DJI is rounding out its third-generation Ronin gimbal series with its smallest entry yet—the appropriately named RS 3 Mini. The latest gimbal joins the larger RS 3 and RS 3 Pro in the company's line of camera stabilizers, and while it certainly lives up to its Mini moniker, it's a good match for swappable lens cameras with Micro Four Thirds, APS-C, and even full-frame sensors.
Portable, But Fewer Features Than Bigger Ronins
With the RS 3 Mini, DJI has kept the design pretty basic. The 1.9-pound gimbal doesn't add too much weight to your kit, and can still handle popular full-frame camera configs, with support for payloads of of up to 4.4 pounds. The Mini supports mounting for 16:9 or 9:16 recording, so it's a good match for creators working in both traditional video and social media.
You'll want to use a lens that doesn't extend too far out from the camera for the best results. DJI cites the Sony a7 IV and 24-70mm F2.8 GM II as an example of a typical payload. So far we've tried it with the Panasonic Lumix S5 and 20-60mm zoom and found it to be quite easy to get balanced, with effective stabilization in very limited testing.
A 1.4-inch color touch screen is there to assist setup and change settings. The RS 3 works with a smartphone app for control and firmware updates too. Like other recent DJI products, there is a hard activation requirement to use the gimbal, so you'll need to own (or have access to) a smartphone during initial setup. Once activated, there's no requirement for a smartphone.
The screen is there to set the follow mode, give balance an assist with a quick motor calibration, and adjust other settings. There's a joystick nearby for thumb control of gimbal pan and tilt. A front control wheel and connection cables are available for camera control. The internal battery is good for up to 10 hours of use between charges, and is topped off via a USB-C port.
Some of the features you get in the bigger RS 3 and RS 3 Pro are absent, though. The Mini's arms do not automatically close and lock on power down, for one, and you can't add follow focus or zoom control accessories either.
Pricing and Availability
The DJI RS 3 Mini is available worldwide today, and is priced at $369. Watch this space for a review, as well as reviews of the RS 3 ($549) and RS 3 Pro ($869), soon.