Camera Technology in Drones

Camera and machine vision technologies are advancing faster than ever, and the prevalence of unmanned aerial vehicles – commonly known as UAVs – is one of the main drivers of innovation. In addition to logistics, agriculture, and the many industrial applications of drones, they're finding a new home among photographers, cinematographers, and more.

The DJI Phantom Replaces Old-Fashioned RC Helicopters for Amazing Action Shots

It wasn't long ago when two industry titans, DJI and FLIR, announced a collaboration that would bring thermal imaging to DJI's highly stable and reliable aerial platforms. While search and rescue operations have gotten much attention, DJI is also well-known for how its technology can be applied to the creative arts – everything from photography to documentary film-making.

Rumors are swirling about the DJI Phantom 4's pending release – with leaked information suggesting a greater density of sensors for obstacle avoidance and enhanced digital tracking – but the Phantom 2 is the version that first captured attention from artists. Not only does the Phantom 2 feature a remarkably stable platform, but its camera technology is on par with any alternative:

• 14 megapixel resolution including 120°/110°/85° field of view
• Respectable 1.66” sensor size; supports multiple capture modes
• Uses 2.4G DJI Lightbridge 2 solution for HD video capture

Over the last few years, DJI technology has been used to capture amazing action shots under intense conditions – anywhere from the Arctic to mountain peaks. As useful as the Phantom is, and as enticing as improved visual tracking could be, there are alternatives for ‘smaller missions' that drone photography enthusiasts should be aware of.

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World's Smallest Camera Drone Set to Make Big Waves in Aerial Photography World

In the consumer market, next-generation drones were among the most popular gifts of the 2015 holiday season. Now, that market is about to become even more diverse.

TRNDLabs has just launched the SKEYE Nano Drone, which it considers the smallest camera drone in the world. Weighing less than an ounce, it measures just 1.57” x 1.57” x 0.87”. What niche could such a tiny drone fill? Thanks to its camera technologies, good things could come in small packages. The camera clocks in at a modest 0.3 megapixels – 300,000 pixels with full video capability. With embedded LED, it can even handle night flying. The SKEYE could be just the thing for hobbyists who want the capacity to go where no drone has gone before. Although it doesn't pack the sheer power of a professional-grade DJI Phantom, it has been optimized to take video that's perfect for a smartphone.

UAV Search and Rescue Continues to Advance

A smaller drone system is ideal for situations where every second counts. Microdrones GmbH is demonstrating the utility of thinking small: Its carbon fiber microdrones can execute search and rescue missions under heavy weather conditions that would ground its larger counterparts.