When it comes to gimbals, there’s no better name than DJI. Beyond their great drones, DJI is a master in gimbals and stabilizers. The DJI RS-series has often led the industry when it comes to performance, features, and innovation. As the brand’s newest flagship gimbal, how does the DJI RS 4-series stack up? We find out with the DJI RS 4.
Design: 4/5
The DJI RS 4 series comes in two variants, the DJI RS 4 and the DJI RS 4 Pro. The RS 4 Pro is the flagship gimbal, with some key professional features not found in the base RS 4. However, essentially, the base RS 4 has the same core as the pro variant, the only difference being the size and maximum payload capacity.
The DJI RS 4 retains the signature DJI RS look and feel. It’s mostly black but has red accents around the gimbal, similar to the old RS 2 and the more recent RS 3. Build-wise, you can’t go wrong with the DJI RS series: it’s sturdy and premium, yet at the same time, it’s lightweight and compact. It carries over the aluminum build from the older RS-series gimbals, hence the lightweight and sturdy build.
Additionally, parts of the gimbal are coated with Teflon, making movement much smoother.
Looking at the DJI RS 4, you’ll be greeted with a 1.8-inch touchscreen OLED display. Beneath the display is the joy stick (more on this later), the record button, and a programmable button (M button). On the right, the base is the gimbal mode and the power button. On the front is the trigger, and the front dial. And on the left, is the joystick mode, the Ronin Series Accessory (RSA) port. The battery indicator is also found on the left side of the gimbal.
When assembled, the rig (with grip and grip extend/tripod) weighs just over 1.450 kg. For comparison, a MacBook Air weighs 1.2 kg, just 200 g lighter. When I add my camera (a Sony ZV-E10) with a lens, the total weight goes to just over 2 kg.
Additionally, the DJI RS 4 comes with a carrying case that fits all of the included accessories. The DJI RS 4 Combo comes with the DJI Focus Pro Motor, an accessory that controls the camera lens’s zoom or focus rings.
Hardware: 4.5/5
The DJI RS 4 has a maximum payload of 3kg. It can carry most mirrorless and even some higher-end DSLRs with larger lenses. You can also check out the DJI website for the complete list of compatible cameras with the DJI RS 4.
At the heart of the DJI RS 4 are massive improvements from the DJI RS 3. First and foremost is a slightly longer arm than the RS 3 which allows for more accessories to fit on the camera without any balancing issues. Another great improvement is on the horizon plate, which makes shifting to vertical shooting a breeze. It’s tool-less; just release the panel and attach it vertically, and you’re good to go. There’s also a new RSA port, a great addition if you have Ronin accessories like the DJI Ronin Image Transmitter.
Making a return to the RS 4 series is DJI’s automated axis lock feature. This is honestly a game-changer for most content creators who struggle with packing up. When you’re done shooting just power off and the whole gimbal snaps neatly back into place.
But undoubtedly the biggest update is the Joystick controls. The DJI RS 4 now supports joystick control for zooming. You can still use the front dial for zooming, but having the joystick mode adds a bit more versatility.
Apart from the hardware updates, there are also software improvements, particularly in terms of stabilization. The DJI RS 4 features DJI’s latest 4th Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm, which improves on vertical shooting.
The gimbal itself has a maximum rotation speed of 360 degrees/s for the Pan, Tilt, and Roll axes, while the motors’ mechanical range is 360 degrees continuous rotation for the Pan Axis, -95 to 240 degrees for the Roll Axis, and -112 to 214 degrees for the Tilt Axis.
Finally, in terms of battery, the included battery grip has a 3000mAh capacity. DJI has rated the battery for 12 hours of max runtime. Charging took us around 4 hours, but that’s utilizing a non-PD charger. According to DJI, you can expect 2.5 hours of charging with an 18W PD charger.
User Experience: 4/5
The DJI RS 4 is the first “commercial/pro” gimbal I’ve tested, so I was understandably a bit worried when I first started using it.
The DJI RS 4 can be a bit daunting for first-time users. When you open the carrying case, you’ll be greeted with various parts. You’ll also need to download the DJI Ronin app to start using the gimbal.
Fortunately, the DJI Ronin does have everything you need to start setting up and using the DJI RS 4. You’ll find tutorial videos on the app itself on how to assemble the RS 4. After that, there’s also a tutorial on how to balance the gimbal. Once you’ve done everything, there are also tips on how to elevate your shooting skills.
There are also a lot of other features you can do within the DJI Ronin App. There’s balancing, remote controls (including a virtual joystick), personalized profiles, and, if you have a DJI Ronin Image Transmitter, access to RavenEye to turn your phone into a camera monitor.
Even for a first-time user, the DJI RS 4 was easy to handle. The gimbal’s weight made it manageable, and once fully set up, controls are fairly intuitive. There is still a small learning curve to perfect operating the gimbal, like knowing when to adjust carefully or to fully learn the camera’s features. That said, once you get the hang of the gimbal, it feels satisfying.
What also surprised me was the auto-lock feature. Once enabled, the DJI RS 4 automatically folds itself when turned off or put to sleep. Once you turn on the RS 4, the gimbal automatically returns to your balanced setup, allowing you to continue shooting.
The DJI RS 4 also supports Bluetooth connection to your camera. The setup is simple: just open your camera’s Bluetooth and the RS 4’s Bluetooth, and you’re good to go. Connecting to Bluetooth allows you to control your camera directly on the gimbal. This eliminates fumbling around the camera’s shutter or record button that could mess up crucial moments.
Value: 4.5/5
At just PHP25,490, the DJI RS 4 is a great companion for content creators, whether long-term or just starting out. It’s easy to use and set up, and its lightweight body makes it a really fun companion for filmmakers and amateurs alike.
Specifications:
- Tested Payload: 3kg
- Maximum Controlled Rotation Speed: Pan 360°/s | Tilt 360°/s | Roll 360°/s
- Mechanical Range: Pan Axis 360° continuous rotation | Roll Axis -95° to +240° | Tilt Axis -112° to +214°
- Weight: Gimbal – Approx. 1066g | Grip – Approx. 203g | Extended Grip/Tripod (Plastic) – Approx. 183g | Upper and Lower Quick-Release Plates – Approx. 98g
- Dimensions: Folded – 245×255×75mm (L×W×H, excluding camera, grip, and the Extended Grip/Tripod) | Unfolded – 370×191×189mm (L×W×H, height includes grip and excludes the Extended Grip/Tripod)
- Connections: Bluetooth 5.1, Charging Port (USB-C), Ronin Series Accessories (RSA)/NATO Ports, 1/4″-20 Mounting Hole, Cold Shoe, Video Transmission Port (USB-C), RSS Camera Control Port (USB-C), Focus Motor Port (USB-C)
- Battery: LiPo 2S 3000mAh
What’s Hot:
- Well-built
- Coated parts
- Light weight
What’s Not:
- DJI Ronin requirement
Bottomline:
A great gimbal regardless of what kind of shooter you are.
Reviewed by Gabriel John Pe
Also published in GADGETS MAGAZINE July 2024 Issue