Last Updated on January 13, 2019
DJI, a Chinese tech company that specializes in drone and aerial imaging for civilian consumers has recently unearthed their next masterpiece and that is the DJI Zenmuse X7. This latest Zenmuse product line is a high-end filmmaking compact Super 35mm camera system that is designed to complement the Inspire 2 drone perfectly.
In contrast to the predecessor (Zenmuse X5) of X7, this new and improve tech has a new lens mount known as the DL-mount. With a very short flange distance (at 16.84mm), it allows the lenses for the X7 to have a compact built and yet still maintain high image quality.
The Ultimate Aerial Creative Tool
It aims to push past the current boundaries of aerial cinematography to the next level. Producing great image quality and interchangeable lenses, this camera boasts of being capable of capturing your creative vision accurately. A new Cinema Color System was also built with this camera system in order to give its professional users more control during the post-production phase.
It is to date DJI’s best camera for drone integration when it comes to the subject of high image resolution. The camera has the ability to take a 6K video in the CinemaDNG Raw format (that is 5.2K Apple ProRes) at up to 30 frames per second as well as a 3.9K video in the CinemaDNG Raw format (which is 2.7K ProRes) at up to 59.94 frames per second.
Partnering with Technicolor to push past the boundaries of color science, the Zenmuse 7 has a 14 stops dynamic range capability, but this is yet to be confirmed by third party testers since the company has yet to expound on that subject. Regardless, this feature promotes low-noise on low-light scenes as well as the ability to retain great detail even at high contrast scenarios. This is the perfect tool for capturing the unique kaleidoscope of colors available when capturing footage from above.
The Four Prime Lenses
The prime lenses that will be launched with Zenmuse X7 all have a maximum aperture of f/2.8 and are made specifically for this aerial-beast of a camera. They come in the 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths and all of which are designed to handle 8K resolution.
These lenses have a mechanical shutter except for the 16mm one which has a built-in ND filter instead.
The body of each lens is made of carbon fiber and is designed specifically to withstand the hazards of being mounted on a high-performance drone (Inspire 2). Another neat detail about the different lenses is that they were made to be of equal weight from each other so as to eliminate the need to constantly recalibrate the gimbal during a lens change.
Capture Stills
There will be two exposure modes for the Zenmuse X7 and a surprise threat for photographers since this beauty will be able to take still photos using an APS-C sized sensor at a 24 megapixel resolution.
A Great Deal Ahead
DJI’s Zenmuse X7 will be available at the shelves come November. The camera priced separately from the lenses will be available for $2,699, while the 16mm, 24mm, 35mm lenses are at $1,299 each. The 50mm lens will be a bit less expensive at $1,199. You can also buy the lenses as a set for a package price of $4,299.