The Pixboom Spark high-speed cinema camera has officially been announced. The camera was engineered with breakthrough technology once reserved for systems costing many times more. The Pixboom Spark is launching on Kickstarter for $7,999 USD for super early backers, including a Pixboom Pro Card valued at $1,999. The standard Kickstarter pledge will be $8,499 (including a Pixboom Pro card). You will be able to order it on Kickstarter from the 17th of September.
When it reaches full retail, the Spark will cost $12,999 USD. Pixboom plans to ship the finished Spark to early adopters in Q1 2026
The Spark is claimed to combine uncompromising image fidelity, truly unlimited RAW capture, and a fully integrated workflow—delivering flagship-tier performance at a fraction of the cost of traditional high-speed cameras.
We first saw the Pixboom Spark at NAB 2025, where it was awarded Best of Show by Newsshooter.
Super 35mm CMOS Global Shutter Sensor
Spark features a global shutter 4.6K (25.34mm x 16.90mm) Open Gate Super 35 CMOS sensor, to completely eliminate undesirable rolling shutter artifacts such as skew and wobble.
It is claimed to deliver more than 13 stops of dynamic range, and no OLPF filter is used, which allows for maximum detail and resolution to be captured. The CMOS sensor is claimed to have been carefully engineered with a pixel pitch large enough to mitigate aliasing and moire patterning.
The back-side illuminated (BSI) sensor with dual native ISO, combined with large photosites, gives the camera very good low-light capabilities.
Filmmakers are claimed to be able to capture clean, cinematic slow-motion in lighting conditions where traditional high-speed cameras simply fail.
High-Speed Performance at up to 4.6K
The camera unlocks breathtaking slow-motion imagery at a range of resolutions and frame rates:
- 670 fps at 4.6K Open Gate 3:2 (4608 × 3072)
- 887 fps at 4K 16:9 (4096 × 2304)
- 1171 fps at 4K 2.37:1 (4096 × 1728)
- 1724 fps at 2K 16:9 (2048 × 1152)
- 2182 fps at 2K 2.37:1 (2048 × 864)
A pre-record buffer allows users to capture unpredictable moments in fast-moving shooting scenarios. It can be set to record footage from 2-3 seconds prior to the trigger being pressed, which is essential to catch critical moments in wildlife, sports, and documentary work.
Unlimited RAW Recording
With recording speeds up to 10 GB/s, the Spark shatters RAM-buffer limits. Unlike competing high-speed cameras that rely on internal memory buffers, the Spark gives filmmakers the ability to roll for as long as the action demands.
Lightning-Fast, Modern Recording Media
The Pixboom Pro Card is an advanced removable media module that is specially engineered to achieve reliable, sustained write speeds of up to 10 GB/s.
It offloads data via USB-C port at a lightning-fast 20Gbps (USB 3.2 Gen2x2) – this is faster than most proprietary workflows, with the bonus that no card reader is required.
Standard off-the-shelf SSDs cannot offer the level of performance that is required for operation at the camera’s maximum bitrates.
However, users are not limited to Pixboom Pro cards and can choose to use other compatible non-proprietary media as well. Although performance is not guaranteed, the use of third-party SSDs to record lower bitrate compressed formats in the future will be possible.
Pixboom RAW Format
Spark’s compressed RAW format retains maximum sensor data, preserving detail, color, and latitude while keeping file sizes manageable.
Alongside the camera, Pixboom will launch Pixboom Cine, a professional-grade software solution for processing Pixboom RAW files with maximum efficiency and fidelity.
Work is being done with major NLE and post-production software makers to allow footage to be rapidly imported directly for edit and grade. The ambition is to have Pixboom RAW files work seamlessly with industry standard editing and color grading tools.
Future Compressed Formats & Log Recording
A future firmware roadmap includes the addition of industry-standard compressed recording formats, coupled with in-camera Log profiles. Users will be able to apply LUTs for on-set monitoring or bake looks directly into camera files, ensuring Spark integrates seamlessly into a wider range of workflows when RAW capture is not required.
3.5-inch Display
The Spark features a high-resolution 3.5-inch touchscreen with 6.22M dots on its top plate. This provides a clear preview of the video image and control the camera.
Monitoring and Exposure Tools Including Anamorphic De-Squeeze
The camera will offer a range of professional exposure and monitoring tools, including full de-squeeze support for anamorphic lenses—allowing users to achieve the classic widescreen look with accurate on-set monitoring.
Interchangeable Electronic Mount
The Spark uses an interchangeable mount system with electronic data connections to provide ultimate flexibility, opening the door to a vast range of optics, from affordable mirrorless lenses to PL-mount cinema glass.
By using an interchangeable mount, the Spark also supports adapters to extend lens options even further. To ensure the highest precision and reliability the lens mounts are engineered and built by a specialised third-party manufacturer. They provide full electronic communication, enabling seamless control of the lens, as well as metadata, which is essential for VFX workflows.
Rugged & Compact
The Spark has a machined aluminum alloy body that weighs less than 1.1kg and measures a compact 108 × 110 × 130mm (4.25 × 4.33 × 5.12 inches). This makes it suitable for handheld, drone, robot arm, or gimbal use.
All-in-One Design
It is available in silver or black finishes. An integrated V-mount battery plate means the camera is ready to shoot out of the box. It can also be powered using 15–24V DC input.
Comprehensive Connectivity with 12G-SDI & Wi-Fi
The Spark includes professional connections such as 12G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, USB-C, and Wi-Fi (2.4/5GHz). Additional options via the 9-pin EXT port include Genlock, Timecode, and GPIO. The SDI port outputs video up to 4K at 60 fps.
Pixboom Control App
Pixboom will also launch the Pixboom Control App, enabling full-featured camera control and live preview from mobile devices over Wi-Fi.
The Pixboom story
The idea for Spark started in 2016 when founder and scientist Dr. Young Hu, was working on his PhD. He began researching high-speed camera technology, which went on to become his main focus for almost 10 years. In 2023, he started what is now Pixboom and has spent the last two years building an expert team, working all-out to build and perfect the Spark camera.
Young and his team’s dedication isn’t just about the technology and specifications; they aim to enhance creativity through the democratisation of high-speed cinematography. To break down the traditional barriers: complex workflows, bulky equipment, and prohibitive costs. Pixboom wants to empower more creators to capture captivating moments in slow-motion. Spark is, at its heart, a high-speed camera built to free the creative spirit.
See it at IBC 2025
The Spark will be on show at booth F23, Hall 12 at IBC 2025 in Amsterdam, where late-stage prototypes will be available for media and user testing.
Specifications
