DJI Inspire 1 Pro Features & Zenmuse X5, X3, Panasonic GH4 4K RAW Footage Comparison

In this video the AerialMediaPros.com team walks you through any of the changes that have been made to the original Inspire 1 with the release of the Inspire 1 Pro, and then we will play RAW video footage from the new Zenmuse X5, Zenmuse X3, and Panasonic GH4 in a side by side comparison.
All raw video footage was captured using the following settings:
ISO 200 f2.8 1/2500

[@smaakjeks]

Very useful video! Thanks for the huge effort, guys!

[@aandjo]

Perfect comparison! We need more X5 footage :)

[@DM-xp8pz]

Thanks much for the video! I think it would be great to have a low light comparison as I believe there would be more of a difference there. Cheers again!

[@burlingtonfilms]

Thanks for the review! Any chance of posting the X3/X5 shot in Log with all custom settings at the lowest? Then grading each footage to look its best? I'm sure the X5 footage can look better, but these straight out of the camera reviews make the X3 seem like the superior camera.

[@WeBeYachting]

Nice video, thumbs up. Cheers from sunny Nelsons DockYard Marina, Antigua in the Caribbean.

[@EsamKabliPhotography]

Hi, great review, can i know if you please what do you think of x5 Raw for photographer as still images? thanks

[@matthewguion]

Great video guys, maybe a lens comparison with both x5 versions?

[@jonishitani5101]

Nice video very educational I'm new to these high end stuff. The panasonic gh4 looked real good. The inspire 1 x3 isn't obselite yet I hope.

[@kamuelalee]

My X3 and Inspire 1 is just fine, thanks!

[@hankVa13ncia]

Nice footage! Looks like Airport Loop in Costa Mesa. I use to work there at the Apartment magazine. Didnt know you guys are local to me. Ill given you guys a call if I need anything

[@tobyhamelink461]

Great review, only the Zenmuse X3 looks a lot better in your review then the X5, can you make a comparison with the same settings ?

[@leistungep3]

Great video!

[@stablegray]

The blue 240sx at 7:03 was super clean.

[@FangsCPO]

Great Video and I appreciate the comparison but I'm not convinced that this would be a good purchase.

[@Janneman361]

Hey AMP. would just like to know if it is worth it swopping my GH4 for the X5R? What is the advantages and disadvantages of both camerass. I've yet to find a video or a blog comparing the two.

[@toastedmangoflight]

are my eyes deceiving, or maybe it's the compression of youtube, but the X3 still looks good? Thanks for doing this comparison....

[@JensEser]

Kind of surprised about the X5 footage quality. Doesn't look at all as good as I expected. I understand that the image quality has not been processed BUT besides lack of sharpness I mean to see same grain/noise which is not visible on the X3 footage.

[@MomirAlvirovic]

Just got my X5 - it is as close to my everyday GH4 camera as it can be, but there are some problems to consider: 1. X5 has "Filmic" profile, as well as D-Log gama (as Panasonic V-Log L) - they are PRO tools which work flawlessly - GH4 does not have such good profiles for serious post, but GH4 has so much better "normal" and "intelligent" and "auto" modes... So X5 is EXCLUSIVELY for PRO workflow... 2. X5 has some custom white balance problem - lower color temperatures result in more purple instead of more blue... Automatic white balance works very good, but when you try to set same balance on X5 as on other cameras which film same scene you run into problem... 3. Follow focus on-screen dial in DJI GO app works nice, but has no precise scale or any marks. 4. To be used on X5 Micro4/3 lens has to be of adequate low weight AND HAS to fit WIDTH of X5 camera - Panasonic 20mm 1.7 is too wide for X5 hinges, but Olympus 25mm fits... 5. Recording 4K in 60 Mbit/s and 1080p in even lower bitrate

[@AlessandroGarabaghi]

The original case has a removable insert that allows the x5 camera case to fit in it.

[@atlas_navi7216]

Hello, I have a question, dji zenmuse x3+ camera works on deona dji inspire 1 pro?

[@ArnaudMuller]

Great video, I think that with some post sharpening the X5 will look better as it feels that the X5 retains a bit more details but to my opinion it doesn't justify such a price difference between the X3 and the X5.

[@chaiTV]

+Arnaud Muller Yes it's too expensive, but I agree about the post-sharpening potential. Can see the video is very clean, just soft. This is like DSLR photography.. soft raw images can be sharpened to look perfect. Another thing the X5 does better than X3 is the compression noise doesn't seem to be there. X3 flickers and looks block in details areas. This can sometimes look very bad. X5 doesn't have that problem. Price is the only problem of the X5 !!

[@jordanwright7398]

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about why the X3 footage looks "better" in the example comparisons here. 1. The X3 is doing some post processing here to sharpen the video. The problem is that sharpening is baked into the file. For creative filmmakers this is not a good thing since the sharpening tends to be inferior to the sharpening and post correction you could do using a dedicated application like after effects or in your NLE. 2. As far as the coloring being more vivid on the X3 I'm positive that that was due to the choice of internal color processing or built in LUT that the X3 was using. Once again for filmmakers it's more optimal to have the flat color profile you see on the X5 ( choosing a profile like D-LOG ) so that you have the widest dynamic range and the greatest ability to grade the color in post production. While the raw footage coming out of the camera may not look as good from X5 you will have the much broader ability to grade the color in post achieving a result far superior to a file that your options are limited with because the color and limits to your dynamic range have already been baked into the file.

[@teamnanopirate2]

thanks, good job :)

[@karlomatuguinas9673]

gh4 still wins on details and clarity... not convince yet to buy the X5... will wait for more reviews... thanks for the complete comparison Aerial Media Pros!!!

[@ken1492207]

+karlo matuguinas Yeah... 200mbps at work there.

[@forrestdein]

Is it possible for you to make the RAW footage available for download on your website from both the X3 and the X5 so we can sharpen the X5 footage in post and see if it is possible to make it look as crisp and sharp as the X3 while keeping more detail?!

[@chaiTV]

+forrest dein It would definitely make it as sharp as the X3, with more detail and less of that fizzy glitchy noise of the X3. But yeh, access to the original camera video would be nice.

[@DronemanfromNepal]

Would yi please do a tutorial on how to use X5 camera specs. From white balance to aperture .

[@geimzz]

that's just how to use *any* camera

[@TheEmperor2029]

05:32 Why X5 looks unsharp? as i know it has bigger sensor, better lens, closed aperture and maybe many pluses for better image.

[@davidesaporito1439]

which is the best setting to do a video in 1920 with the x3? which frames are correct? 30? or May I use 48? I have problems with editing video if I use 48 fps...

[@rickykharawala9431]

The X5 video sample at 5:37 seems like it's out of focus, which could explain why it's not as sharp as the X3.

[@PaulNelsonphotography]

I sure hope DJI updates the X5 firmware! The X5 is not worth the $2200 upgrade over the X3 for a slight upgrade if you ask me.

[@vytec1234]

Other than the props and mounts for them, I presume the motors are the same between the two correct? So all we would have to do is upgrade our blades and mounts for them?

[@nolanchinn]

+Gregg Smith There is no difference between the Inspire Pro X5 and X3 besides the camera and the leg extensions. The new props come with both the Pro and Regular Inspire 1.

[@riasophiachannel4327]

What was the gh4 flying on

[@sigmundsound]

X3 suffers when the car goes into the shade. Simerly, the X3 takes a while to respond after low light (shadows) other wise performs very well:)

[@MaximoLuke]

The X5, physically looks really cool, but it doesn't look like the quality is any better. If anything it looks a little worse.

[@goldmondfong]

i think it looks taht way because the x3 is sharpenned in camera. and he just didnt do his own sharpenning in post on the x5

[@supervisor404atlanta3]

I completely agree. Im starting my own drone business and wanted to feature the X5, But dont know about it now.

[@anti-gravfilms8621]

If you notice when he zooms in on the houses around 6:23 the detail is much higher with the X5. That extra detail can be dialed in much further than the X3. The X3 has terrible detail when zoomed in, the in camera sharpening also looks as if it uses a bit of contrast to achieve that sharpness, when blown up its totally obvious that the X3 is sort of compensating their footage to appear better than it actually is. Which is fine, but the X5 carries a lot more image information, I am not sure of the specs but at 6:23 you can clearly see the image quality of the X3 just totally fall apart, there is hardly anything there to adjust, whereas the X5 contains a ton of real detail that can be manipulated in post. I love my X5 for the purposes it serves, sort of like a GoPro being that it can be used for things my main camera doesn't work well for.

[@anti-gravfilms8621]

My video in the beginning car scene and inside the hotel room scene are both shot with my X5 on the Osmo Grip just messing around (the rest was a GoPro Hero 5).. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXXEpGZmp62aa5o

[@pofrani]

I'm very happy with my X3! :)

[@jadoon702]

Damn u need a x5r it will change your whole perspective even now in 2020

[@GordonBurnsVideo]

I really expected the X5 to look way better than that. Not quite tempted unless the quality improves.

[@lukecasey1474]

at the 7:03 min mark you can see a plane landing in the background of the lower shot.. Surely your in the no fly zone ? Or was that footage taken from another vehicle.. Cool detailed vids though.

[@AerialMediaPros]

+Luke Casey Good eye. Footage was actually captured from another vehicle to maintain safety, accuracy of the test, and consistency between camera views.

[@emili90110]

really..........

[@JGott0001]

In the US, one can fly in the no fly zone of an airport if one first communicates with the airport in question.

[@3DBunker]

The video footage from the X5 you show here is not that impressive - but then the 60mbps bit rate for the X5 Video is a blooper from DJI - same as X3, presumably their labs haven't figured out a way to increase it (unless you go for the full Raw version at a much higher price. Guess we will have to wait for an update & hopefully they will at least double it.

[@MrAnagnorisis]

Sticking with X3 - at least for now ;)

[@c0pyimitati0n]

Nice video and very good review. But, have you ever thought about using some background music? It would really pump up the quality and fill in those blank spaces. Also maybe try to be a little bit more enthusiastic.

[@ShaneHarderPhoto]

Not only does the x3 look sharper but the dynamic range looks much better than the other cameras as well and that has nothing to do with internal sharpening. You can really see it in the blues of the sky and the reflections off white cars. Yes I understand there's internal sharpening which adds to the sharpness of the image, but is that such a bad thing?

[@jordanwright7398]

I think there are a lot of misconceptions about why the X3 footage looks "better" in the example comparisons here. 1. The X3 is doing some post processing here to sharpen the video. The problem is that sharpening is baked into the file. For creative filmmakers this is not a good thing since the sharpening tends to be inferior to the sharpening and post correction you could do using a dedicated application like after effects or in your NLE. 2. As far as the coloring being more vivid on the X3 I'm positive that that was due to the choice of internal color processing or built in LUT that the X3 was using. Once again for filmmakers it's more optimal to have the flat color profile you see on the X5 ( choosing a profile like D-LOG ) so that you have the widest dynamic range and the greatest ability to grade the color in post production. While the raw footage coming out of the camera may not look as good from X5 you will have the much broader ability to grade the color in post achieving a result far superior to a file that your options are limited with because the color and limits to your dynamic range have already been baked into the file.

[@JaySyril]

Firstly, when doing a comparison video, it is important to put what aperture you shot each footage with because it makes a significant difference in the sharpness and exposure. Secondly, you did not list the shutter speeds of either lenses. Very fast shutter speed equals sharper images. Overall, in the final scene with the car driving, the GH4 Olympus 12mm lens had the best look. It was sharper and had more natural colors. The other lenses added a purplish tone to the footage. Maybe a white balance issue? Lastly, DJI promoted better sharpness on the X5 than the X3 on their site so consumers are kinda' expecting to see that difference out of the box, not after doing post-production work. However, consumers need to understand that there are several variables that contribute to sharp footage and is largely dependent on the camera settings. So for those who are not impressed with the X5 should really wait to see more work from people who know how to shoot Any feedback from AerialMediaPros or DJI on the above comments would be greatly appreciated ; )

[@AerialMediaPros]

+Johnny Levi As stated in the description above, all raw video footage was captured using the following settings: ISO 200 f2.8 1/2500 In order to provide a fair comparison, ISO had to be at 200 (lowest available for the GH4) and aperture at 2.8 (fixed X3 aperture).

[@JaySyril]

+Aerial Media Pros Cool. Didn't hit the show more tab. Thats bad news for the X5 because the footage was bad. Thanks for the reply and sorry for not clicking the "show more" tab

[@KerryGarrison]

+Aerial Media Pros So you used the X5 with crappy settings and expected it to be at its best? Yes, the X3 cannot adjust the aperture but you should have set the X5 on optimal settings that would provide the same exposure.

[@radoslawpachowicz]

are those extra boots detachable?

[@AerialMediaPros]

+Radosław Pachowicz Yes they are simply attached with a basic adhesive, so removing should not be a problem.

[@slbynum]

Why is the motion of the video sort of choppy? Its not fluent like other vids on youtube.

[@pabloarvelo5969]

Both cameras sensors are 4x3 format, not juist the Pro

[@Alcibbumphotography]

What about the still images result? Some of us also shoot still images, so we need some X5 vs X3 still images comparison. Perhaps Aerial Media Pros could post some insight? That's been said, despite the sharpening matter discussion here, the resolving power of X5's sensor is DISAPPOINTING, considering it has eight times larger sensor than X3! Look at 5 times zoom comparison between X5 vs X3. It is very disappointing. Though DJI apparently apply in-camera noise reduction to X3 images that contributes to its softness, the details are not there for X5 images. The quality is not justify for such larger sensor. So, maybe we do some sharpening, polish it in post process, etc, but basically to me, the resolving power, the quality of sensor is not that great (except it has better dynamic range that contributes to its lower contrast result that will give us more leeway in post pro). I think we have some advantages here to see some straight from camera results. At least we know what we originally get straight out of the box before doing anything. Though if we also have a post process comparison that would be great also.

[@CopterBg]

Should've used the focus function on the X5...

[@manbolomo]

hm, from these footages, i dont think i will rush in to pay 2000$ for a worse camera, my x3 will perform alot better.

[@perbor24]

the cameras did not have the same settings that's why the x3 might look better, i can guarantee that the x5 is a lot better, especially in bad light conditions

[@YuriXRamirez]

Is the drone carrying a GH4???

[@RickerdChannel]

i like the x5

[@hootkid]

great video. but you gave neither any justice in the clear and crispy dept.

[@matrodmedia]

Quite possibly the focus wasn't set properly on the first shot with the X5? Because all of the other shots with the car, the X5 looks superior. Makes the X3's over-sharpened footage look like a video game screen recording. Very nice, however I originally came to this video because I thought it was footage of the raw version of the X5, I understand what you mean't now, like "raw" unedited, but I feel like if these videos are going to be posted in regards to filmmaking, the term "raw" should be used less loosely. Unedited is one thing, but raw (cinemadng, etc.) is something completely different.

[@viperfixer6517]

I'm curious - in the vehicle "follow me" footage, why do I see a Southwest Airlines B737-600 landing about 1600' away from the drone in the background? If you're operating a drone here, on a public street, and in the direct vicinity of the airport, you're violating at least two major rules in place by the FAA. Not setting a good example for others...

[@SportbikeUnitedRiderz]

X3 shots/footage looks so much better thean the X5.

[@TruckDriver326]

I know there's a Southwest airline jet right hand corner

[@JohnIn2SonAZ]

Using the wrong term. GH4 does not shoot in raw nor does the standard X5. What should be said is ungraded footage.

[@marxdesign]

Did no one see the artifacts in the GH4 video closeups and none in the x5? The GH4 has in camera sharpening and the X5 has little to none.

[@kuau714]

IMHO this test was not done correctly. The X5 needs to be shot at F5.6 not 2.8The statement being made this is raw footage is really not raw, who knows what DJI does in terms of sharpening in the Go App even with sharpening set to 0 there maybe a difference on how DJI applies sharpening to the X3 vs X5.I think the correct test would be to set sharpening to the lowest value, reduce shutter speed to 1/60 second using ND filter's I also believe that though DJI claims ISO at 100 on the XF is really not it's base ISO, all MFT sensors are rated at ISO 200 though this would not explain the difference in sharpness the X5 should have better dynamic range at ISO 200 then the X3.Bottom line much more testing needs to be done on the X5 and trying all the different settings in the Go App and one has to decide if it's worth the extra effort to shoot the X5 use the log profile, low contrast, no sharpening and doing all this I post.

[@kikojiu]

+Steven Kornreich I agree with you and also a ND filter should be used with the X5. High shutters completely ruin the image look. I guess with this light and @2.8 the shutter has to be at least more than 500. I don´t know why Professional people like aerial media pro don´t pay attention to those details.

[@ericrodriguez4090]

+Steven Kornreich Dude, you're all over it and damn right! This camera will get a bad wrap real quick in the hands of the novice...

[@andresescobar8351]

The gh4 has 4k RAW video??????????

[@Liamhannam]

Andres No it doesnt shoot Raw

[@ericrodriguez4090]

Damn! the X5 Sucks based on all the videos so far. How can this be?

[@nolanchinn]

+Eric Rodriguez The X5 unlike the X3 does not have any internal sharpening. That is why the video seems to be blurry.

[@ericrodriguez4090]

+Nolan C. Thanks, I just got it and about to try it. Do you recommend and post video editing software?

[@nolanchinn]

I use Adobe Premier Pro CC. Probably the best editing software other there.

[@ericrodriguez4090]

+Nolan C. Cool, I just signed up to the creative cloud. It seems any place I search I always end up with Adobe. I love photoshop but it will my first time using premier. I've used several video suites but I'm looking for something that outputs HEVC/H.265 UHD since its supported natively on the latest Samsung SUHD TV's running Tizen.

[@anti-gravfilms8621]

Its very obvious at 6:23 that the image quality totally falls apart with the X3, that detail you see is fake. It is done by in camera sharpening which you can see clearly at 6:23 if you know what your looking for. There is a ton more information to manipulate in post with the X5. My video in the beginning car scene and inside the hotel room scene are both shot with my X5 on the Osmo Grip just messing around (the rest was a GoPro Hero 5).. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXXEpGZmp62aa5o

[@stilmotionpicture]

x3 looks oversharped, while x5 might be soft but i rather have that and sharpen in post. But of course GH4 will blow these two camera away!

[@SirPurplex]

was coming to the comments to say pretty much the exact same thing.

[@iasssen]

Not convinced for this system. 60 mbts is low. And there is jello on x3 footage. Gh4 rocks. And panasonic are not like dji. They keep the shape and constantly update. Only the size of the system i like.

[@providentialsystemsdrones4985]

Exactly, you can't compare a dedicated camera like the GH4. The GH4 has a lot of HW power, and if you use the new LOGs it's much better, and still cheaper than the X5-X5R.

[@ilproduct5798]

Je ne comprend pas que l'auteur de cette video ne donne pas un réel avis sur les résultats . L'image de la X5 est tellement moins bonne que la X3. Les réglages étaient ils les mêmes? Qu'en pense DJI? original texte in french google translate.. i do not understand that the autor of this video does not give an reel opinion on the results. The image eof thr X3 is much worse than X3. The settings were the same? Dji think that?

Not convinced and not exchanging my X3 ;-)

[@bhodyvisser]

wel the x5 what not in focus when you see the hils shot, so it's not really fare what he is doing:(

Lame excuse ;-)

[@bhodyvisser]

+Igor Bujanović no realy the new x5 and x5r are of course much better then the x3. watch helipal channel mabey he has a better comparison video...

[@blackoakcreative3918]

Whoa.. X3 looks better. Granted, KZbin beats the shit out of the video but truly not impressed.

[@2dimples_dad255]

no conclusion except the x5 seems like a waste of money according to your video. Maybe some lowlight test would help in bringing more conclusion as that is the real reason for a larger sensor.

[@jerryfox2960]

maybe the X5 is out of focus??? Its extremely blurry

[@RipRecords]

yeah, this video isn't saying much at all about the X5...very disappointing...

[@2dimples_dad255]

+RipRecords agreed. Maybe he should do some lowlight as we know thats the real reason for a larger sensor.

[@nolanchinn]

+RipRecords The X5 unlike the X3 does not have any internal sharpening. That is why the video seems to be blurry.

[@JohnIn2SonAZ]

+Nolan C. Incorrect you can sharpen within the Go App on the X5 and the X3.

[@AppleBag1000]

strange the x3 looks better in most cases

[@gbot9000]

The inspire 1 looks waaaaaaaaaayyy better............design wise but video quality is a big fat dud. It could have something to do with the sensor not being made by Sony. There is a reason manufacturers always choose Sony sensors.

[@OscarDiaz-nn9ch]

i guess most of viewer wont even zoom in a video

[@elvisbest3213]

looks like the x3 is better

[@LKFMYLF]

I have a Inspire 1 pro and I think x5 more better than x3

[@zhengui22]

very bad review.. you should first set up everything correctly before you post something because it's not helping people..

[@ismaelbonilla8712]

No video want is the problem

[@MedinaCliff]

Video looks awful on X5???