Using the DJI GO mobile app, grounded pilots can wirelessly control aperture and focus, making it easy to capture 16-megapixel photos or 4K, 24fps, and 30fps videos. While the Zenmuse X5 is in flight, pilots can adjust both focus and aperture via the DJI GO app or through DJI’s previously-announced Follow Focus system. The Zenmuse X5 starts shipping later this month while the X5R won’t be coming until sometime later this year.
Traditionally offering drone technology to the creative imaging market, DJI ditched its common GoPro-oriented drones in favor of a device with its own included camera.
As the world’s first Micro Four Thirds camera made specifically for aerial photography and videography, the Zenmuse X5 gives you the freedom to choose your lens.
The new camera will make Inspire 1 model the first commercial drone with a micro four thirds sensor. These, however, are not your ordinary drone cameras, boasting of features that take drone photography to new heights.
Both the X5 and X5R can capture 16MP photographs and record 4K-resolution videos at 24 frames per second with 12.8 stops of dynamic range. They share the same sensor and lens compatibility, but the X5R also includes support for a removable 512GB SSD on top of the gimbal plate for recording lossless 4k video with an average bitrate of 1.7Gbps.
In addition, users also gain access to a D-LOG mode on the Zenmuse X5R which provides a wider rane of color correct options during the post production process. The Zenmuse X5 enables you to record professional-level footage with stunning clarity and detail.A higher speed signal readout suppresses the rolling shutter effect when recording, resulting in handsome footage even when flying at high speeds.
To help you work with the raw video files, DJI is releasing CineLight desktop software, which will offer offline proxy editing before converting the CinemaDNG files to ProRes.
The Zenmuse X5 is now available for pre-order for $4,500, this already includes the Inspire 1 quadcopter and the DJI MFT 15mm f1.7 ASPHH lens. With 360 degree camera movement and dual controller support, the Inspire 1 is the favorite ready-to-fly aerial platform for enthusiasts and professionals worldwide. The cameras can also be bought standalone, with or without lenses. The Zenmuse X5R camera, however, will be available in the 2015 fourth quarter; and will be priced at $7,999 (EUR8,799).
As Erich Cheng, DJI’s Director of Aerial Imaging, also argued during his InterDrone keynote, the advantage of a micro four thirds camera is that it offers a far bigger sensor than the standard DJI cameras now do.