Phase One P3 Payload (iXM-100 / iXM-GS120)

The Phase One P3 is a medium-format payload from the Danish maker Phase One for inspection and mapping with heavy multicopters. It carries an iXM camera, either with 100 megapixels (iXM-100, rolling shutter) or 120 megapixels (iXM-GS120, global shutter), on a three-axis gimbal.

Medium format is 1.7 times larger than 35 mm; the 100 MP figure refers to the iXM-100. RSM lenses of 35, 80 or 150 mm at f/5.6 are available. The choice of sensor determines behaviour in flight: the rolling shutter of the iXM-100 reads line by line, while the global shutter of the iXM-GS120 exposes the whole frame at once. The P3 mounts on the DJI bracket of the Matrice 300 and 350 or 400, electrically through Skyport V3 or V2; a variant with MAVLink connection exists too. Its weight is 2.5 kg without the bracket.

At 2.5 kg, the payload already lies in the range of what aircraft of this class can carry and shortens flight time noticeably. Take-off mass determines the EU class (4 kg for C2, 25 kg for C3 and C4) and the category of operation. Images of people and property fall under data-protection law, and the operator must be registered.

When buying, it matters which of the two cameras the task requires: global shutter for surveying in motion, rolling shutter often for inspection from hover. Wear points are the gimbal motors, the damping and the connector to the Skyport bracket. Gimbal and aircraft firmware must match.