DJI Ronin 4D Flex provides versatility for solo filmmakers

With the DJI Ronin 4D Flex comes a slew of latest options that each one come down to at least one theme: versatility.

DJI this month introduced its new Ronin 4D Flex. It’s sort of the final word accent to the DJI Ronin 4D, which you’ll want first for those who’re going to have the Flex too. And when you’ve got the 4D, you’ll very seemingly need the flex, because it provides all types of latest options that DJI’s advertising people are calling “liberating.” These embrace including the primary cinema zoom lens add-on to DJI’s digital camera platform, and — maybe extra apparently — including a method for operators to separate the Zenmuse X9 gimbal digital camera from the primary physique.

The Chinese language-based drone maker that has been leaning in arduous to different features of on-the-ground cinematography as of late, and the Ronin 4D Flex isn’t the one new instance of that from DJI this month. In tandem with the brand new product drop comes information that needs to be fascinating for people searching for to shoot 8K ProRes RAW. Now you can buy a license key for the Apple ProRes RAW codec on the DJI Retailer.

Purchase the Ronin 4D Flex now for $929 from:

Right here’s every part you could know in regards to the new Ronin add-ons and upgrades introduced this month, together with the 4D Flex, the brand new lens and Apple ProRes RAW codec:

How the Ronin 4D Flex suits into the DJI household

The DJI Ronin 4D Flex expands on the Ronin 4D, which launched in October 2021 and have become probably the most highly effective cinematic imaging system that DJI had created but. Separate from its highly-successful drone merchandise, DJI branched out into its DJI Ronin line, which have been initially a set of 3-axis digital camera gimbals developed for skilled filmmakers on the bottom. The Ronin 4D added a fourth axis, alongside different tech upgrades together with a full-frame Zenmuse X9 gimbal digital camera and LiDAR focusing system.

There’s presently a 6K model, which begins at $6,799. Then there’s additionally an 8K model which is “coming quickly” however out there now for pre-order, which begins at $11,499. 

What the Ronin 4D Flex entails

When you’ve obtained a Ronin 4D, you would possibly then think about upgrading by including the Ronin 4D Flex to your digital camera package, which is on sale now for $929. The Ronin 4D Flex connects to the primary physique with a 2m ultra-thin coaxial cable, supporting lossless transmission of as much as 8K. With that cable connection comes higher flexibility of digital camera positions, irrespective of how restricted the house. It additionally permits the Zenmuse X9 gimbal digital camera for use as an ultra-small cinematic-grade distant head.

Contemplate it DJI’s response to the Sony Rialto Extension Unit, which pairs with the VENICE digital camera system and equally permits customers to take away the sensor block and prolong it as much as 18′ away from the digital camera physique with no lack of picture high quality.

The Flex itself is that this package:

It really works with the Ronin 4D, which you’ll want, like this:

And right here’s the way it all works collectively:

Listed here are the options of the brand new Ronin 4D Flex:

Means to separate the Zenmuse X9 gimbal digital camera from the primary physique

That reduces handheld weight and dimension to realize skilled footage with much more versatile digital camera motion.

The tech is focused at solo operators who’d wish to separate the X9 gimbal digital camera from the primary physique, because it reduces the hand held weight of Ronin 4D to simply 1.8kg. That’s supreme for people needing to shoot for lengthy durations and in cell conditions like occasions and documentaries, and who don’t need that additional energy coaching exercise by holding a heavier carry.

4D Flex additionally makes the X9 gimbal digital camera suitable with quite a lot of rigs and let skilled crews shoot footage that was beforehand extraordinarily tough and even not possible, resembling cinema-quality through-shots and dynamic digital camera interiors.

Compatibility with the 4D Hand Grips and Fundamental Monitor

That successfully transforms a digital camera operator right into a one-man cinema unit.

Given the native compatibility with Ronin 4D’s Hand Grips and the Fundamental Monitor, you need to use it to be used instances together with cinematic imaging, 3-axis stabilization, LiDAR focusing, {and professional} monitoring and management.

And with this, Flex means “Quick.” Switching between Flex and the built-in configuration doesn’t require any instruments for the transition.

That new zoom lens

Together with the Flex announcement comes one other new product: the DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 Lens. That marks DJI’s first-ever cinema-grade zoom lens, permitting for 100% native focus and zoom. It’s meant to mount on Zenmuse X9, and it has a minimal object distance of 0.19 meters.

Listed here are a few of its key options:

• Full-Body | T3.0 to T22
• 13 Components in 11 Teams
• Constructed-In Servo Zoom Motor
• 7.5″ Minimal Object Distance at 17mm
• Calibration-Free Autofocus
• 67mm Filter Diameter

DJI says it has improved again focus management and native system calibration, which makes its autofocus, guide focus and automatic guide focus (AMF) extra correct. There’s additionally an inner servo zoom motor for what ought to in concept imply smoother, extra dependable zoom that eliminates the necessity for an exterior focus motor or lens calibration. The DL PZ 17-28mm can even modify zoom with out requiring re-balancing.

It’s fabricated from aluminum magnesium alloy and weighs roughly 520 grams. It’s on sale now for $1,339.

Apple ProRes Uncooked

We’ll dig into this later this week, however that is lastly excellent news for anybody searching for to shoot 8K ProRes RAW. DJI lastly made an activation license key for the Apple ProRes RAW codec on Ronin 4D out there for buy on the DJI Retailer. Now, it’s extra seemingly (and simpler) for filmmakers to combine Ronin 4D footage into cinema productions.

However, it’s not precisely low-cost. The Apple ProRes RAW license for Ronin 4D prices $979.

Apple ProRes is a video compression format developed by Apple to be used in post-production that helps video decision as much as 8K. Apple ProRes RAW was launched in 2018, and it expands upon the ProRes codecs with a give attention to uncooked information coming from the sensor. Its worth is in providing higher colour copy, given the way it delays the debayering course of to the post-production stage, and it’s supreme for high-dynamic-range (HDR) content material creation.

Now, the Zenmuse X7 and Ronin 4D are Apple ProRes RAW approved merchandise. (The DJI CineLight, Encourage 2, Ronin 4D and Mavic 3 Cine had been Apple ProRes approved merchandise already.)

When and the right way to get your palms on the brand new Ronin 4D upgraded merchandise

The Ronin 4D Flex is already out there for buy from approved retailers resembling Adorama, Amazon and B&H Picture, and straight from DJI.

The Ronin 4D Flex prices $929, which incorporates Ronin 4D Flex, one Pan Axis Fast-Lock, two Ronin 4D Hand Grip Adapters, and a couple of Hand Grip Adapter Cables.

The DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 Lens is offered individually for $1,339.

Along with these, two different equipment – the DJI Three-Channel Observe Focus and DJI Ronin 4D Growth Plate (SDI/XLR/TC) – are set to be out there by Might 2023.

Purchase the Ronin 4D Flex now for $929 from:

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