DJI has announced the Zenmuse S1, a powerful spotlight designed for nighttime drone operations, enhancing visibility for critical missions like search and rescue. Using Laser Excited Phosphor (LEP) technology, this lightweight yet durable payload integrates seamlessly with DJI’s Matrice 350 RTK and 300 RTK drones. With features like a 500m range in “Both On Mode” and multiple lighting modes, the Zenmuse S1 is set to revolutionize low-light drone operations. As of April 16, 2025, pricing and availability are yet to be disclosed, but the announcement has already generated significant buzz in the drone community.
Key Points
- The DJI Zenmuse S1, a new spotlight for nighttime drone operations, was announced today, April 16, 2025.
- It uses LEP technology, weighs 0.76 kg, and is compatible with Matrice 350 RTK and 300 RTK drones.
- Pricing and availability are not yet disclosed, so it seems likely there will be more details soon.
- Research suggests it enhances nighttime missions like search and rescue, with features like a 500m range in “Both On Mode.”
Overview
The DJI Zenmuse S1 is a high-intensity spotlight payload designed for nighttime operations, announced on April 16, 2025. It integrates with DJI’s Matrice 350 RTK and 300 RTK drones, offering advanced lighting for critical missions. Given the recent announcement, details like pricing and availability are still pending, but it appears to be a significant addition for enterprise drone users.
Features and Specifications
The Zenmuse S1 uses Laser Excited Phosphor (LEP) technology for powerful illumination, weighing just 0.76 kg with an IP54 rating for durability. It operates in temperatures from -4°F to 104°F and consumes 17W in high beam mode. Key modes include:
- Low Beam: 150m range, 15° field of view (FOV).
- High Beam: 300m range, 4° FOV.
- Both On Mode: 500m range for maximum coverage.
- Strobe Mode: Useful for signaling or emergencies.
Safety features include overheating and overcurrent protection, eye and burn safety, and auto-dimming when grounded, ensuring safe operation.
Use Cases
It seems likely that the Zenmuse S1 will enhance nighttime operations such as search and rescue, disaster response, and infrastructure inspections, providing visibility in low-light conditions.
Availability and Pricing
As of today, April 16, 2025, pricing and availability have not been disclosed by DJI, so users may need to wait for further announcements.
Survey Note: Detailed Analysis of DJI Zenmuse S1 Updates
This section provides a comprehensive overview of the latest updates on the DJI Zenmuse S1, announced on April 16, 2025, based on recent online and social media research. The analysis includes all available details, technical specifications, and contextual information to ensure a thorough understanding for enterprise drone users and enthusiasts.
Background and Announcement
The DJI Zenmuse S1 was officially unveiled today, April 16, 2025, as part of DJI’s expansion of payload options for enterprise drones. The announcement was covered by DroneDJ (DJI adds high-power spotlight and speaker to drone arsenal), a reputable source for drone industry news, and confirmed through DJI’s official X accounts, including @DJIEnterprise and @DJIGlobal. X posts from these accounts, such as this post and this post, highlighted the launch, emphasizing its significance for multi-payload drone platforms.
Additional mentions on X, such as this post by @iprosurv and this post by @9tenthsco, further corroborated the announcement, describing the Zenmuse S1 as a spotlight payload ready for nighttime operations with LEP technology.
Technical Specifications
The Zenmuse S1 is designed as a high-intensity spotlight using Laser Excited Phosphor (LEP) technology, making it suitable for low-light conditions. Below is a detailed breakdown of its specifications:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.76 kg |
| Durability | IP54 rating (dust and water resistance) |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C) |
| Power Consumption | 17W in high beam mode |
| Illuminance | 35 lux at 100m central illuminance (as per DJI’s X post) |
| Modes | – Low Beam: 150m range, 15° FOV<br>- High Beam: 300m range, 4° FOV<br>- Both On Mode: 500m range<br>- Strobe Mode: For signaling/emergencies |
| Safety Features | Overheating/overcurrent protection, eye/burn safety, auto-dims when grounded |
The device is compatible with DJI’s Matrice 350 RTK and Matrice 300 RTK drones, which are known for their robustness, with the Matrice 350 RTK offering a 55-minute flight time and IP55 rating, and the Matrice 300 RTK supporting triple payload configurations with a 15 km transmission range.
Functionality and Use Cases
The Zenmuse S1 is tailored for nighttime operations, enhancing visibility for critical missions. Its long-range modes, such as the 500m range in “Both On Mode,” make it ideal for applications like:
- Search and rescue operations in dark environments.
- Disaster response, providing illumination for assessment and coordination.
- Infrastructure inspections, such as power lines or bridges, during nighttime hours.
Safety features like auto-dimming when grounded and protection against overheating ensure reliable performance, while the LEP technology ensures high-intensity lighting for effective coverage.
Complementary Product: Zenmuse V1
While the query focuses on Zenmuse S1, the announcement also included the Zenmuse V1, a drone-mounted speaker, which was mentioned in the same context. For completeness, here are its details, as they provide context for DJI’s enterprise strategy:
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Weight | 0.69 kg |
| Durability | IP54 rating |
| Operating Temperature | -4°F to 104°F (-20°C to 40°C) |
| Sound Pressure Level | 127 decibels at 1m |
| Broadcast Range | Up to 500m |
| Modes | Record and Broadcast, Text-to-Speech, Audio File Playback |
| Additional Features | Noise cancelation, directional recording, tilt synchronization, hearing protection reminders |
| Compatibility | Matrice 350 RTK, 300 RTK |
The Zenmuse V1 complements the S1 by enabling audio communication, such as public safety announcements or emergency directives, enhancing the versatility of Matrice drones for complex missions.
Availability and Pricing
As of April 16, 2025, pricing and availability for both Zenmuse S1 and V1 have not been disclosed by DJI. The DroneDJ article and X posts indicate that further details are pending, suggesting users should monitor DJI’s official channels for updates.
Research Methodology
The information was gathered through a comprehensive search of online resources, including DJI’s official announcements on X, industry news from DroneDJ, and additional mentions on X by users like @iprosurv and @9tenthsco. Efforts were made to cross-reference details to ensure accuracy, focusing on sources dated today to align with the current date of April 16, 2025.
Conclusion
The DJI Zenmuse S1 represents a significant advancement in nighttime drone operations, offering robust lighting solutions for enterprise users. Its integration with Matrice drones and advanced features like LEP technology and multiple lighting modes position it as a key tool for critical missions. Users are advised to await official pricing and availability details from DJI for planning purposes.
Key Citations
- DJI adds high-power spotlight and speaker to drone arsenal
- Meet Zenmuse S1 and Zenmuse V1, DJI’s first spotlight and speaker
- Meet DJI Zenmuse S1 and Zenmuse V1, DJI’s first spotlight and speaker
- New from DJI! Zenmuse S1 is here – the first spotlight payload
- Introducing the DJI Zenmuse V1 & Zenmuse S1
