Sony IMX811 meets UltraCam: A new era of efficiency

Blog , Product Features

31 March 2025

Last updated on 07 Oct 2025

The demand for higher resolution and greater efficiency in aerial imaging is constantly growing. To meet these evolving requirements, the new UltraCam Osprey 4.2, UltraCam Dragon 4.2 and UltraCam Merlin 5.0 integrate Sony’s latest IMX811 CMOS sensor. With an impressive 247 effective megapixels and a refined 2.81 µm pixel pitch, this sensor represents a major leap in performance and a significant advancement in imaging technology.

In this blog post, we will explore how the cutting-edge IMX811, combined with custom UltraCam optics and advanced UltraMap processing, delivers unmatched efficiency and renowned industry-leading UltraCam nadir and oblique image quality —while seamlessly integrating into the existing Vexcel ecosystem.

What makes the IMX811 special?

Sony has long been a leader in sensor development, and the IMX811 is yet another testament of its technological superiority.

In 2024, Sony introduced the IMX811, a truly remarkable imaging sensor with approximately 250 MP—an increase of nearly 100 MP over its predecessor, the IMX411, which featured around 150 MP. The IMX811 utilizes significantly smaller 2.81 µm pixels compared to the IMX411’s 3.76 µm pixel pitch. This reduction results in a pixel area that is 1.8 times smaller, potentially leading to decreased light intake, increased noise, and reduced dynamic range. However, Sony has impressively engineered the new sensor to overcome these challenges, ensuring it maintains the same superior image quality as the IMX411.

IMX811: Higher pixel density, same outstanding image quality. Although the two sensors are similar in size, the IMX811 packs 1.8 times more pixels into the same area—all while maintaining exceptional image quality.

Enhanced resolution, consistent quality

Despite the smaller 2.81 µm pixels, UltraCam systems continue to deliver the industry-leading image quality and dynamic range. This is achieved through:

Our custom-designed lenses, which are optimized to fully resolve the new sensor
Our proprietary True Pixel Processing (TPP), which significantly improves the signal-to-noise-ratio (SNR) of the processed nadir and oblique images captured by the sensor
Sony's outstanding sensor performance

Significant gains in collection efficiency

The IMX811 sensor boosts UltraCam efficiency and coverage substantially. With significantly greater flight line efficiency, it allows for wider swaths and most efficient data collection. Additionally, air traffic control (ATC) restrictions have less impact, as the new sensors enable higher flight altitudes while maintaining the same ground sample distance (GSD) as predecessor systems.

Full compatibility with established workflows and systems

Rapid capture intervalls. With a higher pixel count comes an increase in data volume, which must be efficiently transferred and processed. The advanced computing system of UltraCam systems are designed to meet this demand, enabling data capture at up to 1 frame every 0.7 seconds.

Seamless integration with UltraMap Workflow. Data from new UltraCam systems can be processed within the UltraMap workflow as usual. There are no new system requirements for processing the larger images; comparable project sizes can be processed within similar processing times.