Here’s another refreshing breeze in the world of high-speed imagery. The Canadian high-speed imaging system design and manufacturing company, Kron Technologies, has just announced two ultra high-speed cameras: Chronos Q12 (Super 35 sensor that shoots 2K at 2,8000FPS), and Chronos 4K12 (4/3 sensor that shoots 4K at 1,000FPS). Prices start at $15,000, so you can afford to shoot above 1,000 frames per second without breaking the bank. All details are below.
Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 high-speed cameras.Two groundbreaking high-speed cameras announced
Kron Technologies is thrilled to announce the launch of two groundbreaking high-speed cameras, Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12, setting a new standard in the high-speed camera industry. As stated by Kron: “Over the past two years, we have been working hard to develop the next generation of Chronos high-speed cameras. Today, we are pleased to announce two brand-new products that carry forward our mission of making high-speed imaging accessible to everyone. The new models maintain the versatility to serve a wide range of industries, from research to cinematography, and continue to offer unmatched value for performance. Thus, we are proud to announce the Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 high-speed cameras. Building on the Chronos 1.4/2.1-HD’s legacy, the Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 continue to offer cost-effective high-speed camera solutions. This next generation of high-speed cameras is built on an entirely new architecture, redesigned from the ground up. The Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 also improve on performance with 6X the pixel rate as compared to the Chronos 2.1-HD”.
The Chronos high-speed cameras. Picture: Kron TechnologiesGoals and implementations
The cameras are designed to meet the diverse needs of cinematographers, content creators, academic users, researchers, manufacturers, and sports professionals, delivering unparalleled performance and flexibility.
Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 redefine the boundaries of what’s possible with high-speed capture. Featuring stunning 4K and HD video capture, these cameras provide exceptionally crisp and vibrant footage that will captivate audiences and meet your project goals. Whether you’re looking to capture new data, explore creative horizons, captivate audiences or solve problems, Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 are guaranteed to help you meet your project goals.
Kron Technologies
Check out the official video announcement:
Chronos 4K12
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed camera owns an S35 sensor and captures 4K slow-motion video at over 1,000 frames per second (FPS) and up to 29,002 FPS at reduced resolutions. “Engineered for peak performance and exceptional value, the Chronos 4K12 is purpose-built to captivate audiences, supercharge data analysis, and foster innovation,” says Kron Technologies.
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed cameras. Picture: Kron TechnologiesChronos Q12
The Chronos Q12 high-speed camera has a 4/3 sensor and captures high-definition slow-motion video at over 4,900 frames per second (FPS) and up to 29,411 FPS at reduced resolutions. Engineered for peak performance and superior light sensitivity, the Chronos Q12 is purpose-built to aid research, foster innovation, and capture new data.
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed cameras. Picture: Kron TechnologiesKey Features and Advantages
Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 boast a range of features, including:
- Ultra-High Resolution and Frame Rates: Achieve frame rates up to 29,000 FPS, allowing you to capture split-second/fast-paced moments with remarkable clarity.
- Save RAW or Compressed: This one-of-a-kind feature empowers users to choose between raw files for maximum post-production control or compressed formats for efficient storage and streamlined workflows.
- Adjustable Bit Depth: This feature adds additional flexibility for users to access higher frame rates and faster saving speeds. The Chronos 4K12 comes with 8, 10, and 12-bit modes. The Chronos Q12 comes with 8 and 12-bit modes.
- Flexible Lens Mounts: The high-speed camera’s versatility extends to its flexible lens mounts, including C-mount, E-mount, F-mount, EF-mount, and MFT-mount support. This broad array of compatible lens mounts allows users to seamlessly adapt their camera to various shooting scenarios and easily utilize their preferred lenses, maximizing creative possibilities and ensuring adaptability in any situation.
- User-Friendly Interface: The user-friendly interface has been thoughtfully designed to simplify the camera’s operation, allowing both seasoned professionals and newcomers to quickly adapt to its controls and settings. With intuitive menus and straightforward navigation, users can capture the perfect shot, making it an accessible tool for all levels of expertise.
- Portable, Robust Build and Touchscreen 5” Display: The high-speed camera is designed with portability in mind, making it ideal for on-the-go users. Its compact form factor, coupled with a 5-inch touchscreen, offers intuitive control and monitoring while in the field, and its robust build ensures durability, allowing it to withstand the demands of various shooting environments.
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed cameras. Picture: Kron Technologies“Versatility for every professional – A powerful tool for everyone”
Kron states that Chronos 4K12 and Chronos Q12 cater to a wide array of professionals:
- Media Production: Capture every nuance and detail of your scenes with high-speed cameras, enabling slow-motion and time-lapse capabilities that enhance your storytelling.
- Academia & Research: Efficient data capture and analysis are made possible with the Chronos 4K12 in a matter of minutes, enabling researchers to meet their critical project goals effectively.
- Industrial & Manufacturing: From materials science to fluid dynamics and beyond, Chronos 4K12 helps you push the boundaries of innovation by enabling easier and more accurate troubleshooting of complex problems.
- Sports and Live Events: Bring your audience closer to the action with breathtaking slow-motion replays and in-depth analysis, providing an immersive viewing experience.
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed cameras. Picture: Kron Technologies
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed camera. Picture: Kron Technologies
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed camera. Picture: Kron TechnologiesSpecification and comparison
Explore the slides below which show the full list of specifications per camera:
Pricing and Availability
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed camera is available for pre-order on November 14, 2023. Prices start at $14,495 USD for the 64GB model and $15,995 USD for the 128GB model. The first batch of 110 Chronos 4K12 cameras has a tentative ship date of February 2024 and the second batch is April 2024. For detailed specifications, pricing, and ordering information, please visit the 4K12 product page. The Chronos Q12 high-speed camera is available for pre-order on November 14, 2023. Prices start at $19,995 USD for the 64GB model and $21,995 USD for the 128GB model. The first batch of 40 Chronos Q12 cameras has a tentative ship date of March 2024 and the second batch is May 2024. For detailed specifications, pricing, and ordering information, please visit the Q12 product page.
The Chronos 4K12 high-speed cameras. Picture: Kron TechnologiesWrapping up
The Chronos Q12 and 4K12 are joining the list of affordable ultra high-speed cameras, like Freefly’s WAVE and Ember. Let’s take for example the Q12 since it has a Super 35 sensor. The camera is capable of 2K at 2,800 frames per second, and the price is $20,000. How can it be compared to Freefly’s cameras? Well, the differences between Freefly Ember and WAVE are solid, in every aspect. Both of them incorporate a Super 35mm sensor (Ember has a Gpixel GSPRINT sensor that is capable of 11 stops of DR). WAVE is capable of 4K at 420 FPS, compared to Ember which can shoot 4K (2.37:1) at 1,011 FPS, which is more than twice. The price is higher too. WAVE costs $8,000 compared to Ember which costs $18,000. Hence, Ember seems to be the main competitor of the Chronos Q12. However, Ember shoots 4K, compared to Chronos Q12 which shoots 2K. But Chronos Q12 is capable of 2,800FPS but at a 2K resolution. Nevertheless, Freefly is a much more recognized name in the cinematography and filmmaking industry which is also pivoting into the high-speed imagery market. Furthermore, in our personal opinion, Ember’s footage looks more cinematic compared to Chronos cameras. But that’s mainly because the brand is more recognizable by filmmakers. We couldn’t find filmmaking projects shot on Chronos high-speed cameras —so feel free to send us if you find any films shot on Chronos.
Product List
Here are the products mentioned in the article, and the links to purchase them from authorized dealers.
- FREEFLY Ember S5K CameraBUY on B&H
- FREEFLY Wave Camera (2TB)Buy on B&H
