Today is a good day for solo filmmakers and videographers. DJI Pro has released new and improved gimbals, DJI RS 4 and DJI RS 4 Pro plus DJI Focus Pro.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ronin Series, and the evolving needs of creators are always at the forefront of our product development,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI.
“With the latest DJI RS 4 and RS 4 Pro stabilisers, we’ve integrated the feedback we have been gathering from industry professionals over the past decade to drive innovation, ultimately optimising the design, stabilisation, and gimbal control for next-generation tools that are unparalleled in efficiency and reliability.
“Additionally, DJI Focus Pro, our inaugural independent Automated Manual Focus lens control system, marks a significant leap forward in providing cutting-edge LiDAR technology, once exclusive to the DJI PRO ecosystem, to more creators.”
DJI RS 4
The DJI RS 4 can carry a camera and lens combination of up to 3kg (6.6lbs). The tilt axis is 8.5mm greater than the previous model and the balancing space can accept accessories like ND filters. The 4th-gen stabilisation algorithm strikes a balance between stabilisation strength and camera movement. The high-capacity battery grip will last about 2.5 times longer.
The DJI RS 4 features second-generation native vertical shooting thanks to a redesigned gimbal horizontal plate. This makes the transition from horizontal to vertical fast and trouble-free. The automated axis locks have been upgraded, enabling quick start-up, transitions, and storage. Teflon coating on all three axes means smoother balancing while a fine-tuning knob allows precise adjustments when switching cameras or lenses. There’s also an automatic screen lock feature on the touchscreen.
Remote camera shutter and lens zoom control using Dual-Mode Bluetooth technology allows pairing with cameras for simple reconnection. When paired with the DJI Focus Pro Motor it allows smooth focus and lens zoom adjustments, enhancing lens control at a motor speed that is 30% faster.
The new Joystick Mode Switch allows quick switching between joystick modes for zoom or gimbal control. The customisable trigger function offers FPV mode while the gimbal mode switch allows swift switching between modes.
The RSA communication port connects accessories like the DJI RS Tethered Control Handle and other third-party options. DJI RS SDK protocol gives third-party developers the opportunity to customise functions for the RS 4.
Runtime has been extended to an incredible 29.5 hours thanks to compatibility with the new BG70 High-Capacity Battery Grip. You’ll need 2.5 hours to fully charge. Power delivery to cameras and accessories is available via USB-C.
DJI RS 4 PRO
The carbon fibre DJI RS 4 Pro can carry a hefty 4.5kg (10lbs) payload. It has Teflon coating with dual rolling bearings on the roll axis and a tilt axis fine-tuning knob. This makes really fine adjustments a lot easier to manage. Second-generation native vertical shooting capability, an auto-lock OLED touchscreen, and improved axis locks for reduced gimbal shakes all combine for a smooth outcome when it comes to editing.
A 20% increase in motor torque across all axes gives better performances when using heavy rigs. The addition of Car Mount mode will smooth out those annoying bumps by optimising its algorithm for vehicle shoots.
The DJI RS 4 Pro will give solo shooters a huge boost in productivity thanks to the Focus Pro LiDAR Autofocus system. Next-Gen ActiveTrack Pro uses advanced AI algorithms and LiDAR technology to ensure rock solid subject tracking.
In collaborative team shooting, the gimbal operator can control the RS 4 Pro gimbal through devices like the DJI Master Wheels, DJI Ronin 4D Hand Grips, and DJI High-Bright Remote Monitor. The focus puller can enable LiDAR Waveform on the High-Bright Remote Monitor for intelligent focus assistance, accurately controlling focus using the Focus Pro Hand Unit.
The DJI RS BG70 High-Capacity Battery Grip will give the RS 4 Pro an extended battery runtime of up to 29 hours. The recharge time is the same as the RS 4 – 2.5 hours. The grip can power cameras and accessories with up to 18 watts via the USB-C port.
The DJI RS 4 Pro integrates with the DJI Focus Pro lens control system giving access to comprehensive control over focus, iris, and zoom. DJI RS 4 Pro can power the Focus Pro LiDAR and DJI Video Transmitter simultaneously. The RS 4 Pro also supports car mounts, jibs, Steadicams, cable cams, and sliders, for a range of creative choices.
DJI FOCUS PRO
DJI Focus Pro is DJI’s first independent LiDAR focus system available to anyone. The all-new DJI Focus Pro Grip has a 2.5-hour power supply, intuitive visual operations, auto-calibration and data storage for 15 lenses, and Bluetooth connectivity for seamless start/stop recording.
A full-colour touchscreen allows operators to adjust LiDAR and motor parameters while providing a real-time view from the LiDAR’s perspective.
Human-subject focus distance extends to 20 metres, about three times further than the previous generation. The focus field of view of 70° has 76,800 ranging points and a refresh rate of 30 Hz. The upgraded LiDAR enhances human-subject edge detection while minimising focus hunting, ensuring reliable focus even in fast-moving scenarios.
Focus Pro’s enhanced intelligent autofocus functionalities, including AF subject recognition and tracking, adjustable focus speed, and selectable focus area modes, provide users with easier control over focusing, catering to diverse shooting scenarios.
AMF focus transition and AMF focus lock provides tactile feedback and millisecond-level switching between manual and auto focus. The Magnetic Damping FIZ Hand Unit improves focus, iris, and zoom control for focus pullers, enhancing teamwork efficiency in capturing complex scenes with ease.
Featuring stepless real-time damping coefficient adjustments and electronic A-B point marking mode, the Focus Pro Hand Unit ensures precision and convenience in focus control, while offering a communication distance of 160m, covering shooting needs in complex environments. Enabled with Bluetooth start/stop recording, it facilitates wireless control with mirrorless cameras.
The FIZ Motor is 30% faster, has 10ms low latency, and three-level adjustable torque, ensuring smoother operation and versatile cinematic language opportunities. Compatible with 15mm rods, the motor offers more mounting options. The Magnetic Damping Grip complements the unit, allowing seamless transition between focus and zoom control, with adjustable damping feedback for enhanced tactile experience. With intuitive dial operation and customisable rotational ranges, cinematographers can achieve dynamic lens operations effortlessly.
PRICE AND AVAILABILITY
DJI RS 4 is available now from retailers and DJI for A$799.
DJI RS 4 Combo is also available now from retailer and DJI for A$999.
DJI RS 4 Pro is available now from retailers and DJI for A$1,299.
DJI RS 4 Combo is also available now from retailers and DJI for A$1,599.
DJI Focus Pro Creator Combo available now from retailers and DJI for A$1,389
Image Matrix Tech is currently testing the RS 4 Pro and Focus Pro with videos to follow soon.
