DJI: Out To Conquer the World (Part 2)
The DJI Osmo is an ingenious device that works in tandem with either the original Zenmuse X3 camera, or the new Zenmuse X5, and enables smooth, steadicam shots, in a handheld device. While it can't replace the DJI Ronin or Ronin-M for some situations, this could be just the thing to add that certain je ne sais quoi to your b-roll, or cut-away shot. Once the Ronin is up and running, it doesn't take much to start shooting; however, the time it takes to build the Ronin, or simply having a slightly bigger rig to bring around may be too much for your shoot. The Osmo is the perfect solution; it's compact, versatile, and fits in one hand, leaving your other hand free for an ice cream cone, or maybe a delicious sandwich.
To say the Osmo is multifaceted would be an understatement. Not only can it record multiple frame rates (24, 25, 30, 60, 120), it can shoot 4K, and 1080 and 720 progressive. The incredible stabilization is a result of a three-axis gimbal that truly brings steadicam quality to a handheld. There is a built in joystick for pans and tilts; and a trigger that enables various modes of operation, such as upright, under slung, flashlight, locked, and even selfie for those 'good hair days'. The Osmo is capable of performing panoramas up to 360 degrees, as well as time lapses and hyper-lapses (with a hyper-lapse, you can shoot videos that make you look like you can run at great speeds for great distances- impress the ladies!) OH! As if all this wasn't enough, the Osmo has onboard audio, and a standard 3.5mm port to plug in a mic and whip out some of your best Katy Perry.
There are a myriad of accessories that further expand the Osmo's range, as well as complete control of image settings within the DJI application. Your smart-device sits nicely in a holder that attaches to the Osmo, giving you a touch-screen monitor.
This all adds to the bouquet of new gear and technology that is revolutionizing the visual media world and enabling people of all skill levels, incomes, and walks of life to make art. Sure, not everyone is going to find professional success, and there are a lot of people creating art for the sake of art; but that's what makes today such a cool day. Everyone should be able to express themselves and their creativity in some manner.
4K From the Clouds
We have upgraded our aerial photography capabilities and value by outfitting our DJI Inspire 1 with the latest in drone-mounted cameras. The Zenmuse X5 is a Micro 4/3, mirrorless camera that is capable of shooting up to 4K at frame rates of up to 30fps and 16MP still frames. The camera is equipped with the standard MFT interchangeable lens mount, which is great given the increasing number of lenses DJI is appearing to output. Finally, the camera's control functions, such as one-touch auto-focus, aperture, etc. are all wireless and controllable from your smart phone or tablet- or whatever you are using. Here's some spectacular specs.
All this is great, but I think that the key improvements are in the image quality, because, at the end of the day, that's what the end consumer is going to see. The X5 is capable of 12.8 stops of dynamic range, allowing for awesome clarity in a wide range of shadows and highlights. This increase in dynamic range is important for us here at FiveSix given the frequency in which we find ourselves shooting off and on throughout the day when the sun and ensuing shadows can really create a variety of headaches. The 4/3 sensor is eight times larger than that of the previous X3 which came standard on the Inspire 1 (compare to a GoPro), this provides extraordinary clarity, detail, and quality at ISOs from 100-25600 which is unmatched in the industry today. Check out the awesomeness right now with your eye balls!