# System Description and Design

> Source: https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/system-description-and-design/
> Section: TOPODRONE Sony ILX-LR1 (LR1 CM)
> Updated: 2026-10-11

TOPODRONE Sony ILX-LR1 with LR1 Control Module is the next-generation photogrammetric system after TOPODRONE P61. It is built on the Sony ILX-LR1 industrial camera with a 61 MP full-frame sensor and a mechanical shutter and is mounted on the DJI X-Port 3-axis gimbal.

The **TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module** (LR1 CM) survey-grade GNSS receiver is a compact control unit that attaches to the camera with a quick-release mount. The unit has its own built-in Linux-based computer, so the camera appears in the **DJI Pilot 2** app as a payload, and it is controlled (shutter release, exposure parameters, settings) from the drone remote controller.

The system determines the coordinates of the camera centers in two modes:

- **PPK** - from raw satellite measurements of the LR1 Control Module receiver and base station data, with post-flight processing in **TOPOSETTER** ([chapter 14.1](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/data-processing-toposetter-and-topomapper/));
- **RTK** - from real-time corrections of the RTK module of the DJI Matrice 400 / 350 RTK drone ([chapter 7](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/rtk-mode-setup/)).

Select the mode before the survey and perform all work in it. Photogrammetric processing is performed in **TOPOMAPPER** ([chapter 14.2](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/data-processing-toposetter-and-topomapper/)). For information on PPK and RTK technologies, see the TOPODRONE knowledge base (topodrone.com/knowledge).

The camera supports **AGROWING** multispectral lenses - see [chapter 15](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/multispectral-survey-agrowing/).

Two ILX-LR1 cameras with LR1 Control Module can be installed on one drone using the **DJI Dual Gimbal Connector** - parallel data collection in one flight ("Dual Gimbal" kits). This manual covers the single configuration; the specifics of two cameras are described in [chapter 8.4](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/camera-control-in-dji-pilot-2/).

![Sony ILX-LR1 with TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module on the DJI X-Port gimbal](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/i/18c134e533d20433.jpg)

_Sony ILX-LR1 with the TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module on the DJI X-Port 3-axis gimbal._

## 2.1 Package Contents

The "Sony ILX-LR1 with TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module M400/M350 Kit" includes:

- Sony ILX-LR1 camera;
- TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module;
- X-Port mount (for DJI Matrice 400/350);
- Connection cables;
- microSD memory card.

The lens is supplied depending on the ordered configuration (see [chapter 2.4](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/system-description-and-design/)).

## 2.2 System Design

The system consists of three assemblies: the Sony ILX-LR1 camera with lens, the DJI X-Port 3-axis gimbal and the TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module, attached to the camera with a quick-release mount. The control unit has a microSD memory card slot for recording GNSS measurements.

![TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/i/75855df0f8d18093.jpg)

_TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module._

## 2.3 Supported Aircraft

The system is fully integrated with **DJI Matrice 400 and DJI Matrice 350 RTK** drones via the X-Port interface: the camera is controlled with the standard remote controller, and the video stream is transmitted in real time to the DJI Pilot 2 app.

## 2.4 Compatible Lenses

The system supports full-frame Sony E-mount lenses within the payload weight and size limits.

**Recommended lenses:**

| Lens | Part number | Note |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Sony FE 24mm f/2.8 G | SEL24F28G | - |
| Sony FE 28mm f/2.0 | SEL28F20 | - |
| Sonnar FE 35mm f/2.8 ZA | SEL35F28Z | - |
| Sony FE 40mm f/2.5 G | SEL40F25G | - |
| Sony FE 50mm f/2.5 G | SEL50F25G | - |
| Sigma 17mm f/4.0 DG | - | increased weight and size |

**Compatible with limitations:**

| Lens | Limitation |
| --- | --- |
| Sony FE 16mm f/1.8 G (SEL16F18G) | increased weight and protruding front element |
| Sonnar FE 55mm f/1.8 ZA (SEL55F18Z) | increased barrel length |

**Multispectral lenses:** AGROWING Quad 25mm, AGROWING Quad 55mm and AGROWING Sextuple 21.8mm (see [chapter 15](https://topodrone.com/knowledge/topodrone-sony-ilx-lr1/multispectral-survey-agrowing/)).

> **Note:** Other full-frame Sony E lenses can be used if their weight and size are within the system limits. Heavier or longer lenses can disturb the gimbal balance, flight stability and data collection accuracy.

> **Tip:** For drone operation, it is recommended to use fixed focal length (prime) lenses.

## 2.5 Sony ILX-LR1 Camera Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Camera type | Industrial, full-frame, interchangeable lens |
| Lens mount | Sony E |
| Sensor | Full-frame Exmor R CMOS, approx. 61 MP |
| Sensor size | 35.7 × 23.8 mm |
| Maximum image size (3:2), px | 9504 × 6336 |
| Image processor | BIONZ XR |
| Shutter | Mechanical (focal-plane) |
| ISO range | 100-32000, extended 50-102400 |
| Shutter speed range (mechanical shutter) | 1/4000 - 30 s, BULB |
| Shutter speed range (electronic shutter) | 1/8000 - 30 s |
| Exposure compensation | ±5.0 EV |
| File formats | JPEG, HEIF, RAW (Sony ARW) |
| Memory cards | SD, SDHC, SDXC (UHS-II) |
| Interfaces | USB Type-C (USB 3.2), Micro-HDMI, power and control connector |
| Power supply | 10-18 V DC |
| Power consumption (still shooting) | approx. 3.8 W |
| Operating temperature | 0 ... +40 °C |
| Storage temperature | -20 ... +55 °C |
| Body dimensions (without lens) | 100 × 74 × 42.5 mm |
| Body weight (without lens) | 243 g |

> **Note:** Source: the official Sony Help Guide for ILX-LR1 (helpguide.sony.net/ilc/2390), "Specifications" section.

## 2.6 TOPODRONE LR1 Control Module Specifications

| Specification | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Positioning modes | PPK, RTK (via the DJI drone RTK module) |
| Number of channels | 1408 |
| GNSS data recording rate | 20 Hz |
| Positioning accuracy, PPK | 3-5 cm |
| GPS | L1C/A, L2C, L1C, L2P (Y), L5 |
| GLONASS | L1, L2, L3 |
| BeiDou | B1I, B2I, B3I, B1C, B2a, B2b |
| Galileo | E1, E5b, E5a, E6 |
| QZSS | L1, L2, L5 |
| SBAS | L1C/A |
| Operation without ground control points | Yes |
| GNSS data recording | to microSD card |
| Maximum microSD card capacity | 32 GB |
| Built-in computer | Linux |
| Camera control from the remote controller | Yes (shutter release, exposure, settings) |
| Two payloads | Yes, via DJI Dual Gimbal Connector |
| Country of manufacture | Switzerland |