DJI RS4 gimbal makes balancing heavy cameras and accessories easier

DJI occasionally turns us sideways with cutting-edge innovations arrive Ronin 4D, but it’s often just improving an existing product to stay ahead of the competition. This applies to the new RS4 and RS4 Pro gimbals, which feature several improvements over the previous RS3 models, particularly in terms of the size and capacity of cameras they can support, but no new standout features.

However, the company also launched Focus Pro, a new version of its LiDAR focusing system that can work independently or in conjunction with the RS4 Pro. The product is more cutting-edge, adding many new features to the company’s gimbal and camera systems.

DJI RS4

The mainstream RS4 gimbal is essentially the same as the previous model, with a 6.6 lb (3 kg) load capacity that can accommodate most mirrorless cameras and a host of accessories. However, the tilt axis has been extended by 8.5mm compared to the RS 3, giving you more balance to mount longer lenses or front-heavy accessories like ND filters. It also uses DJI’s latest fourth-generation stabilization algorithm to improve smoothness and control.

The RS4 can be paired with the new Focus Pro motor (more on that later), allowing for smooth focus and lens zoom adjustments that are 30% faster than the original DJI Focus motor. As before, it uses dual-mode Bluetooth technology so you can pair and control multiple cameras.

Another new feature is improved stability for vertical shots, stabilizing the vibrations of influencer crowds even while walking or running. The company says the redesigned gimbaled horizontal plate allows for “seamless transitions to vertical shooting,” making video creation more efficient (for example, letting you quickly create an Insta Story while shooting).

As before, it comes with automatic gimbal locking and unlocking for ease of use and PTFE coating on all three axes for smooth operation. A new joystick mode switch lets you switch from zoom to gimbal control, and a customizable trigger quickly turns on FPV mode.

RS4 supports a variety of accessories via the RSA communication port, including DJI’s RS tethered control handles and third-party options (DJI has an SDK protocol for the RS series). IT also supports the new BG70 high-capacity battery grip, which extends runtime to 29.5 hours, charges in 2.5 hours (compared to), and supports powering cameras and USB-C accessories.

Finally, RS4 supports DJI’s Ronin image transmitter, which provides real-time high-definition images to other crew members and enables remote control (focus, etc.) functions.

DJI RS4 Pro

The RS4 Pro increases load capacity to the previous 10 lbs (4.5 kg) while adding side handles and additional accessory mounting points. It adds 20% more motor torque in all axes (compared to the RS 3 Pro), allowing for more responsive tracking even with heavy cameras and accessories.

DJI also launched a vehicle mode, optimized the stabilizer for vehicle shooting, while updating vertical shooting capabilities and improving the axis lock. Like the RS4, it features DJI’s latest fourth-generation stabilization algorithm, which is especially helpful in fast-moving scenes when carrying a heavy camera.

The main new feature is the ability of the Focus Pro LiDAR and Focus Pro Motor systems to give photographers access to autofocus capabilities even when using manual focus lenses. The company says it also supports remote control and image transmission, “allowing for remote gimbal operation and smart focus assistance.”

“During team collaboration shooting, the gimbal operator can control the RS 4 Pro gimbal through the DJI Master Wheel, DJI Ronin 4D handlebar, DJI high-brightness remote monitor and other devices. At the same time, the follow focus can activate the radar on the camera. Radar waveform. The high-brightness remote monitor can provide intelligent focus assistance, and use the Focus Pro handheld device to precisely control focus.” DJI said.

DJI Focus Pro

For creators and cinematographers, Focus Pro is the most intriguing product of this launch. It is a LiDAR focusing system consisting of Focus Pro LiDAR unit, Focus Pro Grip, Focus Pro motor and FIZ Hand Unit. It provides operators with autofocus capabilities even when using a manual lens, or lets them focus manually through a live view of the lidar’s perspective.

The handle features a full-color touch screen, 2.5-hour power supply, intuitive visual operation, automatic calibration and data storage for 15 shots, and Bluetooth functionality for easy start/stop recording. At the same time, LiDAR supports focusing up to 20 meters away (three times that of the previous one) and has an ultra-wide 70-degree focusing field of view. IT features 76,800 ranging points and a 30Hz update rate to minimize focus hunting and ensure reliable focus.

Autofocus includes AF subject recognition and tracking, adjustable focus speed and selectable focus area modes, much like a regular mirrorless AF system. Meanwhile, AMF (Automatic Manual Focus) mode allows instant switching between manual and autofocus to cope with tricky shooting scenarios. It can also assist the camera or focus operator by displaying LiDAR waveforms. I tried a similar approach on Ronin 4D and it took a while to get used to, but it worked very well.

The FIZ handheld unit provides full remote control of the focuser’s focus, iris and zoom. It uses stepless real-time damping to achieve smooth control, while allowing the follow focus unit to have a working distance up to 160 meters. Other features include faster motor speeds, 10 millisecond latency and intuitive dialing operation.

Price and availability

DJI RS 4 is available now, starting at $549, including 1 gimbal, BG21 battery grip, USB-C charging cable, lens mount, extended handle/tripod (plastic), quick release plate, multi-camera control cable, and screw kit . You can also buy it for $719 in a package that includes the briefcase handle, Focus Pro motor, Focus Pro motor pole mounting kit, Focus rack, second multi-camera control cable, and carrying case. Meanwhile, the RS 4 Pro starts at $869, with the high-capacity battery handle starting at $1,099, and both products come with the same range of accessories.

The Focus Pro Creator combo (DJI Focus Pro LiDAR, DJI Focus Pro Grip, DJI Focus Pro motor, and DJI Focus Pro carrying case) costs $999, or you can buy the all-in-one combo (also comes with a FIZ Hand Unit) for $1,899 Dollar. The RS BG70 High Capacity Battery Grip is sold individually for $149.

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