The new X5 for the inspire 1 looks amazing, DJI you got so many things right.  4/3 sensor, lens options, higher iso...but the codec is a real problem.

The original X3 is not a bad camera but the main bottle neck for it was the 4:2:0, 60/mbs 4K compression.  And now that same compression is in the new X5?

Yes, I know the X5r shoots raw but where is the middle ground with these cameras in terms of compression?  Please give us at least a 4:2:2, 100/mbs 4K compression on the X5.

According to DJI, yes the X5 is indeed 4:2:0 @ 60mbps.

It remains to be seen if they have a new encoder. We'll have to wait and see what ungraded raw X5 footage looks like when the system start shipping. I'm waiting on the X5R potentially and thought about grabbing an X5 in the meantime but given DJI's history with cameras I'm not trusting enough of them yet to just pull the trigger on the X5 sight unseen.

Hopefully they prove they've got the chops but for now DJI is still on a "put up or shut up" basis with me, camera wise.

I think they have just created a small, medium and large offering and I think they've done the right thing.

There are many that are perfectly happy with the X3 but just want more control and a bigger sensor.   For them the X5 is ideal.

For the pros, who don't bat an eye at spending $20k for a camera, the X5R is going to be awesome!

Going to be very interesting, I'm looking forward to it!

I'm looking forward to the X5r as well and I'm happy to see a raw option.  But the X5 desperately needs a better compression codec.

jimhare Posted at 2015-9-12 02:26
I think they have just created a small, medium and large offering and I think they've done the right ...

Jim, I agree with your assessment, are you planning to upgrade to the X5 series?

I've ordered the X5 and the DJI lens but am becoming slightly concerned with the the 60mbs bit rate option. The gap between the X5 and X5R is pretty large in terms of price but I'm wondering if I'd be better off saving up and buying the X5R even though it would be a big investment in a part of my business which has yet to start making lots of money.

The big advantage here in the UK is that the high spec Inspire1 / X5R package will still come in under the weight of 7kgs, the first threshold in gaining a CAA permission for aerial work and not subject to such onerous conditions as the 7 to 20 kgs category.  So this could well open up the Inspire1 for top end work.

jimhare Posted at 2015-9-11 21:26
I think they have just created a small, medium and large offering and I think they've done the right ...

Im with Jim.  We are planning to order the X5R for the reason this is what our clients want.  While expensive, it's less than our original Cinestar 8 drone at $17k before camera.  This is a good price.  Only thing this does is separates the men from the boys.   

Productions "will" hire the guy with the better camera.

richard@newmedi Posted at 2015-9-12 19:10
Im with Jim.  We are planning to order the X5R for the reason this is what our clients want.  While ...

Richard, I have a very large investment in 6 MR's.  The new camera(s) is not out of my price range if it were something I really wanted.   While there are reasons I'd love to hit the buy button on either camera. I've chosen to sit this one out for 6-12 months.  

Lots of reasons, 1 being 1st gen stuff from DJI never matches expectations and there is a bug fixing time.  2nd reason is the bit rate and the fact that everyone is assuming that DJI has just automatically become a high end camera producer.  Maybe in Gimbals, but it's not a gimmee in the camera world.

I find my video to be very pleasing on my Inspire, but not as sharp as my other aerial cameras most of which is gh3 and gh4.  I find the stills on the Inspire to be worthless. Way to much noise and compression.  Great for the internet, but not so good for printing.  

Thus I'll wait.   It is probably separating the low end commercial "men form the boys" work, .  But not so much us serious hobbyists.  I consider myself being prudent based on the track record on this one.

I had an uncompressed 4k camera 2 years ago.  Sold it as it's just too much data.  Loved the image, but I couldn't justify all the extra storage.  I have a 16tb raid 5 on my server and another 20tb of back up.  It get's expensive and time consuming.  You end up throwing out footage that you may want later when you need space.  Expanding storage takes time and money.   That is another reason I'll probably wait out the higher end model.  That camera should deliver the quality though.  DJI doesn't have to do much except deliver the sensor data to the ssd.  

jfro Posted at 2015-9-12 15:08
I had an uncompressed 4k camera 2 years ago.  Sold it as it's just too much data.  Loved the image,  ...

Yeah we are kind of stuck in this weird high end 4K option and low end 4K option.

Maybe a ProRes option with 4:2:2 to bring it up to the minimum broadcast standards in most countries?

Burlingtonfilms Posted at 2015-9-13 06:48
Yeah we are kind of stuck in this weird high end 4K option and low end 4K option.

Maybe a ProRes  ...

This defeats the purpose of RAW, which is to have ultimate grading possibilities.

I don't know why everyone's so worried about storage, it's dirt cheap and getting bigger/cheaper every day.  

But if storage is an issue just do a one-light color correction so your footage is close to the final look and export the best moments to ProRes.  Then delete the original.

As for me I keep and cherish every frame I've shot on my RED EPIC.    This would be no different.

Cyclops Posted at 2015-9-12 20:18
Jim, I agree with your assessment, are you planning to upgrade to the X5 series?

I've ordered the ...

I'm interested in seeing the compression for the X5 but at this stage it's unlikely I will upgrade.   The X5R is where the action's at and I'll be interested to see the pricing when it comes out.

jimhare Posted at 2015-9-13 08:38
I'm interested in seeing the compression for the X5 but at this stage it's unlikely I will upgrade ...

Same here.

DJI please give us some compression options on the X5.

jimhare Posted at 2015-9-11 18:26
I think they have just created a small, medium and large offering and I think they've done the right ...

Price point is going to be around $5k right?

U.S. Pricing information on X5, X5R, remote Focus, etc. via B&H Photo: http://forum.dji.com/thread-31031-1-1.html

For 2K You can get Professional grade DSLR and lens and gimbal to attach to a drone like Spreading wings or other. The X5 is a joke

shayd93@gmail.c Posted at 2015-9-13 22:56
For 2K You can get Professional grade DSLR and lens and gimbal to attach to a drone like Spreading w ...

Umm...

Most "professional grade" DSLR and mirrorless bodies are more than $2,000 on their own.

Plus lens, plus gimbal.

Maybe check your math a bit, there.

shayd93@gmail.c Posted at 2015-9-14 12:56
For 2K You can get Professional grade DSLR and lens and gimbal to attach to a drone like Spreading w ...

Nope, disagree...

scooterlam Posted at 2015-9-14 05:54
Price point is going to be around $5k right?

B&H are advertising it but since DJI haven't announced I don't know how much faith to put into it.  But I would say that's about right.  Guess we'll have to wait and see.

jimhare Posted at 2015-9-14 01:06
B&H are advertising it but since DJI haven't announced I don't know how much faith to put into it. ...

Confirmed now at $5500 without lens?

Burlingtonfilms Posted at 2015-9-16 23:26
Confirmed now at $5500 without lens?

Since DJI haven't announced then not confirmed.  Sometimes B&H jump the gun a bit!

But that price sounds about right to me so maybe!   

jimhare Posted at 2015-9-16 19:36
Since DJI haven't announced then not confirmed.  Sometimes B&H jump the gun a bit!

But that price  ...

Wow, you could almost buy another two Inspire 1's for that price.

shayd93@gmail.c Posted at 2015-9-13 19:56
For 2K You can get Professional grade DSLR and lens and gimbal to attach to a drone like Spreading w ...

Yeah you will need another $8k in the s900 or s1000, oh and a lens for that body for $2k.. My batteries alone for my s1000 are $500 each. Nothing else in this form factor allows full camera control and this type of glass. If the x5 doesn't meet your standards then you have options with larger birds and other cameras.

DJI-BladeStrike Posted at 2015-10-2 16:47
Yeah you will need another $8k in the s900 or s1000, oh and a lens for that body for $2k.. My batt ...

BladeStrike - How long do your batteries usually last on your S1000?

Burlingtonfilms Posted at 2015-10-3 05:02
BladeStrike - How long do your batteries usually last on your S1000?

Only about 15mins with a 20k, Then it takes a charger that can output 45a pack into the pack.. Really makes field charging a nightmare!