Zenmuse Z3: DJI's first integrated aerial camera with zoom

The new camera with stabilization system weighs 262 grams and is capable of offering up to 7x zoom thanks to a 3.5x optical zoom combined with a 2x digital zoom.

DJI has just announced the launch of its first DJI integrated aerial camera with zoom and advanced stabilization technology.

The Zenmuse Z3 camera will offer 7x zoom and will be compatible with DJI's Inspire 1, Matrice 100 and Matrice 600 drones, and will operate with Lightbridge and Lightbridge 2 HD video transmission that offers an HD transmission range of up to 5 kilometers.

Paul Pan, senior product manager at DJI, says that "previously, the only way to zoom in on a subject or object was to fly closer to it. Now, pilots can maintain a certain distance and at the same time zoom in to get detailed, sharp images."

The Zenmuse Z3 is fully integrated with the DJI GO app and offers a seamless user experience, including live video from the camera and the ability to change camera settings, swipe to zoom in or out, take still photos or video, and activate intelligent flight modes. Users can also choose to control the camera from the drone's remote control for uses such as taking photos, recording video, or zooming.

The new camera weighs 262 grams and is capable of offering up to 7x zoom thanks to a 3.5x optical zoom combined with a 2x digital zoom. This allows the Zenmuse Z3 camera to achieve an effective zoom range of 22 millimeters to 77 millimeters. It also has a maximum aperture of F2.8 and F5.2 at 22 millimeters and 77 millimeters, respectively.

When the camera is zoomed in, the smallest movements are amplified. A custom-designed flywheel adds another level of refinement to the Z3's cornering control. Its operation together with the normal steering motor allows for a more refined and controlled movement.

By incorporating the same 1/2.3-inch Sony sensor found in the DJI Inspire 1 and DJI Phantom 4, excellent image quality is ensured. You can capture images at up to 12 megapixels with additional Adobe DNG Raw support for maximum editing options in post-production. The camera also records video at up to 30 FPS in 4K resolution.

The flight time of the Zenmuse Z3 mounted on the Inspire 1 is up to 19 minutes. Pilots can extend flight time to up to 30 minutes on the dual battery-equipped M100 and up to 39 minutes on the M600.