Camera Setup

This section will help with setup of the camera if the settings are lost. The camera comes configured from BST and this should generally not be required.

Sony a5100

  • While installed in the S1, unplug the triggering cable (micro USB).
  • Power on the S1.
  • Set zone, date, and time
  • Shutter priority mode
    • Use the select button to open up your camera modes
    • Scroll until the cursor is on “S” : Shutter Priority
    • 1/1600 shutter speed
  • Scroll right (or left) until the shutter speed on the bottom left reads 1/1600
  • 30 minute power-off timeout and touch operation
    • Open the menu
    • Scroll to and select "Setup"
    • Press the right direction on the scroll wheel to page 2
    • Select “Pwr Save Start Time”
    • Scroll to and select “30 Min”
    • Press the select button to save the setting
    • Scroll down one more line to "Touch Operation"
    • Select and scroll to "Off"
    • Press the select button to save the setting
  • Manual Focus: Infinity focus
    • Use the Menu button to go to "Camera Settings"
    • On page 3 the third line down is "Focus Mode"
    • Select this line and scroll down to "MF"
    • Press select to save this setting
    • When viewing the picture you’re about to take, use the focus ring on the lense and twist it all the way right (CW if looking at from the back of the camera: with the lens facing away).
  • Auto ISO (default: Camera Settings, page 4, 4th line)
  • White Balance setting fixed to 'Auto' (default: Camera Settings, page 5, 2nd line)
  • Once all settings are set up, power cycle the camera keeping the aircraft on. This makes sure all settings are saved.
  • Power off the S1, plug in the triggering cable from the payload actuator board and power on the S1 to ensure, one last time, the setting have been saved.

Specifications

Imaging
Lens MountSony E-Mount
Camera FormatAPS-C (1.5x Crop Factor)
PixelsActual: 24.7 Megapixel
Effective: 24.3 Megapixel
Max Resolution24 MP: 6000 x 4000
Aspect Ratio3:2, 16:9
Sensor Type / SizeCMOS, 23.5 x 15.6 mm
File Formats Still Images: JPEG, RAW
Movies: AVCHD Ver. 2.0, MP4, XAVC S
Audio: AAC LC, AC3, Dolby Digital 2ch, Linear PCM (Stereo)
Bit Depth14-Bit
Dust Reduction SystemYes
Memory Card TypeMemory Stick Pro Duo
Memory Stick PRO HG-Duo
Memory Stick XC-HG Duo
SD
SDHC
SDXC
Focus Control
Focus TypeAuto & Manual
Focus Mode Automatic (A), Continuous-Servo AF (C), Direct Manual Focus (DMF), Manual Focus (M), Single-servo AF (S)
Autofocus PointsPhase Detection: 179
Contrast Detection: 25
Viewfinder/Display
Viewfinder TypeNone
Display Screen3" Rear Touchscreen Tilting LCD (921,600)
Exposure Control
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100-25600
ShutterType: Electronic & Mechanical
Speed: 30 - 1/4000 Second , Bulb Mode
Type: Electronic & Mechanical
Speed: 1/4 - 1/4000 Second in Movie Mode
Exposure ModesModes: Aperture Priority, Intelligent Auto, Manual, Movie, Programmed Auto, Scene Selection, Shutter Priority, Superior Auto, Sweep Panorama
Metering Range: EV -1.0 - EV 20.0
Compensation: -3 EV to +3 EV (in 1/3 EV Steps)
White Balance ModesAuto, Cloudy, Color Temperature, Color Temperature Filter, Custom, Daylight, Flash, Fluorescent (Cool White), Fluorescent (Day White), Fluorescent (Daylight), Fluorescent (Warm White), Incandescent, Shade, Underwater
Buffer/Continuous ShootingUp to 6 fps at 24 MP for up to 75 Frames
Up to 3 fps at 24 MP for up to 75 Frames
Performance
Self Timer10 Seconds, 2 Seconds
ConnectivityHDMI D (Micro), Micro-USB
Wi-Fi CapableYes
Power
Battery1 x NP-FW50 Rechargeable Lithium-Ion Battery Pack, 7.7 VDC, 1080 mAh
AC Power AdapterAC-PW20 (Optional)
Physical
Dimensions (W x H x D)4.3 x 2.5 x 1.4" / 109.6 x 62.8 x 35.7 mm excluding protrusions
Weight9.983 oz / 283 g with battery and memory card
Sony 16mm F/2.8 Lens
Focal Length16mm
Comparable 35mm Focal Length: 24 mm
ApertureMaximum: f/2.8
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount TypeSony E
Format CompatibilityAPS-C
Angle of View83°
Minimum Focus Distance9.45" (24 cm)
Magnification0.078x
Elements/Groups5 / 5
Diaphragm Blades7, Rounded