The Chinese company DJI, known for its drones, has been expanding its business in recent years to supply filmmakers. Last year, the company launched its first new cinema camera, the Ronin 4D. Today, it’s announcing and releasing two new heads and a DJI transmit wireless system, all of which borrow some neat tricks from the Ronin 4D.
The RS 3 can be seen as the successor to the RSC 2 released by DJI in 2020. It’s the smaller of the two newly released gimbals focused on getting you ready to record as quickly as possible. After the gimbal is powered on, the new axis lock mechanism automatically releases, allowing you to shoot faster. Along with the new quick-release mount, it should save you valuable time and eliminate the need to rebalance your arm between shots.
The RS 3 also adds support for a Bluetooth shutter button, which means you don’t need to connect a camera control cable, just wirelessly trigger the record button. DJI cites a “20% increase in performance over the RSC 2,” which smooths things out most noticeably when shooting at low angles, running with a gimbal, or shooting from a moving vehicle. Like the RSC 2, the gimbal supports SuperSmooth mode, which adds extra stabilization when shooting with tighter zoom lenses up to 100mm.
The new gimbal also features a larger 1.8-inch OLED touchscreen, which helps you adjust settings on the go without having to connect it to the Ronin app. A physical slide switch has been added to the handle, so photographers can switch between Pan Follow, Pan and Tilt Follow, and FPV modes.
The new replaceable battery grip with 12 hours of battery life is a slight drop compared to the RSC 2’s 14 hours of battery life. However, 12 hours is still very long, and it supports 18W PD fast charging. Supports you if you can hold the gimbal for a long time.
At 2.8 pounds (1.3 kilograms), the RS 3 is slightly heavier than its predecessor (2.67 pounds or 1.2 kilograms), and has the same maximum tested payload of 6.6 pounds or 3 kilograms.
However, if you think 3kg might be too small for your camera rig, then you should take a look at the DJI RS 3 Pro. Its maximum payload capacity is 10 pounds (4.5 kg) — the same as its predecessor, the RS 2 — and should be more than enough. Although the RS 3 Pro’s arms are made from a single piece of uncut carbon fiber, the RS 3 Pro is only slightly heavier than the RS 2, at 3.3 pounds (1.5 kg).
Just like the RS 3, the RS 3 Pro has all the features listed above: automatic axis lock, Bluetooth shutter control, a 1.8-inch OLED touchscreen and a physical mode button on the handle. But since the RS 3 Pro borrows the Ronin 4D’s lidar focusing technology, there’s one big difference. DJI LiDAR rangefinders paired with an improved focus motor can turn your manual lenses into autofocus lenses. DJI’s proprietary ActiveTrack, now called ActiveTrack Pro, promises stable and in-focus footage in more demanding situations by improving object detection and tracking.
The last product announced at the DJI event was DJI’s Wireless Video Solution, or DJI Transmission for short. If you’re familiar with DJI’s Ronin 4D camera, this sounds similar.
It is a transmission technology that allows remote monitoring and control of your camera, RS 3 Pro or both.
The O3 Pro transmission supports video projection up to 6km at 1080p and 60fps with real-time audio monitoring. The DFS (Dynamic Frequency Selection) band alternates between 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz frequencies for a smooth and interference-free transmission channel. Of course, users can also manually select their specific channel on larger devices to avoid any conflicts between multiple devices.
The system comes with a transmitter on top of the desired equipment and a receiver in the form of a 7-inch monitor. The 1500 nit brightness monitor supports one transmitter with multiple receivers and two conversion modes.
Broadcast mode allows an unlimited number of receivers to monitor production, while control mode, monitoring and remote control of equipment can be done with two receivers.
The new gimbal, the DJI RS 3 and RS 3 Pro, will be available today, starting at $549 and $869, respectively. Both heads can also be purchased as a combo package with a plethora of accessories. The RS 3 Combo includes an extra handle, a new focus motor, a carrying case, and more. This option will cost you $719.
The RS 3 Pro Combo bundle also adds an extended quick release plate, a phone mount, new focus motor, Ronin image transmitter, and more for $1,099.
DJI Transmission will go on sale this September, retailing for $2,499. If you want to buy the Video Transmitter or High-Bright Remote Monitor separately, those items are priced at $1,699 and $1,099, respectively.