The DJI Ronin-SC is a Smaller, Cheaper 3-Axis Gimbal for Mirrorless Cameras

As expected based on the teaser from earlier this week, DJI has officially announced a new, lighter-weight version of its 3-axis Ronin-S gimbal. The new model is called the Ronin-SC (the C stands for “compact”), and it’s being hailed as a “single-handed stabilizer for mirrorless cameras.”

In terms of form factor, you’d be hard pressed to tell the difference between the Ronin-S and Ronin-SC. The SC is basically just … smaller. Place them side-by-side, and you’ll see that the 2.4lbd/1.1Kg Ronin-SC has been shrunk down to about 40% the size of the Ronin-S while maintaining an impressive 11 hours of battery life (just 1 hour less than the Ronin-S).

At this size and weight, the DJI Ronin-SC is ostensibly light enough to be used single handed for extended periods of time without hiring a personal trainer first, making it “easier to transport, easier to set up, easier to use, yet still equipped with high-performance features and technology,” according to DJI Senior Product Manager Paul Pan.

All of this weight savings doesn’t come without a trade-off though, because they simply couldn’t fit the same powerful motors into the SC that are in the Ronin-S. 40% lower weight means 40% lower weight capacity, dropping the Ronin-SC’s max payload to just 2Kg/4.4lbs as compared to the Ronin-S’s 3.6Kg/8lbs.

If that’s not a big deal because you typically shoot mirrorless—don’t expect to load a Canon 1DX Mark II setup onto this gimbal—you’ll probably be happier with the Ronin-SC anyway.

Not only does it feature the same smart modes you’ll already find in the Ronin-S—including timelapse, motionlapse, motion control and panorama—DJI has added two new features designed specifically for the smaller, more user-friendly SC.

  • Force Mobile, a lighter mobile version of Force Pro, synchronizes the movement of a compatible mobile device with the gimbal, allowing you to control its movement by moving your phone from up to 82 feet away using a Bluetooth 5.0 connection.
  • Active Track 3.0 brings DJI’s Active Track technology to the Ronin series. Just mount your phone to your gimbal-mounted camera using the included phone holder, and you can use the Ronin App and your smartphone’s camera to select and track any object in your frame.

The Ronin-SC is available to purchase today in one of two packages. The Ronin-SC Standard package mirrors the Ronin-S Essentials package, giving you “everything you need to get started” for just $440. The Ronin-SC Pro Combo throws in a new, lighter Focus Motor, a Focus Wheel, and the Remote Start Stop (RSS) Splitter for a total MSRP of $540.

To learn more about the Ronin-SC, visit the DJI website or head over to Adorama to order your Standard or Pro Combo today.


Update: Here’s a hands-on review of the Ronin-SC by Mango Street:

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