DJI Ronin 4D
Announced October 1, 2021
PixelMeter The PixelMeter is our 1–100 aggregate of reviewer scores from trusted publications and creators. Weighted by source tier — not a raw average, and not PetaPixel’s own review.
Reviewer Consensus
Strong
The DJI Ronin 4D is an innovative, all-in-one cinema system that integrates gimbal stabilization with a 6K full-frame camera, effectively removing vertical shake through its unique Z-axis arm. While it delivers exceptional imagery and highly intuitive controls, the system is hindered by significant weight, limited lens compatibility, and a restrictive, proprietary ecosystem.
Weighted from 17 reviewer scores
Pros
- Highly intuitive design featuring built-in ND filters, remote monitoring, and tactile controls
- Integrated 4-axis stabilization with Z-axis vertical shake reduction
- Advanced LiDAR-powered autofocus and tracking capabilities
- Superb full-frame image quality with internal ProRes RAW recording
Cons
- Long startup times and limited battery life
- Restricted lens selection and inability to support heavy cinema glass
- Heavy physical weight and cumbersome ergonomics for handheld use
- Significant rolling shutter and forced aspect ratio crops in certain modes
- Poor internal audio preamps and microphone connectivity
- Launch price $7,199 (USD)
- Sensor 24.1MP Full-Frame CMOS
- Video 4K 120p
What the Reviewers Say
All 17 expert reviews, weighted into the PixelMeter score.
Is this product missing a reputable review? Share a link to a review article or YouTube video for consideration.
- PetaPixel 9/10
The DJI Ronin 4D is too unique and too well designed to look past.
-
Yes, there are some limitations, but I can't get away from the fact this is the most innovative new video product that I've seen in maybe a decade.
-
For me, this is nothing short of a revolution, and while it's certainly not for everybody, I think it means that most cameras will not look the same in a few years from now.
-
In sum, the Ronin 4D is an impressive piece of technology that could change the way producers think about handheld shooting. DJI has created a new product class and invented technology like LiDAR-powered ActiveTrack Pro and assisted manual focus.
-
Future fantasy DJI cameras aside, if you need a solid cinema camera with the best stabilization in the industry and the option to add accessories for any filming scenario, DJI has your back with one of the most spectacular cameras I've used in a very, very long time.
-
The DJI Ronin 4D is a complete cinema gimbal system and there's almost nothing missing from the setup. The buttery smooth motion, 6K imagery, and professional monitoring make it a truly all-in-one design.
-
Because the Ronin 4D solves some practical issues, combined with its sheer versatility at an incredibly attractive price point, I can see this being a new genre of camera that is here to stay.
-
There is so much the DJI Ronin 4D can do, and how much the camera can elevate your imagery should not be taken lightly. Yet, this DJI Ronin 4D is not the perfect camera; no camera is actually.
-
You have to applaud DJI for bringing out something so different, so innovative, so clever, and that's exactly what this is.
-
I would rather just bring this camera and do—I feel like for the first time in a long time, there's just new innovation here that I've never experienced, and it brought back that joy.
-
I'd say as long as you can live with your camera and gimbal always being married and you can live with the limited lens options, then this is an unrivaled system that's going to be exciting for a lot of professionals.
-
The sensor has such a nice look to it.
-
As a conclusion to this experience, I would say that I absolutely will be using this camera a lot more. I was and still am tempted to buy one because it offers incredible value and can do what no other camera currently can.
-
I am genuinely enthused about this camera.
-
[L]imitations are severe and, as I said before, nearly unforgivable shortcomings.
-
The Ronin 4D is quite a system. It does stabilize better than most other systems I’ve used.
-
It really has changed the way that I think about cinematography and I think it's a highly underrated camera.
