Selecting a UAV with a camera (integrated or separate) that has suitable characteristics can help with efficient processing and accurate results in PhotoModeler. There are a number of UAVs with integrated camera systems that can be used for photogrammetric work. Recent models have better optics, lower distortion, and less effects from image compression compared to older integrated cameras.
Full-size DSLRs will often yield the highest-quality photos with more options for good lenses, but are heavy which requires a larger, more powerful, and typically more expensive UAV to get reasonable flight times.
If you are considering a separate UAS and camera (instead of all-in-one) an alternative to a DSLR may be to look at the smaller and lighter mirrorless cameras. They are small and light compared to a DSLR, plus the shorter focal length makes it easier to have the entire image in focus yet not so short focal as to cause excessive lens distortion for PhotoModeler to adjust for.
Items we consider important to look for in selecting a UAS/UAV drone system for use with PhotoModeler include the following.
• Camera mount that can do different angles relative to ground, forward-looking position for buildings and structures with more vertical faces, and nadir position (points straight down) for ground mapping projects.
• Stabilized camera mount or at least vibration reduction. The camera itself should NOT do an internal stabilization.
• Flight planning software for automated flight lines and automated photography for proper overlap between adjacent photos.
• Flight planning for mode for buildings that can fly a circular path with camera pointing inward at a central object like a building (if this is your application).
• Highest resolution camera, best optical quality and no excessive image compression.
• Camera that takes still images (not just video) and stores information in the EXIF image headers.
• Fast lens for reasonably short shutter times to reduce blur, especially for lower light conditions or higher speed flights.
• Fixed focal length lens.
• Minimal rolling shutter effects (may take some careful research for candidate camera models).
• On-board GPS unit (or GPS/IMU, or RTK GPS for even higher positioning accuracy) for GPS data embedded in images or in separate file, that has precise timing of storage of GPS data related to photo capture time.
• Precise altimeter (with data stored to file or EXIF header with the GPS).
Note that a UAS/drone package may not meet every one of these items which form a lengthy wish list in total, but it should be possible to meet most of these requirements with various products now available.