One Year with the DJI Ronin 4D | Polar Nature Cinematographer

[@rtfoss]

Some of the best 4D Footage I’ve seen so far. Thank you for the breakdown after using the camera for the past year. I had considered some heavier cinema primes but hearing you talk about how well the DJI primes work, it has changed my mind. Awesome work!

[@MarcDeAcetis]

I've been using vintage cine modded stills glass which renders great results. Nikkors, Canon FL, Helios all look great on this sensor. Personally don't ever see a need for DJI lenses.

[@BenjaminHardman]

Thank you!

[@BenjaminHardman]

@@MarcDeAcetis that sounds epic!

[@RainsalotProductions]

Its crazy how amazing this camera is... I recently got it but I use cine lens on it and shot film on it. All the features on it are a must when it comes to filmmaking. as far as lens selection, you'd be surprised how heavy u can go.

[@MikeyTachuk]

What cine lens are you pairing with it? 👍

[@Made_by_Matthew]

Immaculate footage

[@TheFullyChargedGardener]

It really is an awesome camera - The Z-axis on the gimble is so cool. I am by no means a pro, this camera has allowed me to capture some awesome footage. Thank you for the video. you work in some amazing locations.

[@MikeyTachuk]

Absolutely bloody crazy footage! Well done sir 💯

[@BenjaminHardman]

Thank you!

[@BartvanderHorst]

I think this camera is ahead of its time, lots of pro cinematographers can not fathom this camera because I think their brains can not cope with the fact that there is almost nothing to rig... for a professional that is unthinkable therefore can not be this good... But it is.

[@BenjaminHardman]

I agree! It is insanely fast to unpack and start shooting. I would not have captured half of the polar shots without the efficiency of the 4D!

[@LINGZHICHEN]

I love it , thanks , it is beautiful and amazing

[@Nateinthewild]

I have this camera sitting on my desk right now, and I loved hearing your thoughts about it, but I'm surprised you didn't mention the aspect ratios (or maybe you did and I just missed it). The forced switch from 16:9 to 2.4:1 depending on your frame rate is a huge deal breaker for me. As a director I want to choose my aspect ratio, frame rate, and codec, not have the camera choose for me. Even in this video I can see you shot some clips at 16:9 and some at 2.4:1, and while the clips are absolutely gorgeous, I'm curious how you work around those forced aspect changes imposed on you by the camera.

[@BenjaminHardman]

That’s a really good point and I can relate to the challenges. Often I’ve taken the hit and changed my composition to allow for cropping when I need a specific frame rate in the wrong aspect ratio. Thanks for your comment!

[@ondrejnovak5205]

Epic vibes!! such a well put review... goood job

[@alampunjabi]

Great work Benjamin, I am looking forward to get one soon.

[@MasonGertz-ej1hk]

Great work! You are fantastic!

[@mattiaantonelliofficial]

Very interesting, thank you for sharing your experience

[@sonofthesea]

Love this video insightful and also I just love the pace

[@injectionAI]

god i love this camera

[@tjorvijons]

crushing it benjamin!

[@viddipiddi]

beauty!!!!

[@einarbreen7549]

I have and love this camera. For me it works really well. I know it's not for everyone and every situation and I thought wildlife basically would be a category it would not work for.

[@PhillGraaf]

Man! Amazing video, thank you so much for making this! You are the first person who shoots nature and loves this camera, so as a action and nature documentary lover, I see myself so much in this review! I am having a really hard time deciding between the Ronin 4D and the FX6, mainly because of the variable ND on the FX6 and that I can't take the Ronin under Water... But I also agree and think too that it is such an amazing package with everything in one, all covered by one battery... That's just amazing. Only thing I am thinking here is, that I am still not sure how the handheld look will be compared to the fx6 e.g. But yeah, great video!! Love your style man.. And I would love to connect. I'd like to ask you a few questions if I may: 1. how bad is the rolling shutter? I know this might not be something that you notice very often because you don't chase anyone with your camera but do you notice it? 2. is there any way to focus with the DJI lenses and/or built in auto focus sony lenses without the lidar? 3. is it possible to adjust the gimbal speed, and deadband etc. for single axes or just all at once? 4. I'm guessing you're mostly doing manual focussing in your work but I've heard a lot about the lidar focus jumping and not being too reliable, what's your opinion? 5. would also love to know how you got into nature documentary.. but maybe I can send you a personal message on that? :-)

[@VirtueTemu]

I've seen your comments on everything related to the DJI 4D, yet you still haven't bought it. I've done TV interviews and previously used a Sony camera, but now I'm considering switching to the DJI 4D. What would you recommend? Should I go for it? I will wait for your advice. @Phill Graaf brother.

[@johnnybermudez]

Damn Benjamin, now I might have to buy one. So on the fence but it has everything I need... Great Breakdown of the 4D. Cheers brother 🥂

[@tomwadek]

Can you please post a link to the case? Thank you

[@whatcinephile]

So you wouldn't recommend getting an E Mount to be able to use Sony lenses?

[@karlvonmudi]

Amazing video, stunning pictures!!! 😊😮

[@nasgarth6322]

hey ben what crates/sizes are those in your background? i assume roam but what about the liters? 🙂 i really want to organize my messy setup before my new puppy arrives 😅🙂

[@stephaneridard1249]

I agree it's a great camera! The only "problem", is that it limits you always to get stabilize footage, and it can affect the way you direct videos. Always good to have another camera with his one I think

[@BenjaminHardman]

It is possible to shoot without the gimbal as well, so best of both worlds!

[@RainsalotProductions]

Sports mode does the trick for me. And if I want ever more jitter I can always add it in post which tends to look better most of the time anyways.

[@FinalGrade]

If I lock off the gimble can I use a larger lens? Nothing crazy but like a Samyang 35 - 150mm?

[@BenjaminHardman]

Yes that’s definitely possible!

[@robojim4000]

Amazing work. What gimbal settings (speed and deadpan) do you tend to go with ?

[@BenjaminHardman]

Usually the slowest possible for walking shots!

[@patrickbaitmen9290]

Hey great work what peli case and size is that?

[@BenjaminHardman]

Thanks so much! It’s the 1510

[@MiaSoreryOF]

Can you shoot with this then crop it to post on social media IG or TikTok??

[@davidgodi]

Sooooo epic brother! 🔥

[@_EdMorris]

Hey ben what’s the long lens you use in the video there?

[@tonyrinaud2022]

Looks like a nikkor 600mm f4

[@BenjaminHardman]

500mm F4 Sigma EF 🤘🏼

[@_EdMorris]

@@BenjaminHardman thanks man! Been using the song 200-600 but it reaaalllly does not pair well with with the a7r4 and other wildlife friends seem to have the same issue so may check out the sigma!

[@dominic81634]

Nice image, but you can still see some bounce and wobble. Unreasonable expectations on my part, I guess it's not magic after all. Thanks for sharing.

[@matvte]

4:01 hehehehehhe

[@Bathingwookie]

I cannot imagine using this monstrosity daily lmao

[@colinthomas2525]

It’s been updated the other day new accessories. Now check out the ronin 4d flex addition.

[@BenjaminHardman]

It does look strange but it is extremely useful!

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

The best footage I've seen so far from the 4D mate! beautiful! It seems you are very happy with your Dragon! one of the best RED sensors with the Gemini in my opinion! May I ask what are you using for photography (as well as some video B roll I assume), r5 ...? cheers & thanks!

[@BenjaminHardman]

Thank you! I use the R5 and R5C for stills and vlog style video.

[@wildpatagoniafilms16]

@@BenjaminHardman Thanks ! and you still keep on shooting with the Dragon right?