DJI Ronin 4D
Although using the Ronin 4D can be frustrating, it is the best camera in our kit bag for clients, as it delivers every time.
When you are used to having a gimbal and using the Ronin 4D, there is a massive learning curve; if not from a technical aspect, it certainly is mentally.
I keep telling myself it’s about the delivery, not the camera, so what am I referring to? The Ronin 4D is a camera and gimbal that will sit on a tripod, or you can run flat out to grab footage. Yes, smooth footage is what this camera delivers time over time; it’s 6K, with ProRES RAW output, and the colour is exceptional with 14 stops of dynamics range.
ProRES RAW is another step in our workflow because we use Davinci. We use Assimilate and have tried most options to get to DCNG or another RAW file.
It’s a lot of fuss, and we are very comfortable with Premiere, but we invested in Blackmagic panels for Davinci, and Davinci is excellent for colour-coding!
The weight of the Ronin 4D is an issue, hence why we use the Flex where we can and a second person using the High Bright monitor and the handles to manage the camera.
We have not to date ventured away from the DJI lenses, using the 17-28 most of the time; however, we have the other three supported lenses at our disposal. I have watched YouTube videos, especially by Josh from Make Art Now—his use of a 9MM lens is impressive learning material.
Our conclusion of the Ronin 4D is if you shoot footage that moves or you have to move, it’s an excellent investment. If you have the Inspire 3, then so much is interchangeable, but not the batteries!!!! It would have been so simple to have done DJI!
