When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works

Home / News / DJI’s latest drone camera can see in the dark

DJI’s latest drone camera can see in the dark

The Zenmuse XT is a collaboration with thermal imaging specialist FLIR

DJI has expanded its range of Zenmuse drone cameras with the XT – a camera that can see in the dark.

The XT uses the same stabilised gimbal mount as the existing Zenmuse X3, X5 and X5R cameras, which means it can be fitted to either the Inspire 1 or Matrice M100 quadcopters. But it’s very different to those conventional digital cameras; thanks to its use of FLIR‘s thermal imaging technology, it’s able to create images in total darkness.

The XT’s images aren’t particularly large (just 640 x 512 in resolution), but they’re unlike anything else available on a consumer drone. DJI sees the camera being primarily used for the likes firefighting, farming and industry, but there’s nothing to stop you using it to take snaps of your cat at midnight. You can see the tech in action in the video below.

DJI hasn’t announced a price for the Zenmuse XT yet, but we should know more closer to its first quarter 2016 release date.

Profile image of Sam Kieldsen Sam Kieldsen Contributor

About

Tech journalism's answer to The Littlest Hobo, I've written for a host of titles and lived in three different countries in my 15 years-plus as a freelancer. But I've always come back home to Stuff eventually, where I specialise in writing about cameras, streaming services and being tragically addicted to Destiny.

Areas of expertise

Cameras, drones, video games, film and TV