DJI, the biggest drone manufacturing company in the world, unveiled two cameras for the high-end Inspire 1 drone that are geared towards professional use.
The cameras, namely the Zenmuse X5 and the Zenmuse X5R, are the first aerial cameras with Micro Four Thirds sensors that are commercially available.
The Zenmuse X5 can capture 13 dynamic range stops, which will make it easy for the camera to capture high-resolution 16MP pictures or 24fps, 30fps and 4K videos, even in less-than-ideal lighting situations.
The Zenmuse X5 also features interchangeable lens and full wireless control over focus and aperture. Upon the launch of the camera, it will be supporting four different lenses, and the controls of the camera can be adjusted using the app DJI Go or through the Follow Focus system of DJI.
The camera, which weighs only 340 grams, can be integrated into the three-axis Zenmuse gimbal technology found in DJI's drones for stability while taking pictures and videos.
"The professional applications of the Zenmuse X5 are almost endless," said DJI Director for Aerial Imaging Eric Cheng.
Cheng noted that aside from shooting high-quality pictures and videos, the Zenmuse X5 can be utilized for applications such as creating 3D models and maps, along with uses in industrial fields.
The Zenmuse X5R camera, on the other hand, has the added benefit of recording video onto either its onboard microSD card or onto a 512GB SSD on the top plate of the gimbal. The Zenmuse X5R is capable of recording in CinemaDNG format to the SSD, for lossless recording of 4K video at bitrates that average 1.7 Gbps.
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.
According to DJI founder and CEO Frank Wang, the arrival of the two cameras signals the end of requiring thousands of dollars in investments for bulky and complicated aerial shooting equipment. Professionals can now simply mount the Zenmuse X5 or Zenmuse X5R onto an Inspire 1, saving valuable resources and time.
Pre-orders for the Zenmuse X5 are now up, with the camera being sold along with a DJI Inspire 1 drone and a DJI lens for $4,499, with shipments to start by the end of the month. The Zenmuse X5R, on the other hand, is being sold for $7,999 with the Inspire 1, with availability beginning the fourth quarter of the year.
