up to 20 million fps and 3x the resolution of the HyperVision HPV-X2.
Export Control Regulations: Export of a Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3 is subject to export control regulations of the nation, based on Part 2 of the NSG guideline, 5.B.3.
See the action in HyperVision like never before!
The new Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3 ultra high-speed video camera with blazing fast speeds – up to 20 million frames per second at full resolution and FTCMOS3 sensor to capture the action! You’ve got to see it in action!
Visualization Technology that Drives Science & Technology
Visualization technology has been responsible for dramatic advances in medical care and the industrial sector. For example, the invention of the microscope allowed humans to observe microscopic objects otherwise too small for the naked eye, and radiography systems and infrared cameras are able to create images from wavelengths of light outside of the visible spectrum. Similarly, high-speed cameras allow humans to capture images of phenomena that are otherwise too quick for human perception. As an established tool in the field of ultra high-speed visualization, the HyperVision series ultra high-speed video camera helps improve our understanding of ultra high-speed phenomena in a variety of research fields.

HyperVision HPV-X3 FTCMOS3 Sensor
High Image Resolution across an Impressive Range of Recording Speeds
Burst Method for Ultra High-Speed Recording
High-speed cameras typically store images in memory located separate from the image sensor. Image data is transferred serially from each sensor pixel to the memory in a sequential arrangement through output connections that number relatively few compared to the number of pixels in the image. This configuration makes ultra high-speed recording at 1 Mfps or above hard to achieve.
The burst method used by Shimadzu places enough memory to record the frame capture capacity of the image sensor directly on the sensor and links every pixel to this memory through individual connections. This configuration allows signals to be transferred from the pixels to memory in a fully parallel arrangement for ultra high-speed recording at 20 Mfps. This design removes the limitations imposed by sequential signal transfer via a restricted number of connections, thereby allowing for ultra high-speed, high resolution image recording.



Three Times Higher Image Sensor Resolution (300,000 pixels)
The new image sensor has three times the number of pixels & six times the amount of memory thanks to a reduction in memory size.
This technology is used to achieve an improved image resolution of 300,000 pixels with no negative effect on frame rate. The higher image sensor resolution also provides more accurate measurements in applications that use DIC technology.
Note: FTCMOS and FTCMOS3 sensors were developed through joint research with Professor Shigetoshi Sugawa of Tohoku University. Patents: 04931160, 04844853, 04844854

Improved Image Sensor Resolution for Improved DIC Analysis Performance
The resolution of the HPV-X3 image sensor is three times that of its predecessor.
The resulting improvement in DIC analysis performance was verified by simultaneously capturing images of a single specimen with the old and new sensors and comparing the results. The resulting DIC image clearly shows a build-up of strain in the material just before crack initiation.
External Input/Output Functionality for Synchronized Image Capture
Synchronizing image capture with the subject and an illumination source is an extremely important aspect of high-speed visualization. In addition to having an existing external output feature that synchronizes subject illumination by sending the image capture timing signal to an external illumination device, the HPV-X3 now comes with an external input feature and frame synchronization feature that allows 256 individual frames to be synchronized to an external signal. With this feature, the camera can begin image exposure in response to a timing signal with an accuracy of 5 nsec. The timing accuracy of the HPV-X3 has also been improved from the previous 10 nsec to 5 nsec. These improvements provide the user with highly reliable synchronized image capture.


Flexible Design & Superior Ease-of-Use
The HPV-X3 is designed to combine flexibility with excellent ease-of-use. The camera comes with a variety of features that ensure it meets the needs of a wide range of users.
1. Illumination
A utility screw mount placed on top of the camera can be used to attach fixtures for illumination or other apparatus.
2. Handle Tray
A tray built on the top of the camera can be used for temporary storage for tools & fixtures.
3. Microscope
The camera can be used with a microscope by mounting a commercially available F-C mount lens adapter.

Camera Synchronization & Dual-Camera Control
Control two cameras with HyperVision HPV-X3 software to simultaneously capture images & play the recorded images on a single PC.
SDK for Improved System Integration
Seamlessly integrate HyperVision HPV-X3 cameras with the HPV-X3 SDK (software development kit) for DIC & analysis software.
Note: requires purchase of SDK license certification kit.
Material Testing
DIC Analysis for High-Speed Tensile Testing of CFRPs
Both static and dynamic material properties, such as impact characteristics, are important for understanding the behavior of materials.
Carbon fiber reinforced plastics (CFRPs) exhibit brittle fracture behavior with fracture progression that occurs instantaneously upon damage, and observing this phenomenon requires ultra high-speed video cameras with excellent recording speeds and resolution. The improved resolution of the image sensor in the HPV-X3 improves camera performance for DIC analysis.

Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3 & material testing machine.
Recording Speed: 20 Mfps; Test Speed: 10 m/s; Specimen Width: 12 mm
Material Testing
Observing Blast & Shock Waves During Detonation of Micro-Explosives
Images by Specially Appointed Associate Professor Kiyonobu Otani, Institute of Fluid Science, Tohoku University

Illustration of micro-explosives setup for schlieren imaging experiment with Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3.
Recording Speed: 1 Mfps; Field of View: width ~250 mm
Silver azide pellet detonated with a laser, resulting blast & shock wave propagation visualized in schlieren images. The shock wave propagated around the blast wave and its reflection was visualized clearly in an aluminum alloy plate.
Recording Speed: 20 Mfps; Field of View: width ~5 mm
Area around silver azide pellet during detonation captured at 20 Mfps. The images captured a blast wave that appeared ~450 ns after laser irradiation of the pellet, which was followed by the progression of a shock wave around the blast wave.
Material Testing
Observing Crack Progression During Ring-on-Ring Testing of Glass
Ring-on-ring testing performed on reinforced glass; images captured of cracks during failure.
(Reference standard: ASTM C1499)

Ring-on-Ring illustration with Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3 & testing machine.
Recording Speed: 10 Mfps; Field of View: width ~45 mm
Life Science
Expansion & Contraction of Bubbles in Polyvinyl Alcohol (PVA) Gel
Images by Associate Professor Tokitada Hashimoto, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Saga University
Images of bubbles being formed while PVA gel irradiated with a laser.
Bubbles observed to repeatedly expand & contract inside the gel. Images captured by the camera show the progression of shock waves produced when bubbles formed & collapsed.

PVA gel illustration with setup photo of Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X2 & HPV-X3 cameras, and laser.
Bubble Formation
Recording Speed: 20 Mfps; Field of View: width ~75 mm
Bubble Collapse
Recording Speed: 20 Mfps; Field of View: width ~20 mm
Life Science
Observing the High-Frequency Oscillation of Microbubbles
Microbubbles formed in water when irradiated & heated locally with a laser.
The microbubbles first expanded then contracted and the images show a jet flow that occurs during contraction as the bubble disappears.

Microbubbles observation illustration & photo of experiment setup.
Recording Speed: 20 Mfps; Field of View: width ~110 µm
Images by Associate Professor Kyoko Namura, Department of Micro Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Kyoto University
Life Science
Observation of Shock Waves in Shock Tubes
Shock wave generated when releasing air at eight times atmospheric pressure captured using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer.
The shock tube consists of a driver section, a driven section, a supersonic nozzle, and a needle. A plastic diaphragm is placed between the driver and driven sections, and during the test, the diaphragm is ruptured using the needle to generate the shock wave.

Illustration of shock tube & photo of experiment setup with Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3.
Recording Speed: 1 Mfps
Images by Associate Professor Tokitada Hashimoto, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Saga University

20 Million FPS Can’t Be Wrong
Download the Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3 datasheet PDF
HyperVision HPV-X3
Tech Specs
Specifications current as of May 2025 and are subject to change.
Camera Head | |
---|---|
Lens Mount [1] | Nikon F mount |
Image Sensor [2] | FTCMOS3 image sensor (~30 × 23 mm) |
Pixel Size | 48 µm |
Recording Speed (frame rate) [3] | 20 million fps variable recording speed between 60 fps and 10 Mfps in 5 ns steps |
Recording Capacity | 256 frames max |
Resolution [4] | 300,000 pixels (628 x 480 pixels) |
Color/Gradations [5] | monochrome, 10-bits |
Exposure Time [6] | 20 million fps (fixed at ~25 ns), 5 million fps (fixed at 110 ns) variable in 5 ns intervals starting from 50 ns, 60 fps – 10 Mfps range |
External Trigger Input | two channels (TRIG, STANDBY) TTL level (5V), positive or negative polarity capability or contact input Time resolution 5 ns |
Recording Mode | internal, external & continuous triggers |
Camera Synchronization Function [7] | capable of synchronized recording with two cameras connected |
Frame Synchronization Function |
Signal Level: one channel (F.SYNC) Recording Speed: range between 60 fps and 10 Mfps |
Optional Outputs | two channels (exposure start timing, trigger detection timing or other outputs depending on settings) |
Trigger Point Setting | may be set to any frame from second frame onwards |
Interface [8] | 1000BASE-T Ethernet port |
External Monitor Output [9] | HDMI |
Data Memory Format | 10-bit dedicated format, AVI, BMP, JPG, TIFF (8- & 16-bit formats supported) |
Power Supply Unit | |
---|---|
Power Rating | single phase 100V AC ± 10%; 200V AC @ 50/60Hz |
Environmental Conditions | |
---|---|
Operating Temperature Range | 41° to 104° F (5° to 40° C) |
Operating Humidity Range | 35% to 75% RH with no condensation |
Storage Temperature Range | 32° to 122° F (0° to 50° C) |
Storage Humidity Range | 20% to 80% RH with no condensation |
Size (WHL) & Weight | |
---|---|
Camera Head | 7.875 x 10.6 x 15.8 in (200 x 270 x 402 mm) 20.28 lb (9.2 kg) |
Power Supply Unit | 6 x 7.8 x 15.66 in (154 x 199 x 398 mm) 13.22 lb (6.0 kg) |
Cable Length | 2 m camera to computer |
2.8 m camera to power supply |
Control PC Specifications | |
---|---|
OS [10] | Windows® 11 Pro 64-bit (version 22H2 or later) |
CPU | Intel Core i5-1245U Max. 4.2GHz or faster |
Memory | 8GB or greater |
HDD | 500GB or greater (SSD recommended) |
Screen Dimensions | 1920 x 1080 pixels or greater (15.6-inch or greater) |
Interface | 1000BASE-T Ethernet |
External Recording Device | DVD-RW |
Input Devices | mouse & keyboard |
[1] Shimadzu does not guarantee all Nikon F mount lenses can be attached.
[2] The FTCMOS3 image sensor used in this instrument is manufactured using high accuracy technology, but defective pixels may exist. Note that this is not a defect or failure of the product. Please note that some image sensor attributes are not published. When purchasing an HPV-X3, please request an image capture demonstration to verify product operation in your operating environment.
[3] The recording speed is a reference value. It’s not guaranteed to be an accurate value for the time interval between recording frames.
[4] Stored images will be 628 pixels (horizontal) × 480 pixels (vertical).
[5] 10-bit refers to the data format. It does not indicate a guarantee of data precision.
[6] These exposure times are rough indications and are not guaranteed as exact exposure time ratios for all recording speeds.
[7] The synchronization function value is for reference only. It’s not guaranteed to be an accurate value for the time interval between recording frames.
[8] For Ethernet, only 1 Gbps is supported. 100 Mbps/10 Mbps does not work properly.
[9] The output signal is 640 (horizontal) × 480 (vertical) in VGA.
[10] Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other company names, product names, service marks, and logos are the trademark or registered trademark of their respective company.
What are you waiting for?
Press the button already or call 1-888-43HADLAND (1-888-434-2352) to get your Shimadzu HyperVision HPV-X3
(or at least find out more information).
Get 1 for 2D DIC, get 2 for 3D DIC &
3 or more for multi-camera DIC!