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, aimed at both independent video creators and professional studios.
The DJI RS 4 is the smaller of the two gimbals. It weighs 3.1 pounds (1.4 kg) and is capable of supporting camera systems up to 6.6 pounds (3 kg), just like its predecessor, the RS 3. Some improvements over the previous model include camera locks. Improved axis that provide greater stability when shooting vertically. a new joystick mode switch to jump between joystick controls for zoom or gimbal, and an extra 8.5mm on the tilt axis giving you more room to accommodate camera accessories.
The OLED touchscreen also has an automatic screen lock that prevents accidental touches from altering settings and conserves battery power. It comes with the same quick-release BG21 battery grip as the RS 3, which supports 18W fast charging and lasts up to 12 hours, reaching a full charge in about 2.5 hours. If you need a little more power (and can handle holding a gimbal longer), the RS 4 is also compatible with DJI's new $149 RS BG70 High Capacity Battery Grip, extending run time to 29.5 hours.
The RS 4 also incorporates existing features such as Bluetooth control to trigger recording remotely, a fine-tuning knob to make fine adjustments to the tilt axis, and support for multiple filming modes including panorama, tracking, and FPV.
If you have a studio that works with larger camera systems, you should also consider the new DJI RS 4 Pro. The big new feature is the lidar focus with 76,800 range points, compared to the RS 3 Pro's 43,200 range points, and a maximum human subject focusing distance of 20 meters, almost three times longer than the previous limit of seven meters. The RS 4 Pro also includes dual focus and zoom motors, supporting simultaneous focus (via the front dial) and zoom (via the joystick) controls.
A new Car Mount mode is also available that optimizes stabilization when filming in unstable vehicles. The DJI RS 4 Pro still comes with the same BG30 battery grip which provides up to 12 hours of runtime but also supports the new RS BG70 high capacity grip if you need to extend battery life.
The RS 4 Pro weighs 3.5 pounds (1.6 kg) and, like the previous RS 3 Pro model, has a payload capacity of 10 pounds (4.5 kg). It also features the same axis lock and auto-locking OLED touchscreen upgrades as the standard RS 4 gimbal. DJI says the motor torque has been increased by 20 percent to keep tracking accurate and responsive when using heavier camera systems.
The DJI RS 4 and RS 4 Pro gimbals will be available today for a starting price of $549 and $869, respectively. A combo package is also available for each that provides some additional accessories, such as a Focus Pro motor, a Focus Pro motor rod mounting kit, and a Focus gear strip. This bundle is priced at $719 for the DJI RS 4 and $1,099 for the RS 4 Pro. More details on DJI's new products can be found through the company's website.
