Variable speed video camera

A compact video camera which is operable at continuously variable shutter speeds to capture high speed events which may be recorded and played back in slow motion for scene analysis. The video camera includes an image sensor, a zoom lens, and a rotating shutter which is continuously adjustable to different shutter speeds. The camera components are dimensioned and configured in a compact design for easy-to-use hand-held operation. The shutter includes a pair of rotating shutter discs having openings which are selectively adjustable relative to each other to vary the interval during which the imager sensor is exposed to a scene projected onto it by the zoom lens. The shutter discs are mounted on a pair of spaced, hollow shafts. Adjustment of the relative rotational position of the two discs to control the size of the relative shutter opening is effected by a push rod linked to and slidably mounted within the hollow shafts. Axial movement of the push rod in response to a change in sensor signal intensity varies the opening defined by the two shutters.