Introducing DJI's First Drone With A Night Vision Camera
DJI has added night vision to the Matrice 300 drone's extensive list of capabilities: get ready to go beyond the darkness with the Zenmuse H20N camera. Since the introduction of the M300, the Zenmuse H20 series camera has been the go-to for its high-resolution imaging and thermal capabilities.
At a glance, the H20/T has significantly more megapixels than the H20N. However, despite the lower megapixel count of the camera, the lower pixel density, combined with larger sensors, enables better low light performance.
| H20 | H20T | H20N | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wide | 1/2.3" CMOS, 12 MP | 1/2.3" CMOS, 12 MP | 1/2.7" CMOS; Effective Pixels: 2M Starlight sensor |
| Zoom | 1/1.7" CMOS, 20 MP | 1/1.7" CMOS, 20 MP | 1/1.8" CMOS; Effective Pixels: 4M Starlight sensor |
| Thermal | N/A | Uncooled VOx Microbolometer 640x512 @ 30hz | Dual 640x512 thermal cameras (2x, 8x zoom) |
| H20 | H20T | H20N | |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO range | 100 - 25,600 | 100 - 25,600 | 100 - 102,400 |
| Video Frame rate | 30f ps | 30f ps | 15 - 30 fps |
| Max Video Resolution | 3840 x 2160 | 3840 x 2160 | 2688 x 1512 |
| Max Photo Resolution | 4056 x 3040 | 4056 x 3040 | 1920 x 1080 |
The H20N is slightly larger and heavier (+50g) than the H20T. The M300's flight time with the H20T is approximately 43 minutes, so we can expect a negligible difference with the H20N. All cameras have IP44 rating which provides protection against solid objects over 1mm and water splashed from all direction.
| H20 | H20T | H20N | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 150 × 114 × 151 mm | 167 × 135 × 161 mm | 178 x 135 x 161 mm |
| Weight | 678±5 g | 828±5 g | 878±5 g |
Night vision and thermal cameras are used to see in the dark, but they are not the same. Although both sensors have their distinct advantages, the H20N combines the best of both worlds.
Thermal imaging can be used to detect a heat source in the environment that can indicate a "live" object of interest at a distance. Supplementary to the thermal image, Night vision can help identify whether the thing is a person or an animal, in addition to the physical recognition of whether it may be a man, woman, dog, or cat.
| Night Vision | Thermal Imaging |
|---|---|
- Requires visible light source to see like a human eye - Amplifies/magnifies reflected light source to see in the dark (moon/star/artificial light) - The ability to see in the dark is limited to the amount/strength of light emission - Can be impaired by environmental conditions (smoke, fog, overcast, etc) - Night vision is good for identification and recognition | - Relies on energy emission (heat) from target object
- Infrared sensor creates an image from tiny differences in temperatures - Can “see” through micro particles and complete darkness - Thermal imaging is good for detection |
Which sensor is best suited for you?
The Zenmuse H20N is designed for low-light / night applications. For this, we sacrifice pixel count for larger pixel sizes resulting in lower resolution images. Therefore, the H20N is not intended for inspection applications as the H20/T. Nevertheless, the H20N payload makes an excellent tool for public safety agencies like search & rescue, police, and fire departments. Contact our team today, our consultants are happy to assist you in building the right drone package for your specific applications.
