An unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), commonly referred to as a drone, is an aircraft without any human pilot, crew or passengers. A drone is an integral part of an unmanned aerial system (UAS), which includes adding a ground controller and a system to communicate with the drone.
The development of smart technologies and improved power systems have led to a parallel increase in the use of drones in consumer and general aviation activities. As of 2021, quadcopters are an example of the widespread popularity of ham radio-controlled aircraft and toys. If you’re an aspiring aerial photographer or video grapher, drones are your ticket to the sky.
A drone camera is a type of camera that is mounted onto a drone or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). These cameras are designed to capture aerial images and videos from a bird’s-eye view, offering a unique perspective on the world. Drone cameras can range from simple, low-resolution cameras to high-end professional cameras that capture stunning high-definition footage. They can be used for a variety of purposes, such as aerial photography, cinematography, surveying, mapping, and surveillance. Some drone cameras are also equipped with advanced features like image stabilization, GPS tracking, and obstacle avoidance to help pilots capture more stable and accurate footage.
Drone cameras can use a variety of lenses depending on the specific camera and drone model. Generally, drone cameras have fixed lenses that cannot be changed, but some high-end models allow for interchangeable lenses. The type of lens used will affect the field of view and the quality of the images and videos captured.
Common types of lenses for drone cameras include:
- Wide-angle lenses – These lenses have a wider field of view, allowing you to capture more of the scene in a single shot. They are ideal for capturing landscapes, cityscapes, and other large areas.
- Zoom lenses – These lenses allow you to zoom in and out, giving you greater flexibility when it comes to framing your shots. They are often used for wildlife photography and other situations where it is difficult to get close to the subject.
- Fish-eye lenses – These lenses have a very wide angle of view, often greater than 180 degrees. They can create a distorted, almost spherical effect that can be used for creative or artistic purposes.
- Prime lenses – These lenses have a fixed focal length and do not zoom. They are often used for capturing images with a very specific focal length or for achieving a particular look or style.
When choosing a lens for your drone camera, it is important to consider factors such as the type of photography or videography you will be doing, the lighting conditions you will be working in, and the capabilities of your drone and camera.
We all know the weight of a small Unmanned Aircraft Vehicle directly affects its performance, especially the flight time. CHANCCTV developed a series of high quality M12 mount lenses with light weight for Drone cameras. They capture a wide angle field of view with very low aberration. For example, CH1117 is a 4K lens designed for 1/2.3’’ sensors. It covers a 85 degrees field of view while the TV distortion is less than -1%. It weights 6.9g. What’s more, this high performance lens cost only a few tens of dollars, affordable for most of consumers.