P3 Payload imaging product

The P3 Payload is a medium-format aerial camera system for inspection and mapping drones, made by Phase One. It is a modular imaging payload consisting of an iXM camera with an RSM lens, a three-axis stabilised gimbal and a mount assembly for the host aircraft. It is supplied in two versions: one for DJI platforms and one for platforms that use the MAVLink or Auterion protocols.

The camera is a Phase One iXM, available with a 100 MP rolling shutter sensor (iXM-100) or a 120 MP sensor with an electronic global shutter (iXM-GS120). The sensor is of medium format, which Phase One states is 1.7 times larger than a 35 mm full-frame sensor, and it gives a dynamic range of 83 dB. For an integrator, the large sensor means more ground covered per frame and so fewer images per mission, while the global shutter version removes rolling-shutter distortion when the aircraft or the subject moves, as when inspecting turning wind turbine blades. The visible-spectrum camera is paired with RSM lenses of 35, 80 or 150 mm focal length. The 35 mm lens has an angle of view of 64.4 degrees on the long side with the 120 MP sensor, and the 150 mm lens is the choice for capturing fine detail from a safe stand-off distance.

Focusing is assisted by a laser range finder with an effective range of approximately 90 m. The smart focusing function drives autofocus from the range finder input, which helps keep complex structures sharp without repeated passes. The camera can be mounted in vertical or horizontal orientation, and the control functions include ISO, shutter speed, exposure, autofocus or manual focus, and focus peaking. Image files include EXIF data with IMU and custom fields, ICC profile, XMP with GPS and IPTC. Live view is provided over HDMI.

The weight of the payload without the mount is 2.5 kg and the environmental rating is IP53 for the iXM only. The DJI version connects through Skyport V3 or V2 and supports the PSDK and MSDK, and it is compatible with the DJI M300, M350 and M400 with the corresponding mount assembly. The MAVLink version uses an electrical interface with HDMI, telemetry and USB-C, supports MAVLink and Auterion protocol versions 1 and 2, and is compatible with MAVLink platforms using Cube Orange and Pixhawk 4 flight controllers. Flight planning is done with DJI Pilot, or with QGroundControl and Mission Planner. Customers of the M300 or M350 version can move to the M400 by buying the M400 mount kit and keeping their camera, lens and gimbal.

Phase One lists power line inspection and wind turbine inspection as the principal uses of the P3, and the same configuration suits bridge and other infrastructure inspection and aerial mapping. Phase One offers a GSD calculator for planning mission parameters from the sensor, lens and flight distance.