Filmmaker Tyler Johnson from OL’TJP Films took the brand new ultra-high-speed compact 4K global shutter camera, the Freefly Wave for a spin. The result is pretty rad. Watch it below. Also, check out what Tyler has to say about this new little beast. Read on. 

4K+422FPS+global shutter<$10,000

The Wave was surprisingly announced by a company called Freefly Systems which is an industry leader that designs, manufactures, and markets camera movement systems, stabilizers, drones, and rigs for the motion picture industry. The Wave Project has been developed in the company’s garage, just like a startup. However, the final product looked truly promising, and indeed it was (and still is) selling like hotcakes, as a few batches were already sold. The Wave can be defined as an “affordable” ultra-high-speed camera. Affordable means, let’s say, under $10,000. Actually, if we roughly compare it to the mighty Phantom Flex, the Wave can be categorized as a consumer product, which means, an ultra-high-speed camera for the masses. The Wave is armed with a Super 35 global shutter sensor and can reach up to 422 FPS (Frame Per Second) in 4K. The main competitor to the Wave is Kron’s Chronos 2.1-HD that costs half the price and can reach even higher FPS (1,000) but in less resolution (Full HD) – Read our comparison here.

After a month of shooting with the Freefly Systems Wave Camera, I’m beyond blown away. The quality and frame rates coming out of something that size is absolutely unbelievable, and it’s unlike anything else on the market.

Filmmaker Tyler Johnson

Wave highlights

1. Sensor: Super 35 4K Global shutter
2. Resolution and FPS: 4K (17:9) in 422fps
3. Max resolution: 9,259 FPS at 2048×128⠀
4. Recording format: 10 bit Compressed RGB⠀
5. Capture time: Only limited by storage size. records direct to internal SSD (1TB or 2TB).
6. Internal battery: 1.5 hr runtime
7. Lens mount: Locking E mount
8. Built-in LCD screen: No
9. Dynamic range: 10-11 stops
10. Weight: 716g⠀
11. Structure: Aluminum chassis
12. Price: $10,000

I’ve been mainly sticking to shooting 4K vs the 2K mode with higher frame rates as not many need anything higher than 422fps (4K). When this camera is in the right lighting conditions, either natural or studio, the results are breathtaking.

Filmmaker Tyler Johnson

Footage

Although the Wave is a new camera and mass production hasn’t initiated yet, we’ve stumbled upon some super epic footage that shows what this little beast is capable of. Filmmaker and GoPro specialist, Tyler Johnson from OL’TJP Films, took the Wave for a month and put it through its paces. The results are pretty awesome. Tyler has decent experience in shooting action sports, which is what the Wave was made for. Check out the video below titled “4K Slow Motion Reel with the new Freefly Systems Wave Camera! 4K 422FPS”, which shows the camera capabilities. 

Final thoughts

We’ve reached to Tyler for feedback about how the Wave delivers. This is his verdict: “After a month of shooting with the Freefly Systems Wave Camera, I’m beyond blown away. The quality and frame rates coming out of something that size is absolutely unbelievable, and it’s unlike anything else on the market. I’ve been mainly sticking to shooting 4K vs the 2K mode with higher frame rates as not many need anything higher than 422fps (4K). When this camera is in the right lighting conditions, either natural or studio, the results are breathtaking. I can’t wait to see what other creators are doing with such a powerful camera in a package so small, the possibilities are endless!”

Have a look at the video. What do you think about the Wave image quality? Does it deliver? Would you consider shooting ultra slow motion with it? Let’s know your thoughts.