Sony claims that the ILX-LR1’s 61-megapixel full-frame image sensor makes it the perfect choice for drone inspection, research, surveying, and mapping. The ILX-LR1, however, is incompatible with Sony’s own drone, the Airpeak S1.
We identified the need for a small, light, full-frame solution that emphasizes image quality and has remote capabilities as the industrial drone market grew. For many in the business, this is a game-changer, according to Yang Cheng, Vice President of Imaging Solutions at Sony Electronics. “With the introduction of the ILX-LR1, we’ve combined the advantages of our E-mount interchangeable lens system and Camera Remote SDK with Sony’s trusted legacy and expertise in imaging to create a flexible new ecosystem optimized for photography, which supports a wide range of industrial applications.”
The ILX-LR1 is equipped with Sony’s E-mount, which enables the small camera to be used with a variety of E-mount lenses, allowing users to select the ideal lens for their project.
The ILX-LR1 is considerably lighter than Sony’s other 61-megapixel full-frame cameras, such as the a7R V, which weighs 1.6 pounds (723 grams), and the new Sony a7CR, which weighs only 1.14 pounds (515 grams).
The ILX-LR1 measures roughly 3.94 inches in width, 2.91 inches in height, and 1.67 inches in depth (or 100 x 74 x 42 millimeters). The dimensions of the a7CR are 4.88 x 2.8 x 2.48 inches (124 x 71 x 63mm) and the a7R V are 5.16 x 3.82 x 3.23 inches (131 x 97 x 82mm).
The ILX-LR1’s incredibly small size and light weight come with a catch; they do not feature a monitor, viewfinder, or battery. For industrial usage, the ILX-LR1 has been reduced to just its essential parts. Users can install the necessary accessories for power (10-18V connection) and frames using the multitude of screw mounts on the body.
But the camera’s design is not entirely utilitarian. It has a memory card slot, USB-C port, and microHDMI port. Additionally, the camera has a few physical controls and buttons.
When used in conjunction with the most recent version of Sony’s Camera Remote SDK, the ILX-LR1 is expected to shine inside an industrial workflow. The API of this software is built right into the new camera, enabling users to access and manage the camera’s menus, settings, and features from a distance.
While the ILX-LR1 is in the air, operators can make quick settings adjustments, take pictures, record videos, and use live view monitoring remotely. “Low-latency data communication for remote applications that require an instant response, such as capturing an image at a specific moment,” according to Sony, is made possible via the camera’s Power and Control Terminal.
Improved manual focus performance and control that lets users retrieve the current manual focus position and make focus adjustments to a particular location are just two of the exciting new features included to the revised Sony Camera Remote SDK.
Starting this month, the Sony ILX-LR1 will cost $2,950 from Sony and a number of approved resellers.
