GEAR
DJI RS 3 & RS 3 PRO
If you looked longingly at the huge variety of incredible technology in DJI’s radical Ronin 4D, but wished you could use it with your own choice of camera instead of the built-in module, you’re in luck. DJI’s new RS 3 – and especially its RS 3 Pro big brother – bring a huge swathe of the Ronin 4D’s features to gimbals that accept mirrorless and compact cinema cameras, like a Sony FX6 or Red Komodo. The obvious omission is the four-axis gimbal arm of the Ronin 4D. But if you can manage with a conventional three-axis model, you can rig up your camera with tons of features like LiDAR focusing, wireless control, a choice of video transmission systems and more. All for a reasonable amount of money, as the RS 3 combo kit in a case is £619/$719 and accepts a 3kg/6.6lb payload. The unit is 1.3kg/2.8lb, including a battery grip providing up to 12 hours of life and PD fast charging at 18W. The RS 3 Pro combo kit comes in at £949/$1099, taking a 4.5kg/10lb payload, despite weighing just 1.5kg/3.3lb. Both the RS 3 and more burly Pro version have cool new features, like one-button locking and unlocking. Instead of having to manually unlock each of the three axes, line everything up again when you’re finished and relock, the RS 3 does it all for you at the push of a button. Manual is possible if preferred – you have to do this when setting
then turn on Bluetooth and pair with the gimbal. Once connected, trigger the machine from the Rec button, without needing a cable at all. After Bluetooth is paired, it stays in the DJI menu, so you don’t have to do it every time. Both kits come with a second handle that snugly bolts onto the side for two-handed operation, and a low-slung, briefcase-style grip. And each has a new, more torquey focus motor, rod mount and set of universal focus gears for the lens that you stretch around and clip together. This rod mounting clamp is especially clever, as a large thumbwheel lets you screw it into a non-twist mount on the camera plate. The front dial may be set to change focus, so it’s quick and easy. In this basic configuration, you have two very high-tech, capable gimbals offering super-smooth movements. DJI says there is a 20% improvement over the previous- generation models – and we don’t doubt it. SuperSmooth mode makes things even more effortless. Modes
up the initial balancing. It’s a nice feature, saves time and is seriously handy to have. On the subject of levelling, all the mounting plates and clamps are well-designed and high quality. One nice feature is a thumbwheel to move the camera plate back and forth for precise balancing, rather than simply sliding it along. It’s a detailed touch – and very nice. Once balanced, activate auto-calibration from the menu; after a few seconds of jiggling about, the camera will be perfectly balanced and calibrated. The Pro has longer, carbon-fibre arms to accommodate bigger and heavier payloads, but the set-up is the same. The duo have larger screens and a manual switch on the side to set follow mode, rather than always fiddling with the touchscreen. They also offer Bluetooth connectivity to your camera, allowing you to start and stop recording from the DJI’s grip without resorting to wires. Make sure your camera is in the approved list from DJI’s website,
DJI DOUBLE The new RS 3 and RS 3 Pro gimbals are right at the cutting edge of stabilising tech
CASE IN POINT The flagship DJI RS 3 Pro kit comes with everything you need to get smooth shots
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PRO MOVIEMAKER
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