DJI Zenmuse X7 vs Zenmuse X5S vs Zenmuse X4S

Zenmuse Versus DJI have just released the Zenmuse X7 camera, designed for high-end aerial filmmaking. Its capabilities are thought to have evolved aerial cinematography to an all new level, but how does it compare against the previous Zenmuse cameras. Heliguy Insider are looking into the Zenmuse X7, X5S and X4S, the features of each, the applications they can be used in and which camera is better suited to your needs. Let’s start by looking at the specifications of each of the cameras.

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Specifications

  Looking at all of the above specifications, it's clear the Zenmuse series have some impressive capabilities. Keep reading for more information on the features of each of the cameras and which may be better suited to your industry.

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Appearance

Zenmuse Series Appearance The Zenmuse X7 is the fractionally larger and heavier than the X5S and X4S when the lens is included, however, is still a very compact and light camera compared to those with a similar spec. The X7 and Inspire 2 weigh around 4 kg together whereas previous aircraft and camera setups with the same capabilities weighed around 40 kg. The new DJI DL Mount System helps keep the camera compact whilst maintaining the high performance. Each of the compatible lenses for the X7 are made of lightweight durable carbon fibre and fit in perfectly with the camera. The X5S is the medium size and weight camera. Several lens options are compatible with the X5S including Panasonic and Olympus lenses. The design is sleek and incorporates the third-party lenses well without a large effect on the camera’s aesthetic. The X4S is significantly lighter and more compact than the other two cameras. Its appearance is more similar to the consumer drones and has no option of changing the lens on the camera. All three of the cameras are small in size and low in weight, designed to maximise flight times and whilst offering the best quality.

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Performance

Zenmuse Series Performance The DJI Zenmuse X7 is an amazing camera release from DJI.  It’s packed full of outstanding features that we haven’t seen before on a camera designed to be used solely as an aerial camera mounted to a drone. First of all, the X7 has a cinema-level Super 35 capable of capturing video at up to 6K CinemaDNG and 5.2K Apple ProRes. This rivals camera brands such as RED and ARRI which is hugely impressive for DJI. Additionally, 24 MP stills can be captured in both single and burst mode at 20 fps. Sensor Size Comparison The X7 also has 14 stops of dynamic range giving users better footage in both high and low light situations. This range allows footage to be captured at night giving users an even greater creative scope. The X7 has been designed for use with four DJI lenses adding, even more flexibility of the camera. Currently, an ND lens is available as well as three leaf shutter lenses. The lenses offer a range of focal lengths between 16 and 50 mm. A new version of the CineCore image processing system has also been released for use with the X7, version 2.1. This update ensures the maximum information is captured with least image and video noise. Another aspect of the new version is the new EI mode. The EI mode is a function that allows recording in various sensitivities in order to produce the best footage as well as seamless colour integration with footage recorded on ground cameras such as RED and ARRI. The X7 also has both a mechanical and electronic shutter available for use. The final new feature we’re going to discuss on the X7 is the new DJI Cinema Colour System which gives users more options in post-production. A new D-log curve is included offering encoding in 15 stops of dynamic range and produces outstanding footage in high and lowlight conditions. Additionally, a new D-Gamut RGB range can be accessed for skin tone matching and enhanced colouring. Zenmuse X7 on the Inspire 2 The X5S is also packed full of impressive functionality and features. A Micro 4/3 sensor is included capable of video footage in 5.2K CinemaDNG and 4K Apple ProRes. 20.8MP images can also be captured in single shots and burst as 20 fps. The X5S has 12.8 stops of dynamic range available for video and images which and can subsequently be used in varying light conditions. The option of eight lenses can be used for the X5S from DJI, Panasonic and Olympus. Focal lengths of between 9mm and 45mm dependent on the chosen lens. Currently, the X5S uses the CineCore 2.0 version however, it’s likely to be updated to the same version as the X7, without adding the new functionality of the X7. Zenmuse X5S on the Inspire 2 The X4S has a 1-inch sensor that’s capable of capturing video in up to 4K and images at 20 MP in single shot and burst mode at 14 fps. A dynamic range of 11.6 is available on the X4S giving high image quality in varying light conditions. Like the X5S, the X4S currently uses the CineCore version 2.0 however, an update is expected to be released shortly without the increased functionality of the X7. A custom-engineered 8.8mm lens is used with the X4S which offers an equivalent focal length of 24mm. An electronic and mechanical shutter are available on the X4S.   Zenmuse X4S on the Inspire 2 Keep reading for more information on how the performance of these cameras is suited to different industries.

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Drone Compatibility

Zenmuse Series Compatible Drones The Zenmuse X7 is currently only available for use with the DJI Inspire 2 however, we’re uncertain of the future integration with other DJI drones. Use with the Inspire 2 only is likely due to the CineCore processor incorporated into the Inspire 2 which has been given an upgrade to coincide with the X7’s release. Additionally, the codecs required to access the highest possible video footage can currently only be accessed through the Inspire 2. This is a downside to the X7 however, the Inspire 2 was designed as an aircraft specifically for the use of filmmakers and photographers. Therefore, it seems like the best place for DJI to start with the incorporation of the X7. Both the Zenmuse X5S and X4S are compatible with the Inspire 2 as well as the DJI Matrice 200 series. The M200 series is a more industrial style drone as opposed to creative and can be used in a number of applications which we will discuss in our section below. In all of the M200 series IP43 level ingress protection and general weatherproofing is guaranteed which allows use in more challenging conditions. More information can be found on the M200 series in our previous Insider post here.

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Camera Applications

Zenmuse Series Camera Applications The Zenmuse X7 was designed for creative use for high-end filmmaking. The available 6K video in the CinemaDNG format, CineCore image processor, DJI Cinema Colour System, extensive dynamic range and other amazing qualities make it ideal for use in this industry. The Super 35 Sensor allows the X7 to fit in on cinema level film sets and ensures the footage captured will meet the high standards of the ground footage. The ability to colour match the ground footage with that of the X7 is also a huge benefit as time in post-production is significantly lower. The X7 could also be used in industrial enterprise level applications if required although a lot of the functionality is likely to be unnecessary other than the high-quality video and mechanical shutter. Similar to the X7, the X5S is suited to filmmaking industry, however, its use with the M200 series gives greater scope as an enterprise solution. The high-quality footage and CineCore processor are ideal for filmmaking and until the release of the X7, it would have been a top choice for creatives as it recorded the highest quality video of the Zenmuse range. The changeable lenses and aircraft type offer pilots flexibility over the industry they’re looking to focus on. The X4S can also be used in creative applications, however, use with the M200 series also gives more industrial areas. Using the X4S for mapping is a common choice for users with the M200 aircraft due to its mechanical shutter which cuts down on image distortion. All cameras are suited to filmmaking however, the X5S and X4S are also great payloads that can be used within industrial application and are generally good ‘all-around’ cameras with a lot of great features.

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Summary

All the cameras we have discussed have some amazing qualities that can benefit drone pilots. The X7 is an outstanding new product for filmmaking and has been a huge advancement in the industry and DJI. It’s worth noting the prices from the X4S to the X7 do increase, however, even the X7 is reasonably priced for the technology packed into it, especially compared to cameras with similar specifications. You should be aware a CinemaDNG or Apple ProRes licence is also required to access the highest video options on the X7 and X5S. The Zenmuse X5S AND X4S are currently available through heliguy™ on the website or by phone. Pre-orders are available for the X7 with a deposit of £500.00.

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Interested in any of the cameras we’ve discussed but want to know more? Give one of our Sales Team a call on 0191 296 1024 or email us on info@heliguy.com.

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