DJI Zenmuse X7: The Concept of the Perfect Image

Introduction

On October 11 in California, DJI Innovations, as expected, announced a new Super-35 format compact cinematic camera, the Zenmuse X7. The new 24MP cinema camera with 14EV dynamic range is capable of shooting uncompressed 35mm video at up to 6K. In her arsenal are four different quick-release lenses with a fixed focal length, made of lightweight carbon. So far, the camera is only compatible with the Inspire 2 drone, but in the future, the developer promises compatibility with other DJI devices.

Peculiarities

The list of the main features of the camera includes:

• 24MP APS-C sensor
• Matrix format Super-35
• Pixel size 3.91µm
• Dynamic Range 14EV
• Matrix diagonal 26.6mm (for video)
• Working distance of the lens 16.84mm
• 6K CinemaDNG / 5.2K Apple ProRes
• Signal to noise ratio (SNR) 46dB
• Tonal range 9.41bit
• 4 × DL-S/DL-mount lenses: 16mm F2.8/24mm F2.8/35mm F2.8/50mm F2.8.
• CineCore 2.1 image processing system + EI mode.
• New post-production system – DJI Cinema Color System
• The weight of the camera with a lens is about 630 grams

About the product

The Zenmuse X7 is a 24MP cinematic camera with built-in IS, capable of capturing 35mm HD video. The camera has a stunning 14EV dynamic range (the Zenmuse X5S has 12.8EV) and can record footage at up to 6K at 30fps in CinemaDNG and up to 5.2K at 30fps with Apple ProRes 422HQ.

The camera supports the new CineCore 2.1 image processing system. In combination with the new EI mode (improves the quality of shooting depending on the sensitivity level), they allow you to easily process video shot at 2704 × 1520p at 59.94 frames per second in Apple ProRes 422 HQ format, thereby providing more opportunities in post-processing material. Overall, moving from CineCore 2.0 (on the X5S) to the newer 2.1 system has significantly reduced the presence of artifacts and noise in the frame, especially when shooting in low light conditions.

Camera video mode specification:

Based on the potential of the camera, the developer offered the consumer a new system that expands the possibilities of using DJI filming equipment and improves the material processing process – the DJI Cinema Color System.

The Zenmuse X7 supports burst shooting of 20.8 megapixel DNG images and has a wide ISO range: Photo: 100 – 25600; Video: 100 – 1600 (with EI mode); 100 – 6400 (without EI mode). It is worth noting that the size of the sensor for still photos is indicative: 23.5 × 15.7mm, the maximum sensor size for video is 23.5 × 12.5mm.

As a result of the use of FSI-Cu technology when creating the matrix (using thinner connecting elements), it allowed the developers to install a more compact lens mount mechanism, without loss in shooting quality. As a result, we get a working length of a lens with a DL-mount less than 17mm, which is about 1/3 of the size of a PL-mount. Such compactness significantly reduced the overall weight of the camera itself, after which the weight of the X7, coupled with the lens, does not exceed 630 grams.

The weight of the Inspire 2 drone with the Zenmuse X7 camera installed on board is about 4kg, while the functionality of the system is not inferior to more technological complexes weighing up to 40kg.

Appearance

Lenses X7

The Zenmuse X7 camera is currently only compatible with the four DL-mount fixed focal length lenses shown with a maximum aperture of F2.8. The 16mm lens has a built-in ND filter with a density value of 4, but unlike the other three, it does not have a mechanical shutter speed of 1/1000s. The material of execution for all three is carbon fiber, the weight is about 180g.

Lens Specifications:

Specification

Brand:

DJI Innovations

The product’s name:

Zenmuse X7

Dimensions:

151×108×132mm

The weight:

449gr

Matrix:

Matrix size (photo): 23.5 × 15.7mm. Matrix size (max. video area): 23.5 × 12.5mm. Effective pixels: 24MP

Compatible lenses:

Compatible memory cards:

microSD: Write speed ≥15 MB/s, speed class: Class 10, UHS-1; Max. Capacity: 64GB SSD: DJI CINESSD

The size a photo:

3:2 / 4:3 / 16:9

Formats a photo:

DJI CINESSD: DNG
Micro SD: DNG, JPEG, DNG+JPEG

Modes work:

Photo, video, playback

Photo modes:

Shutter speed:

Range ISO:

Photo: 100 – 25600; Video: 100 – 1600 (with EI mode); 100 – 6400 (without EI mode)

Video

Formats:

CINESSD: Cinema-DNG, ProRes microSD: MOV, MP4

Permission:

Temperature

Range workers temperature:

-20 to +40°C

Range storage temperature:

-20° to +60° C

*For more information, see the User’s Guide.

Price

A camera without a lens will cost the consumer $2,699. Lenses: 16/24/35mm (each) $1299 50mm lens – $1199. You can purchase the entire range of lenses in one set for $4299, which will save you $797.

Conclusion

The Zenmuse X7 is a real breakthrough in professional video shooting. The potential of the complex, consisting of the Inspire 2 drone and the Zenmuse X7 cinematic camera, is so weighty that it can stand on a par with high-end professional equipment, clearly highlighting its cost-effectiveness. We also note the high-quality materials of the Zenmuse X7, coupled with modern technologies, which made it possible to fit the cinematic capabilities of today’s well-known professional cameras into a miniature size, outperforming the latter also in weight. We hope to see other DJI X7-compatible devices coming soon that will allow you to shoot not only from the air, but also from the ground.

FAQ

AT: Is it possible to mount the Zenmuse X7 on drones other than the Inspire 2, or use the camera separately?

A: Not currently, but it will be compatible with other DJI products in the future.

AT: Is the Zenmuse X7 camera compatible with the Inspire 1 drone?

Oh no

AT: What are the main differences between Zenmuse X7 and Zenmuse X5S?

A: The X7 has a Super-35 sensor and a DL mount. Compatible with 4 lenses (16, 24, 35 and 50mm). The X5S is built on a 4:3 micro sensor and supports eight Pro-level lenses with a standard M4/3 mount. Some X5S lenses require a balance ring.

AT: Why is the DL mount better than others?

A: Significantly reduces the size and weight of the camera, providing high quality shooting. The working length is only 16.84mm.

AT: What lenses are compatible with the X7 camera?

A: At the moment, the X7 can only work with four lenses that were introduced with the camera – these are DL-mount prime lenses with a maximum aperture of F2.8.

AT: How is a DL-S lens different from a DL lens?

A: Max. the size of the matrix with which the lens can work. Super-35 format is available for DL-S lens, all sensor format is available for DL ​​lenses.

AT: Is it possible to use third party filters on X7 camera lenses?

Oh yeah. For X7 lenses, any filters with a diameter of 46mm, weighing from 10-12 grams and no more than 4.4mm thick (without thread) are suitable.

AT: What is the best drive to use when using the X7 camera with the Inspire 2 drone?

A: Micro SD card and DJI CINESSD. For simple, uncomplicated shooting, one Micro SD card will suffice. For more complex high-quality work that requires the use of special video formats, it is necessary to use a CINESSD drive in conjunction with a Micro SD. It is not possible to use CINESSD without a Micro SD card.

Video

Video shot with Zenmuse X7 camera and Inspire 2 drone.