Phase One iXM-GS120

The iXM-GS120 is a camera body from the Danish maker Phase One with 120 megapixels and a global shutter. It is intended for survey-grade aerial and UAV photogrammetry in the heavy multicopter class and brings no gimbal of its own.

The CMOS sensor with global shutter measures 12,768 × 9,564 pixels at a pixel pitch of 3.45 µm. Global shutter means all pixels are exposed at the same moment, so images do not distort at fast flight and under vibration, which is decisive for photogrammetry. The body weighs 647 g without lens, measures 90 × 90 × 67 mm and records up to 2 images per second. The lens range of RS and RSM types spans 35 to 300 mm; the longer the focal length, the finer the ground resolution from the same height. It connects through 10G Ethernet (glass or copper) or USB 3 and is controlled through the Phase One SDK or MAVLink.

The weight counts towards take-off mass, for which the EU class limits are 4 kg (C2) and 25 kg (C3 and C4). Flights touch data-protection law, and anyone flying a camera that can show people must register as an operator.

In survey work, the combination of sensor, lens and position data decides the accuracy that can be reached. MAVLink lets PX4 and ArduPilot autopilots trigger the camera. The data stream of 120 megapixels demands fast storage, and dust on the sensor shows in all images. The lens mount and the network connector are the mechanical points to check.