DJI Updates Zenmuse X7 Camera Supporting Apple ProRes RAW & 14-Bit

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by Rin Ehlers SheldonApril 6^th, 2018

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In the anticipatory 48 hours before NAB , DJI has announced a thrilling firmware update for the Zenmuse X7. For pilots who care to lead the pack, this is big news!

DJI Inspire 2 with Zenmuse X7 camera.

Senior Product Manager at DJI, Paul Pan asserts,

Paired with the workflow and imaging improvements announced today, the Zenmuse X7 camera and Inspire 2 drone continue to be an unmatched platform for the most demanding projects in aerial cinematography.

Let’s cut right to the birdseye chase, shall we?

DJI Zenmuse X7 Firmware Upgrade

The much anticipated firmware upgrade for the DJI Zenmuse X7 camera unlocks quite a lot of improvements, such as support for the new Apple ProRes RAW format.

If you’re a user who is all in on the RAW activation package for your Inspire 2, you now have support for ProRes RAW. You get the workflow advantages of RAW with the performance of ProRes, so if you have really been aching for aerial shots you can manipulate to kingdom come, you’re probably really excited right now.

If you’re not, your editor will be pretty keyed up: ProRes is the standard, and being able to shift highlights and shadows without hindering workflow, is a welcome step forward. Anyone with a RAW activation package can now record ProRes RAW files natively- ready to drag and drop into your NLE.

14-Bit Recording

The new recording mode enables the Zenmuse X7 to capture 14-bit CinemaDNG at 6K 23.976 fps, which is going to result in less overall noise and  smoother tones and color transitions. The increase to bit depth recording per pixel gives filmmakers more freedom in lower light settings, turning the Zenmuse X7 into a more flexible onset workhorse…workbird…Pegasus?

You’ll end up with more detail in tricky setups or in all likelihood, when the light is fleeting. Again, a welcome step forward.

Faster and Lighter Workflow

A lighter and more agile data processing system facilitates the incorporation of the Zenmuse X7 into your kit, if it’s not already a staple. Your file sizes will be heftier with shifts in bit depth and resolution, so the Zenmuse X7 data system has been adapted to handle your footage more efficiently utilizing the exFAT file system.

A single recording can now be recorded up to 32GB, so gone are the days of merging together shorter clips for a single shot. The exFAT format not only improves data management but also offers a wider compatibility among macOS and Windows operating systems, so win-win.

Availability

You should know this is rolling out in phases, but you won’t have to wait long. The first firmware update gives you that 14-bit CinemaDNG recording and will be out later this month. (April 2018) Update #2 brings you the Apple ProRes RAW & the exFAT file system, coming your way in late May 2018.

Both firmware updates are free as a download through DJI Assistant 2 or the DJI Go 4 mobile app, while the 14-bit CinemaDNG and ProRes RAW capabilities are only available to those with a CinemaDNG license.

Links: DJI blog | X7 website

DJI had already blown pilots away filmmaking with the world’s first Super35 digital camera designed for aerial cinematography.  The features of this update amp the power and efficiency of the Zenmuse X7, solidifying its role as the go to eye in the sky for filmmakers in all kinds of arenas. Are you one of them? Sound off below!