Los Angeles, CA—DJI introduced three products for the filmmaking and content creation landscape. The three new devices are led by the DJI RS 4 stabilizer. Joining it are the DJI RS 4 Pro flagship stabilizer and DJI Focus Pro, an AMF lens control system. They will all exhibit at the 2024 NAB Show.
“This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Ronin series. And the evolving needs of creators are always at the forefront of our product development,” said Paul Pan, Senior Product Line Manager at DJI. “With the latest DJI RS 4 and RS 4 Pro stabilizers, we’ve integrated the feedback we have been gathering from industry professionals over the past decade to drive innovation, ultimately optimizing the design, stabilization and gimbal control for next-generation tools that are unparalleled in efficiency and reliability. Additionally, DJI Focus Pro, our inaugural independent Automated Manual Focus lens control system, marks a significant leap forward in providing cutting-edge LiDAR technology, once exclusive to the DJI Pro ecosystem, to more creators.”
DJI RS 4 Stabilizer Details
The DJI RS 4 offers enhanced payload capacity. It boasts a lightweight body capable of carrying up to 6.6 pounds of mainstream mirrorless camera and lens combinations. Furthermore, with an extended tilt axis by 8.5mm, compared to its predecessor, the RS 4 provides larger balancing space. Consequently, it accommodates additional accessories like ND filters. Featuring a 4th-gen stabilization algorithm optimized for various scenarios, DJI engineered the RS 4 to strike a balance between stabilization strength and camera movement. What’s more, when paired with a high-capacity battery grip, it offers approximately 2.5x longer runtime. Additionally, DJI added improved stability in vertical shooting, to steady dynamic scenes like running or low-angle shots.
The stabilizer’s second-generation native vertical shooting uses a redesigned gimbal horizontal plate for transitions to vertical shooting. The upgraded automated axis locks help enable quick start-up, transitions as well as storage, with minimized gimbal shakes. With a Teflon coating on all three axes, the RS 4 offers smoother balancing, while a fine-tuning knob allows more precise adjustments when switching cameras or lenses. Further, an automatic screen lock feature on the OLED touchscreen prevents accidental touches and conserves battery power.
More Features
In addition, DJI designed it to elevate solo content creation with professional-grade features from DJI Pro products. With Bluetooth wireless control, the RS 4 enables remote camera shutter and lens zoom control. It uses Dual-Mode Bluetooth technology to pair cameras for reconnection. When used with the DJI Focus Pro motor, it also permits smoother focus and lens zoom adjustments, at a motor speed that is 30% faster. What’s more, the new joystick mode switch enables quicker switching between joystick modes for zoom or gimbal control. Additionally, the customizable trigger function offers FPV mode for dynamic shooting perspectives. Plus, the gimbal mode switch facilitates quicker toggling between modes to adapt to shooting requirements. It also offers intelligent features like Motionlapse, Track and Panorama.
Moreover, the RS 4 provides an RSA communication port for connectivity with accessories. They include the DJI RS tethered control handle and third-party options. With the DJI RS SDK protocol, third-party developers can also customize the RS 4’s functions. Additionally, the stabilizer is compatible with the new BG70 high-capacity battery grip, extending runtime to 29.5 hours, with a 2.5 hour charge time. It also supports power delivery via USB-C. The RS 4 additionally supports the DJI Ronin Image Transmitter, for high-definition live feeds and remote-control capabilities.
The DJI RS 4 is available with two purchase options. The stand-alone DJI RS 4 retails for $549. It bundles one gimbal, BG21 battery grip, USB-C charging cable, lens-fastening support, extended grip/tripod (plastic), quick-release plate, multi-camera control cable and screw kit.
The DJI RS 4 Combo retails for $719 and additionally includes one briefcase handle, focus pro motor, focus pro motor rod mount kit, focus gear strip, a second multi-camera control cable and one carrying case.
DJI RS 4 Pro
Thanks to a carbon fiber build, the DJI RS 4 Pro provides a 10-pound payload capacity. Moreover, Teflon coating with dual rolling bearings on the roll axis and a tilt axis fine-tuning knob, help ensure smooth, millimeter-level adjustments. Enhanced features also include second-generation native vertical shooting capability; an auto-lock OLED touchscreen; as well as improved axis locks for reduced gimbal shakes.
It also boasts a 20% increase in motor torque across all axes for enhanced power redundancy. With the addition of car mount mode, the stabilizer optimizes its algorithm for vehicle shoots. Further, coupled with the fourth-generation RS stabilization algorithm, the RS 4 Pro strikes a balance between strength and tactile feel.
The DJI RS 4 Pro also leverages the DJI Focus Pro LiDAR autofocus system. It comprises the Focus Pro LiDAR and Focus Pro Motor. As a result, cinematographers can benefit from precise LiDAR autofocus for enhanced control in dynamic shooting scenarios. With a 76,800 ranging points, a leap of 77%, the RS 4 Pro also sharpens human subject edge detection while reducing focus hunting. Additionally, the gimbal offers a maximum human subject focusing distance of 66 feet, approximately 3x that of the previous generation. And, the next-gen ActiveTrack Pro utilizes advanced AI algorithms and LiDAR technology to for more steadfast subject tracking. Plus, dual focus and zoom motors, combined with the DJI Focus Pro Motor, provide native lens control.
Other RS 4 Pro Features
Its remote-control system also enables collaborative shooting, allowing for remote gimbal operation and intelligent focus assistance. In collaborative team shooting, the gimbal operator can control the RS 4 Pro through devices such as the DJI Master Wheels, DJI Ronin 4D Hand Grips, and DJI High-Bright Remote Monitor.
The BG70 high-capacity battery grip extends the RS 4 Pro’s runtime up to 29 hours. Plus, with PD fast charging, it can reach a rapid full charge in 2.5 hours. Additionally, the grip supports powering cameras and accessories with up to 18 watts via the USB-C port. 
The DJI RS 4 Pro is also offered in two purchase options. The stand-alone DJI RS 4 Pro retails for $869 and includes one gimbal, BG30 battery grip, USB-C charging cable, lens-fastening support (extended), extended grip/tripod (metal), quick-release plate, briefcase handle, multi-camera control cable, screw kit as well as carrying case.
The DJI RS 4 Pro Combo retails for $1,099. It additionally includes one Ronin Image Transmitter, Focus Pro motor, Focus Pro motor rod mount kit, Focus gear strip, phone holder, lower quick-release plate (extended) and additional cables.
DJI Focus Pro: LiDAR Focusing
DJI Focus Pro is DJI’s first independent LiDAR focus system. The all-new DJI Focus Pro grip offers a 2.5-hour system power supply, visual operations, auto-calibration and data storage for 15 lenses. It also has Bluetooth connectivity for start/stop recording. With a full-color touchscreen, the grip enables operators to adjust LiDAR and motor parameters while providing a real-time view from the LiDAR’s perspective.
Advanced features include an extended human-subject focus distance of 66 feet for approximately 3x that of the previous generation. Plus, it offers a focus field of view of 70°. Boasting 76,800 ranging points and a refresh rate of 30 Hz, the upgraded LiDAR also enhances human-subject edge detection while minimizing focus hunting.
Focus Pro’s enhanced intelligent autofocus functionalities include AF subject recognition and tracking; adjustable focus speed; as well as selectable focus area modes. Moreover, the modular design of the Focus Pro system, comprising LiDAR, motor, grip, and hand unit modules, offers flexibility for solo projects and more advanced productions.
What’s more, the DJI Focus Pro boasts AMF mode, available in both the hand unit and grip, for human-machine collaboration. With AMF focus transition and AMF focus lock, it provides tactile feedback and millisecond-level switching between manual and auto focus. Additionally, the DJI Focus Pro LiDAR empowers cinematographers with intuitive spatial understanding by using LiDAR waveform as focus assistance.
Further Enhancements
In addition, the Magnetic Damping FIZ hand unit enhances focus, iris and zoom control for focus pullers. It provides real-time damping coefficient adjustments and electronic A-B point marking mode. Plus, the Focus Pro hand unit offers a communication distance of 525 feet. Enabled with Bluetooth start/stop recording, it also facilitates wireless control with mirrorless cameras. The accompanying FIZ motor delivers significantly improved performance, boasting a 30% faster motor speed, 10ms low latency, and three-level adjustable torque. Compatible with 15mm rods, the motor offers more mounting options.
The Magnetic Damping Grip complements the unit, allowing transitions between focus and zoom control, with adjustable damping feedback. It also offers cinematographers dial operation and customizable rotational range.
The DJI Focus Pro is also offered in two purchase options. The DJI Focus Pro Creator Combo retails for $999. It kits one DJI Focus Pro LiDAR, DJI Focus Pro grip, DJI Focus Pro motor and DJI Focus Pro carrying case. The DJI Focus Pro All-in-One Combo retails for $1,849. It additionally includes one DJI Focus Pro hand unit. The independent DJI Focus Pro LiDAR, DJI Focus Pro grip, DJI Focus Pro motor and DJI Focus Pro hand unit are also available for separate purchase. They retail for $699, $329, $149 and $929, respectively.
