A big new addition to the Ronin RS3 is the LiDAR focus technology. This optional module sits on top of the camera’s hot shoe and plugs into the DJI Focus Motor (Also optional) and RS3 Pro. Once plugged in and calibrated, it then creates a fast AF system for manual Cine lenses. As each lens needs to be calibrated before use, DJI has ensured that up to three lens preset profiles can be stored. The Ronin design has come a long way in a short time. DJI’s original single-handed gimbal stabiliser, the Ronin-S, put advanced filmmaking tech in the hands of small production companies and amateurs. With the Ronin RS3 Pro, DJI gives access to filmmaking equipment that can expand with you from being used as a basic gimbal to a full-blow solution for large-budget productions with the addition of the many accessories available. This mirrorless option will then give plenty of options for most run-and-gun videographers and filmmakers who are simply looking for a cheap, high-quality stabiliser. It also gives pros a lightweight gimbal that can easily be transported into places where it would usually be difficult or, at the very least, inconvenient to take a full-sized gimbal. Taking just the base Ronin RS3 Pro into consideration in this review and it is incredible, with solid support for all mirrorless and DSLR cameras suited to filmmaking. In use, the RS3 Pro is fast to react and offers plenty of onboard adjustments and features. However, it really starts to shine once the accessories are attached, and while most accessories can wait there are two that you should consider purchasing at the outset; the RavenEye and Focus motor.

Update the firmware using the DJI Ronin app by connecting the DJI RS 3 via Bluetooth. Do not disconnect the DJI Ronin app and DJI RS 3 during the update process. The camera’s OLED is clear and used as a straightforward gimbal, with the camera mounted high above the rear arm. Even dropping the camera down to ground level, there’s enough arm clearance to pull out the screen so you can see what’s happening. The only time seeing the screen becomes difficult is when using the 3D Roll 360. The DJI RS3 Pro, however, is a very different device from most other gimbals on the market. Sure, it has accessories that enable wireless video transmission and control, but it’s part of an eco-system with the DJI RS3 Pro at the core. Pro level stabilisation at an affordable price Added support for mapping M button to the C1 or Fn1 button of the Sony A7S3, A7M3, ZV-1 and NiKon Z50 and Z6II cameras. Using the App opens up some of the more advanced features; these are generally accessible through the grip but easier to understand through the larger interface of your mobile screen.

Note: When one power port serves as an input port, the other becomes an output port, or vice versa. Two plugs can’t be input power at the same time. Added photo capture, video recording, camera settings, autofocus, and focus pull support for Panasonic Lumix S5 II cameras with supported L-mount lens using a Multi-Camera Control Cable (USB-C). To use autofocus on the Panasonic Lumix S5 II, half press the camera control button on the gimbal. Ultimately once you work out where all the wires go for the focus motor, RavenEye and camera control, it’s all quite straightforward. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this review, there are few set-up notes; however, most of what applies to the set-up of the focus motor and Raven Eye again apply here. Full compatibility with the DJI High Bright monitor system Gimbal-shot video is much more in evidence these days, and making it possible without adding too much weight or size is a great achievement. We can see real appeal for most professionals –an ideal second camera choice for weddings, for example.

If this is your first (or you’re coming up from the Osmo Mobile 6 or DJI Mini 3 drone), then you need to brace for a slower process (switching from portrait to vertical is definitely not as easy as pressing a button). Getting used to all the options might take a while, too, but they’re easily reset and the menu is intuitive (more so than many mirrorless cameras!)Lifting the relatively compact gimbal and while still relatively light compared with some larger gimbals, it’s not as light as the likes of the WeeBill 3. One of the instantly notable features in the new larger 1.8 OLED full-colour screen. This is 28% larger than the one on the RS2 and allows you to switch settings, with the optional RavenEye plugged in, you can also get a live view stream. DJI RS 3 Mini supports Bluetooth shutter connection and camera control cable connection. Detailed operations are as follows. If DJI RS 3 has a camera attached and is powered on while updating the firmware, make sure to protect the camera and lens as the motors will power off during the update. Once done, the DJI RS 3 Mini is everything you could want for mirrorless camera stabilisation; the balance and reaction speeds are excellent. A Sony A73 with 35mm or even 24-70mm and the rig works as well as any other; swap for a Canon EOS R5 C with 24-70mm, and that only just pushes the small gimbals limits!

Then there’s the usual design consideration for the micro tripod; like an after thought, this still bolts to the base, and while it could be argued that it’s optional, it’s not; you need it for the initial balancing and installation of the camera, so couldn’t it be a neat integral part? Staying with the axis and the carbon arms, these have been extended slightly to enable the mounting of some of the new midweight professional cameras, such as the Sony FX6 and Canon EOS C70. For a gimbal of this size to take the weight of either of these cameras is impressive. While I don’t have access to either of these cameras, a Canon C100 MKII comfortably sat on the DJI Ronin RS3 Pro without issue and with plenty of clearance. The build of the DJI RS 3 Mini is small and solid, with only three parts to the entire rig. Firstly you have the actual RS 3 Mini with full aluminium arms and an extremely well-finished design. Then into the base, you can screw in the small tripod that enables you to sit the gimbal down for set-upset-up and balancing, and then when in use, this also doubles as part of an extended handle. The last major part of the RS 3 Mini is the base plate that bolts to the base of your camera and then slots directly into the tilt arm of the gimbal. DJI RS 3 Mini can connect to only one camera at a time. When connecting to another camera, it will automatically disconnect from the previously connected camera. What’s interesting is that DJI sees the huge potential of the RS3 Pro, so have given it the same access to the High-Bright Remote Monitor and control units. This means that you could mount the Ronin RS3 Pro on an exterior car rig and remotely control the unit from inside the car with full control over the gimbal and camera.Imaging modes such as panoramic and timelapse, along with a few others, can be accessed and, with the automatic shutter release, are all simple enough to use, with the App taking control of most of the difficult features. In the past, it was important to remove the lens cap to optimise the weight distribution. However, I’ve noticed that this is no longer highlighted in the balancing instructions, and with the power of the motors these days, I feel happier leaving it in place until the gimbal is powered on.