DJI’s New RS 4 and RS 4 Pro Gimbals Double Down on Performance
DJI has updated its extremely popular RS 4 and RS 4 Pro gimbals. These relatively compact gimbals are heavily inspired by their predecessors, promising similar payloads, but they feature improved usability and performance, including expanded vertical shooting capabilities.
Arguably, the most significant new feature in the RS 4 and RS 4 Pro is second-generation native vertical shooting. Vertical video is a big deal in the age of social media and content creation, with some people shooting almost exclusively in vertical formats. The newly designed gimbal horizontal plate means RS users no longer need additional accessories and can quickly swap from landscape to portrait orientation in a snap.
The RS 4 and RS 4 Pro have the same payload capacities as their predecessors, three kilograms (6.6 pounds) and 4.5 kilograms (10 pounds), respectively. That said, DJI says that the RS 4 Pro’s motor offers 20% more motor torque across three axes, promising “greater power redundancy once balanced,” which ensures more responsive and accurate performance.
Another similarity is the OLED touchscreen, although it now sports an auto-lock feature, preventing accidental touches during shooting. In fact, it would be tough for most users to tell the RS 3 and RS 4 series gimbals apart on appearance alone.
However, there are many refinements beyond what has already been mentioned. A new Car Mount mode optimizes the gimbal stabilization algorithm based on vehicle vibrations and wind resistance data. The overall stabilization algorithm has been optimized for different usage scenarios, promising improved stability and user experience, especially during fast-paced, dynamic movements.
The RS 4 Pro can also work with DJI’s new Focus Pro LiDAR and Focus Pro Motor attachments, enabling solo shooters to achieve more accurate and intelligent autofocus performance from their cameras up to 20 meters away. Users can also use the next-gen ActiveTrack Pro with these accessories, which promise high-end subject-tracking performance. The RS 4 Pro supports two focus motors, which can control focus, zoom, or aperture.
There have been minor tweaks to materials for the DJI RS 4 compared to the RS 3. While the RS 4 Pro, like its predecessor, is made of carbon fiber, the standard RS 4 now opts for an aluminum chassis with Teflon coating. This results in nearly a pound more weight and a tweaked tilt axis.
The DJI RS 4 and RS 4 Pro are available starting today. The RS 4 starts at $549, and the RS 4 Pro is $869. There are also combos, including the Focus Pro Motor, with the RS 4 Combo retailing for $719, and the RS 4 Pro Combo priced at $1,099.
Image credits: DJI
