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THE ART OFMOTION
RONIN SETS NEWSTANDARD FOR HIGH-TECH STABILISERS DJI is the market leader in gimbals and its latest Ronin RS2 uses groundbreaking new technology. This also works for larger camera set-ups, as it can handle a payload of up to 4.5kg/9.9lb for up to 12 hours on a single charge. It’s even built to handle cameras that have manual-focus cine prime lenses. Getting your images in focus has always been an issue with gimbals: lots of filmmakers set either narrow apertures and try to keep a set distance from their subjects or they trust the camera’s autofocus system. While both of these methods are possible on the Ronin RS2, the £839/$999 Pro Combo kit comes with a follow focus motor and rig that marries up to a cine lens or manual focus lens using an included toothed ring adapter. Subsequently, the focus can be controlled accurately using a knob linked to the focus motor or by plugging your camera into the gimbal with one of the included
ABOVE Using the new DJI Ronin RS2 in flashlight mode helps take the strain of a heavy camera and lens combo
The RS2 has super-light, carbon-fibre arms, as well as metal parts, and is even lighter than its predecessors, despite its increased payload. And a nice touch is the camera-mounting plate, which has a fine-screw adjuster to help make it perfectly balanced. The Ronin RS2 is easy to control and set up, handles a wide range of relatively large cameras and has an impressive app that lets you control everything and set up a number of the advanced features, like one-tap portrait mode for vertical video, force mobile – where your smartphone controls all the moves – or time tunnel, which adds a combined 3D roll and hyper-lapse feature.
cables, you can use the DJI’s colour screen to activate AF points. The kit also comes with the Raven Eye image transmission system, which transmits a 1080p live view to a smartphone up to 200m away. Of course, there is a mounting arm, meaning you can fasten your phone to the gimbal itself. DJI’s ActiveTrack 3.0 focusing system allows you to use a touchscreen to focus on a subject. And coming soon is the 3D focus system, which uses infrared beams to measure the distance between the subject and lens. This can be used to control the focus motor. All in all, it turns manual focus prime lenses into accurate AF lenses, even when used wide open.
POCKET-SIZE GIMBAL GROWS UP
While there is no substitute for a full-size camera and gimbal, having a pocket- sized, handheld and stabilised camera means you can be shooting in seconds. It’s ideal for creating fast, run-and-gun style footage and B-roll.
The original DJI Osmo Pocket has been replaced by the new Pocket 2, which has a larger sensor for much better quality, far more audio options and a clip-on wide-angle lens, as well as a funky tripod that bolts to the small carry case. It takes everything the original camera had and moves it on significantly. The footage, which can be shot at up to 4K/60p or in HD at 8x slow-motion, is clear and crisp. There is even a flatter colour mode that maximises dynamic range in a similar way to D-Cine. You’re obviously not going to get smooth bokeh and soft, out-of-focus highlights with such a small sensor and lens, though. But the new AF system is fast and focuses as close as 20cm/7.9in. As you’d expect, it comes with a photo mode and lots of video modes, such as panorama and time-lapse, all controlled via the tiny rear screen or smartphone app. The kit also comes with two different connectors to plug it into your smartphone. Alternatively, you can use a thumb controller to move the camera. Best of all, the £469/$499 Creator Combo kit comes with a wireless mic transmitter that sends its signal back to
ABOVE The tripod helps form ideal time-lapse shots
the plug-in receiver. This clips simply on to the bottom of the camera. The Pocket 2 is a great bit of kit to fit into your pocket. It’s perfect for capturing stabilised, 4K footage quickly, producing innovative content in seconds.
ABOVE The new DJI Pocket 2 is truly pocketable!
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