Zenmuse X5S vs X5R
If you plan to take to the skies, then you will also want to take awesome photos and videos. That’s why a drone’s camera is considered its most important feature.
The Zenmuse X5S and X5R are powerful drone cameras that can capture excellent aerial footage. However, they have some key differences. We will shed light on these factors, so you know precisly which camera is best.
Compatibility
DJI has a lot of drones on the market. However, Zenmuse cameras are designed for the Inspire range only. You won’t be able to use them with a Mavic Pro, Phantom, or Spark. Just remember:
- The Zenmuse X5S is only compatible with DJI’s Inspire 2 drone.
- The Zenmuse X5R is only compatible with DJI’s Inspire 1 and Inspire 1 RAW drones.
Megapixels for Sharp Still-Shots
When you’re taking shots from the skies, it’s important to have a powerful camera. You might only get one chance to take an awesome photo, and you don’t want it to turn out grainy and unclear. That’s why it’s important to know a camera’s megapixels.
More megapixels cause photos to turn out sharper and clearer. Just think of each pixel as a small square of data. The more of these pixels you have crammed into a photo, the more information will be present, which will result in a higher quality image.
The Zenmuse X5S is a 20.8 megapixel camera while the Zenmuse X5R is 16 megapixels. While they are both powerful cameras, it is the Zenmuse X5S that can take better photos.
+1 for the Zenmuse X5S
Video Resolution And Frame Rate
The Zenmuse X5R can shoot 4K video at 30fps. 4K is considered ultra-high definition meaning you’re going to get high-quality footage. However, the Zenmuse X5S takes things to the next level. It can shoot 4K at 60fps. Not only that, but it can also shoot 5.2K at 30fps.
5.2K is some of the highest quality video around and similar that used by professional filmmakers. However, not everyone will be able to utilize it. A lot of computer processing power is needed to play and edit 5.2K. It is also very data heavy, meaning you will require a lot of hard drive and SD card storage space.
Overall the Zenmuse X5S is most powerful when it comes to shooting video.
+1 for the Zenmuse X5S
Lens Options
Both cameras have interchangeable lenses. Check out the different options in the table below
| Lens type | Maximum Aperture | Compatibility |
|---|---|---|
| Olympus 45mm Lens | 1:1.8 | X5S, X5R |
| Olympus EZ 14-42mm Lens | 1:3.5 / 1:5.6 | X5R |
| Olympus 25mm Lens | 1:1.8 | X5S, X5R |
| Olympus 17mm Digital Lens | 1:1.8 | X5S, X5R |
| Olympus 9-18mm Digital Lens | 1:4.0 / 1:5.6 | X5S |
| Olympus 12mm Digital Lens | 1:2.0 | X5S, X5R |
| DJI MFT 15mm Lens | 1:1.6 | X5S, X5R |
Each lense’s focal range is shown by the number in millimeters. The greater this number, the greater the zoom. Lenses with lower focal ranges can’t zoom in as far; however, their photos will be wider. When selecting a focal length, it really comes down to the type of photo you’re trying to take, as well as the distance between camera and subject.
The maximum aperture refers to how much light a lens can draw in. The greater the number, the less the amount of light captured by the lens. This becomes an important factor to consider when shooting in low-light conditions.
Overall both cameras are compatible with a variety of lenses that cover the common focal ranges and maximum apertures, so no overall winner in this category.
Burst Mode
If you want to capture photos of a moving subject, then burst mode is very handy. It allows the camera to take a volley of photos in quick succession. Users can then sift through the results to find that perfect image. This is ideal when trying to record a moving vehicle, crashing waves, or wildlife.
The Zenmuse X5R can shoot up to seven frames per second when in burst mode. Basically, this means it can take up to seven photos a second. The Zenmuse X5S can shot 20 frames per second when in burst mode. This is significantly more and makes it easier to get the right shot, especially if a subject is moving fast.
+1 for the Zenmuse X5S
Weight
The Zenmuse X5R brings the scales to 583 grams. Somewhat lighter is the Zenmuse X5S at 461 grams. This may not be a big difference. However, even small weight differences can affect a drone’s maximum flight time.
+1 for the Zenmuse X5S
Price
Current Amazon prices put the Zenmuse X5S at $1,400 and the Zenmuse X5R at $2,500. These prices are for new, standalone cameras without a lens. To get a lens, you can either buy one separately for around $300-$400 or purchase a bundle deal with one included (costs around $500 more).
If you don’t already have an Inspire 1 or 2, then you may want to purchase a drone-camera bundle. An Inspire 1 RAW with a Zenmuse X5R can be had for around $4,000. An Inspire 2 with a Zenmuse X5S can be had for around $4,900. To see the most up-to-date prices we recommend checking Amazon yourself.
The Zenmuse X5S is the more affordable camera.
+1 for the Zenmuse X5S
Overall Score
The winner is pretty obvious here. The Zenmuse X5S wins in every category.
| Zenmuse X5S | Zenmuse X5R |
|---|---|
| 5 (Megapixels, video, burst mode, weight, price) | 0 |
You can see a side-by-side comparison below.
| Features | Zenmuse X5S | Zenmuse X5R |
|---|---|---|
| Video | 4K at 60 fps 5.2K at 30 fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Megapixels | 20.8 | 16 |
| Burst Mode | 20 frames per second | 7 frames per second |
| Weight | 461 grams | 583 grams |
| Price | $1,400 | $2,500 |
Which is Best?
The Zenmuse X5S is clearly the superior camera. It can record higher quality video and take better photos. Don’t forget it also weighs less than the Zenmuse X5R, and if you look on Amazon, then you are likely to see that it costs less as well. So it’s pretty hard to go wrong.
Don’t forget that the Zenmuse X5S is not backward-compatible with the Inspire 1. You will need to have an Inspire 2 drone already or be planning to purchase one.
You didn’t mention that the X5r can shoot Raw without having to pay for a $~1300 license key. The X5s can only shoot H.264 unless you want to pay to unlock Raw from behind that silly paywall.
Given that the X5r can be had for significantly cheaper used than the X5s, if you want to shoot Raw the X5s costs $~3,200, not $~1,900.
Right?
Also joining what the mate told there above, the X5R has another advantage over the X5S not mentioned here, when it comes to versatility: I’m talking about the OSMO RAW, where you can use the X5R as a handheld solution, while the X5S’s Osmo Raw 2 hasn’t seen daylight so far…and there’s no preview for this to happen…
Wrong article. X5S can be used in m210.