The small hand-held stabilizer has many of the professional attraction of its larger siblings and is a pleasant cut in size and price. Expanding options are impressive and the features are extensive and the app offers numerous options for designers. The texture can make it a bit tricky to balance but once it’s done, there’s no reason to complain.
Gimbals have become essential components of any videographer’s kit , with the majority of videographers looking to “Which one is best for the best for me?” rather than if they really need one. DJI is a pro-grade brand with a long history. line of Ronin Gimbals. They are among the top DSLR Gimbals on the market, and an even smaller set of stabilizers, Osmo, offering smartphone gimbals. Therefore, DJI is always had some answers. On top of that, obviously DJI drones have Gimbals as well however that’s a different story.
Although a lot of photographers use Ronin Gimbals for mirrorless cameras The DJI RS3 Mini builds on the camera’s smaller size and bridges the gap between its larger brothers along with the Osmo. It is therefore lighter and smaller, which improves mobility. It also utilizes Bluetooth or wired controls to control this camera (like its counterparts). This leaves us with a few issues: “Is this enough to meet the requirements of experienced stabilizer users?” and “Will first-time Gimbal users like and want it as much RS 3 Mini?”
DJI RS 3 Mini specifications
The device is attached to the camera using Bluetooth as well as cable. (Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital.Camera World)
Weight 795g (1.75 pounds) vertically and 850g (1.8 1 lb) horizontal
Size folded: 323 x 295 x 98 mm
Payload: 2kg (4.4lbs)
Tilt Axis: -10@ to 210@
The roll axis is -95@ to +240@
Pan Axis 360° (indefinite)
Battery life: 10 hours (2.5h charge)
Construction and handling
It’s a good thing that the RS 3 Mini feels like an expensive product as well as a professional one in particular. Unfortunately, setting up any Gimbal begins with the tedious procedure of balancing.’ DJI provides a QuickStart guide , and thankfully, a more friendly 10-minute instructional video. There are four clamps made of metal that require release, moving into the best position for your camera and lens combo, then locking. Additionally, there are physical locks that help you control the axes, so that you can alter them in a sequence and over time, they’ll be a habit and the screen will provide direction. The ruler’s markings are helpful however, positioning them is a challenge as the movement of the coated metal that is not locked could be more fluid (as it is with the carbon fibre coated RS 3 Pro).
The RS 3 Mini in Portrait mode with the removed plate on top of it. (Image credit: Adam Juniper/Digital.Camera World)
Two USB-C ports are located in the body, one close to the screen for charging , and one located on the tilt axis, for USB controls if necessary The Bluetooth could be sufficient. DJI also include a short cable with an angled connector at one end that is useful.
The process of changing to vertical mode is getting rid of the quick release plate of the camera before sliding off the support for the camera’s base. There are places to mount the plate that releases quickly in the arms (but you’ll need an area to place the base plate).
Once it is set up Once it is set up, once it is set up, the RS 3 Mini can be carried in one hand, and operate from the bottom as well (in in the mode 360@) behind. The grip is like that of the RS 3 save for the removal in the slider mode switch. There’s a press-button “M mode switch as well as a touchscreen.
Performance
First of all, Ronin’s algorithm does an outstanding job. After balancing , it’s automatic calibration that’s a useful feature. Gimbal control is a skill by itself (and is worth learning) however taking a picture with this gadget is a matter of relative ease. The process of making Bluetooth connections and choosing options is easy, and the numerous options can be accessible to anyone who wants to sort through their photo-list quickly.
If you select 360@, the lens is tilted aligned with its handle making things more difficult for the motors. It was actually at this point we realized our initial attempt at balancing had not performed as expected The motors are powerful enough to solve some problems in all settings (good to know if you alter the zoom or focus) however, 360@ is operated by a flashlight and requires what’s normally the pan motor working difficult. We tried it with an A7iii from Sony and the FE 28-70mm. It’s not the biggest.
The app is able to follow wayspoints, provide an interactive joystick and is able to take stills to create an image. It could even function as a bridge between Playstation controller.
We were impressed by the additional options provided by the Ronin application. You can manage the gimbal via the extensive app for your phone (and works in conjunction with the tripod base). Connectivity was straightforward and camera controls are now able to extend as far as your phone. You can also control the phone with the game controller should you want to.
A few clips taken using one of the DJI RS 3 Mini
A few tips
Update your camera firmware! For instance, while it was true that the Sony A7 III had Bluetooth but it didn’t have Bluetooth remote control when it was launched. If we’d tried it with the initial firmware, it wouldn’t work. DJI has also included the USB-C to USB-C controller cable (the only way that the camera could allow focus control through its RS3 Mini’s wheels). It’s worth looking over DJI’s list of connectors work with what.
DJI RS 3 Mini: Verdict
Gimbal-shot videos are more commonplace nowadays and the fact that it is possible without adding weight or volume is an amazing feat. It is a real draw for professionals. It’s the perfect second camera option to shoot weddings, as an example.
It’s amazing that the majority of the functionality of its larger brothers has been transferred. However, if you’ve set up on the RS 3 you’ll definitely miss the knob that can be used to refine the tilt-axis. There aren’t any automatic power locks as well however, they are not as important. It is still possible to make use of a briefcase handle due to NATO extension port.
If this is your first time using the camera (or you’re moving on previous models like the Osmo Mobile 6 or DJI Mini 3 drone) You’ll need be prepared for a more slow procedure (switching between vertical and portrait isn’t as simple as pressing the button). Learning all the options could take some time however, they can be reset, and the menu is simple (more than most DSLRs that use mirrorless technology).
Overall, it’s a great device at an attractive price. If only the balancing procedure could be more precise, it’d be a 5 star product.
