Image: DJI
DJI have always been innovators in the drone space and are popular in the consumer and professional markets. They often lead the way with new developments and technology, not only in their drones but in their cameras and lenses as well. Well, they have done it again.
October 11, 2017, DJI launched their new Super 35mm digital camera specifically designed for aerial cinematography in the Motion Picture Industry. The Super 35-format Zenmuse X7 is a groundbreaking development in drone cinematography and will no doubt take it to a whole new level. The X7 captures 24MP photos, 6K CinemaDNG Raw or 5.2K Apple ProRes video 30fps or 3.9K CinemaDNG and 2.7K ProRes at 60fps. DJI lists the dynamic range at 14 stops. That is the highest resolution seen on a drone camera to date.
It has been designed to work specifically with the DJI Inspire 2, a marvel of technology already. They have also launched a new lens mount called the DL-Mount. The new DL lenses come in a range of focal lengths to go with the Zenmuse X7 as well as some exciting new developments in color science to bring it all together and provide cinema-quality aerial footage.
Image: DJI
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The Zenmuse X7 is available in a range of options according to your needs. The camera can be purchased separately and the lenses can be bought individually or, for a discounted rate, as a complete kit with all 4 options. The lens options are 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, and 50mm focal lengths with a 1.5x crop factor. All are carbon fiber lenses and have a maximum aperture of f/2.8. The lenses make use of mechanical shutters with the exception of the 16mm lens incorporates an ND 4 filter. Orders are already flying in and shipments will start going out in the first or second week of November 2017.
Image: DJI
The other big advancement is the DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) which DJI collaborated on with Technicolor to deliver improved color science, the best you have seen so far. It is one of those things you really have to see to appreciate so check out some of the amazing videos already available.
The DCCS features an innovative D-Log Curve and D-Gamut RGB color space which results in a much better dynamic range with color as close t the original as you can imagine and improved color grading. The DCCS is backward compatible with the X5S as well as the new X7.
Senior Product Manager at DJI, Paul Pan, had the following to say on their latest innovation: “The Zenmuse X7 offers everything professional content creators need to make their aerial footage as stunning and vivid as they demand,” adding, “From the large Super 35 sensor to a new mount, lenses, and color system, the Zenmuse X7 gives cinematographers and professional photographers an unmatched set of tools that work seamlessly with the DJI Inspire 2 drone to capture high-quality footage that is easily integrated into projects shot with industry-leading handheld cameras.”
The potential and creative freedom this new camera and the lenses offer will unlock a whole new world of possibilities for creative, world-class aerial cinematography. It is a great advancement and sure to encourage even more development in this exciting and competitive field.
Specs (full specifications):
Super 35 sensor - Effective Sensor size:
Still: 23.5*15.7mm(APS-C mode), 3:2, 3.91um, CF=1.5
Video: 23.5*12.5mm (S35mm mode), 16:9, CF=1.6
3.91um
14 f-stops
Less artifacts and noises
DJI DL-Mount:
Flange distance: 16.84mm, diameter: 58mm
Excellent MTF
Ultra-light carbon fiber
Lens shutter: 24mm, 35mm, & 50mm models
Built-in ND 4 filter: 16mm model only
CineCore 2.1:
6K CinemaDNG and 5.2K Apple ProRes
59.94 FPS Apple ProRes
Great Details
DJI Cinema Color System:
A new D-Log curve
D-Gamut RGB Color Space
EI Mode
Separated looks for recording and monitor
Improved dark level correction
SOURCE: DJI