DJI, according to two informed sources, is preparing to surprise the market. The Chinese manufacturer may break the Japanese monopoly on the mirrorless camera market and introduce its first model that will be able to compete with solutions from Sony, Canon, Nikon, Fujifilm and Panasonic. The big announcement of the new product from DJI is being prepared for September 2024.
There is no information yet about what kind of camera this will be. However, there are several indirect pieces of information in foreign media that may partially shed light on the future new product from DJI. Information about the new camera was received from two sources that had previously sent information about other new products, which were subsequently confirmed.
These sources said the company is planning a major event for September. This is an unusual move for DJI, which usually announces drones and gimbals (and other equipment) more locally.
Firstly, the camera can get a bayonet mount L-mount. DJI is part of an alliance of companies that work with this standard.
At the same time, in 2017, DJI acquired the renowned Swedish camera manufacturer Hasselblad, which now develops and produces ultra-expensive medium-format digital cameras. Potentially, DJI could use its developments in developing its own mirrorless system.
Interestingly, Hasselblad cameras have a very simple and intuitive menu system. Controlling cameras like the Hasselblad X2D 100C, according to reviews and publications after the announcement, is very different from the standard Sony, Nikon and Canon systems. In the sense that the settings menu is very simplified and easy.
In this sense, Hasselblad follows the path of Blackmagic Design, which also equips its cameras (cinema cameras) with a very simple menu settings system. There is a possibility that the new product from DJI will work and be controlled in a similar way. This could become a real competitive advantage of the new camera compared to the conservative approach of Japanese manufacturers.
DJI’s first mirrorless camera rumors :
- Very simple and intuitive menu
- Improved content transfer system (photo/video). It is even assumed that the camera can get a built-in electronic SIM card for even faster file transfer without the need for pairing. It is possible to publish directly to a social network without transferring to a smartphone.
- Easy to use
Rumors of DJI developing a mirrorless camera first surfaced in May 2023. At the time, DJI was reportedly developing its own DL-mount system that would include both full-frame and crop-frame cameras. The first models of this system are expected to appear in Q1/Q2 2025.
At that time, some sources published 3D renderings of this development, which strongly resembled Hasselblad cameras. There have been no clarifications on the external design since then.
DJI already produces action cameras, photo/video hybrids (Osmo Pocket), and advanced solutions for filmmaking (for example, DJI Ronin 4D Flex).
The upcoming announcement of a new compact drone — DJI Neo will have an ultra-compact form factor, weigh 135 grams, and a number of functional capabilities. Including takeoff from the palm of your hand (and “landing” on the palm), as well as shooting 4K video with stabilization.
The company is also preparing to release an advanced action camera: DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. Significant improvements are expected at the software level: better stabilization, improved quality when shooting in difficult conditions, and others. This new product will compete with the GoPro Hero 13.