MINI TESTS
RONIN-SC £325/$379 dji.com
SPECIFICATIONS Type: Three-axis motorised gimbal Payload: 2kg/4.4lb Battery life: 11 hours Charging time: 2.5 hours Connections: 1/4in and 3/8in mounting sockets, camera control port, accessory port, USB-C, RSA port Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C Dimensions (LxHxD): 370x165x150mm Weight with grip: 1088g/2.39lb
Take the popular DJI Ronin-S gimbal, then make a smaller, lighter and cheaper version to suit smaller cameras. That’s essentially the DJI Ronin-SC motorised gimbal stabiliser, designed for users of 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; the SC model can take 1088g/2.39lb and costs £325/$379. The Ronin-SC is designed for lighter cameras, so the balancing system has been simplified. The roll axis balances automatically with the help of a redesigned app, and the pan, tilt and roll axis all include axis locks while in transit. Combined with a sliding quick-release camera plate, the systemmakes it much quicker to mount and balance the camera, ready for shooting. Just follow the instructions and it soon becomes easy. The basic kit comes with a smartphone mount that sits on the camera hotshoe, so you can change the settings and modes easily using
the Ronin app. The app enables you to set three different custom profiles, adjust the motors and run balance tests. There are also settings like Sport, which speeds up the response time. The SC has all the modes of the pricier S model – Virtual Joystick, Timelapse, Motionlapse, Motion Control and Panorama – plus two new modes, ActiveTrack and Force Mobile. ActiveTrack means you can tap on a subject on-screen using the app, and the gimbal will follow the subject automatically. Force Mobile means you can control the gimbal from your mobile up to 25 metres/82 feet away, using just hand gestures. Both these modes are fun and work pretty well, but are more designed for consumer use than pro filmmaking. The 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 a compatible camera. We tried it on Sony A7 series cameras and it was flawless. There are also 1/4in-20 and 3/8in-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 1/4in-20 camera mounting screw, an M4 screw, and various USB control cables. Everything you need to get going. In use, the lighter weight really does suit smaller cameras and the whole set-up can be held with one hand. The rear arm is angled so it doesn’t obstruct the view of your camera’s screen too much. However, the lighter payload and less powerful gimbal motors mean it is more important to get the balance of your camera and lens right, and it’s best used with a small prime lens. that’s the price you pay for a smaller, lighter gimbal. But it works very well: handheld, even a beginner can get super-smooth shots, and with a bit of practise you really can get the professional Steadicam look. Put it on the included tripod and you can do time-lapse, motion- lapse and panoramas to add to the production values of your films, mainly thanks to the impressive app. So, if you use a light, mirrorless camera and want a small, affordable motorised gimbal that’s easy to carry and has lots of features, the Ronin-SC is a winner. AD PROMOVIEMAKERRATING: 8/10 It’s shockingly cheap and surprisingly capable for filmmakers who use light, mirrorless cameras Pros: Smooth results, light inweight, not too expensive Cons: Limitations on camera size
IMAGES The new Ronin-SC works handheld or in its special mini tripod for time-lapses
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SPRING 2020 PRO MOVIEMAKER
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