Phase One Industrial announced two 100 MP CMOS-based medium format metric cameras for aerial mapping and other demanding applications. The development of the Phase One iXU 1000 and the iXU-R 1000 camera systems marks a shift toward higher value for the aerial data acquisition market.
These systems, which are available in either RGB or near infrared (NIR) variants, are distinguished from all other existing medium format aerial camera systems by their combination of higher image resolution, wider ISO range and faster capture speeds (as fast as 0.85 second per frame), offering large format advantages at medium format prices.
At 100 megapixels, the cameras deliver 11,608 pixels cross-track coverage, which is 12 percent greater than previously available medium format aerial camera systems. Flying with an iXU-R 1000 or iXU 1000 enables users either more coverage during a flight, while maintaining the same ground sample distance (GSD), or a lower GSD, while flying at the same height. Their CMOS sensor design also enables image captures in lower light with an ISO range from 50 to 6400 as well as more flights under the clouds in low light and/or later in the day. More coverage and more flying hours result in a cost-effective, overall gain in flight efficiency and lower operational costs per job.
In addition to more coverage and more flying hours, the cameras offer faster capture rates permitting more overlap for greater accuracy in producing point clouds and generating 3D presentations from nadir images.
With a top shutter speed of 1/1600s and higher possible ISOs, the cameras can capture sharp images when flying at high altitudes with a fast flight speed or lower altitudes with low GSDs.
The iXU-R’s high performance Rodenstock lenses (40 mm, 50 mm and 70 mm) are each calibrated for infinity focus and tested to ensure edge-to-edge sharpness across the sensor. The iXU’s Schneider Kreuznach lens options include a wide range of focal lengths, including 55mm, 80 mm, 110 mm, 150 mm and 240 mm.
Source: Press Release