DJI Inspire 2 5K Footage - Worklfow - Thoughts - Youtube Frustration

DJI Inspire 2 5K Footage -
Alright, here is some additional footage with the Inspire 2, shooting 5.2k in CinemaDNG -
Thanks To Skyboss Drones for getting the Inspire 2 in my hands so quickly: bit.ly/2jamhsy
The workflow on this was very time consuming as I wanted to bring it through After Effects for the best quality I could get. Here is a breakdown:
One thing I didn't realize was that in some of the first shots, I had the shutter on auto (too busy trying to get other pieces going). So you will see an exposure shift at times, that is why...
1) Bring Raw folders off CineSSD onto system
2) New project in After Affects - Import Raw folders into After Effects
3) Apply any settings - I applied a look to convert the Raw to a Log that looks very close to Arri Log-C
4) Drop into render queue, render, wait 12 hours for 10 minutes of footage (yes 12 hours!)
5) Bring into new Premiere Project, edit as normal
6) Export final footage - 47GB for 7Min of footage
Overall I am happy with this initial test. I am going to do a second test with Davinci resolve and that should cut about 11 hours of rendering time out.
As a note - after uploading to KZbin - it took KZbin ove 24hours to process this and allow either a 4k or 5K stream. 1440 was available about an hour after uploading.
I have a bit of work to do to get the final footage just how I would want it but for this initial test I am really pleased with how the
Final Video 5.2K - 7:08 - 47.5GB
Thanks To Skyboss Drones for getting the Inspire 2 in my hands so quickly: bit.ly/2jamhsy
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Please watch: "Tutorial action photo sequence in Adobe Photoshop - Free practice files to follow along how to"
• Tutorial action photo ...
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[@tom_dillon]

Thanks for answering more questions I have about the workflow. I have so many more questions.

[@dawsonboyle99]

This footage looks great! Just curious as to if you are aware of cinema 5ds Adobe camera raw presets that convert inspire 2 footage into Arri Alexa's log-c color space. It makes a world of different to process the dngs that way and then color grade from there.

[@BillNicholsTV]

I used the Cinema5D Raw to Log - that is how I got close to an Arri look - they do some great stuff

[@dawsonboyle99]

BillNicholsTV yeah I figured you did I just wasn't sure. Looks great keep it up Bill!

[@neilwilson966]

Hi. Brilliant sharp footage. i dont know how you manage to upload video of this length and detail to KZbin. I film in mov format with my Dji Phantom 3 Advanced and the quality is fantastic but KZbin will only allow me to upload in MP4 format which i dislike immensely. Trees etc look like cotton wool. Is there any advice you can give me to advise as to how i can record in any format and upload to KZbin in a format with detail and quality. Apologies for the long message. neil wilson, england

[@AddyOverbeeke]

I'm stuck at 2.7K for iMac and 1080p for the internet with slow DSL connection (only option where I live). But I can only imagine clarity on video. I would not want that workflow unless it's was a full-time job providing that level of professional quality (movie industry, news feed, professional sports etc.....) Most viewing audiences on PC, iMac, Tablet or cell phone can not view 5K video. But thanks for effort and posting, interesting.......

[@angelgcastro1]

Great vid, looking to getting one in the future but not interested in the ProRes, just what the camera offers without the raw license. Do you have any regular footage straight out Zenmuse X5S?

[@BillNicholsTV]

I will

[@angelgcastro1]

Thanks looking forward to it

[@MichaelVettas]

Keen to know this also, and whats the max resolution and frame rate you can shoot on to the Micro SD

[@MichaelVettas]

12hrs thats crazy, how big was the file? i guess the thing is you would never use a 10min single long clip. Would be interesting to know what a file shot in ProRess 422 @10min is compared to in a file shot in Raw and converted to ProRes 422 @10min and the file size difference, 12 hours is way to long a workflow I feel. Thanks for the insights Bill

[@CarriageReturn]

I think the biggest kick in the family allowance in the workflow for any online stuff is the conversion for KZbin. I've found a bit of a sweet spot after some trial and error. I tend to select the Vimeo presets for output to media encoder stage then bump up the target and maximum bitrates by 25%-ish respectively as I find them too low. I always go for a two pass encode and I'm currently teaching myself when the 'render at maximum depth' and 'use maximum render quality' are appropriate. I find the default settings for bitrates let KZbin chomp up my footage and make something I've slaved over look like I don't care! But I've had good results with these minor tweaks. I say this because the footage, whilst impressive, looks to my eyes like it's suffering from the KZbin mincer problem we all hate. For the record, criticising any part of the footage makes me a little uneasy since I learnt a massive chunk of what I know by following your posts but you did ask :-) Regarding the workflow, I haven't had experience of working with RAW yet but I was wondering if the conversion to ProRes means you're not working with the benefits of 'full-fat' vs 'slimline' when you render out. Have you played with Proxy files in Premiere at all? I'm thinking out loud here so please be patient 🤡 Would this let you get your edit and your look in AE and PP then create your final output from the RAW files? Would this give you an edge when creating the final piece? And finally, until KZbin sorts out the fact that 9 times out of 10, you have to force it to give you the maximum viewing resolution with the settings icon even when you have the ability to watch at that resolution, most people will be watching a fraction of what you gave them which is still a major annoyance for me.

[@steve_brayton]

I have a question for you. Love your channel by the way. I'm really struggling. Trying to figure out if I should get Cinema DNG or Apple Pro Res. I work in Final Cut Pro X does that even support doing work with that large of files? Second question is, I'm starting a drone business and am trying to figure out if buying Cinema DNG is worth it? My clientele will most likely be wedding videography, real-estate, etc. Would it benefit me to have Cinema DNG or Apple Pro Res? Or maybe just one or the other? Your help would be SO MUCH appreciated!!

[@BillNicholsTV]

If I didn't need both I most likely would have just purchased the ProRes license, CinemaDNG workflow is a lot more intense. You can take the ProRes directly into Premiere / FinalCut

[@dabeastlife2367]

BillNicholsTV Thanks for the reply! If you were to purchase Cinema DNG is it like an actual program that you use then? Something you would download on your computer like Final Cut Pro X? Basically a software system that you would download and edit video in rather than using Final Cut Pro X?

[@MrBillpam91]

The green grass color flickered as you came over the hill and the exposure was changing. Weird.

[@BillNicholsTV]

MrBillpam91 I talked about this in the description, I had accidentally flipped the camera in auto, then realized it and changed it back.

[@DennisSchmitz]

Go with Davinci Resolve, which is at least 10x faster. Choose Blackmagic Film Gamma. Choose high quality debayer and downscale, Render UHD or 5.2k ProRes (only available in studio version). You will have the same amount of detail and lack of artifacts but way better color.

[@EYE50MM]

Looks great except for the shutter, ISO, or Iris adjustments on the camera. Was The Inspire 2 on auto exposure? When it is going up the hill in the beginning you can definitely tell the camera is adjusting for the brightness of the sky. The hill starts progressively getting darker in not so subtle waves. Maybe it's just me but it looks very odd.

[@BillNicholsTV]

I wrote about this in the description - Thanks for watching!

[@EYE50MM]

Thanks for making these videos!

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Hi Bill. Thanks for this. Have you tried ProRes? It seems much faster with very little (if any to the mere mortal) difference in "eye" resolution - also 5.2K. Granted it is not RAW but...

[@BillNicholsTV]

I will likely shoot everything to ProRes - unless there is a requirement from a client (more likely a production company that I am working for, for a client). ProRes shoots 5K - not 5.2 (not a big deal) 5280x2160 VS 5280x2972

[@TheJWC56RSA]

I watched the footage. I see some "flickering" and it seems AE was activated? I was definitely going to get the license / CinemaDNG....but after watching and listening to you I think I'll go as far as the ProRes license and that's it! The cost, huge time draining workflow and the scarcity of clients that would need RAW just do not justify it. I assume I'll still need the 480GB SSD for ProRes??

[@BillNicholsTV]

Not sure what mean by AE being activated? You don't need the 480 (although I wouldn't buy anything less) they have 120 and 240 but the capacity / recording time is low, at all costs I would avoid the 120GB (slower data rate).

[@TheJWC56RSA]

Auto Exposure... image darkens and brightens as you shoot...

[@BillNicholsTV]

Yes - for some of the shots by accident - that was in the description

[@LWinkelhausen]

could you provide the footage for download? KZbin compression kills it...

[@CourtneyJackson-22]

Great video. Can you share the name of the Artist and the title of the song that is playing in the background. It's amazing!

[@adamcb41]

RawDawg416 agree. Digging the sounds!

[@jimo3129]

I have to agree. Awesome footage

[@BillNicholsTV]

Thanks

[@andrewjamesphotography8888]

Looks great to me on a 50" tv but it's only HD. If you can get people to pay extra for the added res your on to a winner. Good demo.

[@BillNicholsTV]

Thanks Andrew - Love hearing the TV comments on here, and seeing how many people are watching KZbin through their TV's

[@TomTalley]

TV here too...Spend hours watching on 60"...through Roku...

[@pdubay71]

Anyone not watching on their big screens are missing out!! Always mention that in the videos I post. "Best if viewed on the big screen!" Great stuff Bill as always!!

[@joecat101]

Sweet video Bill but is it worth 12 hours of time for 10 minuets of video. I don't think I will ever reach this level of professionalism myself. Where do you get the audio stock to add to your videos? I'm looking for some Spanish Guitar type stock but haven't found any yet. I see a Canon camera on your table do you use Canon exclusively or do you also use other camera brands? I have had Canon camera's for a long time and I like them.

[@BillNicholsTV]

Thanks Joe - For some clients yes it would be worth it, or shooting footage for a feature, yes. For 99% of my work I will probably shoot 4K straight to ProRes though. I use mostly Canon and I get my music from various sources, this particular one was from AudioBlocks. How did you find this video? I have it unlisted right now! Cheers!

[@joecat101]

It may have been one of those right time/right place things, I viewed this video on the day you posted it 2/3/17. Today I noticed it is not available on your channel. What was your reason for unlisting it? It say's there were 21 views and 2 thumbs up, (1 from me), but I guess I was the only commenter.

[@BillNicholsTV]

+Joe Cat hi Joe - I needed to wait for KZbin to finish processing their 5k stream, that ended up taking 30+ hours after it was uploaded

[@Makemoremoneycooking]

Question Bill. I love your footage, I mean it is absolutely amazing. I am on the fence with the I2. I am by no means as far as you are with business but is the X4S in your opinion still a great camera for high end production? I have a P4P and a Mavic, really shooting for the stars with starting a drone business and I do believe this is the right time. My thoughts are as follows. Pull the trigger on an I2 X4S and use it as a companion to my other tools. As I move along and create a market I will upgrade (especially because most monitors/TV screens can hardly support 4K). In your opinion, is this a good way to go? I also want to appear more professional with my business right out of the gate. I feel there is a small window for us that are starting to break into the market. That said, I don't want to skimp on my startup. Let me know your thoughts. Anybody else is welcome to chime in as well!

[@nanopixel.studio]

12 Hours! I think I'll stick with Pro Res!

[@SeraphimHD]

It's a little tough to see much detail with just grassy/tree-filled areas. I know that 4K/5k has its application, but I just don't see the need to spend that much time and money when most people can't even tell the difference from 720p to 4K. We're not there yet. I think what you shoot still matters more than needing to own a full 4K setup (including post-production).

[@BillNicholsTV]

I somewhat agree, except you can definitely see a big difference from 720P to 4K, less so on well shot 1080P to 4K for sure. The grassy / tree / housing areas though are great areas to see the difference. The grass and tree for many drones cause huge problems with noise, moire, etc. None of that here. The footage outside of KZbin is much much sharper as well. Thanks for the comment and for watching!

[@christer_isulat]

Does that process in After Effects give you any sort of dynamic range improvement or is it simply the look you are going for? I was honestly expecting a log to graded transition. :)

[@BillNicholsTV]

The processing wouldn't give you more dynamic range. Processing the raw through AE vs Davinci yields a better image, at a huge cost in time though.

[@drsus0]

man, personally i have no clue how because it doesn't concern me at work, but i should get you in touch with one of the DITs (digital imaging technician) i work with and have him walk you through how we handle files like this, it should never take that long... production freaks out if they spend even an hour after wrap finishing up the days' work...and thats 5-10 hrs of footage form cameras like the RED raw 8k or arriraw 3.2k.

[@BillNicholsTV]

For RED you use RED Cine - this particular issue is using After Effects to process (which gives you much better results than Davinci, Davince took about 1.5 hours). I took footage to a post house here in Burbank (big big company) took 14+ hours for them as well. Going to get in touch with DJI on this. In the mean time I will shoot ProRes 5K

[@chancenorris8854]

What are specs of workstation you used to export?

[@BillNicholsTV]

The export out of AE in particular is very slow - 10 Core Mac Pro with 64GB ram

[@MichaelVettas]

using an SSD? I sped up my processing quite alot by using a 4bay SSD running as RAID0 as my working/rendering/exporting drive

[@ChadWork1]

What's with shooting in auto exposure?

[@BillNicholsTV]

as the description says "* One thing I didn't realize was that in some of the first shots, I had the shutter on auto (too busy trying to get other pieces going). So you will see an exposure shift at times, that is why..." thanks for watching

[@ChadWork1]

What I do see in the grass is the exposure flicker from high detail scenes. I got that on the Inspire pro too. I turned sown the sharpness to reduce it. Do you turn down the sharpness now? I really only plan on using the Inspire 2 in ProRes unless a client asks for raw. I'm hoping the noise isn't too bad.

[@BillNicholsTV]

Noise isn't bad at all in Prores (depending on ISO of course) - I will not shoot in RAW 99.9% of the time. It will be ProRes. I am still figuring out settings - but likely sharpness -2, contrast and sat -2 as well. That is what I did on the X5. The flicker in the grass I still think was from having auto exp on mistakingly. I'll post some ProRes footage next week that everyone can tear apart.

[@ChadWork1]

Cool, thanks.

[@atabeylive]

Bill in my 1080 p Samsung TVE the footage looks good, sharp and the color grade is beautiful, I don't know if my personal opinion is going to help I feel that the to use 5k is not worth to work on even for the price for a red camera I for now will stick with 4K I think it's not worth the money to spend that much on this type of technology. I mean if I was to get anything for filming even a red camera it will be in the 4K res. People get all worked up with getting the best and the best is not going to make you a better pro. I believe it's the creative part of the individual. I love the footage it is beautiful. Have a good one bill keep them videos review up, and looking forward to some tutorial and advices about the aerial industry.

[@MOTIONTOGRAPHY]

Hi Bill, what computer system are you using to render and specs?

[@BillNicholsTV]

10 Core Mac Pro, 64GB Ram - One major issue is After Effects itself doesn't take real advantage of multithreading.

[@vassdigitalplus7919]

Can you shoot 5.2k on the inspire 2 using a 240GB SSD or minimum size to shoot 5.2k raw is 480GB?thank you

[@BillNicholsTV]

with the 240GB you should be good

[@adampapworth]

you cant on the smallest ssd dji supply, not sure if that's the 240GB or if there was a smaller one

[@uptowndisco2]

I really hope it is KZbin that has killed the footage , I watched in 5K and was not impressed , my i2 with just the x4S in 264 4K is giving me a lot better video than what I watched , sorry Bill saying as I see it through KZbin.

[@cfireguy02]

Another great video.

[@quadcopter9993]

Bill. Sorry but this doesn't work on my viewer. The question is what are people using to watch your videos on. The video looks genuinely more like 720p on my laptop, which is a fairly good Lenovo with 1366x768 p display setting. Also, because of the scanning rate being so high, it actually appears to give a slight jellow effect too. I think perhaps it's aliasing that happens with conversions from one frequency to another that is fairly close. I wouldn't have expected that though. Please don't be offended by this. I'm trying to be helpfull by showing what us poor people see ;)

[@gareth5000]

A step towards 8k, but not hugely better than 4k.... Still amazing though!

[@wwbdwwbd]

Jesus Adobe, optimize your software already!

[@slifox2752]

all that effort and it doesn't pop out probably using the slower frame rate too at close quarters (Lower to the ground stuff), making it a mush of light and mismatch film capture to fast ground speeds... Try 4K at 60FPS because 30FPS is too slow...

[@thomassevilla4452]

12 hours?!?!?!?! For 10 mins a footage?!? No thanks

[@BillNicholsTV]

One of the serious drawbacks to CinemaDNG - You can do it in Resolve (On my new Imac it renders at close to half or realtime), but with resolve you do not have lens correction, chromatic abberration correction either. But it is very very fast and the color tools are excellent.

[@JohnIn2SonAZ]

Get a custom built P.C. it's your slow apple computer. A titan X card and i7PCU or i9PCU renders super fast. When are apple guys going to realize this. RED Studios switched to all P.C. computers and have left apple. Apple hardware is far behind P.C. hardware. The issue is with Apples GPU Graphics cards.

[@BillNicholsTV]

Oh man, you obviously didn't listen to the part where I said I took this to my friends at IMAX, and ask one of them to run it through an after affects workflow, and their result, was an hour quicker, 15 instead of 16. I have utilized an EGPU through TB3 with a GT1080 and it is noticeably faster, but not exponentially faster

[@JohnIn2SonAZ]

A Titan-x with the new pascal architecture would be much faster. What hardware was used. 15 hours just doesn't sound right.

[@BillNicholsTV]

John Wood then you have used an after affect post pipeline with cinemadng, as I said in the video, resolve is multiples faster, but from this choice didn’t offer lens correction, etc. The problem is after affects, not the hardware

[@JohnIn2SonAZ]

OK thanks I understand now. So it's software issues with speed in rendering.

[@JohnIn2SonAZ]

This guys has no problem with speed. "As a sidenote to anyone interested, I've got a new workflow for editing I2 footage. I bought 2 1TB Samsung 960 EVO NVME drives. I set them up as a RAID 0 on my pc, which when I did a CrystalDisk test is giving me 3400MB/sec read and 2400MB/sec write speeds . So, combined with my i7 6900k and DaVinci Resolve 14, I'm able to edit and color in realtime straight from the 5.2K RAW files. It's absolutely fantastic. No more proxies, no more H.264 files, etc. Just real-time RAW editing and coloring. Highly recommended for anyone that works with I2 RAWs often."

[@richglaser4566]

To my untrained eyes, don't really see much difference. If your shooting a movie production I could see using that but otherwise to me it's overkill. You can buy three phantom four pro plus for the price of that. Diffinatly made for a professional.

[@BillNicholsTV]

Hey Richard - One issue is that KZbin compresses the hell out of the footage (the export ProRes footage has a 935Mb/s bit rate, huge difference) but you are right that in most instances the 5.2K is likely overkill and the time taken to render and all is likely too much. But in some instances it will be very useful. Thanks for watching!

[@mystisndwch]

If you're using macs no wonder it's taking 12 hours. Get an actual beefy custom built PC

[@BillNicholsTV]

Mystical Sandwich has nothing to do with Mac or pc - it has to do with The way After Affects processes the cinemadng files, if you watched I speak about how I took the 5.7k cinemadng to an IMAX post house in Hollywood, on PCs using the same after affects pipeline without a major difference. Resolve would do the job in about 90 minutes

[@mystisndwch]

BillNicholsTV Is it the same with Premiere?

[@BillNicholsTV]

Mystical Sandwich premiere is much less efficient at rendering cinemadng than after affects is. The issue is every frame goes through adobe raw converter then it gets rendered out to a 5.7k video file.