DJI Reveals Flagship Zenmuse X7 Super 35 Sensor Camera with 6K RAW Recording

by Adam PlowdenOctober 12^th, 2017

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The new DJI Zenmuse X7 camera features 6K CinemaDNG RAW with a Super 35 sensor, promised to deliver up to 14 stops of dynamic range.

We caught up with DJI’s André Becker to hear more about their new creation which was designed to work seamlessly with DJI’s Inspire 2 drone.  The new Zenmuse X7 Super 35 sensor camera will record in a whopping 6K CinemaDNG RAW 12-bit/5.2K Apple ProRes HQ 4:2:2 up to 30fps. In 4K the Zenmuse X7 will record in Apple ProRes 4:4:4:4 XQ, 3.9K CinemaDNG RAW and 2.7K Apple ProRes up to 59.94fps. DJI’s aim for the Zenmuse X7 camera is to be the all in one choice for aerial cinematography by offering this range of resolutions, frame rates and formats that can match with many production cameras.

The new Zenmuse X7 camera on the inspire 2 drone

Super 35 sensor

DJI have increased the sensor size in the Zenmuse X7 camera, providing more detail and colour information for a professional, cinematic image. The Super 35 sensor will provide better shooting capabilities not just in terms of a shallower depth of field but also with lower noise.

Larger sensor size and DL lens mount

Carbon Fibre lenses, ND filter stages in 16mm lens

The DJI Zenmuse X7 camera will feature a new DL lens mount system dedicated to a range of prime lenses, available in 16mm, 24mm, 35mm and 50mm focal lengths all with a maximum aperture of F/2.8. This will give drone operators the flexibility of choice for composition and depth of field and new low light capabilities. The lens construction is carbon fibre, with an almost identical weight. The 16mm lens features a built in 4 stages ND  filter, while the other lenses have a filter thread to use existing ND filters from their existing line of lenses. The lens and camera control is via an app, which allows control over the shutter, aperture and ND filter.

4 new lightweight lenses

DJI Cinema Colour System (DCCS)

Additionally, DJI is also introducing the DJI Cinema Colour System (DCCS) with improved D-Log gamma curve and D-Gamut RGB. The D-Log Curve extends the dynamic range, and will suit post production colour grading, with the D-Gamut RGB preserving colour information. According to DJI, the move to refine their Cinema Colour System processing was done in order to match the Zenmuse X7 with high end production camera like the ARRI Alexa.

New DL mount lens – back view

Here are the technical specifications of the DJI Zenmuse X7:

• Super 35 sensor
• 14 stops of dynamic range (measured by the manufacturer)
• DJI DL-Mount optimized for prime lenses
• 6K CinemaDNG RAW 12-bit, or 5.2K Apple ProRes up to 30fps.
• 3.9K CinemaDNG RAW or 2.7K Apple ProRes up to 59.94fps.
• Prime lenses in 16mm, 24mm, 35mm, 50mm, carbon fibre construction.
• Maximum aperture of F/2.8.
• Dedicated ND 4 stages filter in the 16mm lens.
• Mechanical shutter in the 24mm, 35mm, 50mm lenses.
• New D-Log Curve and D-Gamut RGB profiles.
• Up to 23 minutes flying time when mounted onto the DJI Inspire 2.

Pricing and availability:

The Zenmuse X7 camera is priced at $2,699 USD (€ 2.999). The 16 mm, 24 mm and 35 mm lenses will be available for $1,299 (€ 1.499) each, and the 50 mm for $1,199 (€1.331). Customers can purchase the Zenmuse X7 prime lens combo including all 4 lenses for $4,299 (€ 4.773).  The Zenmuse X7 will start shipping in early November 2017

Will you be upgrading your DJI Inspire 2 camera to capture 6K RAW video? Let us know in the comments.