Overview & Key Features
The Pixboom Spark is an ambitious new high-speed camera designed to democratize ultra slow-motion filmmaking. Traditionally, cameras capable of 1,000+ fps have been the domain of scientific labs or blockbuster productions. Pixboom aims to change that with a compact Super 35 BSI global-shutter camera capable of shooting continuous RAW directly to SSD at up to 2,182 fps in 2K. At 4.6K open-gate, Spark records 670 fps with no buffer interruptions, giving filmmakers the flexibility of a regular cinema camera but with extraordinary speed.
Why the Spark Matters
High-speed cinematography is traditionally plagued by buffer limitations, requiring short bursts of capture and lengthy offload times. Spark changes this paradigm with continuous RAW capture to its Pixboom Pro Card. It avoids the stop-capture-dump cycle, letting creators work fluidly on set. Its global shutter eliminates motion artifacts, and its backside-illuminated design ensures better low-light sensitivity at tight shutter angles, critical for freezing motion at thousands of frames per second.
Specs at a Glance
- Super 35 BSI global-shutter CMOS, 4.6K open gate (4608 × 3072)
- Max fps: 670 fps at 4.6K 3:2, 887 fps at 4K 16:9, 2,182 fps at 2K 2.37:1
- Recording: compressed RAW to Pixboom Pro Card at up to 10 GB/s
- Media offload: USB-C up to 20 Gbps, no reader required
- Monitoring: 3.5-inch 6.22-M-dot top touchscreen
- I/O: 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, USB-C, dual-band Wi-Fi, 9-pin EXT for genlock/timecode
- Mounts: Pixboom locking mount with E and PL adapters
- Power: integrated V-mount + 15–24 V DC-in, hot-swappable
- Body: 108 × 110 × 130 mm, under 1.1 kg
Pricing & Availability
The Spark launched via Kickstarter with early-bird pricing starting at $7,499, later $7,999 with a Pro Card, and a full MSRP of $12,999. Deliveries are expected to begin in Q1 2026. This puts the camera at a disruptive price point compared to traditional high-speed systems, which often cost many times more.
Who Is It For?
The Pixboom Spark is ideal for filmmakers shooting water, food, macro beauty, sports, or VFX plates. Its bufferless continuous recording, global shutter, and open-gate flexibility make it relevant for both creative and technical shoots, while its lightweight body suits gimbals, drones, and robotic rigs. For those who have been priced out of high-speed cinema, the Spark represents a revolutionary new option.
Final Thoughts
If Pixboom delivers on its promises, the Spark could be one of the most significant disruptors in modern cinema tech. With affordable pricing, real-time workflows, and professional I/O, this compact camera might finally make high-speed cinematography a practical tool for indie filmmakers, agencies, and content creators alike.
