Sony launches industrial strength E-mount camera, ILX-LR1

Sony Electronics launched the new ILX-LR1, an interchangeable lens camera designed for industrial use with an approximately 61 megapixel 35mm full-frame image sensor. The camera is suited inspection, investigation, surveying, and mapping by drone, the company said. The new ILX-LR1 is expected to be available at the end of November through Sony and a variety of Sony’s authorized dealers for body only: MSRP $2,950 USD, $4,016 CAN.

“As the industrial market for drones expands, we recognized the need for a compact, lightweight, and full-frame option that prioritizes image quality and offers remote capabilities. This is a gamechanger for many in the industry,” says Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics. “With the launch of the ILX-LR1, we’ve taken Sony’s trusted legacy and expertise in imaging and paired it with the benefits of our E-mount interchangeable lens system and Camera Remote SDK to create a versatile new ecosystem optimized for photography, which supports a diverse range of industrial applications.”

The ILX-LR1 captures high resolution, low noise, and wide dynamic range images that reveal fine details like small scratches and cracks during inspection and investigation. It also has a selection of a continuous shooting capability such as 3 frames per second, which is suitable for mapping shooting. 

With the ILX-LR1’s size and functionality, it can be used for a variety of job sites and purposes such as utilities, green energy, telecommunications, transportation, construction, and land management projects. The compact, box-shaped camera has screw holes (M3) for secure mounting, in any suitable location, on any of its six sides including for attaching to a drone, industrial machines, robots and/or submersibles. In addition, it has mounting screw hole (1/4-20 UNC) on the bottom surface. The USB Type-C and HDMI Micro (Type D) are together on the rear of the camera.