I think the problem is with statements such as ' a far superior camera.' Whether it is far superior, is surely a subjective opinion. For me it is far superior, in many ways. 1) It allows me to use it as a photographer and have control over the camera settings 2) it allows me to change lenses 3) It no longer has that X3 'look' that is so prevalent 4) I don't see any of the bitrate issues that are associated with the X3 5) It has improved dynamic range which I have witnessed in highlight areas of an image. So for me, it has been a big improvement. For others, perhaps not so big, in which case I can understand their reluctance to purchase the camera. I read on the forum, not so long ago, that someone couldn't see any difference between the two cameras!
Hi Houston, I have to admit, to date, I have only had two flights, so have not really had an opportunity to test the ISO. But you might find this YouTube video very interesting...
Yeah, I really don't want to have to spend anther $2,300 to get the ISO of a modern day camera. What I was trying to say is that the X3 should be a lot better in low light conditions as far as noise goes. I feel like I am shootign with my Nikon D70 from 6 years ago.
Thanks for the reply Drew. Do you have both cameras? Are you able to post a comparison between the 2?
I absolutely agree. The forums are littered with guys who have never shot a single frame on a DSLR in anything other than auto mode. They wouldn't know the difference between depth of focus or depth of field, or their ISO from their ASA. I have actually read posts from guys saying they can't see the difference between the X3 or the X5! These guys are on here slagging off the X5 for one reason and one reason only... the emperor's clothes springs to mind. In my opinion, if you're a pro film maker or commercial photographer, you should see the benefits of this camera straight away. What I really love about it is it's filmic quality, it really has a very film feel to it. Plus all the other attributes you have mentioned and many more too.
Thanks Drew.
Man you took the words right out of my mouth. I am ready to pull the trigger, but have seen no hard evidence. I am a professional videographer of 20 plus years. And in a past life studied with the world class Apple video copressionists as well as a color grader using Davinci resolve. Forgive my resume, I just wanted to let everyone know that I am not a newbe. So here it goes. In the everlasting search for better images I have been weighing the x5 upgrade and also started playing with DJI log. I have played with every setting of contrast, saturation, etc and I see no comparison between most log footage and this stuff. I literally spent ½ in Davinci trying to get the log footage to look remotely as good as the standard capture method. (perhaps I am missing something) anyway, not being impressed I decided that it might be time to lay out the cash for the x5 upgrade, so I began my research. I saw one comparison between the 3x and the x5 shot on a coastline also posted above and although the were different/brighter it look to me as though the x5 stuff was simply shot 20 minutes earlier (maybe I am wrong) heres that link - . And then the rea head scratcher at this review done by aerial media pros (they always do a nice job) they showed side by side comparisons and the x5 stuff actually looked worse. Even the commentator sort of disclaimed it. beside the fact that the 3 had infinite focus and the x5 had a shallow depth of field it just look bad. Here is that link- . Anyway if anyone can point me in the direction of a good apples to apple comparison or better yet downloadable footage I would be grateful.
Yup, I too have done a pile of pro work and anyone worth their salt can spot the massive compression issues that the x3 delivers. That said for most mortals and certainly most budgets, it is a fantastic way to add real cinematic quality. And, unless DJI really messes up, raw will be the game changer for certain (with the exception of the horrifying price tag. To be honest I (and even most Red/Alexa fans) would be more than happy with 4k GH4 quality. Lets keep our fingers crossed!!
