If not for unmanned aerial systems, this year will be the year of the lightweight and affordable gimbal stabilisers. DJI already have the Ronin, which is probably been the only 3-axis handheld gimbal stabiliser to really challenge the hegemony of the Freefly Systems’ Movi M10 when it comes to using larger cameras like the Canon C300, RED Epic and Sony F5/F55. Its build quality is impeccable, it is easy to balance and rock solid. But its Achilles heel is that it is a heavy system, it usually requires additional support to be used on a full day shoot. Naturally, DJI are turning to smaller, lightweight cameras like the Panasonic GH4 and Sony A7s, which are growing in popularity every day, as they announce their latest RONIN M lightweight gimbal stabiliser.
Dan Chung from Newsshooter.com has the details from NAB 2015 in the video below.
The DJI Ronin M is small enough to be packed in a carry-on or a backpack, and has half the weight of the original Ronin, at only 5 lbs./2.3 kilos. The use of magnesium alloy made the significant weight reduction possible. The cradle is also a single piece now, thus increasing the overall rigidity of the setup.
Now, this new redesigned feature may prevent longer cameras like the Sony FS7 and FS700 to be used on this gimbal, however for those you’d probably be better off using the original Ronin. The new C300 Mark II is yet to be tested on the Ronin M.
DJI Ronin M Features
- Over 6 hours of battery life
- For camera/lens combo’s up to 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
- Fully Removable handles
- Two regulated 12V P-taps, one 500mAH full-size USB connector, and a DJI Lightbridge connector
- Quick release system for the top handle allows users to mount the DJI Ronin-M easily to jibs, cranes, tripods, and many more.
- Solid, one-piece, magnesium camera-support frame provides extreme structural rigidity.
- Fully compatible with the optional DJI Ronin Thumb Controller
The most exciting thing is that the price will be below $2,000 and the Ronin M is expected to be available towards the end of April.
Here’s the teaser trailer for the short film all shot on the new lightweight DJI Ronin M starring Joel Edgerton (Animal Kingdom, Warrior, Zero Dark Thirty). The film premieres YouTube April 14th 2015 10AM PST.
PRESS RELEASE
DJI Announces Lightweight and Powerful Ronin-M Camera Stabilizer
New Handheld Stabilization System Can Stabilize Camera Setups Up to 8 lbs (3.6 kg)
New lightweight system weighs 5 lbs (2.3 kg) Small enough to carry in a backpack
Incorporates DJI’s signature SmoothTrack system, allowing operators to easily track action on a multiple or single axes
New teaser trailer for Ronin-M short film starring Joel Edgerton
Las Vegas, April 13, 2015 – DJI, the world leader in creative camera robotics, today announced the DJI Ronin-M, a lightweight handheld camera stabilizer that can carry camera set ups up to 8 lbs (3.6 kgs).
The DJI Ronin-M opens up possibilities for camera movements like never before with its unique, lightweight (5 lbs / 2.3 kgs), magnesium frame. Camera operators will be able to take the DJI Ronin-M wherever they go with its easy to twist-off top bars, which helps minimize travel size.
Based on one of the world’s most popular handheld camera stabilization platforms, the DJI Ronin, and DJI’s market-leading ZenMuse gimbal technology, the DJI Ronin-M carries on DJI’s focus on making camera platforms easy to setup and operate. Within 5 minutes, operators can easily balance cameras ranging from Micro Four Thirds cameras to RED Epics.
“The Ronin-M features many of the same key features that have made the DJI Ronin a favourite among filmmaking professionals,” said Paul Pan, Product Manager of the DJI Ronin. “At the same time, we have looked at many performance upgrades so that the Ronin-M can be as mobile as possible and used virtually anywhere.”
The DJI Ronin-M incorporates the same easy-to-use, high performance technology as the DJI Ronin. Driven by SmoothTrack technology, the DJI Ronin-M allows single operators to effortlessly track action while maintaining complete stability. The DJI Ronin-M also features three operating modes (underslung, upright and briefcase), so camera operators can always get the best shots without any additional set up.
To precisely angle shots no matter how the operator moves, the DJI Ronin-M also features a two-operator mode allowing for a second operator to control camera movements while the first handles the DJI Ronin-M.
The DJI Ronin-M connects via BlueTooth to the latest upgrade of the DJI Assistant app. By using the upgraded Auto Tune Stability (ATS) feature in the app, operators can enable precise, automated motor tuning. The recently-introduced Silent Mode in the app reduces motor noises for operating in quiet environments.
Additional Features –
Over 6 hours of battery life
Two regulated 12V P-taps, one 500mAH full-size USB connector, and a DJI Lightbridge connector
Quick release system for the top handle allows users to mount the DJI Ronin-M easily to jibs, cranes, tripods, and many more.
Solid, one-piece, magnesium camera-support frame provides extreme structural rigidity.
Fully compatible with the optional DJI Ronin Thumb Controller
DJI is exhibiting the Ronin-M as well as the recently announced DJI Phantom 3, the newest update in its iconic Phantom quadcopter line, at the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) exhibition in Las Vegas this week at booth Central Hall C1707.
A teaser trailer for a new short film shot exclusively on the Ronin-M in 7 hours was also launched today. The short film, “Lifted”, will launch online on Friday 17 April and stars Joel Edgerton.
The Ronin-M will be available for pre-order by the end of the month, when the final pricing details will be released. For more details please visit DJI.com/Ronin-M.
[via Newsshooter]
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