Sony just made a tiny full-frame camera for drones and it'll cost you big

Date:
Tue, 05 Sep 2023 19:19:37 +0000

Description:
Sony reveals a new small camera, the ILX-LR1, thats been specially designed
to be placed into drones.

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Sony is taking photography to the sky as the tech giant reveals a new small camera thats been specially designed to be placed into drones: the ILX-LR1.

While the name may not be super catchy, it does exemplify the idea of big things coming in small packages. The camera measures approximately 100 x 74 x 42.5 mm (about 4 x 3 x 1.7 inches) and weighs 8.6 oz. Despite its tiny stature, the ILX-LR1 is quite powerful as its capable of shooting videos up
to 60FPS. Sony explains its device can shoot content up to 4K resolution
(3840 x 2160 pixels) thanks to its 1.38-inch Exmor R CMOS image sensor. This hardware gives the ILX-LR1 extraordinary sensitivity, resolution, and dynamic range so it can capture the finest details. Additionally, it sports a BIONZ
XR processor to deliver low-noise photographs with, Sony promises, realistic colors.

Sony goes on to say the camera has a wide ISO range from 100 to 32,000, allowing the ILX-LR1 to operate in most daylight conditions. Stripped away

To make the lightweight design a reality, Sony stripped away a lot of the basic features youd expect to see on a camera. Theres no viewfinder of any kind, no rear LCD screen, or handgrip it doesnt even have a battery. The company explains the lower weight means longer flight times. Plus, the
compact body allows it to fit into smaller drones. In order to power the device, users will need to connect it directly to a drones power supply. (Image credit: Sony)

This same connection can be used to control key aspects of the camera. On the same day that Sony revealed the ILX-LR1, the company announced new changes to its Camera Remote SDK (Software Development Kit), introducing enhanced function for drone applications. These include expanded menu settings to more easily control the device at a distance and notifications for certain events like when a recording starts or stops.

The patch is split into two. Version 1.10 releases on September 13 with the first set of features. Version 1.11 is set for November 2023, bringing its
own set of upgrades to video shooting applications.

Other notable features of the ILX-LR1 include support for a wide variety of E-mount lenses. If youre not familiar with the tech, it brings the lens close to a cameras sensor so the hardware can be smaller and lighter without compromising quality. Availability

Its unknown when the ILX-LR1 launches although some online reports claim itll release this December for a whopping $2,950 in the US only. We should mention Sony is marketing their latest gadget to a professional audience. To buy one, it looks like you'll have to contact Sony directly . (Image credit: Sony)

It may be worth the trouble, though. With the right drone, the ILX-LD1 could if Sony's promises are accurate provide nearly unmatched drone photography.

We reached out asking if it plans to release the camera internationally. This story will be updated if we hear back.

Be sure to check out TechRadars list of the best Sony cameras for 2023 . You might also like The best drone 2023: top flying cameras for all budgets DJI Air 3 review: a nifty dual-camera drone



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/cameras/sony-just-made-a-tiny-full-frame-camera-for- drones-and-itll-cost-you-big


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