To stabilize a camera for video filming, we have seen several types of stabilization:
(1) Large Steadycam body-mounted on a vest. (This was invented around 1975.)
(2) Hand-held stabilizers that rely upon counter-balance weight
(3) Computerized gimbal operated with two hands and support cinema cameras such as RED, Sony, Canon, etc
(4) Computerized gimbal that can be held with just one hand and support smaller cameras
(5) Very small devices including camera and gimbal with a total weight of 16 oz or less.
(6) In-camera mechanical techniques for stabilzation, either lens-shift or sensor shift
(7) Digital image stabilization
Computerized gimbals have been a game changer, invented around 2012. The larger 2-handed category has been dominated by Freefly MoVI series and DJI Ronin series of products. These systems do not include camera, video monitoring, or follow-focus.
Today, DJI introduced another game-changer – the new DJI Ronin 4D. This is no longer just a stabilization device, rather it is a complete system, including the camera. Surely many film-makers will not readily abandon their trusted cameras and lenses, but at first glance, Ronin 4D does seem to be a game-changer.
Cost: The complete system is less than $10K. Compare this to assembling a comparable system from separate components. Either a RED Komodo or Canon C300 Mark III will set you back more than $8K and that does not even include any lens.
The built-in ND filters is a pretty big deal; can potentially eliminate need for a bulky matte box.
The LIDAR system looks truly amazing.
The Ronin 4D Cinematic Imaging System includes:
- Cinema camera: 6K @ 120 FPS, or 8K @ 75 fps, or
- 10-bit Pro-Res
- Six built-in ND filters
- Computerized 6-Axis stabilization gimbal
- 7″ touchscreen video monitor, detachable and wireless
- LIDAR focusing system
- long-range wireless 1080 video transmit (with encryption and frequency hopping)
- 2.5-hour battery