The film making industry is bigger now than ever. It is also now more accessible than ever as independent filmmakers are starting to make their marks on social media and eventually the bigger screens. Camera technology has gotten so good these days that we never really stopped to think; what if a manufacturer like Sony, Canon, or even Arri could make the perfect cinema camera in a package no larger than their current line-up of cinema cameras.
The idea is not that far fetched if you think about it. Cameras are getting more powerful as technology progresses. At the same time, sizes of cameras continue to shrink. Stabilisation technologies are also constantly improving by leaps and bounds. A cinema camera that can do everything including proper stabilisation in a package is a dream.
That dream is just about realised by DJI though. They released something called the Ronin 4D. No, it is not 4D camera. It is not a 3D camera as well. It is a normal camera. In fact, it packs DJI’s very own ZenMuse X9 Full-Frame camera that shoots at up to 8K resolution into Apple ProRes and ProRes RAW. Of course, the ZenMuse X9 also features DJI’s own DL mount interchangeable lens system.
As mentioned, the DJI Ronin 4D’s ZenMuse X9 camera system is mounted on a gimbal that is built into the cinema camera body as well. While most electronic gimbal system stops at 3-axis, the DJI Ronin 4D adds a fourth Z-axis that eliminates just about any shake you can introduce to your camera. You can run, walk, stumble around with the DJI Ronin 4D and it will look like you are shooting with a dolly. Mind you, you are shooting everything free handed. With the right tools as well, you are the one pulling focus on your, and even controlling the camera angles.
Focus pulling with cinema cameras can be a pain in different situations. When you change lenses, you need to re-calibrate your focus pulling settings and test it out again and again in a set. Autofocus helps with a lot of the focus pulling problems you might have, but you do not have control over it. On the DJI Ronin 4D, it is as simple as turning a knob that connects to either your DJI Ronin 4D or a remote viewer/controller.
In a lot of times as well, focus pulling is a lot of guess work. Not on the DJI Ronin 4D though. Thanks to LiDAR technology, you can visualise your subject in a 3D space, understand where your subjects are within range, and just pull the focus on your desired object at the right distance every time. You do not need multiple shots of a single take just because you messed up your focus pulling.
Speaking of remote controls, the DJI Ronin 4D employs their drone know how in extending the Full HD feed range on a 7-inch monitor and reduce its latency to the point it is negligible and you can pull focus from anywhere within 6KM of the camera. You can monitor your shoots remotely with your camera moving around you too. If you need to, the remote monitor supports a MicroSD card input for proxy footage recording.
You can record your films in three different types of storage. Out of the three (USB SSD, CFExpress Type-B, DJI PROSSD 1TB) of course DJI’s own native solution might work best. But for those who are already running on one or the other storage solutions, you are in luck. At the same time, there is a 2-channel 24-bit audio mic that is built-in directly into the camera body. It also packs a 3.5mm jack and two XLR ports for audio input and output options. Of course, it is all powered by a DJI proprietary TB50 battery that is supposed to last up to 2.5 hours in continuous shoot time.
It sounds like a perfect filmmaker’s tool, and it is, in theory. It packs everything that a filmmaker want in a compact cinema camera. It does come with a price though. If you are opting for a 6K version of the DJI Ronin 4D, you will have to fork out US$ 7,199 (MYR 29,965*). You get the main body attached to a ZenMuse X9-6K camera and its gimbal, a LiDAR range finder, main monitor, hand grips, a top handle, and the TB50 battery within a DJI carrying case. For US$ 3,300 (MYR 13,736*) more though, you get a ZenMuse X9-8K, and an extra PROSSD 1TB. The 4D Video Transmitter, the High-Bright Remote Monitor and PROSSD 1TB can be bought separately. More information on the DJI Ronin 4D is available on their website.
*Approximately based on exchange rate of US$ 1 = MYR 4.16 on xe.com as of 21/10/2021
