DJI Zenmuse X7 (Lens Excluded)

DJI Zenmuse X7

The passion for uncompromised image quality. This is the philosophy behind the new DJI Zenmuse X7. Together with the DJI Inspire 2, it marks the next evolution in DJI’s aerial imaging technology. The new Zenmuse X7 features a super 35mm sensor for video recording and offers a video resolution of up to 6K 30 fps in CinemaDNG RAW and Apple ProRes 5.2k in 30fps.  This high resolution not only provides incredible detail, but also allows for reframing. The 14 stops of dynamic range enhance grading flexibility, by preserving detail in shadow and highlight areas. The large sensor also enables filming with a cinematic shallow depth of field and low image noise. An ISO range 100~25600, makes it suitable for use in all lighting situations. The new DJI Cinema colour system consists of two parts: an updated D-Log Curve for extended dynamic range and D-Gamut RGB colour space for preserving maximum colour information. The Zenmuse X7 has endless amount of possibilities that allow cinematographers and photographers craft shots that weren’t possible before.

Please note: You are required to update the DJI Inspire 2 to the latest software, before installing the Zenmuse X7.

Excellence in Engineering

The X7 uses a Super 35 sensor that supports RAW output at 6K/30fps and 3.9K/59.94fps. The pixel size reaches an impressive 3.91 μm (micrometer) and during recording the diagonal length of the sensor is 26.6mm. The Zenmuse X7 is more sensitive to light due to its larger sensor and features a 14 stop of dynamic range. This is much wider than the 12.8 stops of the Zenmuse X5S.

The Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of the X7 is 46dB. This is 8dB higher than the SNR on the Zenmuse X5S. The tonal range on the X7 is as high as 9.41 bits.

The DJI DL-Mount System; the first aerial lens mount system

DJI took advantage of the newly developed FSI-Cu technology and featured a thinner interconnection in the Zenmuse X7 sensor. This increases photosensitivity, because light can reach the sensing area via a larger incident angle. This allows a cinematographer and a photographer to use a more compact lens mount, while maintaining excellent image quality. This decreases the flange focal distance of the DL-Mount to less than 17 mm (16.84mm), which is roughly 1/3 of the size of a PL-Mount.

The compact DL-Mount means a lighter mount. The X7 weights 630g with a lens included and 449g without. Combined with the DJI Inspire 2, the total weight will be around 4kg. This combination allows for the same challenging shots as the more heavy set-ups that can weigh up to 40kgs. 

DL Prime lenses specifically designed for the X7

DJI offers four lenses that were specifically designed for the DL-Mount System. The focal lengths range from 16-50mm and reach resolutions of up to 8K! The DL lenses are made of strong and lightweight carbon fiber that are embedder with the most advanced technologies. 

The benefit of the Leaf shutter is that it prevents image distortion that is caused by the rolling shutter, stripes resulting from artificial lightning and it prevents motion blur when shooting high-speed objects. When the shutter speed is below 1/1000s, the leaf shutter will be automatically turned off.

Unleash your full potential

With the introduction of the Zenmuse X7, DJI has upgraded the CineCore image processing system on the Inspire 2 to CineCore 2.1. It is now capable of recording in 6K/30fps in CinemaDNG and 5.2K/30fps Apple ProRes. This allows for more creative options in post-production.

On top of that, a brand new EI mode has been integrated into the CineCore system. The EI makes it easy to match with different cameras. It is used for TV-series, commercials and documentaries as well as for feature film. It can also record high-quality at various levels of sensitivity. Perfect for recording at different times of the day. Also the image artifacts and noise has been reduced and the new CineCore 2.1 preserves more details while adopting an improved dark level correction system.

Lastly, CineCore 2.1 now also features a new colour system. This allows for more flexibility in post-production.

DJI Cinema Colour System; more room for post-processing

DJI introduces a brand new system that allows for more room in post-production aerial photography and film making; the DJI Cinema Colour System. It unlocks a wide range of new possibilities.

The DJI Cinema Colour system consists of a new D-log curve and a D-Gamut RGB colour space. The D-Log can encode 15 stops of dynamic range – two stops higher than the X5S. Even in situations in which the lightning is poor, the Zenmuse X7 preserves the details in shadows and highlights.

The D-Gamut covers the entire DCI-P3 colour space, which is commonly used in filmmaking. It now provides a larger green tone coverage, which allows for green graduation for your shoots. Moreover, it also offers optimized skin tone adjustments. This is done by moving the skin tones to their most suitable chromaticity, and by applying 3D-LUT in colour grading.  D-Gamut also allows for manual colour grading, preventing skin tones from turning yellow without colour management or 3D-LUT.

It allows the following:

• Extended Dynamic Range: You now have access to a wider dynamic range under similar settings
• Natural Highlight Roll off: When the brightness of an image is being adjusted during colour grading, the colours will fade out simultaneously with the brightness.
• Balanced Colour: It is now easier to grade colours. The saturation on R/G/B colour is now carefully balanced.
• Soft Skin Tones: DJI Cinema Colour system now records softer skin tones which leave more room for post-editing.

What is the difference between the Zenmuse X5S and the Zenmuse X7?

The Zenmuse X7 is equipped with a Super 35mm image sensor and a DL-Mount that is compatible with the four DL-lenses (16mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm). The Zenmuse X5S uses a 4/3-inch sensor that supports a M4.3 mount. Therefore, the X5S is compatible with eight professional lenses, but it needs balancing rings. 

How are the Zenmuse X7, Inspire 2, Inspire 2 License Keys, and CINESSD related to one another?

The DJI Zenmuse X7 is compatible with the Inspire 2 and the videos recorded by the Zenmuse X7 are processed by the CineCore 2.1 Image Processing System. The CineCore 2.1 includes CinemaDMG and/or AppleProRes Capabilities, which can be unlocked by purchasing a DJI Inspire 2 License Key. The images and videos made by the Zenmuse X7 will then be stored on the CineSSD (available in various capacities).