What is a 2 Axis Drone Gimbal camera?

In order to provide aerial footage of an area for different applications using a manned or unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV or drone), including but not limited to surveillance, mapping, or photogrammetry, an optical payload or a gimbal camera plays an essential role. A gimbal camera which consists of a camera and a gimbal stabilizer provides stabilization to remove the vibrations coming from the drone’s body to avoid blurry images and provide a clear image.

Stabilization is achieved with the help of brushless motors, in multiple axes, with the data coming from different sensors embedded in the device (IMU and encoders). So a 2 axis drone gimbal is a gimbal camera that performs stabilization on 2 axis which is usually Pitch and Yaw.

2 Axis Gimbal Camera vs 3 Axis Gimbal Camera

Do you want to stabilize your UAV’s camera with a 2-axis gimbal for smooth aerial shots? Compared to a 3 axis drone gimbal which stabilizes the camera on three axes (roll, pitch, and yaw are stabilized using a brushless or servo motor), a 2 axis drone gimbal is able to provide stabilization only on two axes. A better stabilization performance can be achieved with a 3 axis gimbal camera.

However, it comes with the extra cost and more complexity and less robustness against the wind in some UAV drone frames. 

Multi-sensor 2 axis gimbal camera with high resolution sensors

Do you need a 2-axis gimbal camera with high-resolution capabilities and advanced controls? MotioNew provides different models of drone camera gimbal and payloads suitable for different needs and applications.

We provide various models of gimbal cameras including but not limited to gimbal models with a single sensor – which can be either a day light sensor, or a night sensor such as U30T, or gimbal camera with multiple sensors (more than two sensors) with usually a day sensor and a night sensor such as U818 gimbal camera, or gimbals with a day sensor and a laser range finder (LRF) such as U30TIRM Pro. 

MotioNew has 2 axis drone gimbals with up to 30x optical zoom with high resolution sensors. Eagle Eye MS-4A is a gimbal camera with 30x zoom. We also have gimbal cameras with high resolution thermal sensor (1280×1024) such as U30TIRM Pro Gimbal Camera, as well as models with optical zoom thermal sensors such as Eagle Eye MS-5A Gimbal Camera which has a thermal zoom sensor.

MotioNew also provides gimbal cameras with laser range finder with different working ranges such as Eagle Eye MS-5D industrial multi-sensor gimbal with 30km laser range finder. It has a Full HD Zoom MWIR thermal sensor.

Small and lightweight 2 axis gimbal camera 

Are you looking for a 2-axis gimbal with precise stabilization and lightweight design for your UAV? Do you need a lightweight and durable 2-axis gimbal for your UAV? U2 Ultra Gimbal Camera is an ultra lightweight 2 axis gimbal camera which only weighs 80g and is only 8 cm tall, with dual EO sensors.

U7DER is only 540g while multiple sensors are embedded on it including a dual EO sensors (with 7.2mm and 25mm prime lens), and dual 640×512 thermal sensor with 13mm and 35mm lens. Some small models also include a laser range finder, such as the U818M with a 1200m laser range finder.

AI target detection and tracking 

Are you looking for a gimbal drone with advanced tracking features? MotioNew gimbal cameras provide Artificial Intelligence (AI) in order to do AI object detection and tracking. They are capable of detecting more than 10 simultaneous targets including humans and cars.

It is also possible to customize the model to detect other desired objects like animals. Models that have a laser range finder can also estimate the distance from the gimbal to the target object, and provide the target GPS location including latitude and longitude. 

Video Output and Control Interfaces

Are you searching for a versatile 2-axis gimbal camera that’s compatible with multiple devices? Are you looking for a gimbal that’s easy to integrate with your UAV? MotioNew’s 2 axis drone gimbal models are equipped with standard interfaces to be compatible with all devices.

The output video stream is accessible using HDMI or Ethernet ports. It is also necessary to mention that due to the small form factor of the lightweight gimbal cameras, they only provide video output on the Ethernet port and an HDMI port is not available on them.

HDMI output can be viewed directly on a monitor, while Ethernet should be connected to a videolink with a Ethernet interface to transmit the data, or can be connected to a PC. The Ethernet video output can be captured using known video player softwares such as VLC player.

However, some Ground Control Station Software such as MissionPlanner and QGroundControl also support the playback of the video stream. The video stream is usually streamed over UDP or RTSP. MotioNew’s 2 axis gimbal cameras are also controllable using PWM, SBUS, or Ethernet. To use the PWM or SBUS interface you will require a radio controller, which can be the same radio control that is used to control your drone.

Price Range

Do you want a budget-friendly gimbal for steady UAV footage? Different models of 2 axis drone gimbals offered by MotioNew can be as cheap as less than 5000$, such as U8L gimbal camera or U30T gimbal camera, or they can cost more than 10000$ such as models with more sophisticated sensors or those that have multiple sensors.