Best Gimbal for BMPCC 6k Pro - Zhiyun Crane 4 and Ronin DJI RS3 Pro Compared

The Zhiyun Crane 4 and the Ronin DJI RS3 Pro are 2 of the most popular gimbals for large body, heavy cameras. In this video we look at the similarities and the differences in both.
Zhiyun Crane 4 Combo - amzn.to/3Lg70WR *Amazon
Ronin DJI RS3 Pro - amzn.to/461afti *Amazon
"CGI Snake" and "I Am Running Down the Long Hallway of Viewmont Elementary" by Chris Zabriskie is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. creativecommons.org/licenses/...
Source: chriszabriskie.com/divider/
Artist: chriszabriskie.com/

[@lawrenceadejumo6899]

Love your subtle sarcasm, straight from the heart without bias and negativity😊 🙌🏽

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Yeah! Subtle indeed. Thank you. 😄

[@oliverjoshuawijker8046]

honest and clear review without the explosions. nice.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much for that! I was nervous about posting a longer video tutorial/review so that really means a lot.

[@Cheryl407]

Thank you. This was a very helpful video, especially for a beginner.

[@ThomasDavis5213]

Great video, I actually just ordered the rs3 pro.. EXCITED

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much, and I'm glad it helped. I'm still happy with my decision on this, and I hope you are, too. Let us know how it works out!

[@ILoveProperty]

Great video Matt! I just picked up a used BMPC4K and gimbals and cages are top of my list for my real estate videos I'm planning on shooting. This video was super helpful. Thanks!

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much for the response! I've been using a cage set-up from Small Rig for the 6K and I love it. It has plenty of cold-shoe mounts and great versatility. Thanks again.

[@Glen.Danielsen]

Matt, thank you for this extremely helpful video! New subscriber here. I really like your delivery. 🙏🏽💛

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Tghank you so much for both watching and commenting. It means a lot and I appreciate it.

[@docarcana]

great video I like all the actual user details like the bit about the mounting plate Well done

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much! Yes, that mounting plate was the main deal-breaker for me.

[@boenje]

Nice and comprehensive review! Also, the background music was extremely nice. Chef's kiss I'm considering the DJI RS 3 Pro Combo with the Lidar system for my BMPCC 6K PRO. I feel more confident with choosing the rs pro

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much! I’m thinking about the LiDAR set up soon.

[@wilfredoyvanessa]

Just found this comparison video in my YT home screen. Loved it! Very good job, Matt. I was debating between getting the Crane 4 or RS3 Pro. Both are great gimbals. That being said, I second your words deciding between the two gimbals should come down to personal needs or preference. I eventually chose the DJI RS3 because it's in between the Mini and the Pro. It's portable, light weight, it features auto-lock, removable battery and a few other things. The DJI RS3 just works for what we are planning to use it in our channel. However, I know for a fact that the Crane 4 would've done an excellent job, too. It's full of cool features like the balancing lights in the axis motors, the wrist rest support, built-in vertical mount, and the fill light. Those features interested me. But in the end, the RS3 was the one for us. 😊 Good luck to anyone that may watch this comparison video to make an informative decision between the two gimbals.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much for sharing all of this. Making a big ticket purchase takes some insight so I was happy to share what worked for me. Thanks again!

[@wilfredoyvanessa]

​​@@mattspadesoundandvisionYou're welcome. Thank you for making all of the moves to prepare, film, edit, and deliver this video. It's clean and honest.

[@bluestilling101]

A good and honest review. Much appreciated. I am in the market to upgrade my gimbal. Reviews like these help. That mounting bracket at the end really has me pursuing to look beyond Zhiyun. That is a nightmare.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you for that. I was really hoping to have picked the Zhiyun but that plate was the big deciding factor for me. I feel like Ronin is due for an RS3 Pro update,

[@stephanlewis]

a little over a month ago I bought the RS4 Pro from DJI it is phenomenal

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

It really is! I love how you can use it as is or accessorize it to your needs.

[@burgosbrand]

This video was made fairly recently and I just chose to get the crane 4 combo. Got a steal on their website for only $600 I already have the focus wheel and transmitter. I believe it’s apples to apples with DJI as far as the pro line. Considering the crane is lighter and has a professional pay load. It was an easy choice for me. Great video! Thank you

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

That's cool that you were able to get a good price on the unit and accessories. It is a lighter gimbal, even without the wrist support. It really did come down to the plate grip for me. Let us know how it works out for you and maybe post a video on it! Thank you for responding.

[@AbhiCh-ht9qr]

its very helpful info.... nice comparison

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much! I spent 3 weeks using both and I really wanted to pick the Zhiyun.

[@sm-journey8281]

Agreed. Dear Zhiyun, pls make the light optional. And make the plate grip whole line😊

[@mega8olt]

Big thanks for explaining!

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Happy to help!

[@crazyleg2006]

Good video. Thx, Matt.

[@egorgeor]

cool review thanks

[@DreamPrashant]

thank you! going with the Ronin DJI RS3 Pro

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Awesome, and you made a good choice! I'm still happy wth my decision to keep it.

[@DMAN590]

thanks for the video,, Matt

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

You're welcome! Thank you for the comment.

[@bobsteinfinkel]

Interesting video thanks for making and good to hear your thoughts...I'm righty but seem to always have the gimbal in my left hand so can access camera controls when I need to, so good to think about that with the zhiyun...also, I don't need an on camera light often, but I do do some automotive services shooting and if I'm in an interior of a car or recording somebody doing some work on the engine area or under the car would definitely be helpful.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

I think for that application you could look into Neewer lights to attach to the camera; better yet, I believe the extra handle has a cold shoe mount. Thank you so much for responding.

[@marvinshaouni]

Thanks for pointing out that the Zhiyun Crane might not work as well for us lefty's, That's a detail I wouldn't have realized until after purchase.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Greetings, fellow SouthPaw! Yeah, it really was a bummer, and even if the Crane had a more secure mounting plate, it still might be a dealbreaker for me. Thank you!

[@rrrhiphoplive1310]

This video was all I needed to make my decision between the two. the "left handed thing" was a deal breaker with me and the crane. I will be purchasing the ronin

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you! Glad to have helped a fellow southpaw.

[@johnnythunder8382]

My question to you is if I buy the rs3 pro and the smallrig 3252 battery eliminatator and possibly an circle tilta ring. How can I best deliver power to camera and still have camera control? I saw the v mount plate slide for the rs series. Is that the best or only way to power it ?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

You could get ther nato clamp ( amzn.to/3Md1KnH ) with the V-Mount holder ( amzn.to/472oDlu) From what someone who has this set up told me "the Smallrig battery has screw mounts in the V holder, maybe you can simply attach a nato clamp to that." I hope this helps.

[@tobi.falola]

Great video

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you!

[@OTU292]

Nice video, subscribed

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much!

[@FabEnPeOr2]

Very good video my friend! Thank you. Do you know if the focus motor is also usable apart of the gimbal by the Ronin? Like can I use it always also as a wireless focus puller? Thnks in advance

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

That’s a good question and I will have to test it out and see. It takes a standard USB-C cable so I would assume it’s possible but… I cannot 100% confirm.

[@regenosis]

I tried looking at the Bluetooth compatibility list of the Crane4 for shutter control for my Fuji XT4, and I don't see a Fuji section at all? Are Fuji cams just not supported for Bluetooth controls...like at all? Seems improbable.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

It looks like Fuji is Bluetooth compatible and it should work with the new Crane 4 since it came out not even a year ago.

[@regenosis]

@@mattspadesoundandvision great, thanks for your response!

[@zaher0007]

What about the vertical and horizontal.? Is the rs3 support it with out having L base ?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Are you asking about switching from horizontal to vertical shooting? If so, you ideally would want another mount to attach for vertical. I've seen a video where someone balanced the gimbal to vertical mode using what comes with the RS3 Pro but it seems to take a while to adjust.

[@user-bm2pk8xp4v]

What about shooting vertical? It's a necessity for many of us to have to switch between the two quickly. How do they compare?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

The easiest way to switch from horizontal to vertical would be to set the axis points to have the camera in that position. The Crane 4 has a vertical mode in the menu settings, so it'll rotate the camera in the position.

[@JeremyBotz]

I have the RS3, and unfortunately with the FX-3 a 24-105Lens, add a vmount battery and its way too heavy. I should have gotten the RS3 Pro, so i've been researching the crane 4 and Pro, thanks for sharing this information.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

The Crane 4 is definitely lighter; it's that mounting plate that concerns me, along with the blocked tilt due to the light. Thank you!

[@David-mg1yj]

Nice video, Matt. Would either Gimbal take a Ursa mini? And could you use a proper monitor (Atmos Ninja) rather than a phone?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you! With the Ursa Mini weighing 5 pounds it certainly will work in either. The glass length could factor into balancing it but it shouldn’t be a problem. The extra handle on the Ronin has a cold shoe mount and the Crane has a 3/4 screw on its. I’d highly recommend the Ronin for the Ursa. I wouldn’t trust that mounting plate. I added two side grips made by SmallRig and each had an extra mount.

[@David-mg1yj]

@@mattspadesoundandvision Thanks Matt, that's really kind of you.

[@ScantEgoOfficial]

follow focus motor for crane 2 will that work for crane 4

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

It should. The rod mount fits and if the cable connection is the same then you’re good to go.

[@RB-wi9vu]

Hi Matt. I have to buy a stabilizer for the bmpcc 6k Pro to use with the Tokina Cinema 16-28 zoom and the Tokina Cinema 50-135. I'm undecided between Zhiyun 3S Pro and Zhiyun Crane 4. Which one do you recommend? Thank you very much.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

I highly recommend the Ronin RS3 Pro over the Crane 4, mainly due to the plate issue on the Zhiyun. Also, those are some sweet lenses you are shooting with, and they are the perfect combo for the BMPCC 6k Pro!

[@momentsbyron]

Another advantage with DJI gimbals is more 3rd parties makes supporting accessories for it and I might be wrong but the raven eye tracking and af capabilities is superior than what zhiyun system.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

This is very true! I recently added the SmallRig side grips to my RS3 Pro. There's so much adaptability with this unit.

[@momentsbyron]

Also Tilta have several accessories too.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

@@momentsbyron the Tilta accesories are amazing! A friend of mine has the advanced ring grip and loves it!

[@michellsantana6402]

Well done.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you!

[@K9malinois_dog_love]

Very honest and very careful on what you say at the end of the day it’s what works best for anybody. ❤❤

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you and it’s true! What works for one application may not be ideal on another. I appreciate that.

[@vikashjaiswal8883]

Sir suggest me best gimbal rs3 yeah crane 4 ?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Between these 2? My personal vote is for the RS3 Pro based on the light obstruction, base plate and non-left-hand-friendly design. Keep in mind, there are other gimbals that are cheaper and handle smaller cameras (weight)

[@syrompicturez2917]

its not you sir, the crane is not made to do what the Ronin does so yes the DJI is the more financially and economically viable option. Great video and thanx for sharing

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you and good to know. The Crane felt lighter but that's not always the option we want when it comes to solid build and performance. Thank you again for this.

[@rahimgoeloe377]

did you use a baseplate ?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

When I have the camera in a cage, yes. When I use any gimbal I remove it since it housesits own focus wheel. The issue was with the Zhiyun baseplate not feeling secure. The Roni ‘s not only locks into grooves but has 2 screws for the BMPCC 6k Pro

[@Zhamako]

Ronin it is! Nice review!

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much! I appreciate that!

[@panutrick8301]

Hello sir ❤❤❤❤ I am from India recently I bought black magic pocket camera 6k G2, Sigma 18-35, Comica VM30 shotgun mic. I can't understand which gimbal I choose. *Please suggest a budget Gimbal for my Bmpcc 6k G2* Your reply will help me

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

My apologies for the delay in responding. Based on my review, I would still highly recommend the Ronin RS3 Pro. amzn.to/49hugx3

[@panutrick8301]

@@mattspadesoundandvision thank you for your reply

[@eminberk1379]

Great video, thanks ! Like & Subscribe ! I have a question for you. I have a Sony a7ıv camera, the heaviest lens I will attach is 24-70 2.8 sigma art. I don't know which one I should choose rs3 vs crane 4. (but not rs3pro because in the country I live in this is worth a lot of money). The combo package of the two is the same price, but I don't know if zhiyun is good at software and for some reason dji seems much more professional. What would you suggest to me?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

Thank you so much! My vote would be for the RS3. The only difference between that and the Pro is how much weight it can handle; the Pro holds 10 lbs vs 6 lbs on the standard. As someone who has used Zhiyun for a phone gimbal, I agree that DJI is a professional brand. Both will roll out updates. The only advantage of the Crane 4 is it's newer, but I still don't trust that mounting plate setup. Cheers!

[@eminberk1379]

@@mattspadesoundandvision Thank you for your help. I'm gonna go with the RS3. By the way, according to some rumours, rs4 will be introduced soon!

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

@@eminberk1379 I had a feeling, since the RS3 and Pro have been around for a year. BTW, I have the same Sigma Art lens in EF mount and that thing is a beast!

[@eminberk1379]

@@mattspadesoundandvision and bought the rs3 pro combo to upgrade to raveneye. I really feel that it is the right choice, it gives a lot of confidence. thanks again for this video !

[@eminberk1379]

@@mattspadesoundandvision Hello again! I chose rs3pro 😂😂, I have no regrets, it feels very safe, and raveneye this is really incredible. The price was a bit expensive but it was worth it! thanks for this video and your help 🤩

[@j.samaniego4135]

12 hours of shoot time in STATIC MODE...quite scamy to state that. How much time is it really operating it? 3-5 h?

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

I have yet to see anyone test the 12 hour run time. As I mention in this review I was able to take it outside for 2-3hours and come back with about 50% battery.

[@JordanRomaniOfficial]

The Ronin payload is 6.6 lb... not 10

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

This review is for the RS3 Pro, whose payload is 10 lbs. ***noted on both DJI website and B&H. The non/Pro model has the lighter payload.

[@alexl4634]

Dji rs3 gimbal pro is the best overall. Don't choose crane 4 not so much balancing.

[@mattspadesoundandvision]

I still do not regret going with the RS3 Pro! It’s a solid piece of equipment.