DJI Ronin 4D Pro 6k & 8k Camera with Integrated Gimble. DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, yesterday (20/10/2021) unveiled a comprehensive cinematography system that ushers in a new era of filmmaking. The DJI Ronin 4D is a single-unit camera that includes the all-new full-frame Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera, a 4-axis stabilization system, a LiDAR focusing system, and an unequaled video transmission and control system.
DJI Ronin 4D is designed and constructed to the stringent requirements of professional filmmakers, making high-end productions more efficient, enabling creative professionals to convey their tales with an altogether new visual language, and making amazing camera moves possible in the most convenient way.
“DJI empowers creators with accessible and intuitive devices to capture and share the world exactly how they see it,” said Paul Pan, DJI Senior Product Line Manager. “With DJI Ronin 4D, we use the power of technology to make cinema-standard production more affordable, cinema cameras more flexible, and cinematic imaging available to a boundless array of filmmakers. DJI Ronin 4D draws on our expertise in both aerial and ground-based cinematic innovations to enable the next generation of professional content creators to amaze and inspire us.”
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The Most Powerful Cinematic Imaging System DJI Has Ever Created
The precise shot is the foundation of great filmmaking, which is why DJI created its most capable cinematic imaging platform to date. CineCore 3.0, a smart image processing system powered by a flagship proprietary chipset, features an inbuilt 8K RAW codec with perfect color reproduction, enhanced assistive capabilities powered by a high-performance AI engine, and multi-link monitoring and control with low-latency image processing.
A brand-new full-frame Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera – available in 8K and 6K variants – complements the imaging system, allowing cinematographers to capture video in full cinematic quality. In addition to the generally used H.264 codec, both the X9-8K and X9-6K can record Apple ProRes and ProRes RAW internally, giving you more options for post-production editing. The Zenmuse X9-6K can capture film at up to 6K/60fps and 4K/120fps, while the Zenmuse X9-8K can capture footage at up to 8K/75fps, providing creators a variety of possibilities for shooting cinema-quality material.
The dual-native EI of 800/5,000 and over 14 stops of dynamic range assist capture situations with rich color grading, independent of shooting scenario, to create engaging, dramatic shots. The DJI Ronin 4D’s patented DJI Cinema Color System (DCCS) produces natural skin tones and enables effortless tonal consistency across a project when employing different cinema cameras, even in difficult lighting settings. The camera’s nine-stop physical ND filters make it simple to adjust to significantly shifting lighting conditions, which is especially useful while shooting on location.
In addition, the X9 has an interchangeable lens mount that can be used with DJI’s proprietary DL mount, Leica M mount, and other short-flange focal distance attachments. This allows cinematographers to create their preferred aesthetic by using ultra-large aperture lenses, anamorphic lenses, and vintage manual lenses.
The Industry’s First Active-Vertical 4-Axis Stabilization System
The DJI Ronin 4D features an industry-first active Z-axis that efficiently eliminates vertical camera shake. This technology enables the operator to photograph while walking, jogging, or moving about in a dynamic manner, eliminating the need for pacing or additional equipment. Videos taken in difficult environments, such as stairwells or uneven ground, are smooth and free of the operator’s footfall. Without the use of a dolly, the DJI Ronin 4D can quickly shoot broad sliding images.
DJI Ronin 4D accomplishes this remarkable fluidity with an innovative new algorithm that integrates inputs from a set of downward ToF sensors, forward and downward dual-visual sensors, built-in IMU, and barometer, building on DJI’s years of expertise in aerial and handheld stabilization. Even with the Z-axis, the DJI Ronin 4D is lighter and smaller than most cinema cameras mounted on a professional three-axis stabilizer, reducing the size and complexity of a professional camera setup to a never-before-seen ideal form.
ActiveTrack Pro makes use of more unique DJI technology to help you capture complicated, advanced tracking photos quickly and simply. The Pro version, which is based on DJI’s existing ActiveTrack system, employs the latest artificial intelligence in the DJI Ronin 4D to track subjects from longer distances while modifying composition to maintain optimal framing.
LiDAR For Professional Focusing Experience
With a clearer, faster, and more consistent focusing experience, a newly developed LiDAR Range Finder revolutionizes filmmaking with continuous laser measurements. It concurrently casts over 43,200 ranging points with a range of up to 10 meters, allowing it to locate subjects rapidly and precisely in low-light situations. LiDAR achieves a faster focus speed without sacrificing image quality by measuring the distance to the target without relying on surface texturing or hunting for edges.
The DJI Ronin 4D has three focusing modes to fit every creator’s needs: manual focus, autofocus, and DJI’s own Automated Manual Focus (AMF). In manual focus, the DJI Ronin 4D includes LiDAR Waveform, an aid that allows cinematographers to precisely pinpoint focus spots and pull focus. In more dynamic and unpredictable conditions, such as documentary cinematography, autofocus maintains a crisp focus on the subject. Automated Manual Focus combines the best of both modes to revolve the focus wheel automatically while tracking the focus point, allowing the operator to intervene manually at any time for a natural experience.
Ultra-Low Latency, Long-Range, and Anti-Interference Transmission
The 4D Video Transmitter outputs a 1080p/60fps stream to remote monitors with a transmission range of approximately 20,000 feet, thanks to DJI’s all-new O3 Pro transmission technology. It also has AES 256-bit encryption to protect the video stream, as well as industry-leading end-to-end low latency for a smooth, real-time monitoring experience while operators move around the set freely.
O3 Pro supports the DFS frequency range in addition to 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz, considerably enhancing stability and anti-interference performance, particularly in busy signal situations and places with complicated architectural features. This method also lets users utilize one transmitter to control numerous Ronin 4Ds and switch feeds quickly between them.
The High-Bright Remote Monitor adds a wireless video receiver to a 7-inch monitor with a brightness of 1,500 nits. The monitor can also be used as a motion controller for movement-based camera control thanks to the built-in gyro sensor. To update synchronized shootings, it can also connect to the Ronin 4D Hand Grips, DJI Master Wheels, DJI Force Pro, or the new DJI Three-Channel Follow Focus. When multiple remote monitors are used in tandem, each device can playback material independently with its own LUT, without interfering with the other monitors. The monitor’s built-in microSD card slot can record proxy footage at up to 1080p/60fps.
Storage, Sound Recording, and Battery Life
DJI Ronin 4D has three storage options to fulfill the needs of a wide spectrum of users. A USB SSD provides a cost-effective solution for 4K applications. The CFexpress Type-B card is versatile and reliable. For internal recording at maximum quality and frame rate, DJI’s proprietary PROSSD 1TB provides optimum performance and stability.
The DJI Ronin 4D includes built-in microphones that provide a 2-channel 24-bit audio recording. Additional input and output options are provided by two 3.5mm jacks on the body and two XLR ports on the Expansion Plate.
The DJI Ronin 4D, like the Ronin 2 and Inspire 2, employs the TB50 Intelligent Battery, which provides up to 2.5 hours of shooting time. With the support of auto-heating technology, the TB50 battery remains reliable even under adverse weather conditions.
The DJI Ronin 4D is the answer that cinematographers all over the world have been waiting for. Prominent cinematographers have been testing prototype after prototype, providing frequent input, and collaborating with DJI throughout the development of Ronin 4D. For detailed camera specifications click here.
Pricing and Availability
The DJI Ronin 4D comes in 8K and 6K configurations. The 6K version comes with the Main Body, a Zenmuse X9-6K Gimbal Camera, LiDAR Range Finder, High-Bright Main Monitor, Hand Grips, Top Handle, TB50 Intelligent Battery, and Carrying Case, and costs $7,199. It will be available in December via store.dji.com and other sources. The 8K version has a more powerful Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera and a PROSSD 1TB; it costs $11,499 and will be available at a later date via store.dji.com and other sources. The 4D Video Transmitter, High-Bright Remote Monitor, and DJI PROSSD 1TB are all available separately to fully utilize Ronin 4D.