DJI Ronin RS3 + BMD camera

I am planning to buy the mentioned stabilizer. I would like to know whether I’d need a different quick release plate. I assume all BMD cinema cameras have 2 tripod mount points, would I need a shoe with 2 screws? Any other information related to accessories would be appreciated.

Edit: the thread has derived a bit, but still within topic.

viewtopic.php?p=1030038#p1030038

the pocket cameras from BMD have only one tripod mounting point. This is a bit of a problem. There are three ways (related to the pocket cameras):

1. attach the camera very tightly and verify all screws before switching on the gimbal. Handled with care, it works fine with follow focus and in general.

2. heavier lenses with a mounting point can be attached to the gimbal, and the other attach point is in front, under the mattebox. This is a very stable and reliable rig, however, it may not have room for each and every lens.

3. using a cage. Slightly more weight, but without restrictions whatsoever.

The RS3 comes with two release plates. One that is a normal Manfrotto plate, and one with a quick release plate. Both have the gear belt below.

Phil, thank you for your input.

BMCC6K-FF + lens adapter + lens weigh around 3kg. The lens adaptor has a mounting point which I’m using now for tripod. The kit comes with lens support (image below) if I’m going to use it, I’ll mount the plate directly to the camera for an extra stability. No cage will be used, no extra accessories will be needed, only the focus motor. Would I need a plate with 2 screws? I don’t know if such a thing is available in the market. Would one screw suffice?

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I suggest that you look at the timing of DJI releases of this product, including for each version (e.g. RS 3 Mini).

I don’t recall the details, but when I looked at this recently my impression was that RS4 is likely coming sooner rather than later. I think that the value of DJI gimbals is significantly impacted by new releases.

Thank you Rob. Most likely new releases ETA June. Waiting sucks

Rob, Zhiyun Crane 4 looks promising too. It’s got good reviews.

I ordered Crane 4 today, arrives on Friday, will test it and share my experience.

I received ZHIYUN Crane 4 today, my observations are as follows.


Cons:

- Balancing wasn’t as easy as all videos I have watched showed it was. It took me over an hour to balance BMCC6K-FF, lens and adaptor, they weigh around 3.3kg.

- the camera has slid out off the quick release plate twice, during balancing, although I tighten up the screw very well.

- to pack it, I had to put all axes back to their initial/default position resulting in losing the balance for future use. Luckily, I took photos of axes’ positions beforehand.

Pros:
- I was able to control the camera through the usb cable. I could use the adjustment wheel to pull focus. However, the record button messes focus out because it’s programmed to adjust focus by half pressing it. Pressing it fully didn’t help.

For those who own DJI RS3, are you encountering the same, more or less?

no, with the RS3 Pro, balancing is very fast. The cog wheel that positions the plate is gold. These minute adjustments have to be repeated two or three times maximum, and it is quick. Then there are the two carbon fiber angles, that slide very smooth against the aluminium sockets. Adjustments are easy to do.

The connection is by Bluetooth. Switch on Pocket 4k, switch on RS3, automatically connected. Of course one had to scan or enter a code at the first time, but after that it is all automatic.

DJi are really up to it. The motorised lock-unlock mechanism is another excellent feature I don't want to miss anymore. Every gimbal should have that.

I had a Zhyiun Crane 3. It was the first gimbal with axis locks. It was a good gimbal, but the RS3 is much more easy to work with. And smaller and lighter as well.

Some other advantages: moving timelapse can quickly be set up from the gimbal itself. You don't need a device with an app running. The mechanics are detachable, optimal for mounting with minimum wiggle. On a ring, on a crane, on a car mount ...

I wonder what the RS4 will bring. Possibly motion data export, but maybe this will also be available for older gimbals with firmware updates.

Thank you Phil for your enlightening me. Can you control focus without the need of having the focus motor?

the focus motor is always on the camera. It's essential for manual lenses, and most of mine are primes. And the A-B-setup is again very fast. One tap on the gimbal touchscreen, another tap, and the lens is automatically calibrated for minimum and maximum focus. And the best is, this setting is stored after shutting down the gimbal. You switch on camera and gimbal, and continue. When you change the lens, you do the same, and from then on you don't have to calibrate anymore. I think you can even store focus settings for lenses. I haven't tried this yet, because the automatic calibration is so fast ...

I appreciate your invaluable input Phil.

I’ll send it back next week and wait for a bit to see if there would be any offers on RS3 pro. Meanwhile, I’ll keep trying with crane 4.

I finally managed to balance it, although I can’t find an explanation the problem.

If I mount the camera directly to the long plate, it doesn’t balance.

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If I use an extra quick release plate attached to the camera and then to the long plate it works well.

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Make sure you buy the DJI RS3 Pro and not the regular one.

Make sure you buy the DJI RS3 Pro and not the regular one.

I’m keeping an eye on it, I hope the price goes down.

For what its worth regarding the RS3 Pro and a Pocket 4K. Try and get some native cine lenses to save some headaches. Adapters are not that great for lens stability.

Hi Andrew. Cine lenses are expensive and I’m not sure if they offer ultra wide angel. I’m using the same lens I use for photography. I got very good results out of the current lenses, all I need is a gimbal to take nicer shots. I did videos handheld, but I want better results.

Hi Andrew. Cine lenses are expensive and I’m not sure if they offer ultra wide angel. I’m using the same lens I use for photography. I got very good results out of the current lenses, all I need is a gimbal to take nicer shots. I did videos handheld, but I want better results.

I had trouble with the gimbal and micro shakes because of the adapter being slightly loose. The M43 mount is not great but these were reduced with a native lens. And the cine version is better for the focus motor than that strap ring thing they ship with the gimbal.

All I'm saying is be careful with what lenses you use on your camera to not be disappointed with the gimbal. If you get micro shakes you could try a native lens instead of that MC adapter.

Hi Andrew. Cine lenses are expensive and I’m not sure if they offer ultra wide angel. I’m using the same lens I use for photography. I got very good results out of the current lenses, all I need is a gimbal to take nicer shots. I did videos handheld, but I want better results.

I had trouble with the gimbal and micro shakes because of the adapter being slightly loose. The M43 mount is not great but these were reduced with a native lens. And the cine version is better for the focus motor than that strap ring thing they ship with the gimbal.

All I'm saying is be careful with what lenses you use on your camera to not be disappointed with the gimbal. If you get micro shakes you could try a native lens instead of that MC adapter.

Thanks for the advice Andrew.

The lens and adaptor are steadily attached to the camera. When I tested Crane 4, I didn’t observe any micro shakes. I used the lens holder (Y-like piece), it helped keeping them stable and balanced.

I shoot real estate videos so I need ultra wide lenses. I always try to shoot at 12mm because I export 4K DCI resolution so I lose part of lateral view when I fit clips to the aforementioned resolution.

RS 4 Pro has been released.

Supports 10 pounds I believe so the RS4 Pro seems a better fit for purpose.

RS 4 Pro has been released.

That’s faster than we discussed a couple of weeks ago. I was thinking sometime closer to June.

So both the Pro and Standard have been released. Timing for the Mini?

Rick, yes same as its predecessor, RS3 Pro.

Rob, yes both but the mini, same prices as the previous versions.