RON I N -SC | USER REVI EW
It’s shockingly cheap and surprisingly capable for filmmakers who use light mirrorless cameras RONIN-SC PRICE £325/$379
WORDS AND PICTURES ADAM DUCKWORTH
ake the popular DJI Ronin S gimbal, and make
The basic kit comes with a smartphone mount that sits on the camera hotshoe, so you can change settings and modes using the Ronin app, which allows you to set three different custom profiles, adjust the motors and run balance tests. There are settings like Sport, which speeds up the response time and is ideal for following fast-moving subjects. The SC also has all the modes that come with the S model – Virtual Joystick, Timelapse, MotionLapse, Motion Control and Panorama. There are two new modes, ActiveTrack and Force Mobile. ActiveTrack means you can tap on a subject on screen using the app, then the gimbal follows the subject automatically. Force Mobile means you can control the gimbal from your mobile at up to 25 metres/82 feet away, using just hand gestures. Both these modes are fun, but are more designed for consumer use than in professional filmmaking. The stabilised gimbal features pan, tilt, and roll control, as well as 360° panning to create 360° motion shots. There are settings for time lapse and motion lapse, too. The handle has a record button and a joystick for controlling the gimbal, as well as a button to bring the gimbal back to its default position. There is also a button to enter Sport mode. The Ronin-SC is powered by a 2450mAh battery built into its handle, which lasts up to 11 hours and is charged via a USB Type-C port. This can also provide camera control such as run/stop or focus pulling using one of the included USB cables connected to
it smaller, lighter and cheaper to suit smaller cameras. That’s essentially what the DJI Ronin-SC motorised gimbal stabiliser brings to filmmaking. It’s designed for mirrorless cameras under 2kg/4.4lb. The larger S model can take a payload of almost double, but weighs a lot more at 1.86kg/4.1lb and costs £459/$629 compared to the SC model’s 1088g/2.39lb and £325/$379. On the Ronin-SC, the balancing system has been simplified. The roll axis balances automatically with the help of a redesigned app and the pan, tilt and roll axes all include axis locks while in transit. Combined with a sliding quick release camera plate the system makes it much quicker to mount and balance the camera, ready for shooting. Just follow the instructions and it soon becomes easy to do in a hurry.
a compatible camera. We tried it on Sony A7 series cameras and it was flawless. There are also 1/4”-20 and 3/8”-16 mounting threads on the handle to add accessories. The Ronin-SC comes in a lightweight case with an extended grip/tripod, camera riser, lens support, port cover, Allen key wrench, quick-release plate with camera mounting screw, an M4 screw and various USB control cables. Everything you need to get going. The whole set-up can be handheld with a single hand. The lighter payload and less powerful gimbal motors means it is more important to get the balance of your camera and lens right, and it’s best used with a small prime lens. But it works very well. Handheld, even a beginner can get super-smooth shots. And with a bit of practice, you really can get the professional Steadicam look. Put it on the included tripod, and you can do timelapse, motion lapse and panoramas to add to the production values of your films, mainly thanks to the impressive app. If you use a mirrorless camera and want a small, affordable motorised gimbal that has lots of features for not much money, the Ronin-SC is a winner.
IMAGES The entire Ronin-SC unit can be held one-handed and gives a super- smooth look
“WITH PRACTICE YOU CAN GET THE PROFESSIONAL STEADICAM LOOK”
MARCH 2020 | DEF I N I T ION 55
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