Proton develops a mini camera for Slow-Motion with 240 fps

Proton Camera Innovations will unveil the High Frame Rate (HFR) Mini Camera for Slow-Motion at NAB 2025. Designed to meet the growing demand for high-speed capture in sports broadcasting, the Proton HFR is the first mini global shutter camera in the Proton range and the first to feature a C-mount lens system.

With a compact, flexible design and seamless integration with live production workflows, the Proton HFR aims to redefine high-performance sports cinematography. It joins its existing range of miniaturized cameras, which includes the Proton (the smallest broadcast quality camera currently available on the market), the Proton Flex and 4K Flex, the Proton Zoom and the Proton Rain.

The Proton HFR It is designed to provide exceptional image clarity in high-speed environments, with frame rates up to 240 fps, allowing for smooth super slow motion shooting. This is achieved by combining a two, three or four phase SDI output which is then reassembled on the server, meaning the slow motion output is continuous. This greatly simplifies the workflows associated with slow motion capture and allows the camera itself to be smaller than many other slow motion offerings on the market. From an image clarity standpoint, the global shutter eliminates motion artifacts, ensuring a sharp, accurate image of fast-moving action, an essential feature for applications such as goal-line technology and goal-line coverage in American football.

Despite its advanced technical specifications, the Proton HFR remains remarkably compact, addressing industry concerns about the bulk and stability of existing mini slow motion cameras. Additionally, for those who want even more mounting flexibility, the HFR It is also available in "flex" format, a unique option that allows the camera head to be separated from its processing unit. This means operators can mount the lightweight head unit in space-constrained environments, such as pylon chambers at key field markers, while placing the processing unit elsewhere for optimal cable management and stability.

With its C-mount lens system, the Proton HFR ofrece compatibilidad con una amplia gama de lentes de alta calidad, lo que proporciona a los operadores un mayor control creativo sobre la profundidad de campo y la distancia focal. Fundamentalmente, la HFR también representa una de las cámaras más rentables del mercado, ya que ofrece especificaciones comparables en un tamaño más pequeño y a un precio significativamente más bajo que sus principales competidores. De esta manera, representa la misión más amplia de Proton de democratizar el acceso a las cámaras de broadcast líderes en el mercado, ofreciendo a los especialistas en producción de todo tipo y tamaño un potencial creativo casi ilimitado en la forma en que despliegan las cámaras para capturar la energía, la emoción y el entusiasmo de su tema.

Speaking about this idea, CEO Marko Höpken highlights that "Proton continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in high-performance mini cameras. The Proton HFR offers industry-leading slow motion capture in a compact and adaptable package, ensuring broadcasters and production teams can achieve the highest quality images in the most demanding environments."

He goes on to state that "our philosophy has always been to balance miniaturization with uncompromising image quality and practical functionality. The Proton HFR embodies this approach, providing a powerful and flexible tool that enhances storytelling and immerses audiences in the action like never before, an opportunity that can be seized not only by major sports broadcasters, but also by lower leagues and smaller, niche sports productions. Or, indeed, any filmmaker who values stunning, sharp, in-camera images. super slow.”