It’s been 10 years since DJI introduced its Ronin series of cameras and stabilization accessories, and the company is marking the occasion with two new camera gimbals, targeting both independent video creators and professional studios.
The DJI RS 4 is the smaller of the two gimbals. It weighs 3.1 pounds (1.4kg) and is capable of supporting camera systems up to 6.6 pounds (3kg), just like its predecessor, the RS 3. Some improvements over the previous model include upgraded axis locks that provide improved stability when shooting vertically, a new joystick mode switch for jumping between joystick controls for zoom or gimbal, and an additional 8.5mm on the tilt axis that gives it more space to accommodate camera accessories.
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Image: DJI
The OLED touchscreen also has an automatic screen lock that prevents accidental touches from messing with the settings and conserves battery power. It comes bundled with the same quick-release BG21 battery grip as the RS 3, which supports 18W fast charging and has a runtime of up to 12 hours, reaching a full charge in around 2.5 hours. If you need a little more juice (and can endure holding a gimbal for longer), the RS 4 also supports DJI’s new $149 RS BG70 high-capacity battery grip, extending the runtime to 29.5 hours.
Image: DJI
Image: DJI
The RS 4 also carries over existing features like Bluetooth control for remotely triggering recording, a fine-tuning knob to make precise adjustments to the tilt axis, and support for various filming modes, including panorama, track, and FPV.
If you’re a studio working with larger camera systems, there’s also the new DJI RS 4 Pro to consider. The big new feature is lidar focusing with 76,800 ranging points, compared to the RS 3 Pro’s 43,200 ranging points, and a maximum human subject focusing distance of 20 meters — almost three times further than the previous seven-meter limit. The RS 4 Pro also includes dual focus and zoom motors, supporting simultaneous controls for focus (via the front dial) and zoom (through the joystick).
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Image: DJI
A new Car Mount mode is also available that optimizes stabilization when filming on shaky vehicles. The DJI RS 4 Pro still comes with the same BG30 battery grip that supplies up to 12 hours of runtime but also supports the new RS BG70 high-capacity grip if you need to extend the battery life.
The RS 4 Pro weighs 3.5 pounds (1.6kg) and, like the previous RS 3 Pro model, has a payload capacity of 10 pounds (4.5kg). It also features the same axis lock upgrades and auto-lock OLED touchscreen as the standard RS 4 gimbal. DJI says that motor torque has been increased by 20 percent to keep tracking accurate and responsive when using heavier camera systems.
Images: DJI
The DJI RS 4 and RS 4 Pro gimbals will be available today for a starting price of $549 and $869, respectively. A combo bundle is also available for each that provides some additional accessories, like a Focus Pro Motor, Focus Pro Motor Rod Mount Kit, and Focus Gear Strip. This package is priced at $719 for the DJI RS 4 and $1,099 for the RS 4 Pro. You can find out more details about DJI’s new products via the company’s website.