Fujifilm Announces Linux SDK, Helping Drone Makers Use GFX100 Cameras
Fujifilm Japan has developed a new Linux software development kit (SDK) to control Fujifilm GFX100 series cameras remotely. The addition of a Linux SDK is of particular interest to drone manufacturers, who routinely utilize Linux operating systems for their work.
Spotted by Fuji Rumors earlier this week, PetaPixel reached out to Fujifilm for additional information. A company representative says the news is specific to the Japanese market and does not impact North American users.
Further, the same Fujifilm representative explains that the SDK for the remote control of Fujifilm cameras has previously only been compatible with macOS and Windows, so the SDK that will be compatible with Linux is a new endeavor for the company. The representative continues, adding that Linux is a common operating system for drone operations.
As part of its expansion into Linux SDK support, Fujifilm Corporation in Japan says it is working directly with Autonomy Holdings Inc., a drone company developing a new Surveyor IV drone. The company wants to develop the necessary software to use GFX100 series medium-format cameras on its new drone.
Both companies cite the GFX100’s high-resolution image sensor as especially compelling, particularly for aerial, drone-based infrastructure inspections. While many photographers may think about drones in the context of capturing cool photos and dynamic aerial video footage, drones have wide-ranging industrial applications, especially for aerial surveillance, inspections, and even public safety operations.
Resolution is of paramount importance when conducting industrial inspections. For example, a difference of millimeters in the length or size of a crack on a building or bridge can significantly matter. The more resolution the camera used for inspection has, the easier and faster it is to conduct this type of work.
“The GFX100 series, equipped with a 102-megapixel large format sensor, can capture ultra-high resolution images when combined with a dedicated interchangeable lens. Since it can clearly capture cracks and other defects with a wide angle of view, it reduces the number of shots by about 40% compared to a camera equipped with a 61-megapixel 35mm image sensor, thereby shortening inspection time,” Fujifilm explains in its Japanese press release.
The company adds that its cameras’ lightweight design and relatively low cost compared to other high-resolution cameras make them ideal candidates for drone-based work. The company notes that its new GFX100S II camera weighs just 1,273 grams when used with the Fujinon GF 35-70mm f/4.5-5.6 WR lens, “Making it extremely light for a camera equipped with a large-format sensor with over 100 million pixels.”
With the advent of the Linux SDK for Fujifilm GFX100 cameras, drone manufacturers can develop custom camera control software to fit their specific needs.
Image credits: Fujifilm
