Understanding Skydio X10 camera and video settings
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When your drone captures a photo or video, it will save one image file with the color camera. Two files will save if you have JPG and DNG enabled. If you would like Skydio X10 to also capture an image file with the thermal camera, enable Thermal Capture within the Thermal Settings.
Use Camera Mode on the right sidebar to switch between photo or video. Skydio X10 can capture photos or videos but not both at the same time. Your color and thermal cameras will always be in the same Camera Mode.
Access your photos and videos using the Media menu located in Global Settings.
[note] Photo and Video mode settings are independent of each other and persist through mode changes, but not power cycles. [/note]
[accordion heading="Capture Settings (Photo and Video)"]
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Brightness Exposure Value (EV) Refers to the amount of light the camera Negative numbers result in darker images (less exposure) while positive numbers result in brighter images (more exposure).
White Balance Balances the color temperature in your photo. If the whites in your picture are too orange, for example, adding the opposite color (blue) will balance them out. Lower values result in a cooler (blues) image while higher values result in a warmer (yellows) image.
ISO Brightens or darkens your photo. When in low-light conditions, raising the ISO value will brighten the image, however you may see some graininess.
Shutter Refers to the length of time a photo is exposed. Slower shutter speed means greater exposure, while faster shutter speed means less exposure.
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[accordion heading="Focus and Exposure"]
To view the various focus options, select the Focus Control button on the right side of the Flight Screen.
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AutoFocus (AF) By default, your camera will be set to automatically adjust focus and exposure. In this focus mode, focus will generally prioritize objects in the center of the screen. Manual Focus (MF) After selecting the Manual Focus icon, two more button options will appear.
Tap to Focus Touch anywhere on the screen to focus on an area of interest, or select the icon to center. The Focus Indicator will turn green once the image is sharp and clear. |
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[accordion heading="Zoom Settings (Photo and Video)"]
To zoom in digitally, place your finger on the right controller wheel and push it to the left. Customize this using Input Mapping (Flight Controls > Controls).
Quickly snap to a zoom level using the Zoom buttons on the right side of the screen.
VT300-Z Sensor Package
- 4.3x - transitions between narrow and telephoto lens
- 1x - default zoom level of narrow lens
- .5x - Surround Vision
VT300-L Sensor
- 2x - transitions between wide and narrow lens, 64x max system zoom
- 1x - default zoom level of wide lens
- .5x - Surround Vision
[note] Images and videos taken while zoomed in will be saved at that zoom level. [/note]
Surround Vision
Surround Vision uses Skydio X10 navigation cameras to generate an ultra-wide view of your environment for situational awareness.
[note] Photos and videos captured when in Surround Vision will be saved at 1x zoom.[/note]
Thermal Zoom
The thermal camera will zoom up to 16x, but you may continue to zoom using the color camera. If any Tools are enabled, such as Region of Interest, they will dynamically adjust to fit the screen as you zoom.
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[accordion heading="Shutter Indicators"]
The Shutter is located in the bottom right of the Flight Screen and indicates the current state of Photo or Video mode.
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Photo Mode
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Ready for capture Pressed Disabled Interval |
| Video Mode |
Manual Record Manual Record (Pressed) Recording Auto Recording Auto Recording (Paused) |
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[accordion heading="Photo Settings"]
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File Type Choose whether you want Skydio to capture JPG images only, or both JPG and DNG files.
Resolution Refers to the amount of detail in your video. Measured in megapixels.
Camera Mode Standard - Designed for typical, everyday lighting conditions. Provides a balanced, standard level of exposure, image processing, and contrast. Low Light - Designed for environments with dim lighting, such as indoors or evening. Settings are adjusted to capture more light, reduce noise, and improve visibility. Only available with 1/4 Resolution. HDR - Designed to capture environments with a wide range of brightness levels. Only available with 1/4 Resolution. Interval When enabled, Skydio X10 will continuously capture photos at the specified time interval until the setting is disabled or the flight ends. |
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[accordion heading="Video Settings"]
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Auto Start Recording When enabled, Skydio X10 will record video automatically. When disabled, tap the on screen Shutter button or on the controller (R1 button) to start/stop video recording. File Type Select between H.264 and H.265 compression formats, depending on your preferences for video quality, file size, and playback compatibility.
Resolution Select between 4K and Full HD, which refers to the amount of detail in your video. Measured in pixels.
Camera Mode Standard - Designed for typical, everyday lighting conditions. Provides a balanced, standard level of exposure, image processing, and contrast. Low Light - Designed for environments with dim lighting, such as indoors or evening. Settings are adjusted to capture more light, reduce noise, and improve visibility. HDR - Designed to capture environments with a wide range of brightness levels. Aspect Ratio Sets the shape and framing of your video.
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Explore More
Getting Started with Skydio X10
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