DJI
DJI said its new Ronin-S, a single-handed three-axis stabilizer for DSLR and mirrorless cameras, will ship late next month.
Built to support a payload of up to eight pounds and vehicle-mounted operation at up to 47mph. In tests, DJI said, the system stabilized a handheld Canon 5D Mark IV and EF 85mm f/1.4L IS USM lens.
The Ronin-S gimbal uses a standard Manfrotto 501PL-compatible quick-release plate along with multiple accessory mounting points for broad compatibility and has a modular design meant to make it backpackable.
Many of the system’s functions are controlled by a front trigger, which allows the user to transition between Upright and Underslung modes without obstructing the camera’s view, and joystick, which controls tilt and pan. DJI says the Ronin-S is designed with the camera above the roll axis, which helps keep the camera’s display in view rather than being blocked by stabilizer components. The Ronin-S also has Push Mode, allowing the gimbal to be repositioned along the pan, tilt and roll axes by hand.
Control button and joystick layout on DJI Ronin-S stabilizer. Note: image differs slightly from diagram provided in Quick Start Guide [PDF].
DJI
The Ronin-S offers direct camera control, including start and stop, for a list of compatible cameras and lenses. (Pro shooters will note that cinema cameras from the likes of Arri, Canon, Panasonic and Red are not supported.) An on-board focus wheel offers focus control, and the Ronin-S supports an external motor. It works with DJI’s range of control devices — including the Master Wheels and Force Pro hardware — and can also be used with third-party controllers. The Ronin-S also sports Bluetooth 4.0 and USB-C (used for charging the on-board battery) connectivity.
Ronin-S promo video from DJI
Properly balanced, DJI said, the gimbal should run for 12 hours continuously on a fully charged battery. An optional battery adapter will be available for charging the battery when it’s not attached to the gimbal.
The gimbal and battery/grip together weigh approximately 4.1 pounds. A collapsible tripod is provided, with legs that can be folded together for use as an extended grip.
The Ronin-S is priced at $699, which means it’s going head-to-head with similarly inexpensive systems like the Zhiyun Crane 2 and the Feiyu-Tech a2000. DJI said it will start shipping in late June, with an important firmware update supporting camera control due in early July.
