DJI Zenmuse H30 Series Vs H20 Series

Explore the key differences and enhancements between the DJI Zenmuse H30 and H20 series to find the ideal drone for your needs.

DJI launched the Zenmuse H30 series, the latest edition to the Zenmuse Payload collection.
The H30 series boasts many incredible advancements from its predecessor, the H20 series.
The H30 series has an impressive IP54 rating, excelling that of the H20 series.
Key upgrades in the H30 series include enhanced integration with five modules, improved night vision settings, doubled zoom capability up to x400, a larger lens, extended laser range, and enhanced data clarity.

The DJI Zenmuse H30 series is the latest addition to the Zenmuse collection since the H20 series in 2020. Comprising the H30 and H30T, these versatile and robust payloads boast an IP54 rating, ensuring suitability for inspections in any weather conditions.

The H30T is available to buy on its own or as combo with the DJI M350 RTK. Or if you want the payload with no thermal features you can buy the H30 individually.

This blog will delve into the features of the H30 series and compare them to the H20 series, assessing the quality and usefulness of their core features across various applications. By examining these aspects, we aim to assist you in determining which payload series best suits your needs and whether upgrading from the H20 to the H30 is worthwhile.

To evaluate which is best for your operations we will look at: Camera features, thermal capabilities, night vision settings, photography modes, supported modules, and compatibility with drones.

Camera Features

There have been significant improvements in camera features, especially between the H30T and H20T. The zoom capabilities have doubled, the lens size has increased, and the camera quality has more than doubled, allowing for wider shots with greater clarity and detail.


Wide Camera	H30T	H20T	H20N
Sensor	1 / 1.3 inches CMOS Effective Pixels: 48MP	1/2.3 CMOS Effective Pixels: 12MP	1/2.7 inches CMOS Effective Pixels: 20MP
Lens Focal Length	6.72mm	4.5mm	4.5mm
Video Resolution	3840 x 2160@36fps	1920 x 1080@36fps	1920 x 1080@10fps 1920 x 1080@5fps (with Enhanced Noise Reduction)
Maximum Photo Size	8064 x 6048	4056 x 3040	1920 x 1080


Zoom Camera	H30T	H20T	H20N
Sensor	1/1.8 inches 40MP	1/1.7 inches 20MP	1/1.8 inches 4MP
Optical Zoom	x34	x23	x20
Maximum Zoom Ability	x400	x200	x128
Lens Focal Length	7.1mm to 172mm	6.83mm to 119.94	6.8mm to 119.9mm
Maximum Photo Size	7328 x 5496, 3664 x 2748	5184 x 3888	2688 x 1512

If you're inspecting a powerline and need clear, zoomed-in images while maintaining a safe distance, the H30 series is the better option. Its enhanced detail capture and superior zoom capabilities allow you to keep a safe distance without compromising image quality or getting too close to the line.

Thermal Camera

The H30T offers significant improvements over the H20T, including enhanced sensors for more accurate data collection and higher data clarity. However, the H20T is still a valuable tool; its camera quality is similar, though it lacks the level of clarity and precision found in the H30T.


Feature	H30T	H20T	H20N
Maximum Digital Zoom	x32	x8	x32
Measurement Method	Centre Point and Spot and Area	Spot and Area	Spot and Area
Temprature Measurement Range	High-Gain: -20°C to 150° -20°C to 450°C (with IR Density Filter) Low-Gain: 0° to 160°C 0° to 1600°C (with IR Density Filter)	High-Gain: -40°C to 150°C Low-Gain: -40°C to 550°C	High-Gain: -20°C to 150°C Low-Gain: -0°C to 500°C
Ultra-HD	Supports	/	/
Infrared Super Resolution	Supports	/	/
Lens	DFOV: 45.2°C Focus Length: 24mm Focus Distance: 13m to ∞	DFOV: 40.6°C Focus Length: 13.5mm Focus Distance: 5m to ∞	DFOV: 45.5°C Focus Length: 12mm Focus Distance: 5m to ∞

As shown above, the H30T features a superior sensor, making it ideal for operations requiring precise data collection, such as police searches, wildlife surveillance, and fire monitoring. It not only collects data more accurately but also displays it with greater clarity, supporting Ultra-HD resolution.

One of the most significant upgrades is the zoom capability, which has more than doubled. This allows you to maintain a safe distance from your target while capturing detailed images. However, if your target does not require this level of zooming in on or can be safely approached more closely, the H20T remains a suitable choice.

But if accuracy is key to your missions, we recommend the H30T. Along with the upgrades listed above, its Laser Range Finder (LRF) sensor is significantly improved and is 2.5 times more accurate than the H20T, resulting in more precise and reliable target positioning.


Feature	H30T	H20T	H20N
LRF Range	3m to 3000m	3m to 1200m	3m to 1200m
LRF Accuarcy	≤ 500m: ± (0.2m + distance x 0.15%) > 500m: ±1m	± (0.2m + distance x 0.15%)	± (0.2m + distance x 0.15%)

Night Vision Camera

The night vision capabilities of the two series are somewhat similar, with few major differences. While the H30 and H30T have improved in accurately collecting and displaying night vision data, these upgrades are modest compared to other enhancements.


Feature	H30T	H20N	H20T
NIR Auxilliary	✔	x	x
Maximum Zoom Ability	x400	x128	x200
Optical Zoom	x34	x20	x23
ISO Range (in Night Scene Mode)	100 to 819200	100 to 102400	100 to 25600
Video Resolution (in Night Scene Mode)	1920 x 1080@25fps	1920 x 1080@10fps	1920 x 1080@30fps

The main difference in night vision capabilities between the H30 and H20 series is that the H20 series consists of three drones: H20, H20T, and H20N. In contrast, the H30 series has added night vision capabilities to both the H30 and H30T. The H30 can film in night vision, while the H30T can apply thermal imaging to dark environments. Both payloads can use night vision with various photo and video modes to maximise the clarity and accuracy of the data they are collecting and filming.

Both series share methods such as displaying data in regular or thermal visuals and night vision on the same screen, as well as offering adjustable colour palettes. However, the H30 series applies its thermal imaging and zoom updates to night vision data collection as they can be used in tandem with oneanother. Meaning you will have better visuals of your target area.

Smart Features

The H30 and H20 series share some Smart Features, allowing for high-quality, professional-level filming with both models. However, the H30 series introduces new modes that further streamline your mission filming and enhance data collection accuracy.


Feature	H30 Series	H20 Series
Smart Capture	✔	x
Electronic Dehazing	✔	x
Pre-Recording	✔	x
Foreground Stabilisation	✔	x
Night Scene Mode	Enhanced Noise Reduction, IR Light and NIR Auxillary Light	Enhanced Noise Reduction and IR Light (H20N)
AI Spot Check	✔	✔
Panorama	✔	✔
Smart Track	✔	✔
High-Res Gris Capture	✔	✔
FlightHub 2	✔	✔

Summary

In conclusion, the DJI Zenmuse H30 series offers significant advancements over the H20 series, making it a compelling option for professionals seeking enhanced imaging capabilities. With its improved zoom, larger lens, and superior data clarity, the H30 series stands out as a versatile and robust solution for various applications, from public safety to energy inspection. However, the H20 series remains a reliable choice for high-quality imaging needs.