Vadzo launches HDR GigE cameras for drones and UAVs

Vadzo Imaging has introduced two Sony STARVIS 2-powered HDR GigE cameras for drone, UAV, and industrial vision use. The new models add 4K imaging, PoE, ONVIF support, RTSP streaming, and remote OTA updates for networked aerial deployments.

Why it matters: - The new cameras target drone and UAV operators that need long-cable network connectivity, remote maintenance, and synchronized imaging without sacrificing payload integration. - Vadzo is positioning the lineup for industrial inspection, perimeter security, traffic monitoring, smart city systems, and factory automation. - The product set addresses a common UAV constraint: cameras mounted away from onboard compute need a network interface that can carry video, power, and timing data together.

What happened: - Vadzo Imaging announced the availability of two HDR GigE embedded cameras, the Innova-678CRS and Innova-662CRS. - The cameras are powered by Sony STARVIS 2 sensors and are recommended for industrial drone and UAV applications. - Vadzo said the cameras are available now for evaluation and production orders. - The company also said non-PoE compact variants, zoom optics, and board customization options are available on request for OEM integrators.

The details: - The Innova-678CRS uses the Sony IMX678 STARVIS 2 sensor and delivers 8.4MP 4K imaging at 3856×2180. - The Innova-678CRS supports 120+ dB HDR, Gigabit Ethernet, PoE 802.3af, ONVIF Profile S/T/G/M, RTSP, NTP/PTP, OTA updates, GPIO, and a 105° diagonal field of view. - The Innova-678CRS operates from −30°C to 70°C and weighs 20g. - Vadzo says the camera fits tethered industrial inspection drones, infrastructure monitoring, offshore platform surveillance, and smart traffic systems. - The Innova-662CRS uses the Sony IMX662 STARVIS 2 sensor and delivers 2MP FHD imaging at 1920×1080 and up to 60fps. - The Innova-662CRS includes Clear HDR, NIR sensitivity, a 200° diagonal field of view, onboard dewarping, GigE, PoE 802.3af, ONVIF Profile S/T/G/M, RTSP, NTP/PTP, and OTA support. - Vadzo says the wide-angle model is aimed at perimeter and surveillance UAVs where broad coverage matters more than resolution. - Both cameras are managed through Vadzo NXT software and the VISPA NXT SDK. - The SDK supports network discovery, streaming control, codec management, exposure, gain, ROI, white balance, Smart GPIO, trigger control, user management, and secure OTA firmware management. - The SDK provides APIs in C, C++, and Python and supports Windows, Linux, and Android. - Vadzo says compact non-PoE variants with 5VDC or 12VDC input are available on request for lighter UAV builds. - Vadzo says optics customization, including zoom lens configurations, is available for specific aerial inspection and surveillance needs.

Between the lines: - The product launch shows Vadzo leaning into GigE as the preferred interface for networked aerial systems, especially where camera payloads are separated from onboard compute or run on fixed infrastructure. - The emphasis on ONVIF, NTP/PTP, and OTA suggests Vadzo is targeting fleet deployments that need interoperability, precise timing, and remote support rather than stand-alone cameras. - The company is also trying to reduce integration friction by offering both PoE and non-PoE options, plus customization for OEM airframes.

What’s next: - Vadzo is inviting customers to request evaluation kits and discuss customization requirements. - The company directs buyers to contact its engineering team through its website or by phone for OEM and board-level changes. - Future deployments are likely to focus on UAV fleets, multi-camera payloads, and industrial systems that need synchronized video and remote management.

The bottom line: - Vadzo is betting that drone operators want networked cameras that combine HDR imaging, power delivery, timing sync, and over-the-air maintenance in one embedded package.