Sony Alpha has announced the “Sony ILX-LR1,” an interchangeable-lens full-size professional camera that attaches to drones. The Sony ILX-LR1 is a full-size camera that shoots high resolution images of approximately 61 million effective pixels. It is also compact and lightweight, approximately 100.0 mm wide x 74.0 mm high x 42.5 mm deep, weighing approximately 243 grams. The camera is slated to be released in December of 2023.
High resolution performance and rich gradation performance is possible with this camera. This is done by combining a 35mm full-size back-illuminated CMOS image sensor with approximately 61 effective megapixels and BIONZ XR, latest image processing engine. In addition to enabling detailed shooting even from high altitudes and long distances, it is possible to inspect cracks and fine scratches in more detail, and it also has a low-speed and constant-speed continuous shooting function at 3 frames per second, which is suitable for mapping shooting.
In addition, lenses can be selected from a rich E-mount lens lineup of more than 70. This allows for a more environmentally-specific shot, such as attaching a zoom lens for far shots.
Benefits of Sony ILX-LR1
By not installing a monitor, viewfinder, battery, this becomes a compact and lightweight design (width approx. 100.0mm x height approx. 74.0mm x depth approx. 42.5mm, weight approx. 243g). As an interchangeable-lens business camera equipped with a full-size sensor, it supports the efficiency of the shooting workflow by increasing the flight time and mobility when mounted on a drone, while providing the functions necessary for industrial applications.
Camera Remote SDK
Compatible with “Camera Remote SDK” that allows users to control the camera remotely from their system, users develop their own applications, such as changing camera settings, shutter release, and live view monitoring. For example, when creating a 3D model or performing mapping work, by sending an “image ID” that can assign an arbitrary ID to the captured image from the “Camera Remote SDK” to the camera, it is possible to associate still images with GPS location information. By combining and recording the GPS location information and ID at the time of shooting, it is possible to use various functions such as linking the captured image with the GPS location information after shooting.
The Sony ILX-LR1 supports the new version of “Camera Remote SDK” (Version 1.11). By supporting the focus absolute value specification (Focus Position Setting), the current focus position and focus feed cab set to any position during manual focus. This enables highly reproducible and stable shooting.
Additionally, this camera uses DC direct drive (DC 10-18V IN), or can use power from the drone’s battery. In addition, power supply, trigger, focus, and shooting completion notification integrates into the power supply/control terminal, making it possible to connect with a single cable.
In addition to the compact, box-shaped design, operability and ease of installation is improved by consolidating the terminals, operation interface, and wiring on the back of the body. There are also screw holes on six sides that allow users to fix the body in various directions, and a tripod screw hole on the bottom.
