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.
The 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 Connections12V regulated P-Tap x 2, USB 500mW x 1, DJI Lightbridge x 1
GCU Input Power4S Ronin Battery
Connections2.4GHz Remote Control, Bluetooth, USB
PC Assistant Software RequirementsWindows XP SP3; Windows 7; Windows 8 (32 or 64 bit)
Mobile Assistant Software RequirementsiOS version 6.1 or above Mobile Device iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPhone 5s, iPod touch 5 , iPad 3, iPad 4, iPad mini
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Mechanical & Electrical Characteristics |
Working CurrentStatic current: 300mA (@16V)
Dynamic current: 600mA (@16V) Locked motor current: Max 10A (@16V) Operating Temperature-15°C ~ 50°C (5°F ~ 120°F)
Weight4.20kg (9.26lbs) fully loaded with handlebar
Gimbal Dimensions620mm(W) x 280-380mm (D)x 500mm(H)
Supported Camera DimensionsMaximum 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 SpeedPan axis: 90°/sec
Tilt axis: 100°/sec Roll axis: 30° /sec Controlled Rotation RangePan 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.