DJI Ronin 4D (Demo Unit Arriving Soon)
Get Hands on with the DJI Ronin 4D
The DJI Ronin 4D is the newest game-changing camera in the market. Filmmakers have long had to juggle a fine balance between their camera/lens combinations with gimbals, monitors and external focusing systems. DJI finally released a new hotly-anticipated cinema camera, the DJI Ronin 4D. It’s being touted as bringing a tangible paradigm shift to the world of filmmaking. It can be used by both large film crews as well as individual creators alike.
It’s truly an unprecedented device and we’re very excited to be receiving a demo unit very soon!
If you are interested in seeing the DJI Ronin 4D in person, please fill out this form and we’ll let you know as soon as it is here.
The Complete Package
The camera is PACKED with features. There are two versions of the DJI Ronin 4D that have been released; the 6K and 8K. The 6K records up to 6K/60FPS, while the 8K will shoot up to 8K/75FPS. Both can do 4K/120fps for beautifully smooth shots.
The features alone are impressive enough but the fact that they are all combined into one unit is incredible. Let’s have a brief look at them.
4-axis stabilisation
Gimbals usually provide 3-axis stabilisation (pan, tilt, and roll) and thus leaves one axis of movement unstable when shooting. As a result, filmmakers have had to rely on the ‘ninja walk’ and other techniques/gear to achieve smooth tracking shots. In the DJI Ronin 4D, DJI has added a Z-axis arm which makes it extremely easy to get perfectly smooth footage.
LiDAR focus system
DJI’s inclusion of a LiDAR range finder system allows for a completely new way to focus manually. With this add-on, you will be able to see a cloud map of your scene that will let you easily and accurately pull focus. If you prefer to use autofocus, the LiDAR technology also integrates for a powerful new feature called ActiveTrack Pro, which is an extremely convenient feature, especially for solo operators!
Above: The LiDAR system in action.
Below: ActiveTrack Pro keeps your subject in focus, even in challenging scenes!
Wireless transmission and control system
The DJI Ronin 4D uses proprietary O3 Pro transmission technology to offer a whopping range of 20,000 feet (6 km!). This system uses standard 2.4Ghz/5.8Ghz frequencies as well as the DFS frequency band and AES 256-bit encryption. Thus, the camera can output 1080P 60FPS footage to multiple remote monitors at the same time. This creates a robust and low-latency wireless system that is also highly secure.
Specifications
Camera and lens compatibility
The DJI Ronin 4D features the Zenmuse X9 which is DJI’s new flagship full-frame camera. Yes, that’s right, it has a 35mm full-frame CMOS sensor with 14+ stops of dynamic range. It has its latest CineCore 3.0 image processing system that supports internal recording of Apple ProRes RAW, 422 HQ, H.264. This means it can shoot up to 3.95Gbps RAW footage.
Lens-wise, the X9 has an interchangeable lens mount that provides flexible options: DJI’s DL mount (standard), Leica M, and Sony E Mount. You can find the current lens compatibility list here.
Display
- Screen Size: 5.5″ (diagonal) Rotational LCD Touch Screen
- Resolution: 1920 x 1080
- Refresh Rate 60Hz
- Brightness: 1000cd/m²
The DJI Ronin 4D has a nice 5.5″ bright display which pretty much eliminates the need for an external monitor.
Battery
The DJI Ronin 4D uses the same battery as the Inspire 2 and Ronin 2 which is very handy if you are already inside the DJI ecosystem. One step closer to no longer needing 20 different types of batteries.
- TB50
- 4280mAh, 22.8V
- Charging Time approx. 1.5 hours (with standard 86W power adapter)
Rigging and Support Systems
Tilta has been making moves on the market with great support and rigging systems at attainable prices. They have teased upcoming gear that will be compatible with the DJI Ronin 4D as well as other cinema cameras. As people have said, it looks like their Armor Man system combined with an Easyrig. They will also be making a shoulder rig system for the DJI Ronin 4D. There are no specifications, pricing, availability yet, but stay tuned. We’ll be sure to let you know when we have news!
The new Ronin 4D is certainly a new and exciting innovation from DJI. Its form factor is eye-catching, and we are curious to see how the market will adapt to such a wild concept. There are definitely many selling points with this product and we can see how it will benefit some workflows but will it be for everyone? Let us know your thoughts!