DJI Inspire 3 approved by Netflix

• DJI Inspire 3 and its Zenmuse X9-8K Air camera added to Netflix's Approved Camera List;

• Reported to be the first time a drone has made the cut;

• This aerial filmmaking powerhouse can capture up to 8K/25fps CinemaDNG and 8K/75fps Apple ProRes RAW video;

• Rent or buy the DJI Inspire 3 all-in-one 8K camera drone from heliguy™.

The DJI Inspire 3 has achieved a significant milestone by receiving official Netflix approval for use in top-tier productions.

The filmmaking drone has been added to the streaming giant's prestigious Approved Camera List for 4K Originals.

It is said to be the first time a drone has made the cut. It also represents DJI's first inclusion.

This endorsement underscores the Inspire 3's exceptional capabilities and its readiness to meet the rigorous demands of professional filmmaking.

The DJI Inspire 3 is available to buy or hire in weekly installments from heliguy™.

Meeting Netflix's stringent standards

Netflix maintains a stringent list of approved cameras for its original productions, ensuring that content meets the highest quality standards.

The inclusion of the Inspire 3 and its Zenmuse X9-8K Air camera on this list is a testament to the system's superior performance and reliability.

This approval allows filmmakers to utilise the Inspire 3 as a primary camera in Netflix productions, streamlining workflows and reducing the need for additional equipment.

Regarding its approved cameras, Netflix says: 'To help creatives produce their best work and create compelling visual experiences for our audience, Netflix requires 90% of a programme’s final total runtime to be captured on approved cameras.

'We collaborate extensively with the creative community, camera manufacturers, and globally recognised experts to approve cameras that support reliable and flexible production workflows.

'Approved cameras have been evaluated by Netflix technologists to ensure they meet image capture benchmarks for dynamic range, colour accuracy, detail rendition, signal-to-noise ratio, resolution, and key workflow requirements.

'These evaluations help our partners know they’re using the best and most appropriate capture technology when telling their stories.'

A Camera Production Guide, setting out best practices for DJI Inspire 3-Zenmuse X9-8K Air capture on Netflix 4k Originals, has also been published.

DJI Inspire 3: Imaging capabilities

At the heart of the Inspire 3 is the Zenmuse X9-8K Air gimbal camera, DJI's lightest full-frame camera to date.

This advanced imaging system supports internal recording of up to 8K/25fps CinemaDNG and 8K/75fps Apple ProRes RAW video, catering to the high standards of film and television productions.

The camera's dual native ISO offers EI 800/4000 at frame rates of 30fps and below, and EI 320/1600 for higher frame rates, ensuring ultra-clear footage in various lighting conditions.

With over 14 stops of dynamic range, the X9-8K Air captures intricate details in both highlights and shadows, providing filmmakers with greater flexibility in post-production.

Beyond its imaging prowess, the Inspire 3 is equipped with hot-swappable TB51 intelligent dual batteries, it offers a flight time of up to 28 minutes, and has a top speed of just over 58 mph.

These features allow for dynamic and complex aerial shots, enhancing creative possibilities on set.

Drones for filmmaking

The Inspire 3's approval by Netflix signifies a broader trend in the film industry towards embracing advanced drone technology.

Drones like the Inspire 3 offer filmmakers unprecedented flexibility, enabling the capture of complex aerial shots that were previously challenging or impossible. This development is likely to influence production economics and creative approaches, as high-quality aerial footage becomes more accessible.