SIYI ZR30 30x Optical Zoom Drone Gimbal Camera

Optical reach and framing: what the numbers mean

SIYI specifies 30x optical zoom and up to 180x hybrid zoom. Optical magnification changes the image formed by the lens; hybrid zoom also involves electronic processing. Treat 30x as the useful headline when comparing optical lens ranges. The 180x figure does not mean the camera has a 180x optical lens.

The manufacturer's horizontal field of view runs from 58.1° without zoom to 2.1° at the optical telephoto end. A narrow frame can help examine a small feature, but it also shows a much smaller part of the scene. Begin with context, establish the inspection area and then adjust framing. The gimbal's three-axis stabilization supports that view, while the actual installation still determines how aircraft vibration reaches the camera.

Compared with a 10x optical camera such as ZR10, the ZR30 provides a larger optical range with a different mounting envelope and listed mass. It is a sensible choice when the project calls for the added lens range and the aircraft can accommodate the complete payload assembly.

Make room for the entire camera assembly

The ZR30's specified size is 132 × 100 × 180 mm and its listed 668 g weight includes the quick-release board. Account for cable routing, clearance around the moving gimbal and the aircraft's available payload allowance when laying out the installation. The controllable yaw range is −270° to +270°; that is a 540° range, rather than unlimited continuous rotation.

Power is specified at 11–25.2 V, with 5 W average and 12 W peak consumption. Control inputs include S.Bus, UART and Ethernet UDP/TCP. Decide which functions the operator needs at the ground station, then match the control protocol and physical cable to the chosen system.

ZR30 key specifications

Values are manufacturer specifications. They are not FD flight-test results or a guarantee of the performance of a complete aircraft and radio system.