Zenmuse XT Vs Zenmuse XT2

Zenmuse XT Vs Zenmuse XT2  

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Drone market leaders, DJI recently announced the latest iteration of their thermal camera, the Zenmuse XT2. Like the first Zenmuse XT, the XT2 came from a partnership between DJI and FLIR. It was announced at an event in California, USA, hosted by the Menlo Park Fire Service. The XT2 features a FLIR Tau 2 thermal sensor and DJI 4K visual camera, mounted on a DJI gimbal. The XT2 has a wealth of new intelligent modes that boast increased functionality in thermal imaging helping increase mission efficiency and operation safety. Keep reading to see how the new Zenmuse XT2 compares to the original XT and see which payload is better suited for your needs.

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DJI and FLIR

DJI and FLIR’s first partnered in 2016, on the original Zenmuse XT, the first thermal camera designed specifically to be used with drones. This partnership brought together the world's leading companies in the civilian drones and thermal imaging. The unique collaboration used DJI’s enterprise-level drones and gimbals with the advanced thermal imaging from FLIR to create an aerial system for industries with the highest demands. The continued collaboration furthers the technological advancements for the enterprise sector that can be used in a vast range of applications including firefighting, search and rescue, inspections and many more. Keep reading to find out more about the new Zenmuse XT2. Zenmuse XT2 on Matrice 210

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Specifications

Check out the specifications of the Zenmuse XT and Zenmuse XT2.

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Performance

The Zenmuse XT2 is a dual thermal and visual payload featuring the FLIR Tau 2 thermal sensor along with a DJI 4K, 12 MP camera with a 1/1.7" CMOS sensor. The thermal sensor has a thermal sensitivity of <50 mK @ f/1.0 NEDT (Noise Equivalent Temperature Difference) and a max thermal rate of 30 HZ, resulting in accurate data at all times.

Zenmuse XT2 MSX®

One of the key features on the XT2 is the incorporation of FLIR's patented MSX® technology known as Multispectral Dynamic Imaging. This combines the thermal and visual images in real-time, resulting in higher image quality with detail that cannot be achieved with just one of the sensors. The MSX® can help identify vital details increasing mission safety and accuracy as well as improving workstream efficiency. In addition to combining the images, you can also view thermal and visual data in side by side for comparison and in a variety of other formats. MSX® in Action

Available Modes on Zenmuse XT2

The XT2 also features Heat Track, a tool used to automatically identify the hottest object in the XT2’s view. This will improve mission speeds, by identifying a target as soon as your platform is in the air. Another extremely practical feature of the XT2 is the Temp Alarm. Set temperature parameters and be instantly notified if this is exceeded. This is again, a useful tool to increase mission efficiency, especially if used for inspection work. There’s also a host of additional modes available on the Zenmuse XT2. This includes the following: Temp Check - Get a real-time temperature measurement of an area or point in the XT2’s view with a tap of the screen. Colour Pallets – A range of colour pallets can be chosen to suit the requirements of your application. Different pallets can affect the clarity of the information and enhance your workflow. Isotherms –  Identify a temperature range required for a specific mission. A useful tool for agriculture and inspection. Quick Track – Target and monitor a specific area with the XT2 helping set clear parameters to complex missions. As well as real-time data, thermal and visual images and videos can also be stored on the XT2 using its two SD card slots. This allows data capture for later analysis, beneficial for dissecting missions.

Zenmuse XT2 IP Rating

The Zenmuse XT2 is the first payload from DJI with an IP (Ingress Protection) level. It features an IP44 rating which provides the XT2 with protection from water and dust to components greater than 1 millimetre. This means the XT2 can be used in the majority of weather conditions, including rain, without the worry of damaging the sensors. This removes the weather limitations of the original XT, vital for the high demands of the enterprise sector. XT2 Thermal and Visual Camera

Zenmuse XT Features

The Zenmuse XT is a dedicated Uncooled VOx Microbolometer thermal camera designed to capture precision thermal data for a wide range of applications. The sensor’s sensitivity is the same as XT2 at <50 mK at f/1.0 NEDT, offering pinpoint thermal data accuracy. There are two models of the XT that are available; Performance generally used by emergency responders and Radiometric for thermal inspections. Both models of the XT have the Spot Metering, allowing an accurate temperature estimate to be given for any point on the screen. Like the XT2, a range of colour pallets are available which help identify image detail and increase mission flexibility. Isotherms are also available to identify desired temperature ranges.

Zenmuse XT Thermal Image Enhancement

A key highlight of the Zenmuse XT is users are given access to FLIR’s range of image enhancement tools. This comes in the form of Digital Detail Enhancement™ (DDE), Smart Scene Optimization™ (SSO), Active Contrast Enhancement™ (ACE) and Information-Based HEQ™ (IBHEQ). These tools help with image clarity enhancing visual results. Videos and images are saved on the XT’s SD card in JPEG, TIFF or MP4 formats.

Zenmuse XT Radiometric Vs Performance

Radiometric Model - The Radiometric model has pixel temperature data which allows you to select an area on the screen for an average temperature reading with the highest and lowest temperature points highlighted. There’s also a temperature alert available, similar to the XT2, allowing you to quickly assess an area and be notified of a temperature above what’s expected. Performance Model - Unlike the Radiometric XT, the Performance model identifies temperature from the centre of around four pixels. This results in less accurate data on specific temperature estimates. The Performance is likely to be better suited to larger area assessments rather than a detailed inspection.

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Compatibility

Zenmuse XT2 Compatibility

The DJI Zenmuse XT2 is compatible with DJI’s leading enterprise platforms, the Matrice 200 Series and the Matrice 600 Pro. Each offers a valuable advantage to pilots to suit their needs. Due to the IP44 rating of the XT2, the incorporation with the Matrice 200 Series creates a standout platform due to its IP rating. This greatly improves the capabilities of the system as well as its flexibility for use in a much wider range of conditions and applications. Removing or at least reducing weather restrictions will likely be a clear step for enterprise-level drones in the future. Another clear advantage to using the XT2 with the M210 and M210 RTK is the ability to mount multiple payloads. Payloads such as the Zenmuse Z30 zoom camera can help get a closer look at what the two sensors on the XT2 pick up. Additionally, the new Payload SDK allows integration of industry-specific payloads. The XT2 can also be mounted to the top of the drone in order to target a subject at a unique angle. The Matrice 600 Pro is also a highly capable drone, especially when used with the XT2. It has one of the best batteries of any DJI drones and can be used with a multitude of cameras, including third-party products from companies including RED and ARRI. This would be a useful option if you’re piloting for a range of applications and require flexibility.

Zenmuse XT Compatibility

The Zenmuse XT is also compatible with Matrice 200 Series along with the Matrice 600, Matrice 100 and Inspire 1. Although the range is more expansive than with the XT2, the Matrice 100 and 600, as well as the Inspire 1, are dated technologies when compared to the Matrice 200 Series and Matrice 600 Pro. However, the Inspire 1 and XT is still a common choice to achieve desired results on a tighter budget. Like the XT2, the leading platform is likely to be the Matrice 200 Series. This is due to the application flexibility, multiple payload capabilities and high-performing battery life.  Zenmuse XT2 on Matrice 210

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Applications

Here are just some of the applications the Zenmuse XT and XT2 can be used in:

• Firefighting
• Agriculture
• Solar inspection
• Powerline inspection
• Search and rescue
• Law enforcement
• Roof inspection

Although there’s a large crossover between the two models, the XT2 is better suited to areas such as hazardous waste inspection as visual data can be interpreted and firefighting to cut through images distortion and locate people and thermal hotspots. The XT and XT2 are not limited to these areas and have been used in a range of unique ways by heliguy™ clients such as animal monitoring and much more.

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Variants

Each of the Zenmuse XT and Zenmuse XT2 are available in a range of variants as shown below: The XT2 is avalable in 30Hz or 9Hz fram rates with lenses between 9mm to 25mm. As we previously mentioned, Performance and Radiometric versions of the original Zenmuse XT are available with lense between 9mm to 25mm.

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Summary

The Zenmuse XT2 is a remarkable and highly functional payload for enterprise sectors. It builds on its predecessor, keeping its functionality but adding the visual camera which improves the accuracy of data. There's also a suite of new intelligent modes and functions as well as its hugely beneficial IP44 rating. These additions, have clear developments in improving mission efficiency, accuracy and safety, greatly aiding its performance in a variety of applications. We’re excited to get some hands-on experience with the latest model of the XT range and hearing about the interesting ways in which our customers are using it.

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To discuss any the Zenmuse XT and XT2, or any DJI or Freefly product, please give one of our team a call on 0191 296 1024 or email us at info@heliguy.com.

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