DJI today revealed the Zenmuse X5 and X5R, the first commercially available cameras to feature Micro Four Thirds sensors.
Designed specifically for aerial use, both devices take 16-megapixel stills and 4K video on a stabilized 3-axis gimbal that integrates with DJI's Inspire 1 drone.
The Micro Four Thirds sensor in the X5 series is over eight times the size of the sensor in the original camera included with Inspire 1, DJI said. Mount the X5 to the Inspire 1 with a small bracket and get flying.
At launch, the X5 will support four interchangeable lenses: the DJI MFT 15mm f/1.7 ASPH, Panasonic Lumix 15mm G Leica DG Summilux f/1.7 ASPH, Olympus M.Zuiko Digital Ed 12mm f/2.0, and the Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm f/1.8. Using the DJI GO mobile app, grounded pilots can wirelessly control aperture and focus, making it easy to capture 16-megapixel photos or 4K, 24fps, and 30fps videos.
"The professional applications of the Zenmuse X5 are almost endless," Eric Cheng, DJI's director of aerial imaging, said in a statement. "[T]he 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."
DJI's Zenmuse X5R camera, meanwhile, shares the same sensor and lens compatibility as the X5, but records video to an onboard microSD card and a removable 512GB solid state disk. It also offers a new D-LOG mode for a broader array of color correction in post production.
To support the Cinema DNG files captured by the new camera, DJI will release the CineLight software, for users to edit and convert RAW aerial footage. The program will be available later this year, when the Zenmuse X5R launches.
"[P]ilots used to have to spend many thousands of dollars for large, complicated aerial equipment," DJI CEO Frank Wang said. "Now, [they] can simply mount the Zenmuse X5 series cameras to their Inspire 1 … and have full control of their shot while in flight."
Professionals can pre-order the Zenmuse X5 online for $4,499, which includes a DJI Inspire 1 and the MFT 15mm f/1.7 ASPH lens. Shipping is expected to begin before the end of the month. The X5R will be available in the fourth quarter of the year, for $7,999.
Each can be purchased as a standalone camera, with or without lenses.