DJI are leaders in their field and when they release something it is always exciting. When they announce any new launch, those in the industry will pay close attention. The recent launch of the L1 and P1 payloads are no exception. The combination of the DJI expertise and the quality of the Zenmuse cameras make a formidable combination that is at the forefront of commercial aerial operations.
The DJI Matrice 300 has already more than proved itself as a quality, reliable, and accurate UAV. The addition of these payloads makes it even more powerful and practical.
DJI used the INTERGEO Digital event mid October to make this astounding announcement. Their news, as would be expected, amazed those present and set the internet abuzz. They have released not one but two amazing new payloads. Both are Zenmuse cameras, the L1, and the P1. And the first word that comes to mind is wow! They are truly impressive.
For aerial mapping, commercial surveys, inspections, and situation modeling, you cannot get better. These amazing new cameras are both designed to work with the formidable Matrice 300 RTK, one of the most advanced and accurate commercial drones in the DJI stable.
Zenmuse L1 camera on the DJI M300 RTK drone. Image: DJI
Zenmuse L1
The L1 incorporates a LiDAR module for precision and accuracy. It allows the unit to capture 240,000 points per second. The 1-inch RGB camera delvers stills at 20 MP and the mechanical shutter allows for top-quality mapping. The combination of the quality camera, the Matrice 300, and the DJI Terra software make this powerful, accurate, and highly effective.
The horizontal accuracy is 10 cm with 5 cm of vertical accuracy and coverage of 2 km in one flight. There is a live preview for the operator and the Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) ensures that data is connected to precise locations. A vision sensor makes it even more accurate.
The opportunities for fast and accurate mapping, surveys, inspections, emergency response, and a host of other applications are incredible.
Zenmuse P1 full-frame camera on the DJI M300 RTK drone. Image: DJI
Zenmuse P1
The most impressive feature of the P1 is the dedicated full-frame sensor. It can shoot photos every 0.7 seconds and takes stills at 45 MP with a pixel size of 4.4-micrometer. This makes it ideal for surveying and photogrammetry. The full-frame sensor uses DJI’s DL mount and you can choose a 24, 35, or 55 mm lens according to your needs.
It also sports the DJI’s TimeSync 2.0 which ensures the RTK, gimbal, flight controller, and camera are always perfectly synchronized.
The accuracy is 3 cm horizontally and 5 cm vertically. An area of up to 3 km can be covered in one flight. It can also create 3D oblique maps, 2D orthomosaic images, and real-world structure modeling. It is also ideal for real-time mapping.
As always, DJI has not failed to impress and really hit pay-dirt with these 2 outstanding payloads. Both are available for pre-order and are expected to start shipping early in the new year.
While these developments are certainly exciting news it also creates more excitement for other commercial drone applications. We wait with anticipation to see what DJI will announce next.