Proprietary CMOS sensors with global shutters. Unlike rolling shutters (which cause "jello" distortion), the Fastcam 8’s global shutter captures every pixel simultaneously, perfect for measuring moving projectiles or vibrating components.
| Component | Minimum | Recommended | |-----------|---------|--------------| | OS | Windows 10 Pro (64-bit) | Windows 11 Pro | | CPU | Intel i5 2.5 GHz | Intel i7/i9 or Xeon | | RAM | 8 GB | 16–32 GB | | GPU | Integrated w/ DirectX 11 | Dedicated (NVIDIA Quadro) | | Storage | 20 GB HDD | 500 GB SSD | | Display | 1366×768 | 1920×1080 or higher |
Note: Not supported on macOS or Linux directly. Works in VMs but with performance limits. fastcam 8
| Module | Purpose | |--------|---------| | FastCAM | Manual/automatic nesting, true shape nesting, NC code generation | | FastNEST | Advanced automatic nesting for multiple sheets & parts | | FastPATH | Toolpath generation & editing for plasma/oxy/laser/waterjet | | FastSHAPES | Parametric shape library (rectangles, circles, slots, rings, etc.) | | FastPLOT | NC code viewer, backplot, simulation, and editing | | FastCUT | Cutting process optimization (lead-ins, kerf compensation, bridge cutting) | | FastQUOTE | Cost estimation based on cutting time, material, nesting efficiency |
How does the Fastcam 8 stack up against rivals like the Vision Research Phantom series or the NAC Memrecam? Proprietary CMOS sensors with global shutters
| Feature | Fastcam 8 | Phantom (v2640) | NAC (ACS-3) | | :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Max FPS (1Mpx) | ~20,000 | ~25,000 | ~21,000 | | Light Sensitivity | Excellent (ISO 25k) | Superior (ISO 64k) | Good (ISO 16k) | | Ease of Use | Intuitive PFV software | Standard | Complex UI | | Price Point | $35k - $80k | $40k - $100k | $30k - $70k |
Verdict: The Fastcam 8 is the "Goldilocks" camera—higher sensitivity than NAC, easier software than Phantom, and a rugged build quality suited for industrial vibration. Note: Not supported on macOS or Linux directly
One of the standout features of the Fastcam 8 is the Endurance Mode. This allows the camera to overwrite older data continuously. When a trigger event occurs (e.g., a glass break or a switch closure), the camera saves the seconds before and after the trigger. For crash tests, this is invaluable; you keep the 2 seconds leading up to the crash, not just the aftermath.
To understand the Fastcam 8's power, you have to look at the raw data. Depending on the specific model (e.g., Fastcam SA-Z, SA-X2, or Mini AX200), the capabilities shift, but standard benchmarks include:
Many Fastcam 8 configurations include a camera head that can be separated from the control unit via a multi-meter cable. This allows the lens and sensor to sit inside a blast chamber or a wind tunnel while the operator controls the unit safely behind a barrier.