In practice, the performance of Cordin cameras depends on the particular requirements and conditions of the application. However, three major factors are generally significant in selecting a camera.

RECORDING RATE
The recording rate of a camera indicates how fast a record is produced. This determines the minimum time-related change in the subject distinguishable on the record.

Framing rates are quantified in frames per second (fps) for mechanical cameras. The reciprocal, interframe time, indicates the time between frames, and is more often used for electronic imaging cameras. Framing rates for mechanical cameras extend up to 25 million fps. Electronic imaging cameras have interframe times down to 100 nanoseconds.

Recording rates for mechanical streak cameras (also called “writing rate”) are measured in millimeters per microsecond (mm/ms). Values extend up to 30 mm/ms. The reciprocal is used for Electronic Imaging cameras, and is measured in nanoseconds per millimeter (ns/mm) or picoseconds per millimeter (ps/mm). Rates as fast as 10 ps/mm are available.

RESOLUTION
The resolution of a camera is quantified as spatial resolution or temporal resolution. Spatial resolution is considered for framing cameras, and is measured in units of line pairs per millimeter (lp/mm). This defines the number of distinct pairs of lines that can be resolved within a millimeter of the film. Resolution values for framing cameras range from 12 to 68 lp/mm.

Streak cameras are rated by temporal resolution. This is measured in units of seconds, and defines the interval of time within which two discrete events can be distinguished. Values range from 0.4 microseconds down to 1.4 picoseconds or less.

Effective resolution depends both on the optical characteristics of the camera and the inherent resolution of the film. Even at higher recording rates, the resolution of many Cordin cameras is sufficiently high that the maximum resolution of the film is the limiting factor.

SENSITIVITY
The sensitivity of film cameras is reported in the aperture or f-number of a camera, which is a measure of the light gathering ability of the optical system. The aperture of a camera in combination with the exposure time and film speed will determine how much light is required for a good exposure. Lower f-numbers denote more light-efficient cameras and allow greater flexibility in exposure time and film speed. Apertures of Cordin mechanical cameras range from f/4 to f/36.

The sensitivity of electronic imaging cameras is more complex. Electronic imaging cameras are able to amplify the image by large amounts and thus aperture numbers are less important in obtaining correct image intensity. Sensitivity of streak cameras depends on the photocathode material and gain of the intensifiers. Sensitivity of CCD cameras depends on the optical system and the quantum efficiency of the imaging device. A practical quantification of the sensitivity of these devices is the equivalent ISO number.