Zenmuse X7 vs X5S
The Zenmuse X7 and Zenmuse X5S are two high performing cameras for DJI Inspire 2 drones. At first glance both appear to be very similar. However, we have dug deeper to find out the crucial differences. This will assure that you make the right decision without paying a hefty price tag for a camera that doesn’t suit your needs.
Weight
The Zenmuse X7 weighs roughly 449 grams while the Zenmuse X5S weighs 461 grams. Weight will vary slightly depending on which lens is selected.
Overall no real difference here. While weight variations can have a big effect on a drone’s flight time, when it comes to 12 grams you’re not going to be able to notice the difference.
Sensor Size
The Zenmuse X7 uses an APS-C sensor while the X5S uses a Micro 4/3 sensor. What’s the difference? Mainly the size. The Zenmuse X7 has a 23.5×15.7 mm size for stills and a 23.5×12.5 mm size for recording video. The Zenmuse X5S uses a 17.3 mm x 9.7 mm sensor.
This puts the Zenmuse X7 sensor at about 1.5 times the size of that of the Zenmuse X5S. This gives a better low light performance, wider images, and a greater depth of field.
+1 for the Zenmuse X7
Recording Video
Both cameras can film in ultra-high definition, but it is the Zenmuse X7 that wins out with the ability to film in 6K. This gives comaprable video to what’s produced in the movie industry. Basically, you’re getting a camera that can film to a professional level.
Of course, that’s not to say that the Zenmuse X5S is sub-standard. It is still one of the most powerful drone cameras on the market and can take some amazing aerial footage. It’s just that the Zenmuse X7 is slightly ahead.
| Zenmuse X7 Video Modes | Zenmuse X5S Video Modes |
|---|---|
| 4K at 60fps 5.2K at 30fps 6K at 30fps | 4k at 60fps 5.2K at 30fps |
Now there are a few issues to be aware of when attempting to film in 5.2K or 6K. First off is that you will need A LOT of storage space. These recording modes are incredibly data heavy, and you will definitely be filling up SD cards and hard drives. In fact, you’re likely to only be able to film in these modes for a few minutes before your SD card is full. Furthermore, you will need a powerful computer to playback and edit video of this quality.
Let’s not forget that you will have to cough up an additional $1,000 to purchase a CinemaDNG license from DJI. This license is required to film in 5.2K or 6K.
Regardless of these negative, the Zenmuse X7 is the most powerful at recording video.
+1 for the Zenmuse X7
Taking Still-Shots
For those unaware, one megapixel is one million pixels. Each pixel is a tiny square of data and the more squares you have, the more information dense and high quality your photo is. Now, imagine looking at an image the size of a standard photograph. It might look high-quality but if you were to increase it to poster size you are likely to start noticing the lines between each pixel and other distortions. However, the more pixels an image has, the larger it can be increased before these distortions become visible to the eye.
Therefore, to snap the best aerial photos, it’s important to have a high megapixel value. The Zenmuse X7 has 24 megapixels while the Zenmuse X5S has 20.8 megapixels. This makes them both exceptionally powerful cameras. However, the Zenmuse X7 is still ahead.
+1 for the Zenmuse X7
Lens Selection
Each camera allows users to select from a range of lens types. The lenses compatible with the Zenmuse X7 are shown below.
| Lens Type | Maximum Aperture | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| DL-S 16 mm Lens | 1:2.8 | 178 |
| DL 24 mm Lens | 1:2.8 | 178 |
| DL 35 mm Lens | 1:2.8 | 179 |
| DL 50 mm lens | 1:2.8 | 132 |
And now for the Zenmuse X5S lenses.
| Lens Type | Maximum Aperture | Weight (grams) |
|---|---|---|
| Olympus 45 mm Lens | 1:1.8 | 116 |
| Olympus 25 mm Lens | 1:1.8 | 136 |
| Olympus 17 mm M.ZUIKO Digital Lens | 1:1.8 | 120 |
| Olympus 9-18 mm M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED Lens | 1:4.0 / 1:5.6 | 155 |
| Olympus 12 mm f2 M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED Lens | 1:2.0 | 130 |
| DJI MFT 15 mm Lens | 1:1.6 | 115 |
| Panasonic 14-44 mm | 1:3.5 / 1:5.6 | 110 |
The number displayed in millimeters refers to each lenses’ focal length. The higher this number is, the greater the zoom. Lower numbers mean less zoom but wider images. Also, if there are two numbers, it means the lens is adjustable throughout that range.
The maximum aperture lets users know how much light the lens can store. Just remember a higher number means less light can be stored and vice versa. This reading is important for photographers operating in low light conditions.
Lastly, we have mentioned the weight. While we don’t think the weight of a lens is a big issue, just remember any additional grams can affect a drone’s flight time.
Overall no winner in this category. Each camera has a range of lenses to suit the needs of different photographers and filmmakers.
Price
Current Amazon prices put the Zenmuse X5S at $1,900. A DJI MFT 15 mm lens is included.
The Zenmuse X7 is priced at $2,700 without a lens. A lens can be purchased separately for around $1,000 – $1,400. You can also purchase a Zenmuse X7 for $7,000 with a four-lens set.
Prices can change suddenly so have a quick look at Amazon for the latest figures.
The Zenmuse X5S is much more affordable for the typical consumer.
+1 for the Zenmuse X5S
Score
Check out the scores below.
| Zenmuse X7 | Zenmuse X5S |
|---|---|
| 3 (Megapixels, recording video, sensor size) | 1 (Price) |
Also, check out this side-by-side comparison
| Feature | Zenmuse X7 | Zenmuse X5S |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor Size | 23.5×15.7mm (stills) 23.5×12.5mm (video) | 17.3 mm x 9.7 mm |
| Video | 4K at 60fps 5.2K at 30fps 6K at 30fps | 4k at 60fps 5.2K at 30fps |
| Megapixels | 24 | 20.8 |
| Weight | 449g | 461g |
| Price | $2,700 + lens | $1,900 |
Which One Should I Get?
The Zenmuse X7 is obviously the better camera. However, it does have a whopping price tag. If you do plan to film in 5.2K or 6K on your Inspire then you will need to pay:
$2,700 (Camera) + $1,000 (One Lens) + $1,000 (CinemaDNG license) = $4,700
This isn’t cheap, and if you don’t consider yourself a serious filmmaker or don’t have the computer hardware necessary for 5.2K or 6K video, then it really isn’t worth getting the Zenmuse X7. You’re better off just paying $1,900 for the Zenmuse X5S. It is still a darn powerful camera, with the ability to film 4K at 60fps and take 20.8-megapixel shots.
great write-up, joe. quick and to the point without a bunch of nonsense. side by side comparison with the basics is perfect……thanks!
After reading this, I went for the 5s, 480 gig cine stick, and the cinema License. I then purchased 3 oly lenses for the camera. He is totally correct. I downloaded the footage through an additionally purchased cine stick card reader, and I got a million still files that my computer couldn’t play back. I purchased adobe, and a DNG decoder, and still, no luck. You need at a minimum 32 gigs of Ram to process this stuff. So now I am having the kids at MIT build a super computer to process these files, so I can see the neighbors house at 400 feet. Just kidding, I am having a better computer built for video editing. All in all, if you are doing this for a hobby, stick with the Micro sd card, original camera, X4S, and no cinema license, or purchase a Mavic 2 pro, and Save yourself a bunch of dough. I have worked with both, and I will admit, the little Mavic takes awesome footage, and is less stressful behind the sticks.