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Written by: Maria Zavarce

Contributor: Lukas Wilgosh 

Features to Know When Evaluating an RGB Camera for Your Drone

December 19, 2024

4 minutes read

In drone imaging, the quality of your RGB photos and data depends largely on your RGB camera’s features. Ground Sample Distance, sensor resolution, and camera type all influence the level of detail captured during flights. In this blog, we’ll explore how these key features along with factors like payload compatibility and focal length affect your aerial photography and mapping capabilities helping you choose the perfect RGB camera for your drone missions.

Ground Sample Distance (GSD)

Ground Sample Distance is the real-world size of each pixel in a captured image when flying at a certain altitude. For instance, a GSD of 1.50 cm @ 100m AGL means that every pixel represents 1.5 cm of ground when your drone is flying 100 meters Above Ground Level.

 

A low GSD offers finer detail, which is critical for high-resolution mapping and creating 3D models. For instance, the Sentera 65R is a high-resolution RGB camera with a 0.45 cm/pixel GSD at 38 meters, ideal for detailed agricultural mapping and 3D modelling. It captures 9344 x 7000 resolution images at 3 fps and integrates seamlessly with drones like Blue UAS drones the DJI Matrice 350 RTK. 

 

In contrast, higher GSD values, while less detailed, may be suitable for broader applications like larger landscape overviews.

Nadir vs. Oblique Cameras

The type of camera you choose greatly impacts how your data looks.

 

Nadir Cameras:
• Capture images looking straight down, offering a bird’s-eye view.
• Best For: Mapping, surveying, and orthophoto generation. These cameras are great in projects requiring flat, top-down imagery, such as agricultural mapping or road surveys.
• Perfect for creating high-accuracy 2D maps.


Oblique Cameras:
• Capture images at an angle, using multiple lenses pointing in different directions.
• Best For: Generating realistic 3D models, capturing building facades, and conducting urban mapping or structural inspections.
• Excellent for detailed modelling of complex structures, like historical landmarks or urban planning projects.


Hybrid and Versatile Camera Systems


Some advanced camera systems blur the lines between nadir and oblique imaging by combining features of both in one payload.


Payloads like the DJI Zenmuse P1 are designed for nadir shots but also offer Smart Oblique Capture modes, enabling angled imaging during the same flight. This makes them capable of both generating orthophotos and creating detailed 3D models.


On the other hand, multi-lens oblique cameras, such as Share UAV Oblique Cameras include a dedicated nadir lens in their array. These systems combine multiple angled lenses (four oblique cameras) with one lens facing directly downward. This integration ensures seamless capture of both top-down and multi-angle imagery in a single mission, enabling the creation of comprehensive datasets for applications like urban mapping, building facade modelling, and topographic surveys.


The choice between nadir and oblique cameras depends on your project’s needs. Modern hybrid systems provide the flexibility to adapt to a variety of use cases.

Sensor Resolution

The sensor resolution, measured in megapixels (MP), indicates how many pixels a camera can capture per image. For instance, a 20 MP sensor captures 20 million pixels.

 

Higher resolution means more detail in your images. For mapping or inspections, this can translate into sharper visuals, enabling you to zoom in on tiny details without losing clarity. However, higher resolution also means larger file sizes, which can affect storage and processing times.

Total Resolution

Total resolution refers to the dimensions of an image (e.g., 5472 x 3648 pixels) and influences its sharpness and clarity.

  • Helps ensure images remain sharp when zoomed in.
  • Essential for creating detailed mosaics or large-scale maps.

A higher total resolution allows for better post-processing flexibility, such as cropping or zooming, without compromising quality.

Sensor Types

CMOS (Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor) sensors are a popular choice for drone cameras due to their lightweight and energy-efficient design, which enhances overall flight performance. These sensors are capable of high-speed data processing, delivering excellent image quality, particularly in bright and well-lit conditions.

 

CMOS sensors are especially effective for daytime operations, such as inspections, mapping, and photography, where lighting conditions are optimal. Their ability to process data quickly makes them ideal for high-speed surveys, ensuring clear and stable imagery. However, while CMOS sensors excel in most scenarios, their performance in low-light conditions may not match the capabilities of larger-format sensors.

Larger sensors have the advantage of capturing more light, which significantly enhances image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. They offer superior low-light performance, delivering richer image detail and a greater dynamic range that effectively captures both highlights and shadows. These attributes make larger sensors ideal for applications like dawn and dusk photography, where inspections or surveys benefit from the soft lighting of golden hours. They also excel in shaded areas, maintaining clarity and detail even in shadowed environments.

 

The Phase One P3 UAV payload features a medium format sensor that is 1.7 times larger than typical sensors, providing exceptional detail and dynamic range. Paired with the RSM 35mm f/5.6 lens, it excels in aerial inspections of large assets, delivering sharp, high-quality images even in complex lighting conditions.

Focal Length

Focal length, measured in millimeters plays a crucial role in determining a camera’s field of view (FoV), influencing how much of the scene is captured in a single shot. Wide-angle lenses, with shorter focal lengths, are perfect for capturing expansive landscapes or covering large survey areas in fewer shots.

 

On the other hand, telephoto lenses, which feature longer focal lengths, allow for zooming into specific details, such as identifying cracks in bridges or capturing distant wildlife. The choice of focal length depends on the nature of the mission, whether it requires broad coverage or the ability to focus on finer details.

Payload Weight and Compatibility

The performance of your drone, particularly its ability to carry and handle a camera is largely influenced by the weight of the camera and its compatibility with the drone’s gimbal or mount. 

 

A lighter camera not only extends the drone's flight time but also improves its maneuverability, allowing for more agile movements during operations. Ensuring that the camera is compatible with the drone's setup helps avoid potential issues. 

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About the Author

Maria Zavarce, Marketing Coordinator at Measur, brings over two years of specialized experience in the drones and robotics industry. Combining her knowledge of emerging technologies with 8+ years of inbound marketing and SEO, she provides actionable insights into the transformative power of advanced solutions.

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