AGENDA NEWS
A total package The fourth axis of stabilisation is just one highlight of DJI’s radical Ronin 4D D JI has torn up the rule book on filmmaking kit, with its Ronin 4D. It combines an all-new, full-frame cinema camera in
4K/120fps, while the Zenmuse X9-8K goes up to 8K/75fps. The 6K combo is £5999/$7199, while the 8K version is £9499/$11,499. Both record internally in H.264, ProRes or ProRes Raw. While using motorised gimbals has taken the filmmaking world by storm, allowing super-smooth handheld shots, these are all stabilised over three axes – pan, tilt and roll. But the Z-axis of vertical motion is not stabilised, so when traversing steps or just walking, the camera still jolts up and down. Only cinema-style Steadicams have offered this fourth-axis control until now. But the DJI Ronin 4D has active Z-axis control to eliminate vertical camera shake. This allows handheld use on stairways or uneven ground, and even sideways shots that replicate a smooth dolly movement. DJI has used its drone technology
a four-axis stabilisation system, LiDAR focusing system, and video transmission and control system in a single unit. Accepting full-frame lenses, there are two versions of the camera. The Zenmuse X9-6K supports up to 6K/60fps and
to keep things stable in every direction. There are downward and forward sensors, a built-in sensor to measure movement in all directions – and a barometer to DJI MOVES INTO AUDIO
NEXT GENERATION The revolutionary DJI Ronin 4D looks and performs like no other cinema camera ever
settings and monitor the strength of the signal. Recordings can be made separately via each channel, or combined for easy post-production. There is also a safety track recorded at -6dB, in case of sudden increases in volume. The receiver also has 14 hours of battery life – and USB-C, Lightning and TRS ports, so it works with most cameras, laptops and smart devices. The kit is stored inside a custom charging case, so one USB-C input can charge all components simultaneously. This case also means the units are always in sync with each other. DJI revealed its new Action 2 camera, too, included in our mini tests this issue.
Audio has never been high on DJI’s list of essentials. But the company has now launched the Action 2 mic system, which works with all cameras using a standard 3.5mm jack. Similar to the Rode Wireless Go II and Hollyland Lark 150, the £289/$329 kit comes with two small transmitters, each with built-in omnidirectional mics. These have internal storage and record up to 14 hours of audio. They have inputs for lav mics, so these small transmitters can be hidden and a lav mic plugged in. During normal use, the signal is sent back to the camera-mounted receiver at distances up to 250 metres. The compact receiver has a touchscreen to change
GET CARRIED AWAY Two small transmitters and a lightweight receiver fit into the portable charging case
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