Proton Launch slow-motion mini camera at NAB Show 2025
Visitors at NAB 2025 will have the chance to experience the Proton HFR firsthand, witnessing its compact size and performance in live demonstrations.
Proton Camera Innovations is set to debut reportedly the world's smallest high-speed mini camera at NAB Show 2025 with the launch of the Proton High Frame Rate (HFR) camera. Engineered for sports broadcasting and live production, the Proton HFR is the first global shutter minicam in the company's lineup and the first to incorporate a C-mount lens system.
Designed to deliver slow-motion capabilities in an ultra-compact form, the Proton HFR seamlessly integrates with professional broadcast workflows to capture high-speed action with precision. It joins Proton's existing range of miniaturised broadcast cameras, including the flagship Proton—the world's smallest broadcast-quality camera—as well as the Proton Flex, 4K Flex, Proton Zoom and Proton Rain, all of which will be showcased at NAB 2025.
The Proton HFR is built to capture super slow-motion footage at up to 240 frames per second (fps), ensuring smooth, high-resolution imagery even in the fastest-paced environments. By leveraging multi-phase SDI output, which is reconstructed at the server, the camera delivers continuous slow-motion recording without workflow disruptions. The inclusion of a global shutter eliminates motion distortion, providing crisp, clear visuals for applications such as goal-line technology, referee review systems and high-speed sports analysis.
Additionally, for enhanced mounting flexibility, the Proton HFR is available in a 'flex' version, allowing the camera head to be detached from its processing unit. This design enables operators to place the lightweight head unit in space-constrained locations, such as field markers or pylons, while positioning the processing unit separately for optimal cable management.
With its C-mount lens system, the Proton HFR provides compatibility with a broad selection of professional lenses, granting operators greater creative control over depth of field and framing. Moreover, it stands out as one of the most cost-effective high-speed cameras on the market, offering industry-leading specifications in a compact design at a significantly lower price than its competitors. This affordability aligns with Proton's mission to make high-quality broadcast cameras more accessible to production teams of all sizes—whether they are covering major sports leagues, lower-tier competitions or niche events seeking professional-grade slow-motion capture.
Speaking on this idea, CEO Marko Höpken said: 'Proton continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in high-performance mini cameras. The Proton HFR delivers industry-leading slow-motion capture in a compact, adaptable package, ensuring that broadcasters and production teams can achieve the highest-quality footage in the most demanding environments.'
He continued: 'Our philosophy has always been to balance miniaturisation with uncompromising image quality and practical functionality. The Proton HFR embodies this approach, providing a powerful, 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, by any filmmaker who values stunning, crisp, super slow-motion imagery.'
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