Years ago, I purchased a DJI Ronin gimbal with high hopes of elevating my filming capabilities. Unfortunately, the Ronin had its fair share of issues, leading to it collecting dust over time. However, with a significant project looming on the horizon, I needed a reliable gimbal that could deliver on its promises. Despite my initial hesitations, I decided to take a chance and invest in the DJI RS4 Pro.
Let me tell you, I am thrilled that I made that decision. The difference between the Ronin and the RS4 Pro is like night and day. While the RS4 Pro isn’t flawless (more on that later), it comes remarkably close without breaking the bank. For filmmakers and content creators aiming to capture smooth, professional shots and unleash their creativity, this gimbal is a game-changer.
Before delving into my personal experience, let’s explore the technical specifications of the DJI RS4 Pro:
– Weight capacity of up to 10 pounds
– OLED touchscreen with Auto Lock feature
– 2nd-Gen native vertical shooting support
– Automated axis locks for convenience
– Compatibility with wireless transmitter and LIDAR
– Battery capacity of 1950 mAh at 15.4V, providing a 13-hour operation time on a full charge
– Joystick or Bluetooth Mode switching for versatile control
– Teflon-coated axes for smooth movements
– Controlled rotation speed of Pan/tilt/roll at 360 degrees
– Mechanical range: Pan 360-degree continuous rotation, roll -95 degrees to +240 degrees, tilt -112 degrees to +214 degrees
– Operating frequency of 2.400-2.4835 GHz
– Operating temperature range of -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
– Compact dimensions: Folded – 271×283×75 mm (L×W×H, excluding camera, grip, and the Extended Grip/Tripod), Unfolded – 416×223×202 mm (L×W×H, height includes grip and excludes the Extended Grip/Tripod)
– Connectivity options: Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C (charging port)
– App availability for both Android (8.0 and above) and iOS (11.0 and above) platforms
– Price: $1,099 on Amazon (including the Focus Pro Motor and more)
My firsthand experience with the DJI RS4 Pro was nothing short of impressive. The ease of balancing the gimbal stood out immediately, making it the most straightforward gimbal I’ve ever worked with. Even when dealing with a heavy payload, such as my ZCAM E2 F6, I managed to achieve perfect balance within minutes. This effortless balancing feature instilled confidence in me, allowing for quick and hassle-free adjustments to my setup.
The Teflon-coated arms of the RS4 Pro facilitated smooth axis adjustments, further streamlining the balancing process. Properly balancing your gimbal is crucial to prevent motor damage, so I highly recommend taking the time to calibrate it accurately and run balance tests.
Once I had the gimbal properly balanced, I tested its performance in real-world scenarios. The RS4 Pro exceeded my expectations, delivering incredibly smooth footage with minimal effort. Even executing complex shots like orbit movements was surprisingly achievable with some practice. This gimbal truly opens up a world of creative possibilities for filmmakers.
However, it’s essential to note that the increased payload capacity of the RS4 Pro can result in a heavy setup, causing strain on your arms during extended use. Investing in additional accessories like side handles can alleviate this physical burden, offering better control and comfort during filming sessions.
Despite its many strengths, the RS4 Pro does have one notable drawback – the lack of a true pan lock feature. Achieving specific shots, such as orbit movements, can be challenging without a dedicated pan lock function. While the gimbal offers a workaround, it requires additional effort and practice to master.
In conclusion, the DJI RS4 Pro is a remarkable piece of technology that excels in most areas. Its exceptional balancing capabilities, smooth operation, and versatile features make it a valuable tool for filmmakers seeking professional results without breaking the bank. While the $1,000 price tag may deter some buyers, the performance and functionality of the RS4 Pro justify the investment for serious content creators looking to elevate their filming projects.
