Zenmuse is DJI's name for the swappable cameras and sensors that mount under its large Matrice drones. Instead of buying a different drone for each job, you buy one aircraft, such as the Matrice 350 RTK or Matrice 400, and clip on the payload you need: LiDAR (Zenmuse L3 or L2), a full-frame mapping camera (P1), a thermal and zoom camera (H30T or H20T), a spotlight (S1) or a loudspeaker (V1). They attach through DJI's quick-release SkyPort mount.
The main Zenmuse payloads
Zenmuse L3 (LiDAR, newest). DJI's long-range LiDAR for the Matrice 400 only, using a dedicated gimbal connector. It uses a 1535 nm laser with a detection range of 950 m at 10% reflectivity (100 kHz), and two RGB mapping cameras with a combined 107° field of view. DJI rates point cloud accuracy at 3 cm vertical and 4 cm horizontal from 120 m. It weighs 1.60 kg. We sell it by quote; ask for current pricing.
Zenmuse L2 (LiDAR). A 905 nm LiDAR plus a 20 MP 4/3 RGB camera. Detection range is 450 m at 50% reflectivity, up to 5 returns, and DJI rates accuracy at 4 cm vertical and 5 cm horizontal from 150 m. It fits the Matrice 350 RTK, Matrice 400 and Matrice 300 RTK (with DJI RC Plus). See what is a LiDAR drone.
Zenmuse P1 (photogrammetry). A 45 MP full-frame camera with 24, 35 or 50 mm DJI DL lenses and a mechanical shutter. DJI rates absolute accuracy at 3 cm horizontal and 5 cm vertical at a 3 cm GSD. Best for orthomosaics and 3D models where you need sharp photos.
Zenmuse H30T (thermal, zoom, rangefinder). Five sensors in one: a 40 MP zoom camera (34× hybrid optical), a 48 MP wide camera, a 1280 × 1024 thermal camera, a laser rangefinder to 3,000 m and a near-infrared auxiliary light. The H30 version drops the thermal camera. For public safety, inspection and search.
Zenmuse H20 series. The previous-generation zoom and thermal payload (640 × 512 thermal on the H20T), for the Matrice 350 RTK and 300 RTK.
Zenmuse S1 and V1. A spotlight linked to the camera gimbal for night searches, and a loudspeaker for broadcasting to people on the ground.
Which drones they fit
| Payload | Matrice 400 | Matrice 350 RTK | Matrice 300 RTK |
|---|---|---|---|
| L3 | Yes | No | No |
| L2, P1, H30 series | Yes | Yes | Yes (H30 and L2 need DJI RC Plus) |
| H20 series | Check with us | Yes | Yes |
The Matrice 400 carries up to 6 kg and can run more than one payload at a time. The Matrice 350 RTK is the established workhorse. Compare them in Matrice 350 RTK vs Matrice 400.
Choosing a payload
- Ground under trees, power lines, volumes: LiDAR (L3 or L2).
- Sharp orthomosaics and 3D models of open sites: P1.
- Night search, fire, electrical inspection: H30T, often with an S1 spotlight.
- All of the above on one team: a Matrice 400 and a payload rack.
DJI's enterprise payloads also fall under the July 2026 FCC proposal on thermal and LiDAR drones, which is not adopted. See is DJI banned in the US. Browse Zenmuse payloads or contact us for a quote.
Related guides
- LiDAR drones explained: when you need LiDAR (Zenmuse L2)
- DJI Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse H30T: what you get
- DJI Matrice 350 RTK with Zenmuse L2 LiDAR: setup and specs
- DJI Matrice 350 RTK vs Matrice 400: which should you buy?
- DJI Matrice 350 RTK: specs, uses and pricing
- DJI Matrice 400: specs, uses and pricing
Not sure which to pick?
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