Phase One Unveils the P5 Medium Format Camera Built for Drones
Phase One launched a cutting-edge 128-megapixel camera designed for survey-grade applications in conjunction with Quantum Systems and Trimble. The Phase One P5 is intended for use in micro UAVs (drones) and weighs less than 700 grams, making it a very light medium-format camera.
“Accurate surveys play a critical role in construction projects and architectural design, whether it’s during the construction phase or in the post-completion monitoring stage. However, current UAV-based surveying solutions have often fallen short in capturing survey-grade quality data, leaving a critical gap in meeting industry demands,” explains a press release.
To that aim, the P5 offers a variety of mounting options, assuring compatibility with a wide range of professional workflows. In addition, the camera features industry-standard communication protocols and connectivity.
Phase One claims that “meticulous calibration” has eradicated pixel distortion and assures a 100% accurate capture timestamp and mid-exposure triggering. Users can choose between 35mm and 80mm lenses. In addition, Phase One claims that its 128-megapixel picture sensor would provide “low Ground Sample Distance (GSD) and blur-free images.”
The P5 features an electronic global shutter, indicating that the sensor will most likely be the Sony IMX661 released in early 2021.
“In the realm of specialized camera systems, the Phase One P5 has been meticulously crafted to address the shortcomings of conventional cameras for UAVs in terms of speed, weight, and data quality. Purpose-built for aerial surveying via drone, the camera stands as the world’s pioneering solution, consistently delivering the highest resolution and accuracy, along with industry-standard metrical calibration,” says Phase One.
The Quantum Systems Trinity Pro, a UAV with over 75,000 flight hours of proven performance, is being used with the Phase One P5. The UAV can travel at speeds of up to 22 meters per second and can operate at altitudes ranging from 60 to 120 meters.
“We are proud to introduce a pioneering solution that not only addresses the profound challenges faced by the surveying and construction industry but also sets new benchmarks for efficiency and precision,” explains Robert Leake, Head of Commercial Sales at Quantum Systems. “Our collaboration with Phase One and Trimble has yielded a game-changing survey-grade UAV solution. Achieving this level of quality, detail, and accuracy within a fixed-wing platform is a first in the industry. We’re opening new horizons for engineering surveying professionals, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of this revolutionary leap forward.”
“Each Phase One P5 camera undergoes factory metric calibration and is supplied with a calibration certificate. When integrated with the Trinity Pro system, the Phase One P5 swiftly and accurately covers large survey areas, resulting in significant time and cost savings compared to traditional mapping and surveying methods,” states Michael Messerschmidt, Director of Product Management Unmanned at Phase One.
