DJI Revamps Zenmuse X7 to Support Apple ProRes RAW

DJI has updated its Zenmuse X7 camera to support the new ProRes RAW standard from Apple. The upgrade is being enabled through firmware patches that will see the Zenmuse X7 gain performance enhancements to improve workflows and image quality.

These new features, according to DJI, “increase the power and efficiency of the Zenmuse X7 and reinforce its role in professional filmmaking as the world’s first Super35 digital camera designed for aerial cinematography.”

The Zenmuse X7 firmware updates include…

Apple ProRes RAW Support: A free update for users with the RAW activation package for Inspire 2/Zenmuse X7, ProRes RAW offers the quality and workflow advantages of RAW with the incredible performance of ProRes.

14-Bit Recording: Newly added 14-bit RAW recording mode enables the Zenmuse X7 to capture cleaner scenes with less noise, delivering smoother tones and color transitions while preserving significant detail in both shadows and highlights.

Faster and Lighter Workflow: Enhanced data processing performance makes the Zenmuse X7 more nimble and capable with improvements to its file system and broader operating system compatibility.

“We are thrilled that the Zenmuse X7 has become the first aerial camera to support Apple’s new ProRes RAW standard,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Manager at DJI. “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.”

Apple ProRes RAW Support

ProRes RAW from Apple offers the quality and workflow advantages of RAW with the incredible performance of ProRes. Editors can import, edit and grade pristine footage with RAW data from the camera sensor, providing ultimate flexibility when adjusting highlights and shadows, without slowing down their editing workflow. With the RAW activation package, ProRes RAW files are recorded natively in the Inspire 2/Zenmuse X7 and can be transferred directly to Final Cut Pro X for post production. And ProRes RAW preserves image quality while maintaining smaller file sizes, allowing filmmakers to archive their footage with confidence.

14-Bit Recording

The new firmware allows filmmakers to record 14-bit CinemaDNG at 6K 23.976 fps, capturing less noise, smoother color transitions and tones while preserving significant detail in both shadows and highlights. With an increase to bit depth recording per pixel that improves overall image quality, filmmakers can rely on the Zenmuse X7 as a significant tool on set, capable of delivering high quality footage even in difficult lighting situations.

Faster and Lighter Workflow

A lighter and more agile data processing system makes the Zenmuse X7 easier to implement into the set as a valuable tool. As resolution and duration of recording increases the overall file sizes created, the Zenmuse X7 data system has been adapted to manage and process this information more efficiently utilizing the exFAT file system. The newly added format allows larger recordings of up to 32GB to be saved in one single file, streamlining the workflow by eliminating the need to merge smaller files in post processing. The exFAT format not only improves data management but also offers a wider compatibility among macOS and Windows operating systems.

Availability

The first firmware update offers 14-bit CinemaDNG recording and will be available in late April 2018. A second firmware update offering Apple ProRes RAW support and the newly added exFAT file system will be available in late May 2018.

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