Shop Sentera Payloads

Sentera Drone Payloads: Multispectral, Thermal, and High-Resolution RGB Sensors for Agriculture, Inspection, and Environmental Monitoring

Sentera is a Minneapolis-based manufacturer of drone sensor systems designed for precision agriculture, infrastructure inspection, and environmental monitoring. All Sentera sensors are NDAA-compliant and manufactured in the United States, making them suitable for federal programs and government-adjacent operations where DJI-exclusive solutions are restricted. DSLRPros carries the Sentera 6X Thermal family for the DJI Matrice platform and the Sentera 65R in configurations for both DJI Matrice and Inspired Flight platforms, alongside the Sentera 6X Calibrated Reflectance Panel Kit for radiometric calibration workflows.

The defining characteristic of Sentera's approach is sensor integration: rather than building single-purpose cameras, Sentera combines multispectral, RGB, and thermal imaging into a single synchronized payload that collects all data types in one flight without swapping sensors or making multiple passes. This matters operationally because thermal crop stress and spectral vegetation indices measured on different days, at different sun angles, under different illumination conditions, are not directly comparable. Capturing both in one synchronized pass eliminates that source of error.

The Sentera Lineup at DSLRPros

What Each Sentera Payload Does

Sentera 6X Thermal Pro Sensor Kit for M300/M350/M400 is the highest-specification Sentera payload in this collection. It integrates four 3.2 MP global shutter multispectral imagers (Blue 475 nm, Green 560 nm, Red 668 nm, Red Edge 717 nm, NIR 842 nm), a 640x512 FLIR Boson radiometric thermal sensor, and a 20 MP RGB camera in a single synchronized payload. All sensors capture simultaneously on the same trigger event, ensuring that the thermal and multispectral datasets are spatially aligned at the pixel level without requiring post-flight band registration. This is the critical operational advantage over collecting thermal and spectral on separate flights: sun angle, crop temperature, and moisture conditions all change over the course of a field day, and data collected hours apart under different conditions is less analytically reliable than data collected in the same pass. The 640x512 FLIR Boson thermal core provides four times the thermal pixel density of the standard 6X Thermal, enabling finer spatial resolution of temperature variation across a field. Compatible with the DJI Matrice 300 RTK, Matrice 350 RTK, and Matrice 400 via DJI Skyport V2 interface.

Sentera 6X Thermal Sensor Kit for M300/M350/M400 uses the same six-band multispectral architecture and 20 MP RGB camera as the Pro variant, with a 320x256 FLIR Boson radiometric thermal core. This is the entry-tier thermal-plus-multispectral configuration: the multispectral capability is identical to the Pro, and the thermal data is radiometric and therefore usable for canopy temperature analysis. The practical limitation relative to the Pro is thermal spatial resolution. At 320x256, individual hotspots within a canopy (for example, a single stressed plant within a uniform field) that the Pro's 640x512 sensor would resolve may be averaged into adjacent pixels. For broad-area thermal stress mapping across a field where per-plant resolution is not required, the standard 6X Thermal provides the same analytical framework at a lower cost. Compatible with DJI Matrice 300 RTK, Matrice 350 RTK, and Matrice 400 via Skyport V2.

Sentera 65R Sensor Kit for M300/M350/M400 (27mm Skyport V2) is a single-purpose ultra-high-resolution RGB mapping sensor. At 65.4 MP (9344x7000 pixels) with a 3.2 µm pixel pitch and a 43 mm focal length, it achieves 0.45 cm/pixel ground sampling distance at low altitude. Capture rate is 3 frames per second, and data is written to 512 GB of internal NVMe PCIe storage without requiring microSD card management. The Gpixel GMAX3265 sensor uses a global shutter, eliminating rolling shutter distortion during forward flight. There is no multispectral or thermal capability on the 65R. It is the correct sensor for programs requiring the highest possible RGB resolution and area coverage efficiency per flight: large-scale orthomosaic production, high-resolution site documentation, precision agriculture visual-band analysis, or AI/ML classification workflows that require maximum spatial detail. Compatible with DJI Matrice 300 RTK, Matrice 350 RTK, and Matrice 400 via 27 mm DJI Skyport V2.

Inspired Flight Sentera 65R for IF800 and IF1200 is the same 65.4 MP Gpixel global shutter sensor in a Smart Dovetail configuration for the Inspired Flight IF800 and IF1200 platforms. The sensor specifications are identical to the Skyport V2 version. The Smart Dovetail provides tool-free quick-release payload mounting for rapid field swaps between sensors. This is the configuration for programs requiring the 65R's ultra-high-resolution mapping capability on an NDAA-compliant Blue UAS platform where DJI aircraft cannot be used.

Sentera 6X Calibrated Reflectance Panel Kit is the white reference calibration target for Sentera 6X Thermal and 6X Thermal Pro workflows. It contains factory-measured, spectrally stable reflectance values across all six sensor bands. Photographs of the panel are taken on the ground before takeoff and immediately after landing on every mission. Processing software uses these panel captures to compute the ratio between the known reflectance of the panel and what the sensor recorded under the specific illumination conditions of that flight, then applies that correction across the entire image dataset. Without this calibration step, the multispectral and thermal reflectance values in the dataset are illumination-dependent and cannot be compared reliably across flights or dates. The panel is required for all vegetation index workflows (NDVI, NDRE, GNDVI) that depend on calibrated reflectance values. It is compatible with the Sentera 6X Thermal and 6X Thermal Pro. MicaSense sensor users should purchase the MicaSense Calibrated Reflectance Panel 2, which is calibrated for MicaSense sensor spectral bands.

6X Thermal vs. 6X Thermal Pro: Which to Choose

Both sensors deliver the same multispectral capability (five bands plus RGB), the same radiometric thermal measurement (FLIR Boson, fully calibrated), and the same synchronized multi-sensor capture. The decision comes down to how much thermal spatial resolution the mission requires.

The Pro's 640x512 thermal core (327,680 pixels) resolves individual plant-scale thermal anomalies within a field canopy, identifies per-row irrigation variation in drip-irrigated systems, and supports analysis where the spatial distribution of temperature within a zone matters, not just the average zone temperature. For programs conducting agronomic research trials, high-value crop monitoring, or thermal irrigation mapping where within-field temperature gradients need to be resolved at fine spatial scales, the Pro is the appropriate sensor.

The standard 6X Thermal's 320x256 core (81,920 pixels) provides four times fewer thermal pixels at the same altitude. Broad-area crop stress mapping, general irrigation uniformity assessment, and season-long field health monitoring where field-level temperature patterns matter more than within-canopy spatial detail are all well-served at 320x256 thermal resolution. The lower cost makes it the appropriate entry point for programs adding thermal to an existing multispectral workflow without a specific requirement for higher thermal resolution.

65R vs. 6X Thermal: Choosing Between RGB Mapping and Multispectral Analysis

The 65R and 6X Thermal family target completely different workflows and cannot substitute for each other.

The 65R produces ultra-high-resolution RGB imagery. It does not capture any spectral bands beyond the visible range and does not measure temperature. Its output is visually detailed georeferenced imagery: the highest-resolution orthomosaics and 3D models achievable from drone-mounted sensors in this collection, at 0.45 cm/pixel GSD. Programs that need to count individual plants, document site conditions at sub-centimeter resolution, support AI-based classification of crops, weeds, or ground cover types, or produce photogrammetric deliverables where pixel density drives deliverable quality should use the 65R.

The 6X Thermal family produces calibrated reflectance data across five narrow spectral bands plus radiometric thermal temperature data. The spectral resolution is what enables vegetation indices (NDVI, NDRE, GNDVI) that RGB cameras cannot produce reliably. Programs that need to measure crop health, identify nutrient stress, map irrigation uniformity, or assess thermal crop water stress should use the 6X Thermal or 6X Thermal Pro. The RGB imagery from the 6X Thermal's 20 MP camera is useful for georeferencing and visual context but is not a substitute for the 65R's spatial resolution.

For programs requiring both ultra-high-resolution visual documentation and multispectral analysis of the same field, the two sensor types are used on separate flights or on separate platforms operating simultaneously.

Platform Compatibility at DSLRPros

• DJI Matrice 300 RTK: 6X Thermal Pro (Skyport V2), 6X Thermal (Skyport V2), 65R (27 mm Skyport V2)
• DJI Matrice 350 RTK: 6X Thermal Pro (Skyport V2), 6X Thermal (Skyport V2), 65R (27 mm Skyport V2)
• DJI Matrice 400: 6X Thermal Pro (Skyport V2), 6X Thermal (Skyport V2), 65R (27 mm Skyport V2 adapter; confirm integration with DSLRPros before ordering)
• Inspired Flight IF800: Sentera 65R for IF800 (Smart Dovetail)
• Inspired Flight IF1200: Sentera 65R for IF800/IF1200 (Smart Dovetail)

Note: The DJI Matrice 4 Series (4T, 4E, 4D, 4TD) and DJI Matrice 30T have fixed integrated camera systems and no payload port. Sentera sensors are not compatible with any Matrice 4 Series or Matrice 30T aircraft. Confirm compatibility before purchasing if you fly any other platform not listed above.

Where Sentera Payloads Get Used

• Precision agriculture crop health monitoring: 6X Thermal Pro or 6X Thermal collect NDVI, NDRE, and canopy temperature in a single synchronized flight, generating crop stress maps, irrigation anomaly maps, and nitrogen status indicators that support variable-rate application prescription generation
• Agronomic research and field trials: calibrated multispectral data from Sentera sensors provides the radiometric consistency across flights and dates required for replicated experimental designs comparing variety performance, fungicide timing, or fertilizer rate treatments
• Irrigation management: canopy temperature from the 6X Thermal Pro's 640x512 thermal core identifies crop water stress through evapotranspiration-driven temperature differentials that appear before visible wilting, enabling irrigation scheduling adjustments that prevent yield loss
• Utility inspection on NDAA platforms: the 65R for IF800 and IF1200 provides sub-centimeter-resolution RGB documentation of infrastructure surfaces on NDAA-compliant aircraft for programs where DJI platforms are restricted
• Large-area RGB mapping and orthomosaic production: the 65R's 65.4 MP global shutter sensor at 3 fps and 512 GB internal storage enables efficient large-area coverage without card management interruptions, producing the highest-resolution orthomosaics achievable with drone-mounted sensors in this collection
• AI and machine learning workflows requiring maximum spatial detail: the 65R's 0.45 cm/pixel GSD supports plant-level classification, weed detection, canopy gap analysis, and other computer vision applications that require sub-centimeter spatial resolution to distinguish target features
• Environmental monitoring and vegetation classification: Sentera multispectral bands align with standard remote sensing band sets, enabling discrimination of vegetation communities, invasive species detection, and habitat condition assessment through spectral signature analysis

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the Sentera 6X Thermal and the 6X Thermal Pro?

The 6X Thermal uses a 320x256 FLIR Boson radiometric thermal core. The 6X Thermal Pro uses a 640x512 FLIR Boson, providing four times the thermal pixel count at the same altitude. Both are radiometric, both support the same five multispectral bands and 20 MP RGB camera, and both are compatible with the DJI Matrice 300/350/400 via Skyport V2. The multispectral and RGB capability is identical between the two; only the thermal resolution differs. Choose the Pro when the mission requires resolving fine-scale within-field temperature variation. Choose the standard 6X Thermal when broad-area thermal stress patterns are sufficient and cost is a consideration.

Are Sentera sensors NDAA-compliant?

Yes. All Sentera sensors are designed and manufactured in the United States and are NDAA Section 848 compliant. This makes them suitable for federal programs, government contracts, and operations where hardware manufactured in countries of security concern is restricted. The Sentera 65R for IF800/IF1200 paired with the Inspired Flight platform provides a fully NDAA-compliant aerial imaging stack for both mapping and inspection applications.

Do I need the Sentera 6X Calibrated Reflectance Panel Kit?

Yes, for any quantitative vegetation index workflow. The calibrated reflectance panel converts raw sensor output into true surface reflectance values that can be compared across flights, dates, and sites. Without it, multispectral data is illumination-dependent and reflectance values are not directly comparable between missions. The panel must be photographed before takeoff and after landing on every multispectral flight. It is compatible with the 6X Thermal and 6X Thermal Pro. MicaSense sensor users should use the MicaSense Calibrated Reflectance Panel 2 instead.

Can the Sentera 65R produce multispectral or thermal data?

No. The 65R is a single-band RGB sensor capturing visible light at ultra-high resolution. It does not include any narrow-band multispectral filters, near-infrared bands, or thermal sensing capability. It cannot be used to calculate NDVI, NDRE, or other vegetation indices. For programs requiring both ultra-high-resolution RGB and multispectral analysis of the same area, two separate sensors on two separate flights are required.

What software processes Sentera data?

Sentera multispectral and thermal data is compatible with PIX4Dfields (recommended for fast field-level NDVI and crop health outputs), PIX4Dmapper (for survey-grade geospatial outputs), Agisoft Metashape, and other major photogrammetry and remote sensing platforms. The 65R outputs standard JPEG and RAW formats compatible with any photogrammetry software. Sentera also provides its own AgX analytics platform for agronomic output workflows. PIX4Dfields and PIX4Dmapper are available at DSLRPros in the PIX4D software collection.

DSLRPros is an authorized Sentera dealer carrying the full Sentera payload lineup and calibration accessories. Our team provides pre-sale compatibility confirmation, platform matching, and configuration guidance for every Sentera order. Contact us to confirm which Sentera sensor fits your aircraft and mission, or to request a quote on a complete multispectral or mapping system.