DJI, the makers of our Inspire 2 drone recently released an updated firmware that allows the DJI X7 camera to record 6K Apple Prores RAW files. While we have been able to shoot Cinema DNG RAW in 5K for some time this new Apple codec is a lot easier to handle in post production than Cinema DNG is. The only downside however is that currently only Apples own Final Cut Pro X can handle Prores RAW.
TESTING THE NEW 6K PRORES RAW CODEC ON THE DJI X7
Not content with simply firing off a few boring test clips with the DJI X7 we decided to make use of the amazing weather we’ve been having recently and arrange to film some harvesting taking place at Sennowe Park farm in Norfolk. The fields were extremely dry due to the lack of rain over the last few weeks so huge clouds of dust were being thrown up by the farm machinery. Combined with the setting sun this could be real challenge for any recording codec but the way the drone recorded the images to Prores RAW was simply incredible.
While it may take a while for broadcasters and TV production companies to start working with Apple Prores RAW it does make for a fantastic aerial acquisition format allowing for stronger grading with less compromises than even Prores HQ. One area where we could really see the difference was in the graduated highlights around the setting sun. We couldn’t see any evidence of banding or other artefacts at all.
While it’s still not easy to watch 6K in all it’s detail, if you have the ability to view 4K or 5K footage then launch the video above in full screen and choose the best resolution your system can handle from the gear menu.