Consumer-grade cameras have emerged as a cost-effective alternative to conventional scientific cameras in precision agriculture applications. However, there is a lack of information on their appropriate use and calibration. This study focused on developing practical methodologies for determining optimal camera settings and converting image digital numbers (DNs) to reflectance. Two Nikon D7100 and two Nikon D850 cameras with visible and near-infrared (NIR) sensitivity were deployed on both manned and unmanned aircraft for image acquisition. To optimize camera settings, including exposure time and aperture, an approach that considered flight parameters and image histograms was employed. Linear and nonlinear regression analyses based on multiple nonlinear models were performed to accurately characterize the reflectance-DN relationship across all four bands (blue, green, red and NIR) based on seven calibration tarps. The results revealed that the exponential model with vertical translation was the optimal model for reflectance conversion for both camera types. Based on the optimized camera parameters and the optimal model type, this study provided an extensive analysis of the models and their root mean square errors (RMSE) derived from all 952 possible 2- to 6-tarp combinations for all bands in both camera types. This analysis led to the selection of optimal tarp combinations based on the desired level of accuracy for each of the five multi-tarp configurations. As the number of tarps increased to 4, 5, or 6, the RMSE values stabilized for all bands, indicating 4-tarp combinations were the optimal choice. These findings hold significant practical implications for practitioners in precision agriculture seeking guidance for configuring consumer-grade cameras effectively while ensuring accurate reflectance conversion.

消费级相机已成为精准农业应用中传统科学相机的经济高效替代品。然而，缺乏有关其适当使用和校准的信息。这项研究的重点是开发实用的方法来确定最佳相机设置并将图像数字（DN）转换为反射率。在有人和无人机上部署了两台具有可见光和近红外 (NIR) 灵敏度的尼康 D7100 和两台尼康 D850 相机来采集图像。为了优化相机设置，包括曝光时间和光圈，采用了考虑飞行参数和图像直方图的方法。基于多个非线性模型进行线性和非线性回归分析，以准确表征基于七个校准防水布的所有四个波段（蓝色、绿色、红色和近红外）的反射率-DN 关系。结果表明，具有垂直平移的指数模型是两种相机类型反射率转换的最佳模型。基于优化的相机参数和最佳模型类型，本研究对两种相机类型的所有波段的所有 952 种可能的 2 至 6-tarp 组合得出的模型及其均方根误差 (RMSE) 进行了广泛的分析。该分析导致根据五种多层防水布配置中每一种的所需精度水平选择最佳防水布组合。随着防水布数量增加到 4、5 或 6，所有频段的 RMSE 值趋于稳定，表明 4-防水布组合是最佳选择。这些发现对于精准农业从业者寻求有效配置消费级相机同时确保准确反射率转换的指导具有重要的实际意义。