Introducing the DJI Ronin 4D 6K and 8K Cinema Gimbal Cameras
10/20/2021DJI has just announced the Ronin 4D, the brand’s newest line of professional cameras for the next generation of cinema production, featuring two all-in-one 4-axis gimbal cameras: the Ronin 4D 8K Cinema Camera and the Ronin 4D 6K Cinema Camera. The Ronin 4D’s modular system is made up of a core processing unit and a gimbal camera featuring DJI’s flagship Zenmuse X9 sensor and the new DJI CineCore 3.0 image processing system with DCCS (DJI Cinema Color System). The core cameras can be built out with a variety of mix-and-match accessories, depending on your production needs in the studio or on location.
The compact camera features a built-in gimbal that installs on the arm of the main unit, and it adds a fourth Z-axis to the traditional 3-axis configuration for additional stability in motion, particularly during dolly movement, to prevent vertical shake. The gimbal provides multiple visual sensors, an IMU (inertia/force sensor), and a barometer to keep the camera rock steady. Its AMF (Automated Manual Focus) technology provides accurate autofocus while also allowing the camera operator to control focus at any time during the automated process.
On the inside, the Ronin 4D provides either the Zenmuse X9 8K sensor that can capture up to 8K75 video with 800/4000 dual native ISOs or the Zenmuse X9 6K sensor that can capture up to 6K60 or 4K120 video with 800/5000 dual native ISO. The CineCore 3.0 image processing system allows the camera to record ProRes 422 HQ, and H.264 formats internally; it utilizes ActiveTrack Pro for tracking shots, and both sensors feature an advertised 14+ stops of dynamic range. The full 8192 x 4320 resolution features crisp detail that can be cropped to 4K, re-centered, and stabilized in post, retaining the same high-quality imagery.
Other features of the camera include built-in 9-stop ND filters, HDMI and SDI outputs, and a DL lens mount to support a variety of full-frame, carbon-fiber lenses, which will be available in the near future. The DL mount also allows for interchangeable lens mounts such as Leica M and Sony E-mount that provide zoom, macro, and anamorphic options for your production. The camera can record internally using a built-in CFexpress Type-B slot on the main body, and it also features a USB 3.1 Type-C port to record externally to a 1TB PROSSD. It records on-board audio using the 3.5mm and XLR input connectors on the main body.
Since the design is modular, there are numerous accessory options available to add to the camera to complete your rig, including a top handle, X9 focus motor, high-bright monitor, and focus/pan/tilt handgrips. An expansion plate can be added to provide an SDI port, XLR input, and timecode. An optional wireless transmitter uses DJI’s O3 wireless video technology, allowing you to monitor up to 1080p60 video from the camera up to 20,000' away over 2.4 and 5.8 GHz DFS frequencies using secure AES-256 encryption.
With the optional LiDAR Range Finder, you can focus accurately using an intuitive waveform, which can detect up to 43,200 points within a 33' range with varying surface textures and subtle light changes to provide autofocus and ActiveTrack Pro, working with an enormous amount of data. The camera is powered either from a DC power input or from a high-capacity TB50 battery, which can provide up to 2 hours of shoot time.
Questions or comments? Post them in the Comments section, below.
Comments
36 Comments
What are the available resolutions and framerates in the super 35mm sensor mode?
Hi Guillaume -
Captures Raw, 4:22 HQ, and H.264
DJI PROSSD 1TB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B, USB-C SSD
No restriction on recording format
ProRes 422 HQ:
6K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30fps
C4K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60/72/96/100/120fps
2K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60/72/96/100/120fps
H.264:
C4K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60/72/96/100/120fps
2K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60/72/96/100/120fps
ProRes 422 HQ:
C4K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60fps
2K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60fps
H.264:
C4K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60fps
2K: 23.976/24/25/29.97/30/48/50/59.94/60fps
what an amazing product! what lenses can go on this?
Hi Patrick -
These gimbals feature a DJI DL lens mount, but a Leica M lens mount adapter will be available soon:
DJI Zenmuse X9 Leica M Lens Mount Unit B&H # DJZX9MU
Expand your lens options when using your Ronin 4D 4-Axis Cinema Camera 6K or 8K Combo with the Leica M Lens Mount Unit from DJI. This dedicated unit replaces the DJI DL lens mount on your Zenmuse X9 camera.
DJI 24mm f/2.8 ASPH LS Lens B&H # DJZMX7P2
DJI 50mm f/2.8 ASPH LS Lens B&H # DJZMX7P4
DJI 35mm f/2.8 ASPH LS Lens B&H # DJZMX7P3
Can you lock everything down to can an actual handheld look?
Hi Zach -
Power down at any time to restore a hand-held, "un-smooth "look.
I cant seem to find the extension plates XRL input? Only the Built-in 3.5mm audio input port. Sound engineers how much of a pain is this, possibly like the old D5's cumbersome audio setup?
For an OPC where would one even put a radio mic?
Hi Pat -
The 4D natively offers:
Audio Connectors
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Mic/Line Level Input
1 x 1/8" / 3.5 mm Stereo Headphone Output
The DJI Ronin 4D has built-in microphones to support 2-channel 24-bit audio, as well as two 3.5mm jacks on the body.
The expansion plate adds two XLR inputs and an SDI out and a timecode out. This XLR expansion accessory is not yet available and will be announced at a later date.
please "INSPIRE" me. Sorry for the pun, but as a DJI Inspire 2 x5s flyer, is there any chance that the x9 technology will ever bolt onto my Inspire 2 rig?
Hi Robert -
There is always the possibility, but we have not heard anything regarding this from DJI.
With regard to hanging a big lens on this camera. It's an F-18 so you can't fly the Space Shuttle on it. Sheesh.
please discuss the wireless functions
Hi Michael -
New Item - Coming Soon!
DJI Ronin 4D TX2 Video Transmitter B&H # DJVTR4DMFR
Transmit your Ronin 4D video footage using the Ronin 4D TX2 Video Transmitter from DJI. This compact transmitter uses DJI's O3 Pro Video transmission technology to obtain up to a massive 20,0000' line-of-sight range with enhanced stability and interference resistance. It attaches to and is powered directly via the Ronin 4D gimbal body, saving the weight and space of a separate battery.
This dual-band 2.4/5.8 GHz transmitter supports DFS (dynamic frequency selection) and offers AES 256-bit encryption for security.
Will the $D interface with the Master Wheels or Force Pro? Both tools are integral to my current workflow.
Hi Joel -
From what we know right now, it seems that DJI is planning compatibility with both the Master Wheels and Force Pro via the SBUS connection in the near future.
Is anyone going to tell Douglas to pull his mic away from his mouth as its popping!
We use a RONIN-2 as a pointing device for a special spectrometer (instead of a camera) from a moving platform. We would be interested in tips and information on the usage of the RONIN-2, particularly of the optimal settings. Any comments are welcome
We appreciate your question, Adalbert D., and ask that you keep your eyes on Explora in the near future, because we will be publishing articles on this topic and others related to it.
Very cool product, but way, WAY to expensive for its limited use, or as an "extra" rig.
Once Dji learn how to spell customer service, people will trust pro gear like this, until then, theres nothing about Dji products that is pro, and by that i mean, if something goes wrong on set, or you use it for daily work, you need to rely on a professional partner in terms of service.
Been down that road before with my Ronin 2, and something broke that needed to be fixed, what a nightmare it was, 3 months later after literally fighting for it to be returned i got it back, no excuses. Even the camera shop i bought it from was totally embarassed about it.
So, no more "pro" products from Dji for me....
Good for you Cinemaview. Truer words have NEVER been spoken (or typed). I love DJI products and I am a pro user and 2 things are for certain, 1) their products and work great and 2) when they don't you will NEVER get a customer service rep that can help and sometimes even speak English. IF, I thought that I would get ANY level of support, I would buy one regardless of the hefty price tag as I do with everything Apple. The difference is that apple uses my extra money to staff support and DJI support is non-existent.
I love the pix of the camera operators holding 10+ pounds out in front of them unsupported like they do that all day.
I've run a Letus Helix with an Ursa mini that ends up almost 20 pounds. It's a beast, but I've run that all day on many occasions. I put it down as much as possible and hand it off tot he grips when I can, but it's totally doable. 10 or 12 pounds sounds like a dream
while Patiently waiting for the video and mastering my DJI RS 2 pro and drooling over this! Built-in 9 stop ND sweet!
Anyone else wondering if we will get a 4-AXIS gimbal on its own?? I would love this tech with my Sony A7S3. Also, what lenses/adapters etc., will this support?
They could release the RS 3 with all of this tech as a gimbal. My guess is it'll trickle into other aspects of their lineup. Inspire, RS and possibly more.
was thinking the same thing, 4-axis gimbal on it's own would be amazing. But I feel like they wouldn't do it to compete with themselves?
Hi Jamie -
DJI has not made any announcements in this regard. If they do, we will be sure to report it here.
So can you only use the DJI Pro SSD? proprietary media drives?
Lol, looks like an M.2, and your paying for a tiny board that converts from M.2 to a custom connector (for reasons) + custom housing to lock and swap easily. Highly marked up for what it is.
On another note. Cool demo for sure. 👍
Yeah that is frustrating and while this camera design looks pretty awesome, I'm not a fan of this ridiculous markup price for m.2's and a fancy housing and connecting pins. Also I'd would hope they would add support for b-raw as prores raw can only be edited in prosumer editors like premiere and/or final cut. I don't want to have to purchase and use inferior software to edit raw footage, give us Blackmagic raw it is so much farther along and battle-tested and I can stay in resolve for the whole process. Hopefully, they'll at least add support so we can use BMD video assist to monitor and record, that would be ideal
I believe you can also use USBC drives and cfexpress cards...but their ssd is still overpriced.
I totally agree with BRAW! 8k prores and CDNG files are going to be freaking massive. 6k and 8k BRAW files are a breeze to work with and gives you the option to opt for higher compression rates if you want.
"Prosumer apps like Premiere or Final Cut"?? Hahahahaha
No. The launch video was very clear about the affordable option of connecting any SSD via USB-C.
Hi Bill -
That is correct!
DJI PROSSD 1TB B&H # DJP1TB
Take advantage of the high data rates your Ronin 4D is capable of capturing with this PROSSD 1TB from DJI. Supporting 8K resolution at up to 60 fps in ProRes RAW, this SSD is custom-built for the Ronin 4D and mounts on the optional PROSSD Mount. The PROSSD 1TB has an integrated USB Type-C port, which allows it to be powered and accept data from the dock, making a secure connection that won't shift as your Ronin 4D moves. To get the footage off the SSD, merely remove it from the PROSSD mount and attach it to a computer using the included USB Type-C cable; no special reader or software is required.
The answer is : no.
You can use, as per the description AND confirmed by CineD's review : a CFast B card, the "proprietary" ssd (if you really need hot swap capabilities over SSD I guess) OR/AND a regular M.2 connected through the USB-C port.
So no worries there.
I don't like the proprietary battery system at all, but there's DC in, so not all hope is lost. Still, no V-mount/Gold mount options on a modular system like this seems very strange, but DJI is known for weird proprietary batteries.
Hell I can power a Black Magic 4K DmartView broadcast monitor on set - I can certainly find a solution to power this camera, prays it is a 12 volts DC iN so a simple D-Tap/DC adapter would make it work with any V-mount or Gold mount system.
All in all it's expected, and owner-operators will likely never use either the DJI batteries nor the DJI pro SSD. For bigger productipn where budget is not a concern, they will pay for the SSDs and self-heating batteries as needed.
Only very minor points overall; nothing that involves complex rigging to solve.
You'll have a hard time tuning the system with addons. The gimbal has its hands full already.