Whether testing the initial firing mechanism to ensure maximum efficiency and kinetic energy transfer, following the projectile through the air to examine course correcting algorithms, measuring the impact's immediate and collateral damage, or investigating resistant materials, to observe and parse the results some means of slowing down the incredible speeds is necessary. With the appropriate high speed camera, details become manifest and the accurate appraisal of information becomes possible.

For these purposes, speed is the key factor when looking for a camera, especially considering that the velocity of the objects in question can be in the thousands of meters per second. For this reason, the optimal choice for propulsion and ballistics research it the Y4. Customizable with three different speed settings to suit the specific needs of the end user, Y4 cameras offer megapixel resolution and down to 1μs exposure duration to maximize clarity and detail. With the Y4-S1 option, maximum speed at maximum resolution reaches 3000fps; that number is increased to 4500 for the Y4-S2 and 5100 for the Y4-S3. In addition, utilizing IDT's special Plus Mode effectively doubles the recording speed, providing 10500 frames per second recorded on the Y4-S3. As with all high speed cameras, if faster is necessary, the range of interest (i.e., the recording resolution) can be decreased resulting in an increase in frame rate.

For mounted recordings, the N4 models offer high speed alternatives at one-quarter of the weight—a mere 0.48kg (1.05lb)—at a reduced speed: the N4-S3 maxes out at 3000 frames per second, 6000 in plus mode; otherwise, the settings remain the same.