DJI Introduces Optical Zoom Camera Module for Drones

Drone manufacturer DJI is releasing a new stabilized camera for drones, the Zenmuse Z3. It is DJI’s first camera with built-in 3.5x optical zoom and 2x digital zoom. This gives a focal length with an equivalent of 22 to 77mm at full frame.

The camera has a 1/2.3″ Sony image sensor with an effective 12.4-megapixel. This allows 4k video resolutions to be captured at 30fps at 3840×2160 and 25fps at 4096×2160. Full HD video can be recorded at up to 60fps The maximum resolution for photos is 4000×3000 pixels.To capture the images, the camera has a micro-SD card slot that, according to the specifications, supports micro-SD cards up to a maximum of 64GB.

DJI indicates that the camera is not compatible with the DJI Osmo handheld camera. The camera is intended for aerial photography only and is compatible with the Inspire 1, Matrice 100 and Matrice 600 drones. Via DJI’s own Lightbridge and Lightbridge 2, together with DJI’s GO app, HD video can also be sent wirelessly over 5 kilometers. The GO app is also for controlling the Z3.

The Zenmuse Z3 measures 105x115x85mm and weighs 262 grams and is stabilized by means of a three-axis gimbal or gimbal. The camera can be ordered immediately and costs 999 euros.