In their highly anticipated announcement today, DJI unveiled the Zenmuse X5 and X5R, the world's first Micro 4/3 cameras built specifically for aerial use. Designed to work with the Inspire 1 drone, the X5 and X5R have plenty of features that professional aerial filmmakers will be excited about, including lossless 4K RAW recording at up to 30 fps, 12.8 stops of dynamic range, and Micro 4/3 CMOS sensor.
Before we get to all of these features, though, take a look at these videos of the X5 and X5R in action:
Here's the X5R with its RAW capabilities:
Technical Specifications
- Micro 4/3 CMOS sensor
- Average 1.7 Gbps bitrate (2.4Gbps maximum)
- Removable 512GB SSD
- 16 MP
- Interchangeable lenses
- Max resolution: 4608x3456
- Video resolution: UHD: 4096×2160 (24/25p); 3840×2160 (25/30p); 2704x1520 (25/30p)
- ISO range: 100~25600
- Lens: DJI MFT 15mm f/1.7 ASPH
Obviously this announcement is huge. In a lot of ways, you have a GH4 up in the air -- Micro 4/3 sensor, interchangeable lenses, and 12.8 stops of dynamic range. Pilots are also able to control aperture, shutter, and focus right from the ground with the DJI GO app, or you use the intuitive autofocus feature by tapping on the screen of your mobile devise to focus on a specific area. It truly takes aerial cinematography to the next level.
Here's what we know currently about pricing:
- Zenmuse X5 (without DJI 15mm F1.7 lens): $1700
- Zenmuse X5 (with the DJI 15mm F1.7 lens): $2200
- Zenmuse X5 + Inspire 1 (with DJI 15mm F1.7 lens):$4500
- Zenmuse X5R + Inspire 1: $8000
A standalone price for the X5R hasn't been specified, but will be announced closer to its release date. Shipping is expected to start in Q4 2015.
Source: DJI
