Ronin from DJI: Camera Stabilization

The Ronin

A lot of people have been asking about camera stabilization recently and I thought I would talk a little about one of the options out there on the market right now, the Dji Ronin. The Ronin is a camera gimble that has an unbelievable amount of versatility and usability for such an approachable price point. Coming in at just under $2,500, for what you actually get in the package the Ronin has to be one of the hands-down best deals I’ve seen in a while.

ImageThe Gimble itself only weighs 9lbs with the handlebar attachment and can easily support large format cameras such as the Red Epic (Pictured). It has multiple different modes that you can use it in, over-slung to get above crowds, the standard under-slung that everyone knows and is comfortable with and a special briefcase style mode to fit through doors and smaller spaces easily.

One of the best features is the optional remote control which allows someone to trail behind and control pan, tilt, and roll for precision shots. Once you add in a wireless monitor and follow-focus to this system, you pretty much have a full featured platform to get any shot you can think of.

It sets up in about five minutes, which if you have dealt with any of these type of systems in the past, you know that’s a pretty bold claim. I’ve had to fiddle with similar (higher priced) flight systems for what seemed like ages.

Here are some specs to check out (Source: https://www.dji.com/product/ronin/spec)

Peripheral

Accessory Power Connections
12V regulated P-Tap x 2, USB 500mW x 1, DJI Lightbridge x 1
GCU Input Power
4S Ronin Battery
Connections
2.4GHz Remote Control, Bluetooth, USB
PC Assistant Software Requirements
Windows XP SP3; Windows 7; Windows 8 (32 or 64 bit)
Mobile Assistant Software Requirements
iOS version 6.1 or above Mobile Device iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPod touch 5 , iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini

Mechanical & Electrical Characteristics

Working Current
Static current: 300mA (@16V)

Dynamic current: 600mA (@16V)

Locked motor current: Max 10A (@16V)

Operating Temperature
-15°C ~ 50°C (5°F ~ 120°F)
Weight
4.20kg (9.26lbs) fully loaded with handlebar
Gimbal Dimensions
620mm(W) x 280-380mm (D)x 500mm(H)
Supported Camera Dimensions
Maximum depth at center of mass on camera base plate: 140mm

Maximum height measured from top of camera base plate: 225mm

Maximum width: 195mm

Working Performance

Load Weight (Reference Value)
7.25kg (16lbs)
Angular Vibration Range
± 0.02°
Maximum Controlled Rotation Speed
Pan axis: 90°/sec

Tilt axis: 100°/sec

Roll axis: 30° /sec

Controlled Rotation Range
Pan axis control: 360°
Tilt axis control: Up 45° to Down 120°
Roll axis control: ± 25°

This is an amazing product with so many uses that its actually hard to try to mention them all. At such a great price point, I don’t see a reason why every independent filmmaker with even a small budget shouldn’t have one of these at their disposal. It’s instant and amazing production value in a box, giving you the ability to get fluid, steady and awesome shots on time and every time.

About Justin Kincaid

Justin is the host of Film Fervor and a passionate lover of independent entertainment. Indie films are where people can truly express themselves and Justin believes that there are too many limitations on "mainstream" movies to be able to tell good stories.

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