Page 1 of 1

P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:47 am
by Akpe Ododoru
Has anyone used the P6K PRO and DJI RS 2 Pro Combo together? Did the camera mount well? Did you have to by other add ons to balance the camera properly.

I asked this questions as am looking to replace my MOVIM5 with the DJI RS 2 Pro Combo. The MoviM5 takes time to set up on set and i need something fast and light.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 9:14 pm
by Robert Niessner
Akpe, we did have a bit of a discussion and some shared experiences here:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=138115

I have ordered the DJI RS 2 Combo myself for my PCC4K. Will get it next Tuesday.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:02 pm
by Donnell Henry
The camera balances great without counter weights.Balances pretty quick after the first two initial tries, in my case. You’ll need counter weights if you decide to use heavy lenses for Eg Zooms etc.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 17, 2021 11:18 pm
by Akpe Ododoru
Donnell Henry wrote:The camera balances great without counter weights.Balances pretty quick after the first two initial tries, in my case. You’ll need counter weights if you decide to use heavy lenses for Eg Zooms etc.

Thanks dude, am only going to be mounting some vintage and canon lens. Justt ordered it now.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sun Apr 18, 2021 12:37 pm
by Donnell Henry
Akpe Ododoru wrote:
Donnell Henry wrote:The camera balances great without counter weights.Balances pretty quick after the first two initial tries, in my case. You’ll need counter weights if you decide to use heavy lenses for Eg Zooms etc.

Thanks dude, am only going to be mounting some vintage and canon lens. Justt ordered it now.


Then you'll be fine. Congrats.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 7:59 am
by Robert Niessner
Got my DJI RS 2 Pro Combo yesterday. Very nice piece of gear and the PCC4K with an Olympus Pro 12-100mm works nicely together via the USB-C control.
Already ordered some Tilta addons to complement the setup.

Did you get yours Akpe?

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 10:06 am
by Akpe Ododoru
Robert Niessner wrote:Got my DJI RS 2 Pro Combo yesterday. Very nice piece of gear and the PCC4K with an Olympus Pro 12-100mm works nicely together via the USB-C control.
Already ordered some Tilta addons to complement the setup.

Did you get yours Akpe?

Yes i recieved mine yesterday with a "DJI R Twist Grip Dual Handle" and a "SMALLRIG Extended Arca-Type Quick Release Plate 3162". My P6k Pro mounted well and everything feels so light weigth. Definitely going to be selling of my freefly movim5 now.
If you have a 24-70mm canon lens, you'll will definitely need a "SMALLRIG Counterweight Kit" behind camera/plate.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 11:02 am
by Akpe Ododoru
Donnell Henry wrote:The camera balances great without counter weights.Balances pretty quick after the first two initial tries, in my case. You’ll need counter weights if you decide to use heavy lenses for Eg Zooms etc.

You are right dude, for my 24-70mm canon lens, i will definitely need "SMALLRIG Counterweight Kit" behind camera/plate.Just ordered one.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Wed Apr 21, 2021 2:28 pm
by Robert Niessner
Akpe Ododoru wrote:Yes i recieved mine yesterday with a "DJI R Twist Grip Dual Handle" and a "SMALLRIG Extended Arca-Type Quick Release Plate 3162". My P6k Pro mounted well and everything feels so light weigth.


When you say "everything feels so light weight" you definitely must be in a better physical shape than me :D

Akpe Ododoru wrote:If you have a 24-70mm canon lens, you'll will definitely need a "SMALLRIG Counterweight Kit" behind camera/plate.


Good to know. I have now ordered the Smallrig monitor extension arm and from Tilta the Wireless Video Mounting Bracket, Extended Quick Release Baseplate, Battery Plate to RS 2 Power Pass-through Plate Kit, and 15mm Single Rod Attachment for Manfrotto Extender Plate.

Plus the Tilta Float Handheld Gimbal Support System.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 7:08 am
by Akpe Ododoru
Robert Niessner wrote:
Akpe Ododoru wrote:Yes i recieved mine yesterday with a "DJI R Twist Grip Dual Handle" and a "SMALLRIG Extended Arca-Type Quick Release Plate 3162". My P6k Pro mounted well and everything feels so light weigth.


When you say "everything feels so light weight" you definitely must be in a better physical shape than me :D

Akpe Ododoru wrote:If you have a 24-70mm canon lens, you'll will definitely need a "SMALLRIG Counterweight Kit" behind camera/plate.


Good to know. I have now ordered the Smallrig monitor extension arm and from Tilta the Wireless Video Mounting Bracket, Extended Quick Release Baseplate, Battery Plate to RS 2 Power Pass-through Plate Kit, and 15mm Single Rod Attachment for Manfrotto Extender Plate.

Plus the Tilta Float Handheld Gimbal Support System.


I guess when compared to the movim5 this one is definitely lighter and much faster to set up

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 12:27 pm
by Bromine 18
Robert Niessner wrote:Got my DJI RS 2 Pro Combo yesterday. Very nice piece of gear and the PCC4K with an Olympus Pro 12-100mm works nicely together via the USB-C control . . .


I’ve got the same combo – Pocket 4K and the Olympus 12–100 mm – and was looking into the RS2.

How do you find the focus pulling, Robert? That has been one of my major concerns.

Could you please briefly elaborate on how you operate it so that I can have a more informed perspective?

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 2:03 pm
by Robert Niessner
Bromine 18 wrote:
Robert Niessner wrote:Got my DJI RS 2 Pro Combo yesterday. Very nice piece of gear and the PCC4K with an Olympus Pro 12-100mm works nicely together via the USB-C control . . .


I’ve got the same combo – Pocket 4K and the Olympus 12–100 mm – and was looking into the RS2.

How do you find the focus pulling, Robert? That has been one of my major concerns.

Could you please briefly elaborate on how you operate it so that I can have a more informed perspective?


You can connect the RS 2 via USB-C cable to your camera. Then you can use the front dial ring of the RS 2 to pull the focus (you can adjust its sensitivity to your liking). With the RS 2 REC button you can START/STOP camera recordings and by half-pressing it you can trigger the auto-focus.
When using the DJI Raveneye app and the Raveneye transmitter (connect USB-C from Raveneye RSS to camera) you can control the camera via the app and even change ISO, shutter speed, and aperture.

You can also change the front dial of the RS 2 to either adjust focus, or ISO, or aperture, or shutter speed.

You will still need a lot of training to develop muscle memory when you want to pull focus while working with the gimbal. Not easy.

I am looking into the DJI 3D Focus System instead. That works only with the DJI follow focus motor or Tilta Nano, not with the internal focus of the lens.

But then you need to support the lens somehow - which isn't easy because the camera does not sit in the middle of the axis (because of its width).

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 2:36 pm
by Bromine 18
Robert Niessner wrote:You can connect the RS 2 via USB-C cable to your camera . . . You will still need a lot of training to develop muscle memory . . .

Do you find that this operating style puts an excessive strain on your wrist or forearm when filming?

I’d prefer to have 3 points of contact when using such stabilization just because it distributes the weight slightly better and leaves room for manual focus pulling. Is that why you might be looking into going for the Tilta Float?

Robert Niessner wrote:I am looking into the DJI 3D Focus System instead.

I was looking into this as well. Based on what I’ve read so far, it looks like it may need more iterative refinement from DJI’s side though.

Thanks for the elaboration. I’d be curious to know what your long-term experience will be with the Float and the RS2. I think I’m personally moving toward that combination myself.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Thu Apr 22, 2021 3:55 pm
by Robert Niessner
Bromine 18 wrote:
Robert Niessner wrote:You can connect the RS 2 via USB-C cable to your camera . . . You will still need a lot of training to develop muscle memory . . .

Do you find that this operating style puts an excessive strain on your wrist or forearm when filming?


With muscle memory I meant that you need to train your brain to get a feeling how to operate the focus without thinking - so it becomes a natural adjustment.

But yeah, the setup puts some strain onto the forearm.
In my testing I have supported my elbow with my body a bit, which helps. But after 10 minutes you really feel the weight of the whole thing. I guess Akpe is able to work much longer with that, but myself - not so.

Bromine 18 wrote: Is that why you might be looking into going for the Tilta Float?

Exactly. There is also a universal system from Tiffen Steadicam for every Gimbal.
I am getting to old to ruin my back, so my hope is that the Tilta Float makes it easier and also takes out the z-axis movement with faster walks or runs.

Bromine 18 wrote:
Robert Niessner wrote:I am looking into the DJI 3D Focus System instead.

I was looking into this as well. Based on what I’ve read so far, it looks like it may need more iterative refinement from DJI’s side though.


Oh! Thanks for pointing that out - I'll do some more research about those flaws then.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2021 6:10 am
by Chris Shivers
What about ursa mini, can the RS 2 balance the ursa mini

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2021 9:00 pm
by John Paines
Robert Niessner wrote:But yeah, the setup puts some strain onto the forearm.
In my testing I have supported my elbow with my body a bit, which helps. But after 10 minutes you really feel the weight of the whole thing. I guess Akpe is able to work much longer with that, but myself - not so


I think you'll find that bracing against the body ends up transferring walking disturbances to the gimbal.....

I'd say there are two cheap low tech solutions to all this: 1) buy a wheelchair and pay someone to push you and the gimbal as needed), or 2) design your shots to conceal operator failings.

Look at the most famous and most effective Steadicam shots in the movies: they either follow one or more people at a constant distance (e.g., "Goodfellas", at the Copa) or move backwards following an approaching figure (e.g., Skyler White running after "Walt" when he flees with their baby; or was that on a truck or dolly? Maybe!), again at a constant distance. In these circumstances, great technique is nice, but it's not necessary. Viewers won't notice lapses because they're focused on the action.

Going the other route -- seeking perfection with a technology which isn't perfect -- looks to be endlessly unrewarding. And expensive. And, in the case of gimbals, a danger to your body. Even on big budget movies, you can catch bad Steadicam work, if you're looking for it. Maybe they wanted that [good] performance, so they went with the bad operating take, in the knowledge that nobody but a fiend will notice.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2021 9:24 pm
by Robert Niessner
John, today I took an hour to train with my gimbal setup. I used my little daughter playing in the garden as a very difficult subject. I was amazed how well the DJI RS 2 works with the PCC4K. After some training I was able to hit the focus on her while she was moving around quite well. I had to set the gimbal front dial for pulling focus to very slow. And the excellent OIS of the Olympus 12-100mm did help to smooth out most of the walking without adding any awkward movements. That OIS is really one of a kind.

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2021 10:48 pm
by Norman Lang
Robert... I too was practicing with the P4K and the RS2 combo. I started out with the Panny 12-35 with OIS. I didn’t get fancy, just tried some smooth pans. Luscious results. Then I mounted a 24mm Rokinon cine on a Speed Booster and attached the focus motor. I used the wheel on the RS 2 to to pull focus. Ok it takes practice, but I got the hang of it. It really does a great job getting steady shots with great focus control! I am not saying you could use this for hours without getting really tired. But for the type of narrative short films I make, this will definitely add a lot of production value when used appropriately (meaning not every single shot!).
There is a lot in the combo package. And a lot to learn about how and where to use it. Some of the features are cool, but only useful for certain shots. So I guess... use the right tool for the right job.
The bottom line is I love the set up so far. The P4K balanced without issue for both lenses. No cage on the camera. The Raven Eye is cool for image transmission and camera control, but for shooting narrative stuff, I wil likely be using the focus wheel on the gimbal with a manual lens. Very nice control.
Haven’t tried it with the 6K and likely won’t try it with the Ursa Mini. The thought of flying the Mini with this makes my arms ache unless you us maybe the Tilta Float. But I think the 6K will work fine. My idea is to use the 4K on the gimbal and the 6K and the UM4.6 on sticks or hand held with different setups. I will keep you posted.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2021 11:02 pm
by Akpe Ododoru
Robert Niessner wrote:John, today I took an hour to train with my gimbal setup. I used my little daughter playing in the garden as a very difficult subject. I was amazed how well the DJI RS 2 works with the PCC4K. After some training I was able to hit the focus on her while she was moving around quite well. I had to set the gimbal front dial for pulling focus to very slow. And the excellent OIS of the Olympus 12-100mm did help to smooth out most of the walking without adding any awkward movements. That OIS is really one of a kind.

So i really did some serious playing around with the gimbal today. I mounted the 6K Pro, follow focus, BM video assist 5" 12g thinking all the weight was going to be very heavy, but funny enough it felt light. I must say though that it really help that i added Twist Grip Dual Handle to allow me hold it like a MoviM5 and briefcase style also.

Buy the way do you know how to reverse the follow focus mode (for my Takumar lens)?

Re: P6K PRO + DJI RS 2 Pro Combo

PostPosted: Sat Apr 24, 2021 11:30 pm
by Bromine 18
John Paines wrote: -- seeking perfection with a technology which isn't perfect --

If that’s referring to steadicams, then I’d argue the tech is conceptually nearly perfect.


John Paines wrote: And, in the case of gimbals, a danger to your body.

Couldn’t agree more.

It’s a shame that since the 70s, very few designers seem to have taken the initiative to innovate the practicality of the steadicam tech and keep on improving it.

Thankfully – despite taking so many decades – the recent iteration of the gimbals is fairly democratized. Yet, almost all gimbal manufacturers appear to deem it acceptable that 2 points of contact and eliminating camera movement only over 3 axes are adequate, leaving it to others to make spring arms and body-mountable vests.

Easyrig is a good design, but still needs separately available parts to eliminate the 4th-axis movement.

Walter Klassen’s back-mounted vest seems like the most forward-thinking design to date that helps mitigate the steadicam’s strain on the body. I remember reading an operator’s entry on a forum indicating that positioning the spring arm half-way up the back was the most comfortable he’d felt in his years of experience.

I hope that design becomes more accessible soon enough, and the Tilta Float appears to be headed in the same direction.

Here’s hoping that gimbal manufacturers keep innovating in that direction as well.