Get ready to say goodbye to the age-old question of what came first, the camera or the gimbal, because DJI has just introduced its new Ronin 4D all-in-one cinema camera and gimbal system. This hybrid system is sure to turn heads in the film and video industry, boasting 8K video with RAW support and some sophisticated LiDAR focusing, among other cool bells and whistles. The DJI Ronin 4D is a full-frame video camera with a lens mount designed for DJI’s DL and Leica’s M systems, and includes nine built-in ND filters for shooting in a variety of situations.
But that’s not all – the Ronin 4D is set to have unparalleled stabilization along all four axes, making it one of the most stable gimbal/camera systems out there. It’s also lighter, more aerodynamic, and compact, eliminating any unnecessary latching mechanisms or locks while yanking it around on your shoots.
The Ronin 4D also boasts some new tracking and focusing technologies with its Activetrack Pro tech and its LiDAR autofocusing and range finder, with over 43,200 ranging points within a 33’ range. This should help improve focusing across the board in a variety of low-light environments and should benefit focus pullers and operators alike.
At a retail price of $11,499, the flagship 8K version of the Ronin 4D is a bit pricey, but relative to what you might expect a high-end cinema camera/gimbal combo to cost you. There are also reports that the Ronin 4D will include an eventual 6K version, which would be quite cheaper with a price point around $7,199.
So, is the Ronin 4D right for you? That’s the question. This is understandably quite exciting news for many in the film and video industry, but will this combo gimbal/camera offering actually replace your favorite cameras and gimbals? A lot of it is going to come down to personal preference and how the footage actually looks and feels when shooting it on set.
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