Hands on with the DJI Zenmuse XT2

Key Features

Before we get into the post, check out some of the key features of the DJI Zenmuse XT2:

• Features dual 4K, 12MP, 1/1.7″ CMOS visual sensor and FLIR Tau 2 thermal sensor

• IP44 rating for dust and water protection

• Compatible with the DJI Matrice 200 and 600 Series

• Thermal sensitivity of <50 MK

• Available in 9 or 30 HZ with a range of lenses to choose from

• Built-in visual and thermal data storage

What's in the Box?

Next, let's look at what's included with the Zenmuse XT2.

Guide to the Zenmuse XT2

In this section, we will break down the basic and intelligent functions of the DJI Zenmuse XT2 and what they're used for.

Zenmuse XT2 Setup

DJI Pilot App for the XT2

Spot Metering

Area Measurement

FLIR MSX

The FLIR MSX brings together FLIR’s thermal imagery and DJI’s visual data simultaneously in several different setups. The thermal data is overlaid with the visual image, resulting in the maximum amount of detail.

Zenmuse XT PiP

The PiP (Picture in Picture) utilises both the thermal and visual data in a useful and flexible display. You can choose to overlay the data, set the thermal window in the middle of the screen, have two split screens or put the screen at various points around the main image. The visual data must be the primary and larger screen, with the thermal as the secondary screen. PiP adds to the users’ flexibility offering different setups to suit the application. 

Temp Alarm

HeatTrack

QuickTrack

DJI Zenmuse XT2 Isotherms

The Zenmuse XT2 has a wide range of Isotherms available. This helps the XT2 integrate into any workflow, adapting to suit applications from search and rescue to advanced surveying and focus on what’s important to you. In individual Isotherms, three thresholds are used; upper middle and lower. These thresholds highlight specific temperatures in unique colours, making an area in your desired temperature range stand out. There are three pre-set options for Isotherms; Search People, Search Fire and Customised. This gives flexibility for users to adapt the XT2 for their requirements.

Search Fire

High: 980°C (1800°F) Mid: 150°C (300°F) Low: 65°C (150°F) Palette: WhiteHotISO

Search People

Colour Palette

Another option available on the XT2 to help users easily interoperate their data is Colour Palette. The colour scales on the XT2 are the same as that on the original Zenmuse XT and can be adapted to the users’ needs. Check out a selection of the Colour Palette options below:

Gain Mode

Another tool available on the XT2 to enhance the results of your data is the inclusion of various Gain Modes. These modes help with the clarity of your data by altering the Xt2’s sensitivity. The following three options are available: High Gain – A narrow temperature range is recorded with high sensitivity to a temperature difference. Low Gain – A wide temperature range is captured with a lower sensitivity to a temperature difference. Auto Gain – The best temperature range is automatically selected to suit your scene. Using the Auto Gain Mode uses the XT2’s algorithms to suit your scene and will provide the best results for most users. The XT2 will be set in this mode as its default.

Scene

The Scene mode will help give you the best results to suit the location of your flight. You can choose from Indoor, Outdoor, Linear, Sea/Sky, Manual, Custom and Default. Each of the following properties will be set according to your choice: DDE (Digital Detail Enhancement) – Augments the image detail and suppresses image noise. ACE (Active Contrast Enhancements) – Adjusts the image contrast to suit the scene’s temperature. SSO (Smart Scene Optimization) – Defines the percentage of the histogram of the image that is used for linear mapping. Contrast – Sets the ratio of black to white accordingly. Brightness – Sets the brightness of the image. Choose the appropriate Scene to suit your desired location.

Emissivity and the Zenmuse XT2

Emissivity is one of the key factors to achieving accuracy when capturing thermal data. Different objects have a different emissivity depending on their material. Emissivity is worked out by comparing an object's energy emission to the efficiency of a perfect emitter. A perfect emitter is given a value of '1'. On the XT2, you can input the emissivity level according to your environment and the material you’re looking at. Check out the emissivity of common materials you will likely encounter:

Choosing a Zenmuse XT2 Configuration

In the UK, there are 12 configurations available of the Zenmuse XT2 with different frame rates, resolutions and lenses. The lenses on the Zenmuse XT2 are fixed and cannot be changed once purchased so choosing the right edition for your workflow is vital. Check out the Zenmuse XT2 variations below:

XT2 Frame Rates

In the UK, users can choose between a max thermal frame rate of either 9 or 30 Hz. Please note, if you’re outside the UK, the sale of 30 Hz models may be subject to restrictions. Speak to our team for more details on this using the number below. In basic terms, the frame rate number translates into frames per second on the camera. The number will have an effect on the speed of the video, with a higher number having a faster video whereas the lower may be slightly choppier.

XT2 Resolution

The resolution of the camera will affect how many pixels are visible on your image. With the 640 x 512 model, a total number of 327680 pixels will be available, whereas, with the 336 x 256 resolution, 86016 are visible. It's recommended that at least 10 x 10 pixels are viewed on your target in order to achieve valuable results. The higher the resolution you have on your subject, the greater the detail you will be able to see. This is especially important when you're flying further away from your subject and unable to get close.

XT2 Lenses

In terms of lenses, the smaller number will result in a wider field of view, whereas a higher number will show a subject in more detail. If you need to get more detail on your subject from further away, the 25mm will offer the best results. Choose the lens based on the detail needed in your data according to your application.

Please Note - If you’re interested in discussing the availability and configuration of the Zenmuse XT2 in your country, please contact our team on +44 (0)191 296 1024 or email us at info@heliguy.com.

Summary

The DJI Zenmuse XT2 is a fantastic step up from the original Zenmuse XT. The addition of a visual camera gives a clearer picture of the scene, helping to improve site safety and your overall results. The wide range of intelligent features means the XT2 can be incorporated into more industries than ever before ranging from public safety to inspection as well as many others. Speak to a member of our team today to find out more about the Zenmuse XT2 and how it could improve safety and efficiency in your industry.

Specifications

Let's check out the specifications of the Zenmuse XT2:

General

Thermal Camera

Notes: The SD card, which is located near the lens, is used to store TIFF Sequence and SEQ infrared RAW video only. The other format footage will be stored in the other SD card. *It is recommended to use ImageJ to play the TIFF Sequence video and FLIR Tools to play SEQ video.

Image Processing & Display Control

Gimbal

Visual Camera

Image Processing & Display Control

Models – Lens and Resolution options

To discuss any information from the above post 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.

Keep checking back to Heliguy’s Insider Blog for more announcements, insights into drones and, of course, the latest news from the drone industry.