The DJI Zenmuse X4S Is Not Worth It

[@anthonysmith5979]

I have the X4S on my i2 for nearly 2 yrs, very happy with it, I can afford to upgrade but when you look at shorter flight times, having to purchase ssd's, and worry about focus and lenses ..... I think I will give a miss..

[@airviewcinematography]

Seems this video misses of the point of what the X4S is all about. Yes, it's nearly identical to the camera on the P4Pv2, which is really good, and suitable for photogrammetry and survey work. But, the advantage goes to the X4S because of the craft that it mounts to. The Inspire has battery redundancy, longer flight time, a pilot FPV camera, the ability to use a Cendence controller and output video live via SDI (important if you do broadcast or film work).

[@davidjayamazingkitesurferp3819]

AirView Cinematography best response yet ! Thank you

[@jeremyjudkins]

Always wondered why you got the Inspire 2 with the X4S. Its basically P4P quality. I get it though, its a stepping stone to the better cameras, and you can atleast get good with the drone itself before upgrading. Just a pain that to upgrade, you also have to upgrade to the SSDs on the drone and can't use micro sd cards.

[@unclebuck5957]

What about the other lens are they better?

[@tupingshen7852]

How about Zenmuse X5S?

[@MicoGhostTheOldCodger]

When you get an X5S or X7S, I would be very interested to see the comparison of those cameras to the X4S. Thanks for the good information.

[@DroneMichiganPro]

Billy, now that P4P is out of production, what are your thoughts? Does Mavic 2Pro match up with either P4P or X4s?

[@billykyle]

Don't think so, not in terms of video at least.

[@DroneMichiganPro]

@@billykyle In light of your opinion, what is your recommendation? Does the x5s have a mechanical shutter? Is that the only drone/camera system left for those that want tack sharp images like the P4P and X4s Cameras could provide?

[@drone_video9849]

I had to chuckle at 00:30 when you said you can send the camera back separate for repairs and hang on to your drone... While I have had a defective X4S, and it sent only it back for warranty replacement, every other time it needed repairs the drone did too - From crashes… l upgraded to the X5S after almost 2 years, the X4S was an excellent camera for starting out with. The X5S is a fair bit more complex to operate and remember to manage the camera settings more (I guess just really the focus?)… I purchased the X4S with the I2 because it was cheaper and I knew that I could upgrade later if I had the desire (and money). I really like the I2, except when I have to carry it with stuff!

[@abgdronevideos935]

Big difference: I use my Matrice 210 RTK and X4S at -20C and in the rain. Phantoms are not safe to use below O degrees and are NOT water resistant.

[@GBOY185]

The X4S looked SLIGHTLY better at times but honestly I think that's due to hardware. For example; The gimbal on the Inspire 2 seems to do a better job at absorbing vibrations which does affect image quality.

[@billykyle]

Agreed. It’s a much larger assembly.

[@AirWorthyTours]

the X4s is for pilots who wanted the Inspire 2 but didn't want to cough up $1,500 for a camera after spending $3,000 for a drone.

[@MRxtianone]

If budget is not an issue and want to look more Pro for the client, i'd choose the Inspire 2 X4S. Phantom 4 Pro for my small gigs. Aside from the "Pro Look" of the Inspire 2, movement on the drone and controls are more accurate than the Phantom 4 Pro. Btw, i'm interested to buy a X4S. Let me know if you're selling. Cheers!

[@isaacallen9578]

Is it possible to use the zenmuse x4s on a inspire 1 ?

[@brianvanderheyden8927]

Yes

[@villegas394]

Does DJI Zenmuse X5 works with the inspire 2 ? Or is it just for the inspire 1.

[@chvperu]

Zenmuse X5s for Inspire 2

[@travislawrence4679]

If you're doing more enterprise work have you started looking at the Matrice series (namely the 200, 210, and 210 RTK)? The version 2s that just came out can handle the X7, thermal cameras, Z30, and any sort of multispectral camera for agricultural work. I do realize that there is a massive, massive price jump. Two massives might not be enough to convey how much of a jump that is.

[@davidjayamazingkitesurferp3819]

Did you ever get to use x5s or x7?

[@enrightdigital]

Can you do a review on the DJI DL 50mm F2.8?

[@RonnieB300]

Question,, i have the I2 and i want the camera to always face forward. What option do i need to in-able or disable ?

[@Antsmith21]

Great video! I did the same thing and purchased the X4. I was blown away by how much better the X5S camera was with the inspired 2

[@mixchifius]

Billy, looking at the footage I'm going to disagree, I see a, granted not huge, difference favoring the X4S, I see more detail and better overall resolution which I'm betting comes from the lens. Are you sayng the glass is the same on both cameras too? because I don't think it is. Colors seemed more accurate on the X4S also. Considering the cost of the camera you are pretty much bettering the performance of the Phantom's, now in terms of the craft, very little to compare, yet surely both can do the job, howevere, there is something to be said for a more robust and impressive beast that will most likely out perform the Phantom in most ways, but again for most jobs if you are using it as a work tool, the phantom does a good enough job of flying in fact if you need a long range, I don't think the I2 can give you anything close ti the Phantom. The question is, if the difference is enough or not, for my photographer's eye it is enough to make the I2 worth the investment, comes down to what tastes better, vanilla or rum raisin.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

mixchifius , that might hold some water , but when you go to the X5s instead of the x4s its night and day. I don’t even see why the x4s is even an option on the Inspire. It just seems stupid to offer such a basic camera on such a powerful drone. I have it and it doesn’t compare to the phantom when u go with X5s.

[@freeandcriticalthinker4431]

Billy, I thought someone else bought that drone for you? I was thinking you said that in a video a few months back or so? And that’s why you had the x4s instead of the X5s? I do agree, as I have the X5s, why even the option is available is a bit of a mystery to me. When you go to the X5s, there is a serious difference but then again the camera is so much more of a camera as well.

[@billykyle]

Nope. That’s Ken Heron.

[@alexalex5257]

X4s video is crisper than p4p

[@supergimp2000]

You're right. KZbin compression aside, watching in 4k and fullscreen on a 5k iMac and there's no question X4S is sharper. Just look at the brick and roof shingles around 6:40.

[@lilchirp4846]

even watching on an iphone the x4s seems to have more detail..in every shot

[@bluesteeltraining]

I bought my inspire 2 for similar reasons. Here in Ohio it’s almost always windy which is a little more often than not more than my Mavic or my phantom pro can handle. So like you I wanted a drone with some muscle that could handle the wind and the thermal batteries for the cold weather we have during much of the year. By the time I ordered the Inspire 2 the X4S had been discontinued in the United States so I wound up with the X5S. My DJI retailer basically told me what you said about the X4S being the same battery as the P4P. He said the only drawback was that the X5S doesn’t have a mechanical shutter and so I would have to change my mapping technique if using for mapping which I do.

[@northwestdroneworks8257]

Very interesting to hear about the mapping. I also use my Inspire 2 for mapping quite often. I'm about to upgrade to the X4s as it's been good to me for the past 2 years with little to no draw backs in acquiring work. I'm curious to hear what you have to do differently when mapping with the X5s in comparison?

[@bluesteeltraining]

NorthWest Drone Works Hi, thanks for the question. Actually I was told by my dealer to keep my flight speed around 8 to 10 mph. I admit ive not yet put it to the test but it makes sense.

[@triggashad3638]

Where can I purchase the X5s camera?

[@billykyle]

It’s been discontinued. You need to buy one used.

[@triggashad3638]

Can u point me in the right direction? Is the X4s discontinued?

[@emilcaruso3088]

grab the x5, add a 25mm lens, then get the SSD licence, shoot some 5k, get a 4k monitor, and you will be blown away. but not that practical for KZbin though..

[@medialegend]

I agree with many of the comment below that there is slightly higher quality in the X4S but both are excellent. If only the camera on the Mavic 2 Pro could be as clean and sharp as these.

[@sandhillsaerial3297]

Wow, thank you!! I was about to pull the trigger on an Inspire 2 with X4S, but you're right, there is so little difference it isn't worth the $2,000 difference. You just saved me a couple of Ks!

[@billykyle]

😬

[@TimS57064]

Hey Billy, Love your vids. What's up with the tape on the leg of your 4Pro? Just curious, thanks.

[@rileywags]

I just love the way this camera looks

[@surrogatemarker]

Your experience is similar to mine from over 4 years ago when the Inspire 1 with x3 camera was comparable to the Phantom 3 Pro camera from that time period. Yes the Inspire 1 from that time period did get the Wow factor over the Phantom 3P and especially when trying to impress new clients .. but a fully kitted Inspire 2 with X5s, or X7 and SSDs + video codec licenses is going to top out at $15,000- $20,000.. that seems too much for basic real estate or construction aerials or mapping work unless you can get major film work.. the average commercial drone pilots that seem to be making decent profit from their drones would rather have (3) Phantom 4 Pros over a single Inspire 2 with a X5 or x7.. but maybe your mileage will vary.. best of luck

[@calebstopa]

Yea the only difference I noticed was the white balance, but that's probably just lighting. I can't wait to see the 70 mm lens on the X7!

[@keithbrown454]

The Inspire 2 looks so cool. Camera quality is very identical.

[@AirWorthyTours]

Yea bro once you get the X5 or better you will get much better and meaningful gigs.

[@OutboundIntent]

Hey Billy! Great video as always! I have a quick question... I am going for my part 107 soon and I was wondering how you know when your ready for sure to take it? Do you have any advice?

[@jasons7044]

You just spent X amount for a Inspire 2...its ok to have gotten the cheapest camera to start with...now time to get a upper grade camera for the inspire 2 for XX amount

[@johnsoncityaerialphotograp7201]

These days a used i2 and x5s is around $3400 USD with the DNG and Prores licensing so at that price point its not such a hard hit to the wallet as originally new. Adorama had a couple used ones at that price recently. Oh to be still in school and getting that extra $3k of student loan check haha..

[@OmegaSparrhawk]

You're upset with the X4S because you bought a mapping camera for scenic photography. The X4S has a mechanical shutter, making it excel at photogrammetry missions. For what you're doing, the X5S would have been a more appropriate choice.

[@MrEddieNunez]

You can borrow my X5s camera if you’d like to compare.

[@davidjayamazingkitesurferp3819]

Eddie Nunez shame that video never happened

[@bigrayinba]

My next big purchase will likely be the Inspire 2. It helps to have this kind of input! Great video man!

[@tylercornelius1186]

Wow didn’t know that. Thanks again Billy!!

[@LascielInviere]

....To the guy who made the video and people claiming "the X4S is basically P4P quality" are you blind? The X4S is so much more detailed, look at how blurry the P4P is compared to how crisp the X4S is, how much smoother the camera adjustment is (The P4P is very jerky), and the much better the lighting (The P4P is much darker).

[@tenbears6557]

I see what you are talking about, B.! The quality to me is exactly the same. X5S all the way for the Inspire 2!!

[@epic2105]

You definitely notice the colours and the brightness difference

[@BeckersReviews]

Is there such large community justifying the purchase of inspire for youtube videos? I like drones but never even considered inspire for a second bcz of the size. I know billy wants to focus on more pro aspects of drone piloting but I hope he could make great use of it. Everytime i see inspire I just check the comparison with smaller drones and feel good about my choice=)

[@DirtyLew42]

Becker's Rs I think he uses it commercially. Wouldn’t make sense for vlogging/youtube formats

[@LiveLifeWithAView]

Question. Will or can the new cameras also work on the Inspire One?

[@billykyle]

No they will not

[@pmarcus431]

anyone got one for sale?

[@iSpike]

G'day Billy mate, I am looking forward to meeting up with both your good self and Kelly in my home town of Perth Western Australia at the end of March 2019 Awesome mate just Awesome

[@PhatSimey]

Billy, I'm with yo on buying a drone for its "awesomeness"! I bought an Inspire 1 last year, and although the lens distortion of the X3 camera bugs the hell out of me, it's just such a great machine to fly! Sure I could have bought a Phantom 4, Mavic Pro or Air, but where's the fun in that ;-)

[@uptowndisco2]

So the x4S done exactly what you expected from it, a stepping stone to the next best camera which you cannot do with the P4P , I am happy enough with the x4S on mine as I do not do commercial work and have the P4P as well as an I1 and the mavic 1 and 2 range , life is too short that's why I have fun with them all 😀

[@andrewaltschwager5000]

Great video Billy, I like your strategy. 👍

[@yinshantang]

You need Inspire 2 to impress your customers

[@tenbears6557]

Billy, no!! Purchasing this drone was a great INVESTMENT!! YOU DID GOOD, BROTHER AND ANYONE WHO SAYS OTHERWISE, TELL THEM TO TAKE A LONG WALK ON A SHORT PIER!!

[@carrclay]

Hello Billy, If you want to sell your x4s I’m interested. Email me if so. Thanks

[@SCAerialsSteveCarpenter]

Nicely done, Billy. I liked the way you compared the P4P t the Inspire 2 w/ X4, that is a lot of money for the same camera, BUT the Inspire has a lot more room for growth for accessories. Spot On, as a start not wanting to upgrade, the P4P is the way to go. Thank you and have fun at CES!

[@johndenardo2184]

Nice job 👍🏽. Very good info

[@Eli-lb1lc]

3:40 lmao the tape is still there

[@pick6ification]

Billy, you want to sell me that x4s? PM me

[@northwestdroneworks8257]

I'll sell you mine. Message me if you're still looking.

[@marcelybarbosa1]

good

[@xoneeleven]

This guy talks way too fast....

[@lastofuspartii8946]

"More professional" LOL

[@PHANTOMFlight101]

I love my P4P.

[@MrEddieNunez]

Get that x7 camera lol

[@TheColonelJJ]

Nice!

[@AnDiMsOfLy]

moire looks horrible on the inspire

[@shubhamjangra2543]

They are just looking same

[@wissell4287]

I LOVE the taking head! But IT WOULD LOOK SO MUCH BETTER IF YOU WOULD HAVE YOUR HEAD IN THE THIRD SECTION OF THE SCREEN. (OF TO THE SIDE.)

[@muzikmon2267]

The inspire I would think is not good for you KZbin percentage of people that have the inspire 2 vs the phantom 4, or the mavic pro and others. I would say makes people not interested in watching inspire 2 videos 90% of the time I skip your inspire videos because I cannot relate to the drone and have no interest in it and I will never be wasting that much money on a drone unless I was filthy rich.. even then the drone is way too big, makes way too much noise and if you break it you're screwed.. I just don't see the point of your fans relating to the inspire.. I would stick to drones that most people use that you can relate to...