Fujifilm has produced a Linux SDK for its GFX100 series of cameras. The company developed the software for drone manufacturers that want to use the medium-format cameras on their drones.
What’s an SDK?
A software development kit (SDK) is sometimes also known as a devkit. It’s a set of software tools that developers can use to produce new software for a platform such as Windows, macOS or Linux. An SDK also includes software elements such as building blocks and debuggers. In addition, an SDK often comes with a framework or group of code libraries such as a set of routines specific to an operating system.
Why Linux?
Fujifilm already offers SDKs for Windows and MacOS computers. Third-party companies use the SDKs to develop software to camera control software for Fujifilm cameras. However, the new Linux SDK is the first one that Fujifilm has produced for that computer platform. The SDK was developed for use by drone manufacturers as they often use the Linux operating system on their products.
Why the GFX100?
Professional drones are often used by surveying companies to inspect infrastructure elements in remote or difficult to access places. The Fujifilm GFX100S II features a GFX 102 MP CMOS II medium format sensor which is nearly 70% larger than a full-frame sensor. As a result, the camera takes very high resolution photographs. This is also ideal for survey work which needs to identify very small cracks and other faults in structures, such as bridges or buildings.
What next?
Fujifilm is initially working with a company called Autonomy Holdings Inc. in Japan. Autonomy is using the SDK to combine a GFX100 camera with its surveying drone, the Surveyor IV. This means that the drone operator will be able to control the camera and capture high resolution images from the drone.
What we think
Medium format cameras such as Fujifilm’s GFX100 capture very high resolution images. These are often used to capture high quality images for billboards and similar scenarios where very detailed images are required. However, it’s interesting to see that Fujifilm has acknowledged the industrial applications for the GFX100. It is also another example of how drones are now widely used across many commercial areas.
Pricing and availability
Fujifilm is making the Linux SDK available to companies now. However, Fujifilm has said that the Linux SDK is currently only intended for use in Japan.
