DJI Ronin-M 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer Kit with Easyrig Minimax

The Ronin-M 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer from DJI is a camera stabilization system designed to give the operator close to the freedom of unencumbered handheld shooting but without the hand-shake. Suitable for most camera types and configurations up to 8 pounds, the Ronin-M uses brushless motors that work on three axes: one for side-to-side "roll" (keeping the horizon level), one for tilt, and one for pan. The system is computer-controlled and features a tilt range of 105° up / 165° down plus a roll range of ±110°. Furthermore, the system boasts a precision of control of ±0.02°, enabling precise camera moves and stability correction against even very fine movements. In addition to handheld shooting, the gimbal can be used in vehicle mounting scenarios and other contexts where vibrations or other abrupt movements would make tripods and rigid camera support systems unsuitable.

The Ronin-M supports dual-operator shooting, much like working with a jib that has a motorized pan/tilt head. In this mode, a second operator would use the included transmitter (radio controller) to manually control camera pan and tilt independently of which way the Ronin-M itself moves. The included transmitter/receiver system operates on 2.4 GHz and is proprietary. If you prefer to use a third-party transmitter there is a D-Bus port on the Ronin-M to install your own receiver. 

As with sled and vest style stabilizers, motorized gimbal systems require balancing before use. Once balanced, you can configure the Ronin-M for your particular camera arrangement using the Assistant Software for compatible iOS and Windows (Desktop) devices with Bluetooth. Because every camera and lens combination has a different mass and weight distribution, there is an ATS (Auto Tune Stability) procedure in which each axis will adjust individually, repeating the process until all three are aligned. A gimbal tuning stand is provided so you won't have to hand-hold the rig during this process.

The included 4S lithium-ion polymer battery powers the Ronin-M for up to six hours. It is a "smart" battery, meaning power regulation and protection circuitry is built-in and there is no separate balancing lead, unlike many lithium-polymer batteries. A charger is also included, and it is important to always use chargers designed for the Ronin-M battery because of the smart circuitry. Two 12V DC PowerTaps and one USB power port on the camera base allow you to power on-camera accessories directly from the Ronin-M battery to simplify your charging regimen and avoid unnecessary added weight.

Useful for documentaries, news, events, and more, the Easyrig Minimax is great for situations which require extensive handheld camera work with cameras weighing from 4.4 to 15.4 pounds. Rather than uncomfortably handholding your camera, supporting the weight with your arms, the Minimax redistributes the weight of your camera setup through the body harness. Taking the weight off your arms lets you hold the camera steady for longer periods of time without fatigue. An added bonus of the Minimax is increased stability in your shots. The support rope, while transferring the weight to the harness, also adds a point of contact, reducing vibrations.

The Minimax model features a redesigned spring system which results in smoother support rope movement with reduced friction. A conical wheel unrolls the rope with increasing force as the rope is unraveled. Additionally, an overload protection system will trip if the maximum weight capacity is exceeded. Another improvement included in the Minimax model is the pivoting upper arm brought down from the Easyrig 3 Cinema model. The pivot allows you to swing the camera to the side, or even have it sit on your shoulder.