ACSL SOTEN Optical Zoom Camera

ACSL SOTEN Optical Zoom Camera: 2.5x Optical Zoom Payload for Stand-Off Inspection on the SOTEN Platform

The ACSL SOTEN Optical Zoom Camera is a 12 MP gimbal payload built exclusively for the ACSL SOTEN unmanned aircraft system, designed for missions where safe stand-off distance from the subject is as operationally important as image quality.

Manufactured by Xacti Corporation in Japan, it delivers 2.5x optical zoom across an 18 to 45 mm equivalent focal length range, allowing field operators to capture detailed imagery of elevated, energized, or otherwise hazardous assets without closing the distance between the aircraft and the structure.

It attaches and detaches via the SOTEN's one-touch swappable camera bay without tools, with the gimbal initializing automatically on power-up.

Key Features and Benefits

• Optical zoom: 2.5x optical zoom covers 18 to 45 mm equivalent focal length in flight
• Wide aperture: F2.0 at the wide end supports usable imagery in lower ambient light conditions
• Video resolution: records 4K at 30fps and 2.7K at up to 60fps in MOV/H.264 format
• Gimbal stabilization: 3-axis stabilization maintains ±0.02° accuracy across pan, tilt, and roll
• Stand-off imaging: tele end at 43° HFOV maintains safe aircraft distance from hazardous assets
• Electronic shutter: captures up to 1/8000 sec. for sharp imagery of static inspection subjects
• One-touch swap: attaches and detaches without tools; gimbal self-initializes on power-up
• Format support: shoots JPEG, DNG, or simultaneous JPEG+DNG at up to 12 MP resolution
• Tele FOV: H43°, V30°, D51° at full zoom for detailed stand-off subject framing
• ISO range: AUTO through ISO 6400 for adaptable exposure across varied field conditions

With a wide-end aperture of F2.0 and 4K video recording at 30fps, the Optical Zoom Camera handles both still documentation and video inspection workflows across powerline corridors, telecommunications towers, bridge structures, and other vertical or elevated assets.

Its 1/2.3-inch sensor and electronic shutter are optimized for stand-off visual inspection rather than survey-grade mapping, making it the right payload choice when the priority is safe aircraft positioning and detailed subject imaging at distance rather than geometric accuracy for photogrammetry pipelines.

Safe Distance, Detailed Results

Maintaining aircraft separation from energized infrastructure, tall structures, and confined access points is a core operational requirement for inspection programs, and the ACSL SOTEN Optical Zoom Camera is built around that constraint.

At its tele end, the 45 mm equivalent focal length and 43° horizontal field of view allow the SOTEN to hold position at a safe buffer from the subject while the camera frames the detail needed for defect identification, coating assessment, or structural documentation.

The wide-end F2.0 aperture gives operators flexibility when shooting in partially shaded or overcast conditions that would otherwise compromise exposure. At 4K/30fps with a 3-axis gimbal stabilized to ±0.02°, the payload produces stable, detailed video imagery that holds up to frame-by-frame review without introducing blur from aircraft motion or wind-induced vibration.

Compatibility and System Integration

• ACSL SOTEN: exclusive compatible aircraft via one-touch swappable camera bay interface
• ACSL TAKEOFF: fully integrated ground control application for mission planning and camera control
• ACSL TENSO Smart Controller: compatible for standard operational range and inspection deployment
• ACSL TAITEN Smart Controller: compatible with full gimbal control customization and extended range
• ACSL SOTEN Top Mount: compatible for upward-facing orientation on overhead structure inspections
• microSD storage: U3 or V30 minimum, up to 512GB; FAT32 and exFAT file systems supported
• ACSL SOTEN Standard Camera: swappable from the same bay when mission type changes in the field

Applications and Use Cases

• Powerline inspection: 2.5x zoom maintains safe separation from energized conductors and hardware
• Telecommunications tower inspection: tele end frames antenna mounts and cable runs at stand-off distance
• Bridge and structural inspection: zoom capability documents bearing surfaces and expansion joints safely
• Substation inspection: stand-off imaging of energized switchgear and transformer components reduces risk
• Roof and facade inspection: zoom frames cladding, joints, and drainage details from safe aircraft positions
• Industrial facility inspection: elevated tanks, stacks, and process equipment documented without proximity flight
• General visual inspection: wide-to-tele zoom range adapts to varied subject distances within a single sortie

The ACSL SOTEN Optical Zoom Camera solves the stand-off inspection problem directly—a Japan-manufactured, 2.5x optical zoom payload that keeps the aircraft at a safe operational distance while delivering the subject detail inspection programs depend on. For any SOTEN operator whose missions involve elevated, energized, or access-restricted assets, this payload extends what the platform can safely cover.

DSLRPros is an authorized U.S. dealer for the full ACSL SOTEN payload lineup. Our team can help you determine whether the Optical Zoom Camera, the Standard Camera, or a combination of both best fits your inspection workflow.

Order the ACSL SOTEN Optical Zoom Camera at DSLRPros today.