DJI Shores up Aerial Imaging by Bringing Micro Four Thirds Aerial Cameras

LAS VEGAS, NV: DJI, provider of creative aerial imaging technology makes public its two brand new cameras for DJI Inspire 1 professional aerial camera platform. Featuring Micro Four Thirds sensors, Zenmuse X5 and Zenmuse X5R extend 16 megapixel stills and 4k video on a stabilized 3-axis gimbal that integrates with the Inspire with interchangeable lens options containing remotely controllable focus and aperture.

Zenmuse X5 being a micro four thirds (M4/3) camera is designed especially for aerial use. It incorporates a large sensor, aerial image makers having a capacity to capture up to 13 stops of dynamic range, making it easy to capture high-resolution 16 megapixel photos or 4k, 24fps and 30fps videos in complex lighting environments. With the support of additional lenses and full wireless aperture and focus control it offers multiple option to the users for capturing images. 

The Zenmuse X5 can support 4 interchangeable lenses, including the DJI MFT 15mm f/1.7 ASPH lens, Panasonic Lumix 15mm G Leica DG Summilux f/1.7 ASPH lens, Olympus M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12mm f/2.0 lens, and Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8 lens. When in flight, the pilots can adjust both focus and aperture through the DJI GO app or its recent Follow Focus system. The lightweight body of the camera integrates with DJI's signature 3-axis Zenmuse gimbal technology which helps in creating an effortlessly smooth video and stabilized long-exposure photos.

"The professional applications of the Zenmuse X5 are almost endless. In addition to shooting professional-quality photos and 4K video, the new camera can be used to create high-quality aerial maps and 3D models, and can also help industrial teams get even more detail from their aerial imaging pursuits, for example, in utility inspection using a drone," points  Eric Cheng, Director of Aerial Imaging, DJI.

Though sharing the same sensor and lens compatibility with the X5, Zenmuse X5R camera also records video both to an onboard microSD card as well as to a removable 512GB solid state disk (SSD) on the gimbal's top plate. It  records CinemaDNG (RAW) video to the SSD, and opens up lossless 4k video recording in a groundbreaking, compact form factor with video bitrates averaging 1.7Gbps (with a maximum of 2.4Gbps). Furthermore, it delivers a brand-new D-LOG mode enabling a broader array of color correction options in post production.

"Now, pilots can simply mount the Zenmuse X5 series cameras to their Inspire 1, put on their props, get up in the air, and have full control of their shot while in flight. This saves valuable time on film sets and makes high quality imaging for industrial applications smaller, lighter and easier to manage," says Frank Wang, DJI CEO and Founder.

The Zenmuse X5 series cameras are fully compatible with existing DJI Inspire 1 platforms by mounting a small, easy-to-install bracket which becomes an an interchangeable option for the Inspire 1's standard Zenmuse X3 camera.