The DJI RS 3 Pro ($869) is the most capable entry in the Ronin 3 stabilizer line, and, predictably, the most expensive. It matches up with the midrange RS 3 ($549) feature for feature, and adds support for a LiDAR autofocus system (sold separately) as well as compatibility with heavier payloads. If you need these extras there's no doubting the superb stabilization you get from the Pro edition, but we'll continue to recommend the midrange RS 3 as our Editors' Choice for most creators, as it's more than enough gimbal for full-frame mirrorless cameras.

Reasons to Go Pro

The RS 3 Pro matches up with the mid-range RS 3 in form, concept, and basic features. The powered support uses brushless motors to smoothly and silently balance a camera along three axes. Once set up, the gimbal provides Steadicam-level stabilization with the flexibility of handheld operation, along with powered pan, tilt, and roll movements.

The Pro edition handles heavier rigs than the standard, up to 10 pounds versus 6.6, and supports a LiDAR focus accessory (more on that later), but aside from that, there aren't too many differences.

The Pro is bigger than the regular RS 3, and heavier. Its arms are larger in order to handle heavier, and larger, camera rigs. Carbon fiber is used to keep weight down, but even so, the gimbal is 3.3 pounds (versus 2.2 for the RS 3) and 16.3 by 8.6 by 7.7 inches (HWD).

DJI also has the RS 3 Mini ($369) for 4.4-pound kits. The Mini is a good starter gimbal, especially if you use a lighter camera, but it doesn't offer support for the same accessory library as the RS 3 or RS 3 Pro.

The Mini also omits one of the more useful features of the larger models, auto-locking arms. The RS 3 Pro folds down and locks in place when you turn it off, and moves right back into place when you power it back on. The Mini also uses a built-in battery, whereas the RS 3 and RS 3 Pro have removable power packs. The Pro is able to run for 12 hours on a fully charged pack and recharges in about 2.5 hours with a USB-C PD charger.

As for accessory support, the RS 3 Pro works with the same low-angle briefcase handle, focus motor, and wireless image transmission. You can grab the gimbal bundled with these add-ons in the Combo kit for $1,099. For comparison, the regular RS 3 is $549 on its own or $719 with a similar accessory bundle.

The RS 3 Pro has the same dual NATO expansion ports as the others in the series but adds data connections for compatibility with the Ronin 4D Hand Grips accessory ($729).

LiDAR Range Finder

The Pro supports another accessory that doesn't work with the regular RS 3, the LiDAR Range Finder. Sold separately for $659, the add-on supports ActiveTrack to follow moving subjects and is able to add autofocus to manual lenses (in conjunction with the DJI Focus Motor).

It's an expensive add-on, nearly the price of the gimbal itself, but you may find it worthwhile if you use manual-focus cinema lenses and are after automatic focus pulls. There's some setup required to bridge the gap between it and fully manual lenses. You'll need to calibrate focus points at 1 and 4 meters prior to use, on a lens-by-lens basis. The Range Finder stores up to three profiles.

The LiDAR add-on offers a clever solution to work with fully manual lenses. I tested it along with the Panasonic S5 II and Sirui Anamorphic 50mm, a manual focus cinema prime with a geared focus ring. After calibration, the LiDAR accurately found focus and drove the lens to react to subject motion. I found it worked best in conjunction with ActiveTrack, at least for self-recorded footage. Not only did the RS 3 Pro keep the lens centered on me while I recorded some present-to-camera video, but the system was able to keep focus on me as I moved toward and away from the lens.

We recognize the LiDAR Range Finder is an edge-case accessory, but creators who rely on manual focus lenses may appreciate it. If you're operating a camera solo, taking manual focus off of your plate lets you pay more attention to framing and exposure. It's a neat feature for sure, but a costly one.

Controls and App

The RS 3 Pro includes a 1.8-inch color touch screen that works as a menu interface. It can show a live video feed from either the LiDAR Range Finder's camera or DJI wireless video transmitter; the latter takes an HDMI signal from your camera and also supports ActiveTrack.

Pan and tilt are controlled with the small joystick, positioned just below the touch screen. The M function button and a Record button are nearby, and there's a switch to swap between the three follow modes (PTF, PF, FPV) on the side.

DJI puts another function button on the pistol grip side of the handle. A single tap toggles ActiveTrack, and a double press comes in handy to recenter the camera. There's also a control wheel here; it can be set for a number of functions, including camera exposure adjustment, focus motor control, or roll adjustment.

You can use the gimbal completely on its own, smartphone free, but you will need to load up the DJI Ronin app on an Android or iOS handset to activate the gimbal before first use. The app does some other things, like firmware updates, and works as a monitor for the wireless video transmitter included with the Combo bundle. We would prefer the app weren't necessary to get going with the gimbal.

A Decidedly Pro Gimbal

The term "pro" gets tossed around quite a bit in the tech world. Often it's simply used to set a more capable version of a product apart from others, but occasionally it's an indicator of a target market. We see the RS 3 Pro as falling in the latter bucket, as the extra capabilities you pay for are beyond what enthusiasts, vloggers, and creatives really need from a camera support system.

Don't get us wrong, the LiDAR focus system is cool and the carbon fiber construction is a nice touch, but unless you need to take advantage of those extras, or the RS 3 Pro's 10-pound payload capacity, the regular RS 3 makes more sense, retaining our Editors' Choice award.

The RS 3 Pro is an excellent alternative for use on indie film projects, commercial productions, or other situations with big cameras and crews. On the other end of the spectrum, the RS 3 Mini is a good match for lighter camera kits and videographers who don't require an accessory ecosystem.