Does anyone know more about the x5s camera and which lenses work with it fully?  Most micro 4/3 lenses have focus motors built in, does the DJI controller able to talk to third party lenses, like the ones its compatible with?  Does the camera come with balance rings for other lenses?

What about the zoom lens they sell on DJI, is that a manually set zoom once while on the ground?  How do you secure it from moving while in the air?

Can any micro 4/3s lens be put on the camera as long as its within weight limits and balance limits?  Can aperature be remotely controlled on all lenses?

Thanks

Jason

From http://www.dji.com/zenmuse-x5s

Array of compatible lenses

Since it uses a standard Micro 4/3 mount, the Zenmuse X5S now supports up to eight professional lenses* with focal lengths ranging from 9mm-45mm (equivalent to 18mm-90mm on a 35mm camera), providing more creative control over the final look of a shot.

Olympus M.Zuiko 12mm/2.0
DJI MFT 15mm/1.7 ASPH
Olympus M.Zuiko 17mm/1.8
Panasonic Lumix 15mm/1.7
Olympus M.Zuiko 25mm/1.8
Panasonic Lumix 14-42mm/3.5-5.6 HD
Olympus M.Zuiko 45mm/1.8
Olympus M.Zuiko 9-18mm/4.0-5.6

*A balancing ring is needed for some lenses. More compatible lenses will be available.

Daroga hit the nail on the head.

If you don't buy the additional licenses ($1000 & $500)...what are the specs on the camera?

Daroga Posted at 2016-12-11 11:51
From http://www.dji.com/zenmuse-x5s

Array of compatible lenses

nice post!

Thanks for stepping in and helping  


all the best my friend
Rich

fans98d63e0a Posted at 2016-12-16 08:55
If you don't buy the additional licenses ($1000 & $500)...what are the specs on the camera?

You would basically omit the any CinemaDNG and Apple Pro Res codecs mentioned in the HOLLYWOOD-GRADE VIDEO section of the X5S product page.

fans98d63e0a Posted at 2016-12-15 19:55
If you don't buy the additional licenses ($1000 & $500)...what are the specs on the camera?

The specs on the camera won't change!!

The easiest explanation of what DJI-Jamie is pointing out is down on the Inspire-2 Learn More page. Click here and scroll down to see the Efficient Workflow diagram.

I've modified that diagram to illustrate what works and what isn't utilized without the license(s):



Without the license(s) you would still have the top workflow using H264/265 codecs, saving recordings/photos to the micro SD card.

Without the CinemaDNG and/or Apple ProRes license you would loose the middle and/or bottom workflows until you purchased the appropriate license.
Without at least one of these licenses, you won't need the DJI CineSSD, or the DJI CineSSD Station SSD reader.

You may purchase the license(s) at any time. It is activated against the aircraft serial number.

These licenses are likely enabling dedicated hardware System-on-Chip (SOC) or Field Programable Field Arrays (FPGA) that implement
the Apple approved and/or CinemaDNG compliant codec.

So, without the $1000 and $500 licenses, would the camera have 4K 60fps, 100mbps and 4:2:2 10 bit recording?

fans98d63e0a Posted at 2016-12-15 23:35
So, without the $1000 and $500 licenses, would the camera have 4K 60fps, 100mbps and 4:2:2 10 bit recording?

Per the links provided above, without the keys, H264/265 will provide:

  Built-in 3D noise reduction
  3DLUT color management technology
  Advanced sensor correction

---

H.264/AVC BP/MP/HP Level 5.1: 4K 60fps, 100Mbps;
H.265 MP Level 5.1: 4K 30fps, 100Mbps;

fans98d63e0a Posted at 2016-12-16 12:35
So, without the $1000 and $500 licenses, would the camera have 4K 60fps, 100mbps and 4:2:2 10 bit recording?

When you're looking at the Resolutions list, it would look something like this:


Since the top codec is DNG and not Cinema DNG, it wouldn't require a license.

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2016-12-16 17:56
When you're looking at the Resolutions list, it would look something like this:
[view_image]

How come there is only 20 fps DNG raw option and not 24/25/30?  The X5R has it...

DroneAlps Posted at 2016-12-16 14:23
How come there is only 20 fps DNG raw option and not 24/25/30?  The X5R has it...

20fps DNG is for still images. In CinemaDNG the camera does 24/25/30/48/50/60 in 4k and 24/25/30 in 5.2k.

fans48750221 Posted at 2016-12-16 23:54
20fps DNG is for still images. In CinemaDNG the camera does 24/25/30/48/50/60 in 4k and 24/25/30 in 5.2k.

Yes but you have to pay for that license. If it can shoot 20 fps DNG raw without a license then why not 24fps+?

DroneAlps Posted at 2016-12-17 06:23
How come there is only 20 fps DNG raw option and not 24/25/30?  The X5R has it...

Unfortunately these are all the resolutions that are to be provided without the use of licenses. The CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes take the place of those frame rates at a higher pixel quality, but that is at a cost.

DroneAlps Posted at 2016-12-16 15:05
Yes but you have to pay for that license. If it can shoot 20 fps DNG raw without a license then why not 24fps+?

I don't know...because 24 is more than 20? :-)
The licenses are for Cinema DNG and ProRes.  The 20fps DNG is for stills. Those higher rates are for video, not stills, and require a license. I'm not sure, but maybe what you are suggesting is that because the X5R could shoot faster video frame rates without a license, why can't the x5s?  Compare the price of the X5R, with that the X5S including the licenses and you might find your answer.

fans48750221 Posted at 2016-12-17 00:16
I don't know...because 24 is more than 20? :-)
The licenses are for Cinema DNG and ProRes.  The 20fps DNG is for stills. Those higher rates are for video, not stills, and require a license. I'm not sure, but maybe what you are suggesting is that because the X5R could shoot faster video frame rates without a license, why can't the x5s?  Compare the price of the X5R, with that the X5S including the licenses and you might find your answer.

I know 20fps is for stills, but why not allow 24/25/30fps for video? I understand about the licenses but find it strange that they can allow DNG raw for stills but not for video, for the sake of an extra 4/5 fps...

DroneAlps Posted at 2016-12-16 15:22
I know 20fps is for stills, but why not allow 24/25/30fps for video? I understand about the licenses but find it strange that they can allow DNG raw for stills but not for video, for the sake of an extra 4/5 fps...

Because they want to charge more for it. ;-)

I think you need to put the proper perspective on things. For instance a canon rebel stills camera at under $1k can shoot raw stills. As can almost any camera in that class on the market.  The next camera up in Canon's world that shoots raw video cost about $13k.  Why.?..well because in the markets that canon COMPETES in, that's the cost of raw video (think sony, red, arri) (sure black magic and some other minor players have brought RAW in as a way of avoiding building a proper codec, but RAW in video is still a really rare thing. In drone "land" is there another manufacturer producing RAW video at a lower cost than DJI? Don't think so. So why would DJI give you that for free, when they can charge handsomely for it.

Personally, the reason I avoided the Inspire 1 RAW and am fully in on the Inspire 2 is for ProRes. This is a much more valuable commodity in the professional world, because that's what's needed for 95% of the productions out there. Very few "real" projects have the budget for RAW in post.

I get it. You want it. But DJI is certainly not being unreasonable in charging for a feature that has value to a higher end customer, especially when it has no competition for that feature.

DroneAlps Posted at 2016-12-16 15:22
I know 20fps is for stills, but why not allow 24/25/30fps for video? I understand about the licenses but find it strange that they can allow DNG raw for stills but not for video, for the sake of an extra 4/5 fps...

And if you want "poor mans cinema DNG" there is nothing stopping your from putting the I2 into tripod mode. Shoot slow passes onto the truly overpriced SSD media using 20fps DNG, and then importing them into your NLE at any damn frame rate you want. Results will be largely the same....as long as nothings moving in your shots :-)

Daroga Posted at 2016-12-16 05:50
The specs on the camera won't change!!

The easiest explanation of what DJI-Jamie is pointing out is down on the Inspire-2 Learn More page. Click here and scroll down to see the Efficient Workflow diagram.

Interesting...  I have a P4 P and must say that I'm very pleased with the video quality for the price paid.  I'm waiting for the Inspire 2 to arrive at the local drone shop and intend buying it.

There are two options: 1. Buy the Combo and get the I2 + license + X5S. (it does not say if the hugely overpriced SSD is included...)  2. By the I2 and the X5S as separate items.  No license included and no top end codecs etc.

For the below - I'm not a professional - I'm a normal hobbyist - just a full of nonsense one that always wants to push the boundaries for better video quality....

Three questions remain:

1. If one looks at option 1 (Combo) and 2 (separate items), will the video quality be (so) much better going with option 1 (having the license and the cool codecs?

2. Compared to the P4 P's video quality (which seems the same as the X4 camera), will the video coming from option 2 (no license and cool codecs) - using the X5S - be (so) much better?

3. What type of PC power / processing do we talk about when option 1 (Combo with license and cool codecs) is picked to edit / render the videos taken in full 5.2K high res??

Question 3 is important.  I render a lot of 4K videos coming from my Sony A7S via an Atomos Shogun.  While not really fast it is very notably slower when I render the 4K video from my P4 P...  If the X5S will need much more fire power it means upgrading my PC too.  (Having said that it seems that the P4 P and X5S do not use the same methodology for capturing video and it just may be that the X5S may be a bit easier on the PC??)

I'd really like to get some clear answers / ideas on the above - Many thanks!

JWC P4 Posted at 2016-12-20 16:21
Interesting...  I have a P4 P and must say that I'm very pleased with the video quality for the price paid.  I'm waiting for the Inspire 2 to arrive at the local drone shop and intend buying it.

There are two options: 1. Buy the Combo and get the I2 + license + X5S. (it does not say if the hugely overpriced SSD is included...)  2. By the I2 and the X5S as separate items.  No license included and no top end codecs etc.

I guess it is all about WANT versus NEED & COST
1, Licenses AU$2200
1A, SSD 480gig AU$1600
2, CINESSD card reader AU$259
3, Computer as high spec'ed as one can afford $$??
4, For every 40 mins of 4K raw you will need approx 500 gig (half a Terabyte) of storage
5, So you will need allot of fast storage a 10 bay SSD raid housing costs AU$1600 and that is just the housing you will then need to buy the SSD's to put into the housing, the cost of them will be dependent on brand and the amount you would need that could be a few thousand dollars, NOTE: all the pricing I mention is Australian as that is where I live, it may be cheaper where you are, however my point is you mention that you are a Hobbyist, the cost as you can see to go down the RAW path will set you back quiet a few thousand dollars, and the main benefit of Shooting RAW is you have a lot more pixels to play with when editing for colour, the image that the X5s is capable of producing without the RAW capabilities would be more than satisfactory I have the X5 on my Inspire 1 and I have brought the Inspire 2 with the X5s. I think you would be more than happy with the X5s without the RAW, and when you had a need for it you can always buy the licenses. Hope this helps.

VisionAir Posted at 2016-12-20 16:25
I guess it is all about WANT versus NEED & COST
1, Licenses AU$2200
1A, SSD 480gig AU$1600

Makes sense!  Many thanks.

For those of us who are holding off on buying the licenses (for now), can anyone put the H.264 and H.265 @100mbps in perspective as far as quality. I come from shooting with a Panasonic GH4 on an S900. Putting the obvious advantages from the I2 unit aside, I'm I really getting a better camera/footage from the X5S?

I have a GH4 and think it is a great 4K camera. I shoot in H.265 when flying my P4 P and honestly it delivers a much better quality video than using H.264 - I'd say on par with the GH4...

Question on the lenses.

What happens when a non-approved and/or a lens not on the approved list lens goes on the camera?  Does it not work at all?

I was looking at a Sigma 60mm ( https://www.sigmaphoto.com/60mm-f28-dn-a ) which weighs 190 grams, but don't know if it would work even if it is a micro 4/3 lens?

Tia.

Can someone confirm something?  If I buy the combo and dont activate any of the licenses, can I sell that license to another owner of an I2 with no issues?

ddublu Posted at 2016-12-21 10:39
Can someone confirm something?  If I buy the combo and dont activate any of the licenses, can I sell that license to another owner of an I2 with no issues?

Good Question!

ddublu Posted at 2016-12-22 02:39
Can someone confirm something?  If I buy the combo and dont activate any of the licenses, can I sell that license to another owner of an I2 with no issues?

The license would be tied to the aircraft's SN, so it should be feasible to do so. It's the same premise as DJI Care.

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2016-12-21 18:40
The license would be tied to the aircraft's SN, so it should be feasible to do so. It's the same premise as DJI Care.

If it's tied to the aircraft SN then it would NOT be able to be sold, correct?

ddublu Posted at 2016-12-22 09:41
If it's tied to the aircraft SN then it would NOT be able to be sold, correct?

It's not possible to purchase stand alone the license keys without inputting the aircraft's S/N, so that is correct, you would not be able to sell the license keys separately once you buy them. They can only go to the next person who buys the aircraft from you. I apologize for any miscommunication, I may have missed the "another aircraft" part.

Where apart from the DJI go app / software are the x5 camera settings kept and stored and retained? Beacause every time  I renew my drones battery the cameras settings are lost.This is a pain to keep altering the cameras settings each time as battery life is very limited.Why aren't the settings retained.Some of Canons cameras store them on the sdcard / compact flash. Please help !

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2016-12-22 04:33
It's not possible to purchase stand alone the license keys without inputting the aircraft's S/N, so that is correct, you would not be able to sell the license keys separately once you buy them. They can only go to the next person who buys the aircraft from you. I apologize for any miscommunication, I may have missed the "another aircraft" part.

Ok.  My intent was to go ahead and buy the combo but since I wouldnt be using any of the higher end video resolutions, sell the license to someone that had more patience than me who was waiting on their non-combo. Bummer.

ddublu Posted at 2016-12-23 02:56
Ok.  My intent was to go ahead and buy the combo but since I wouldnt be using any of the higher end video resolutions, sell the license to someone that had more patience than me who was waiting on their non-combo. Bummer.

Yea unfortunately it's a 'no go'. It's always easier to add than it is to take away.

Daroga Posted at 2016-12-11 14:51
From http://www.dji.com/zenmuse-x5s

Array of compatible lenses

Thanks for the input

Daroga Posted at 2016-12-12 03:51
From http://www.dji.com/zenmuse-x5s

Array of compatible lenses

There seems to be a fault in this list
Panasonic lumix 14- 42  should be  Olympus M.ZUIKO Digital ED 14-42mm f3.5-5.6 EZ I suppose

Daroga Posted at 2016-12-16 14:50
The specs on the camera won't change!!

The easiest explanation of what DJI-Jamie is pointing out is down on the Inspire-2 Learn More page. Click here and scroll down to see the Efficient Workflow diagram.

I was told by Rise Above in Australia, that you can only buy the license with the aircraft, not afterwards.

fans2e0a0cd2 Posted at 2016-12-27 15:19
I was told by Rise Above in Australia, that you can only buy the license with the aircraft, not afterwards.

That is not correct, you can purchase the licences if and when you need them and you don't have to buy both, you can buy the one you want/need first and then later if you want the other you can purchase that one.

fans2e0a0cd2 Posted at 2016-12-27 07:19
I was told by Rise Above in Australia, that you can only buy the license with the aircraft, not afterwards.

That's not true see links

Click for DJI Store Link to DJI CinemaDNG & Apple ProRes License Key $1500 US = £1,550.00

Click for CinmaDNG License Key $1000 US = £1,000.00

Click for CinmaDNG License Key $1000 US = £1,000.00

fans2e0a0cd2 Posted at 2016-12-27 15:19
I was told by Rise Above in Australia, that you can only buy the license with the aircraft, not afterwards.

VisionAir and Arrow are correct. The only catch at the moment is that since the Inspire 2 is still a pre order product, the purchasing process the license keys on the back end is not fully up and running due to no one having an aircraft to input a S/N with to complete the purchase.

If you know you're going to use one or both codecs, then it would be fastest to combine them with the order. If you will be holding out and testing the camera for a little bit at its base specs, then this wait would most likely not affect you when that decision time comes.

DJI-Jamie Posted at 2016-12-28 14:26
VisionAir and Arrow are correct. The only catch at the moment is that since the Inspire 2 is still a pre order product, the purchasing process the license keys on the back end is not fully up and running due to no one having an aircraft to input a S/N with to complete the purchase.

If you know you're going to use one or both codecs, then it would be fastest to combine them with the order. If you will be holding out and testing the camera for a little bit at its base specs, then this wait would most likely not affect you when that decision time comes.

It appears that the DJI Store has been updated (Dec 29th) to allow purchasing licenses. The purchase requires binding to an aircraft serial number @ the time of purchase...

Daroga Posted at 2016-12-29 05:49
It appears that the DJI Store has been updated (Dec 29th) to allow purchasing licenses. The purchase requires binding to an aircraft serial number @ the time of purchase...

It's kind of like buying DJI Care on the back end. Once you have the aircraft in your possession, then you can get the license. The code generation would be quick, so you won't have to wait long from the time of purchase to activate it.