This pro-level gimbal unleashed my inner filmmaker with an invaluable feature

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The DJI RS4 Pro gimbal is available now at Amazon for $1,099. It’s also available at B&H photo and the DJI store. 
• The RS4 Pro has a weight limit capable of handling even bulky cinema cameras, makes balancing the camera a breeze, and achieves silky-smooth footage.
• The RS4 Pro doesn’t have true pan lock, which makes it challenging to achieve more complicated shots.

Years ago, I bought a DJI Ronin gimbal, and thought it would be gear I needed to take my filming efforts to the next level. Unfortunately, it suffered from several issues, and wound up collecting dust. 

With a big project on the horizon, however, I needed a dependable gimbal that would actually work for me. I was hesitant to make yet another purchase, but I took a risk and sprang for the DJI RS4 Pro. 

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Wow, am I glad I did. The difference between the Ronin and the RS4 Pro is night and day. The RS4 Pro isn’t perfect (I’ll expand on that in a bit), but it’s as close as you can get without spending tens of thousands of dollars. For filmmakers and content creators looking to get silky-smooth shots and get seriously creative with their efforts, this gimbal is a must-have.

Before I get into my experience, let’s talk specs.

View at Amazon

DJI RS4 Pro gimbal tech specs

• Up to 10-pound weight capacity
• OLED touchscreen with Auto Lock
• 2nd-Gen native vertical shooting
• Automated axis locks
• Supports wireless transmitter and LIDAR
• Battery: 1950 mAh at 15.4V for 13-hour operation time on full charge
• Joystick or Bluetooth Mode switching
• Teflon-coated axes
• Controlled rotation speed: Pan/tilt/roll 360 degrees
• Mechanical range: Pan 360-degree continuous rotation, roll -95 degrees to +240 degrees, tilt -112 degrees to +214 degrees
• Operating frequency: 2.400-2.4835 GHz
• Operating temperature: -4 degrees F to 113 degrees F
• Dimensions: Folded: 271×283×75 mm (L×W×H, excluding camera, grip, and the Extended Grip/Tripod)/Unfolded: 416×223×202 mm (L×W×H, height includes grip and excludes the Extended Grip/Tripod)
• Connections: Bluetooth 5.1 and USB-C (charging port)
• App availability: Android (8.0 and above) and iOS (11.0 and above).
• Cost: $1,099 on Amazon (for the combo that includes the Focus Pro Motor and more)

My experience

The first thing that impressed me was its balance. Of all the gimbals I’ve ever used, the DJI RS4 Pro was the easiest to balance. Even with a payload that pushes the limits, I was able to get my ZCAM E2 F6 balanced in about two minutes. It really is that much easier. 

The balancing of the DJI RS4 Pro is so easy that I don’t hesitate to switch lenses or configuration of my setup. With my older Ronin, I was always hesitant to make any swaps, simply because of the challenges posed by the balancing process. What was once a serious frustration has become a simple task. 

Do note that it is absolutely crucial that you get your gimbal properly balanced, otherwise you risk damaging the motors. So, take the time to do it right, and make sure to run the balance tests and auto-tune (which can be initiated from either the gimbal itself or the app). 

Once I took care of the balancing, I set out to see how the RS4 Pro performed in the field. It didn’t take me long to lose any remnants of buyer’s remorse; this piece of equipment really is a game-changer. With very little practice, I was able to get some seriously smooth footage. 

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After additional practice, I was even able to execute a successful orbit shot. Getting shots like that without a gimbal would be nearly impossible, but it’s only scratching the surface of what the RS4 Pro can allow you to do. 

One thing to keep in mind, however is that due to the increased payload support, you can wind up with a really heavy gimbal. The RS4 Pro only weighs .27 pounds, but when you attach a hefty camera and lens, as well as LiDAR (as I have), focus motors, batteries, and anything else necessary for your shots, the weight can become very taxing. 

For instance, after shooting two shots with all the previously-mentioned gear, my arms were toast. I do have a vest and arm combo I can attach the gimbal to that makes it considerably easier to carry and maneuver, but I wanted this test to be gimbal only. 

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With that in mind, understand that your arms are going to go through it if you load up the gear, and you’ll probably want to invest in a pair of side handles, such as the Neewer Dual Handgrip. Not only will the handles keep your arms from getting exhausted, but they’ll also make it easier to control the gear. 

The caveat

All in all, the RS4 Pro is a masterful piece of technology. But there is one issue I have with it, and that’s pan locking. To achieve the fantastic orbit shot, you really need to be able to lock the pan axis on the gimbal, and that’s not exactly possible with the RS4 Pro. 

Although it says it has a lock (by holding the trigger), it doesn’t truly lock the pan axis in place, Instead, it keeps the camera pointed in the same direction, no matter how you turn the gimbal. That doesn’t really help with the orbit shot. 

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To achieve the shot with the RS4 Pro, you have to focus on your subject and, as you start walking around them, slowly move the joystick in the opposite direction. It’s probably the hardest type of shot I’ve ever achieved to date, but it’s certainly worth the effort. In future firmware updates, DJI should consider adding a true pan lock function so shots like that aren’t as challenging to pull off. 

ZDNET’s buying advice

Even with that one caveat, the DJI RS4 Pro is an absolute must for anyone looking to up their filming game and doesn’t want to spend upwards of $10K on gear. With a payload that can handle even cinema cameras and vastly simplified balancing, this gimbal is hard to beat. 

The $1,000 price tag might dissuade some creators, but if you’re serious about improving your camera work, this baby will do the trick.