DJI has just released upgraded versions of their popular compact gimbals, introducing the RS 4 and RS 4 PRO. Both gimbals have similar payload capacities compared to their predecessors but inherit native vertical shooting options, a feature introduced with the DJI RS 3 Mini. Also, the stabilization algorithm has been improved, the battery life can go up to 29 hours with the optional BG70 high-capacity battery grip, and the RS 4 PRO now supports two external focus/zoom motors. So, let’s take a closer look at these new gimbals!
RS 4 Pro Gimbal Stabilizer
all prices excluding sales tax/VAT
Just in time for NAB 2024, which starts in a couple of days, DJI updated their compact, one-handed gimbals with the DJI RS 4 and RS 4 PRO. Indeed, the previous DJI RS 3 and RS 3 Pro gimbals were released in June 2022, which can sound like a long time in the handheld stabilizer market.
The third version of DJI RS’ gimbals introduced many new features, including the convenient, automated axis locks, which automatically lock all pan/tilt/roll axes with one press of a button, so you don’t put any unwanted stress on your motors between takes or when carrying it. Furthermore, there was a wider 1.8-inch OLED touchscreen, a gimbal mode switch to change from PTF/PF/FPV on the fly, a new Bluetooth shutter button, and longer carbon fiber arms on the Pro version to accommodate larger cinema cameras.
DJI RS 4 and RS 4 PRO – if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it
Out of the box, you’ll have difficulty finding significant physical differences between the DJI RS 3/RS 3 Pro and the newer versions.
Indeed, both the RS 4 and RS 4 PRO have a lot of similarities to their predecessors, including:
- The RS 4 has a maximum payload capacity of 3kg/6.6 lbs, and the PRO model has a 4.5kg/10 lbs capacity. However, DJI mentions a “20% increase in motor torque” for the RS 4 PRO.
- The RS 4 PRO is still made of carbon fiber with a Teflon coating and weighs nearly the same at 1.6kg/3.5 lbs, so it is only 100g/0.22 lbs heavier than the RS 3 Pro.
- The RS 4 is no longer made of carbon fiber but aluminum with a Teflon coating “for smoother balancing.” Its weight jumps from 990g/2.2 lbs for the RS 3 to 1.07kg/2.36 lbs for the RS 4. The tilt axis of the RS 4 has been extended by 8.5mm.
- The gimbals still have a 1.8″ OLED full-color touchscreen, second-gen automated axis locks, a fine-tuning knob at the front of the gimbal, a removable battery, a built-in joystick, two NATO rails on the sides, and a gimbal mode switch.
- The DJI RS 4 still has one built-in RSA port, but the PRO model has been upgraded to two RSA ports. These RSA ports connect accessories to your gimbal, such as the DJI R Focus Wheel and Ronin Tethered control hand.
So the big question is, should you upgrade if you already have a DJI RS 3/RS 3 Pro gimbal?
What’s new?
First, the DJI RS 4 and RS 4 PRO benefit from a 4th-gen RS stabilization algorithm, which should provide smoother and more stable results. You’ll find a new joystick mode switch on the left side of the gimbal’s screen. This switch can be assigned to zoom control or gimbal control.
The most significant addition is probably what DJI calls the “2nd-gen native vertical shooting” feature, which allows the gimbal’s horizontal plate to switch between horizontal and vertical without any additional accessories. Also, the gimbal’s stabilization algorithms have been refined when shooting vertically, especially for low-angle and running shots.
The DJI RS 4 PRO now supports two focus motors, which can be configured as focus, zoom, or aperture motors. Furthermore, the PRO model supports the new Focus Pro LiDAR and Focus Pro Hand Unit. We wrote a dedicated article about these, which you can read here.
Accessories for the DJI RS 4 and RS 4 PRO
DJI also released a couple of new accessories compatible with both the RS 4 and RS 4 PRO:
- The DJI RS BG70 high-capacity battery grip extends the battery life of the RS 4 PRO to 29 hours, and 29.5 hours for the RS 4. Also, the USB Type-C port at the bottom of the battery grip can provide up to 18W of power to cameras/accessories/smartphones when not in use with the gimbal.
- If you get the gimbals’ Combo packs, they will come with many cables and accessories, including the new Focus Pro motor, with a 30% motor speed improvement.
Price and availability
The DJI RS 4 and RS 4 PRO are both available now. The standalone DJI RS 4 retails for €549 and includes the gimbal, a BG21 battery grip, one USB-C Charging Cable, the lens-fastening support, a grip/tripod (plastic), the quick-release plate, a multi-camera control cable, and a screw kit.
The standalone DJI RS 4 PRO will cost you €869. It comes with the gimbal, a BG30 battery grip, one USB-C charging cable, lens-fastening support (extended), a grip/tripod (metal), one quick-release plate, a briefcase handle, the multi-camera control cable, a screw kit, and a carrying handle.
The DJI RS 4 Combo is also available for €719. It includes an additional briefcase handle, the Focus Pro motor and rod mount kit, a focus gear strip, another multi-camera control cable, and a carrying case.
Last but not least, the DJI RS 4 Pro Combo kit will set you back €1,099 and includes an additional Ronin Image Transmitter, one Focus Pro Motor with the rod mount kit, one focus gear strip, a phone holder, the lower quick-release plate (extended), and additional cables.
For more information, please visit DJI’s website here.
What do you think about these new RS 4 and RS 4 PRO gimbals? Would you consider upgrading to the latest models? What missing feature would you have loved to see? Don’t hesitate to let us know in the comments below!
