EarthCam has introduced the world's highest-resolution robotic webcam, the GigapixelCam X80. The new webcam can record 80,000MP panoramas. To celebrate the camera's launch, EarthCam also premiered an 80 gigapixel image of New York City, captured from the top of the Empire State Building.
The GigapixelCam X80's resolution is 700 percent greater than EarthCam's previous highest-resolution webcam. The X80 offers 360 degrees of rotation using an ultra-precise, military-grade pan/tilt/zoom base and fast remote control over IP, 4G LTE and 5G networks. Per EarthCam, a single X80 can 'cover more ground than dozens of fixed cameras to scan massive subjects, such as cityscapes, bridges and stadiums. '
Click to enlarge
The GigapixelCam uses a stock a7R IV and Sony's SDK development kit to drive the system. Using the 61MP sensor, GigapixelCam X80 captures thousands of extreme close-up images and stitches them together to create a single 80 gigapixel panorama. 'This enables highly detailed rapid archiving for analytic applications and extraordinary digital movements in the creation of epic cinematic time-lapse movies,' said EarthCam.
GigapixelCam X80 key features. Click to enlarge.
Yang Cheng, Vice President, Imaging Solutions, Sony Electronics Inc. , adds, 'Sony Electronics Inc. is pleased to work with EarthCam to realize this milestone achievement for the industry. Our ultra-high resolution Alpha
The detail the GigapixelCam X80 can record using Sony's 61MP image sensor is readily apparent in EarthCam's new image of New York City, which can be seen in all its glory by clicking here. You can zoom in a lot.
EarthCam's new 80 gigapixel image of New York City, as shot by the GigapixelCam X80 from the top of the Empire State Building, is the 'most detailed photo' ever captured of New York City, per EarthCam. Image credit: EarthCam
'The GigapixelCam X80 embodies our commitment to next-generation webcam technology creating new artistic and commercial possibilities for entertainment, construction and security applications,' said Brian Cury, Founder and CEO at EarthCam, 'Sony and its Alpha brand camera line are proving to be outstanding to collaborate with as we continue to push boundaries and transform the art of visual information. '
A zoomed in view of the above image
As mentioned, GigapixelCam X80 automatically stitches together thousands of images to produce an 80 gigapixel panorama. This process also includes self-healing and auto-recovery technology, which is possible thanks to an industrial solid-state drive paired with an ARM9 CPU. The camera runs on an embedded Linux OS platform. Along with third-party software integration, GigapixelCam X80 allows the user to record panoramas, 360-degree VR images and videos, download videos and download time-lapse movies.
Fully zoomed in on a building near the left edge of the above crop
To learn more about EarthCam GigapixelCam X80, visit EarthCam. EarthCam has documented many projects since its founding in 1996, including recent construction projects like the Suffolk building in Boston, SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles and Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. You can view videos from EarthCam on its YouTube channel.
Correction: (Thursday, April 22, 2021 at 1:39 PM): A previous version of this article stated the GigapixelCam X80 was powered by the same sensor found inside the Sony a7R IV. It’s not just the sensor at the core of the camera, it’s an entire stock a7R IV, powered by Sony’s SDK development kit. The article has been updated to reflect this correction.
. dpreview.com2021-4-23 16:29