Is DJI Joining the Mirrorless Camera Market? Rumoured DJI Osmo X

Rumors continue to spread about DJI developing a full-fledged mirrorless camera. The company, whose current product inventory includes action cameras, drones and gimbals; has sparked discourse in recent weeks with the idea that it could be developing a flagship camera as well. But is there any weight to these rumors? Is a DJI camera a possibility, and would we even want it if it was?

The primary source for the rumors comes from known leaker (and leak debunker) Andrea Pizzini. The leaker relays that trusted sources of his have claimed that DJI will announce their new mirrorless camera in September this year. This would mean that we are mere weeks, or even mere days, from an announcement from DJI. Though his source is scant on detail, the news itself warrants some excitement - should it prove to be true.

Whilst all rumors should be taken with a grain of salt, the interesting repercussion of these rumors is the response from DJI. In a Reddit thread enquiring about the possibility of a DJI camera, a spokesperson said:

Hi there, we have not yet received any information related to your question. Please stay tuned to DJI's official website, as we will update the latest news on the official website as soon as we receive it. Thank you for your understanding and interest in DJI.
Source: u/DJI_Support on Reddit

Whilst this is certainly not confirmation, it’s also not a denial. Though we doubt that the moderators of the DJI Reddit account are kept clued-in on all of the company’s plans, it would be easy to debunk these rumors.

What would a DJI Mirrorless camera look like?

With this in mind, we’ll be keeping an eye out for an announcement from DJI in the coming weeks - but what should we expect if it does come to pass? This is where we enter the realm of speculation: DJI’s diverse range of products means that we aren’t exactly sure where they will fall in the modern mirrorless market. Whilst we don’t think a DJI mirrorless will occupy the premium spot alongside the likes of Leica, we equally don’t think their offering will be a low-spec budget model. Given other DJI products like the Osmo action camera or Ronin gimbals, the company always commits to quality. We’d predict a price point and overall quality equitable to models like the Sony A7IV or a Canon R6.

DJI Mirrorless Camera Specs Predictions

As-Yet-Unnamed DJI Mirrorless Camera (Predicted)

• Sensor Size - 42MP Micro 4:3

• Lens Mount - L-Mount/DL-Mount

• Video Capabilities - 6K RAW D-Log

• Release Date - January 2025

But merely having a camera available isn’t enough: if DJI are looking to enter a market saturated with mirrorless models, they’ll need a unique selling point to do so. Their current suite of products swings more towards video than photo capabilities. The Osmo, Mavic and Ronin ranges are all tailored to video as vlogging cameras, drones and gimbals respectively - and they are all excellent in those respective fields. Though all mirrorless cameras are capable of hybrid stills and video shooting, DJI has the advantage of having catered to those models for years now - and as such knows what they’re missing.

As such, we’re hoping that the DJI camera plays to the company’s strengths: image stabilization, compact body sizes and cinematic video capabilities. These are all offered by other cameras already, but a new medley of them could be a game-changer. Employing DJI’s signature D-Log in a non-cinema camera could also provide a healthy advantage. For those looking to bridge the gap between videography and cinematography,

But when most users buy a new camera, there are two main considerations: the sensor and the lens mount. DJI are adept at condensing sensors into compact bodies for vlogging units or drones, maximizing megapixels whilst streamlining size. Without the restraint of needing to be handheld or skyworthy, we think they could truly push imaging technology.
We expect several-dozen megapixels, to compete with the 33MP of the Sony A7IV or the 40MP of the Canon R5. Pizzini’s source hints that we could see a Micro 4:3 sensor, for lightweight yet powerful shooting. Given DJI’s prior history with this sensor format, we wouldn’t be surprised to see its return. 

Lenses, meanwhile, are a more interesting question. DJI has long been proponents of the L-Mount lens for their own range of compatible products. With third-party manufacturers like Sigma and Leica offering L-Mount options, a DJI camera wouldn’t have to do the legwork of previous new camera entrants - such as the limited selection of lenses that Canon’s RF Mount launched with. Given the competition includes Sony’s flourishing E-Mount system, starting with more lens options - and arguably higher-quality ones - makes DJI’s option more compelling.