This professional gimbal has unleashed my potential as a filmmaker with an invaluable feature

ZDNET Key Points

• The DJI RS4 Pro gimbal is available now on Amazon for $1,099. It’s also available at Photo B&H and DJI Store.
• The RS4 Pro has a weight limit that can handle even bulky cameras, making it easy to balance the camera and produce smooth footage.
• The RS4 Pro doesn’t have a true pan lock function, making it difficult to pull off more complex shots.

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Years ago, I bought a DJI Ronin gimbal, and thought it would be the piece of equipment I needed to take my filming efforts to the next level. Unfortunately, it ran into a few issues and eventually gathered dust.

However, with a big project coming up, I needed a reliable gimbal that could actually work for me. I was hesitant to buy another one, but I took the risk and bought it. DJI RS4 Pro.

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Wow, I’m glad I did. The difference between the Ronin and the RS4 Pro is clear as day. The RS4 Pro is not. perfect (I’ll get into that more later), but this is the closest you can get without spending tens of thousands of dollars. For filmmakers and content creators who want smooth footage and are really creative with their efforts, this gimbal is a must-have.

Before sharing my experience, let’s talk about the specifications.

See on Amazon

DJI RS4 Pro gimbal specifications

• Weight capacity up to 10 pounds
• OLED Touch Screen with Auto Lock Function
• 2nd generation native vertical photography
• Automatic shaft lock
• Supports wireless transmitter and LIDAR
• Battery: 1950 mAh at 15.4V for 13 hours of operation on full charge
• Switch modes with joystick or Bluetooth
• Teflon coated axe
• Controlled rotation speed: 360 degree pan/tilt/roll
• Mechanical range: 360 degree continuous rotation, -95 degree to +240 degree roll, -112 degree to +214 degree tilt
• Operating frequency: 2.400-2.4835 GHz
• Operating Temperature: -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
• Dimensions: When folded: 271×283×75 mm (L×W×H, excluding camera, grip and Extended Grip/Tripod)/When unfolded: 416×223×202 mm (L×W×H, height including grip and excluding Extended Grip/Tripod)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C (charging port)
• App available: Android (8.0 and up) and iOS (11.0 and up).
• Value: $1,099 on Amazon (for combos including Focus Pro Motor and more)

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My experience

The first thing that impressed me was how well it balanced. Of all the gimbals I’ve used, the DJI RS4 Pro is the easiest to balance. Even with the limited push payload, I was able to balance my ZCAM E2 F6 in about two minutes. It’s actually a lot easier.

Balancing the DJI RS4 Pro was so easy that I didn’t hesitate to change lenses or configure my setup. With my old Ronin, I was always hesitant to make any swaps, simply because of the challenges the balancing process posed. What was once a major frustration has become a simple task.

Please note that it is extremely important that you balance the gimbal properly, otherwise you risk damaging the motors, so take the time to get it right and make sure to run the balance test and auto-adjust (which can be initiated from the gimbal itself or the app).

Once balanced, I set out to see how the RS4 Pro performed in the field. It didn’t take long for any buyer’s remorse to wear off; this thing really is a game changer. With very little practice, I was able to get some really smooth shots.

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After some more practice, I was even able to successfully perform an orbital spin. Capturing shots like this without a gimbal is nearly impossible, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg of what the RS4 Pro can do.

One thing to note, however, is that due to the increased payload capacity, you may need to use a really heavy gimbal. The RS4 Pro weighs just 0.27 pounds, but when you attach a heavy camera and lens, as well as a LiDAR (like I did), focus motor, battery, and whatever else is needed for your shoot, the weight can get pretty heavy.

For example, after taking two shots with all the previously mentioned gear, my arm was on fire. I have a vest and arm that I can attach a gimbal to which makes carrying and maneuvering significantly easier, but I wanted to test this with just the gimbal.

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With that in mind, understand that your arms will have to go through it if you’re loading stuff into the car, and you’ll probably want to invest in a pair of side handles, such as Neewer Double Handle. The handle not only keeps your arms from getting tired, but also makes it easier for you to control the gears.

Caution

Overall, the RS4 Pro is a great piece of tech. But there is one issue I have with it, and that is the rotation lock. To get great orbital footage, you really need to be able to lock the rotation axis on the gimbal, and that’s not really possible with the RS4 Pro.

Even though it says it has a lock (by holding the trigger), it doesn’t actually lock the axis of rotation in place. Instead, it keeps the camera pointed in the same direction, no matter how you rotate the gimbal. That doesn’t really help with orbital shots.

Also: The Sony camera I recommend to most people is not the model you are thinking of.

To get a shot with the RS4 Pro, you have to focus on the subject and as you start to move around the subject, slowly move the joystick in the opposite direction. This is probably the most difficult shot I’ve ever taken, but it’s definitely worth it. In future software updates, DJI should consider adding a true rotation lock feature so these shots aren’t so hard to get.

ZDNET Buying Advice

Even with that warning, DJI RS4 Pro A must-have for anyone looking to improve their videography skills and not spend over $10,000 on equipment. With a payload that can handle a full-frame camera and vastly simplified balancing, this gimbal is hard to beat.

The $1,000 price tag might put some creators off, but if you’re serious about improving your videography, this product will get you there.