In recent years, market demand for UAVs has risen sharply. A UAV camera is mounted on an appropriate position of the gimbal. It transmits captured video signals to the video‑transmitter fitted on the UAV. The signals are then relayed to the ground receiving system, which outputs signals to display devices via SDI/HDMI. Operators can monitor real‑time aerial footage from the UAV camera. Therefore, UAV cameras are deployed across a wide range of industries. What are the key functions of a UAV camera? Specialists from Kaimorui will elaborate below.

UAV cameras should be equipped with the following core functions:

Auto Day‑Night Switch

UAV cameras serve diverse scenarios and need to deliver clear monitoring footage around‑the‑clock under varying conditions. They must maintain excellent image quality even with frequent lighting changes. The auto day‑night switch function is essential. In low‑light conditions, the camera module automatically switches from day mode to night mode by removing the infrared cut‑off filter to boost sensitivity, enabling sharp nighttime imaging.

Image & Video Capture

Capture is the most fundamental and original function of UAVs. Before the boom of industrial‑grade UAVs following military applications, consumer‑grade UAVs dominated the market, whose primary capability was shooting photos and videos. Many well‑known UAV manufacturers at home and abroad started with aerial photography products before expanding into the industrial segment.

Communication Relay

Communication relay is one of the most promising and vital functions of UAVs.

Image Stabilization

Vibration during UAV flight blurs video output. Therefore, cameras for UAV applications must support image stabilization. Electronic image stabilization leverages digital circuitry to process frames and counteract shake for clearer footage.

Besides the four functions mentioned above, UAV cameras are also expected to feature a defog function.