Pushing Cinema Cameras To Their Limits - DJI Ronin 4D Documentary Shoot

To shoot my latest short documentary we took the DJI Ronin 4D out to the middle of nowhere in the Utah desert and beat the crap out of that cinema camera. I wanted to see how it can perform for a full documentary for a solo operator and small team. Check the vid to see how it performed.
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FULL CREW CREDITS:
Director/DP: / markandrewbone
Talent: / braxtontomlinson112
Producer: / therealnickdean
Camera Ast & 📸: / vikpiccreative
BTS 🎥: / bentleyrawle
Main BTS Stills: / sskofoed
Camera Car Team: / overridefilms
Camera Car Driver: / johnny__bones
Arm Car Boom Op / pj16
Drone: / hazzmat
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#dji #djironin4d #cinemacamera #documentary
0:00 Opening Montage
1:26 Intro and Project Background
3:30 Flex Mode
4:43 Lenses
5:13 Gyro Mode
6:03 Audio
6:57 Using the Camera Car
8:51 Image Quality
10:00 Honest Final Thoughts
10:50 Thank Yous
11:45 Let Me Know Your Questions!

[@markbone]

I am still shaking out dust from my clothes and camera gear 2 weeks later

[@AkaBull]

That's what I was thinking when I saw the truck gimbal. All that dust flying around as the bike passed 😮. The lens must had all kinds of micro scratches.

[@jahkeeli]

Putting gear into actual real-world situations. This is why I love your channel, Mark. The shot at 1:00...what a fantastic location to shoot.

[@markbone]

Yeah it was a surreal location

[@yabilmedia]

Bro!! That was insane! Love the story, just watched the doco and now seeing the behind the scenes, quite exceptional. As always!

[@derrekord]

Absolutely beautiful! Excellent work

[@falejandroc_]

What a great dynamic range! Impressive.

[@Oddernod]

You just sold a TON of cameras for DJI with this one - crazy how CALM all this insane action feels, amazing use of the right gear to extend the subject's personality into the filmmaking itself. Great stuff dude.

[@JoeMustang99]

Wow! Now that was a video!! Loved this.

[@djistuartc1334]

This turned out so well!!! Excited to see the doc!!

[@markbone]

🤘

[@AkaBull]

I know this video is about the DJI, but I'm so impressed with the way the Doc was shot and colored, I re-watched the intro like 5 times. I gues it's my soft spot for bikes. Well done Mark 👏

[@markbone]

Thank you!!

[@AkaBull]

@@markbone Anytime brother 👌👌

[@Suyorukun]

Great video as always!

[@daviddeclan]

Very beautiful one with the DJI Ronin 4D. I love the quality of the camera and everything about this video.

[@markbone]

🤘🤘🤘

[@WakeUpMatt]

So freaking crazy! Can’t wait for the doc!

[@markbone]

Thanks brother

[@lonewolfsmoto]

Dude - YES! Killing me with this!!!

[@markbone]

🤘

[@MarcTaraz]

Loved watching this Mark!

[@markbone]

thanks Marc!!

[@ilizrdz]

Awesome video! Once again.

[@markbone]

Thank you!

[@filipemartins7802]

Shot at 0:59 is absolutely mad. Holy.

[@Niloiv13]

Loved this, Mark. AOD member here, always enjoy your content. If you're ever in Oregon, I'm buying you lunch!

[@savillecreations8046]

Darn. I’d come out. Live in Salt Lake City. My 4d 8k and Flex arrives on May 31. Pumped. Thanks for the video.

[@lukeparkcine]

Until this video, I thought Ronin 4D was cool but not useful. Changed my mind, definitely not a A cam to have but if I have money, I would get for my second. I can see it’s potential. Also, it was amazing meeting you, surreal haha. Thank you always for great contents.

[@davidivanyuk1]

Very beautiful Mark! Great Job. Also you should get a camera car like Override Films, would be perfect tool for your doc bag ;)

[@markbone]

Hahah. Done

[@piusgyagenda]

It didn't feel like a pr videos since the footage used was from the actual camera. thanks you for this Mark

[@markbone]

🤘🤘

[@TLFILMS]

thank you, you said all (except for the lenses choice lol). At the end, it's the best tool for decent budget and image. I struggle between buying Komodo-X and the 4D and transmission for 10k$ max, I do a LOT of automotive, and your video helps me to choose the 4D for my daily use.

[@JoshBenBernales]

Actually laughed out loud @5:53

[@thebikeracer]

Great video!!

[@markbone]

Thanks brother

[@lilafromyoutube]

You’re so inspiring! I need to know though… you try the little chicken walk with the ronin D4?

[@markbone]

Yes. It even laid an egg

[@theartofdocumentary]

🔥 🔥🔥

[@speliotis]

Hell Yeah !!!!

[@tazyt3388]

Slick mate ,as a rider solo film capturing adventurist it’s an interesting conundrum,using an epic camera might work but restricted by its size would not.I’d have a crack at it if money allowed but I’m certain it’s destruction would be imminent .hope you well bro cheers

[@peter_ripka]

Wow! Mark didn't see this one coming 👀@AaronBrimhall vibes

[@markbone]

🤘🤘🤘

[@AkaBull]

Love the intro, that should be me right now 😊

[@markbone]

yeah that intro was fun!

[@AkaBull]

​@@markbone I could imagine 💯

[@GyroStudios]

Hi Mark ! Which DJI Replacement Long Joystick did you use that fits the Ronin 4D Handgrips? I saw that you put one on at 4:02 - The Joystick fell off of our unit and we don't know which DJI Replacement Joystick fits! Thanks !! :)

[@LucaBono.Studio]

Nice! Great work guys! Did you have problems with lag between the remote wireless monitor and the Ronin 4D? Last time I've used it, one year ago, I had some problems with interferences...

[@markbone]

i never noticed any

[@LucaBono.Studio]

​@@markbonegood to hear it! Ciao 🤟🏻

[@racemode]

I tested the 4d at NAB. Take my money.

[@yourbuddyaj]

Sponsorship by Staples because this guy shreds

[@markbone]

😂😂😂

[@jamesgallaccidrone]

That place is so fun. If you haven’t gotten into riding, that’s the best place to go. We’re you testing the Mavic 3 Pro as well?

[@markbone]

yeah it is wild! and no wasn't using the mavic pro 3

[@advdan]

Amazing! Where can we watch the documentary???

[@CassiusTheShow]

Hey Mark, excellent review -- question for you: what baseplate are you using on the 4d flex unit? That you're using to attach your shotgun mic. And would you recommend it?

[@CassiusTheShow]

Also, mind sharing the mini jack cable you used as well? Thanks!

[@MaineMountainMedia]

Truly a revolutionary cam. So awesome to see you using this camera in so many creative ways. The Crane arm shot at 0:39 is insane!!

[@markbone]

Yeah that’s my fav too!

[@AkaBull]

Last 👌👌

[@markbone]

First

[@AkaBull]

@@markbone 🤣🤣🤣👍

[@felixseltmann6385]

this Intro gave me fuc*ing chills

[@markbone]

😂🤘🤘🤘

[@joeumali7375]

great stuff! what was the title/artist of the music track in the opening montage?

[@bacillus5]

Did you have problems wit Lidar with the dust and haze?

[@gatosoul]

Thank you for sharing, when we do playback on the R4D the audio is always out of Sync :(

[@PhillGraaf]

I sincerely want that camera now...

[@tylerstooksbury3050]

Should I sell my komodo and get a 4D? I've been contemplating it honestly. I love the komodo so much, I'd just love for gimbal work to be less of a pain when im on my own.

[@demonhogo]

are the parts that show vibration shot on the 4D as well?

[@uzigalil]

Great Work and presentation. I was wondering if you had the dji 17-28 lens to play with? And i cant seem to get an answer from anyone is how do you zoom using the dji 17-28 lens with the grips on the high bright monitor. Also i really wish they would offer a much longer cable for the flex kit. they are missing a whole range of abilities with the 6 foot cable. thanks

[@markbone]

I have never used that lens sorry!

[@AsuquoTravelsProductions]

You can zoom using the 17-28 by pressing the mode button on the hand grip on the right. Once you do that watch the monitor and keep pressing that button until the yellow highlight reaches the zoom number (17-28). Once the lens number is highlighted, you will be able to use the control wheel on the grip to zoom.

[@uzigalil]

@@AsuquoTravelsProductions im talking about using it with the wireless high bright monitor, the mode button doesnt work in that config

[@jxinashish]

Hey help, Which brand mount do you use for your helios m42 to sony E? Thanks

[@EdmundElijah]

Are you really making me want to buy a 4D?! I swore I would never use that camera!

[@markbone]

🫣

[@HeeGeonKang]

is it good enough for single operator? or should I need at least 2 men to use this?

[@LEVLHED]

How are you mounting the mic in "flex mode" - I just worked on a small project where doing that would have been super helpful! hah

[@markbone]

Just a little monitor clamp

[@leochow6477]

You indeed made me wanna get a ronin4D, which I’m not familiar at all😂

[@markbone]

They are hella fun

[@timdanyo898]

I have an FX3 and was looking to get an FX6. Do you think for doc work having an FX3/4D would make more sense? Hmmm

[@markbone]

If you use lots of gimbals be worth it but the fx6 is more versatile

[@AsuquoTravelsProductions]

Need video. But I noticed you mentioned you used a Lumix lenses with the 4D, what lenses did you use to film the documentary?

[@markbone]

Like what lenses for the BTS?

[@AsuquoTravelsProductions]

@@markbone No for the DJI Ronin 4D for the documentary? Did you also use it for the BTS?

[@nate_dodge]

Ok you mentioned the Sennheiser MKE 400. I'm in the market for a new on camera shotgun mic for run and gun field work on my Sony and ZCAM systems. Working on both documentary and commercial productions. Been using Rode mics for a while but I'm well overdue for upgraded audio. Does the Sennheiser hold up pretty well or would you recommend anything else?

[@markbone]

MKE is great but it's a lower end model so i would be more keen to use something like their 416

[@nate_dodge]

@@markbone Awesome! Seriously appreciate the insights and quick reply! Keep up the incredible work! We're actually headed out to Swingarm this week for a project.

[@London_Boudoir]

Hey Mark! I just wanted to drop a quick note and let you know how awesome your latest video is! You always manage to create such amazing content that keeps me hooked. I was wondering if I could ask you a quick question - did DJI reach out to you or did you reach out to them? The reason I'm asking is that I'm currently working on a documentary about breast cancer, which is a cause that's really important to me. Unfortunately, a lot of young people are being overlooked by doctors and ending up with late-stage diagnoses. It's a tough situation. My crew and I have been trying to get in touch with DJI to see if we could get some help with the Ronin 4D, but we haven't heard back from them yet. It's a bummer, but we'll keep trying. Thanks for taking the time to read my message. Keep up the great work!

[@markbone]

stay persistent! this is my first time working with them. They seem to only work with filmmakers with a youtube following though from my experience. Best of luck with your film. If you don't hear from them maybe find a rental house who owns one and wants to support/sponsor your film

[@flochfitness]

6:28 is this audio from the shotgun Sennheiser?

[@markbone]

Yes

[@Elthetaco]

how do you get it into Gyro mode? moving the camera with the high bright monitor?

[@markbone]

It’s a DJI monitor

[@rosetofilms]

Motor oil and dust make a good exfoliator. Is that why you skin tones look so nice? 😜

[@markbone]

hahah yeah they add some nice colour correction

[@WhySteve]

I like how that bird is chasing the bike at 8:10

[@markbone]

I never noticed that

[@WhySteve]

I wonder what was going through the drivers head 😅

[@DuneGoons1]

Where can I see this documentary?

[@markbone]

It’s not out yet

[@DuneGoons1]

@@markbone ok thanks. Will it be released on this channel?

[@heyheyhey520]

You didn’t use a ND in the desert?

[@markbone]

Built in ND

[@alvarocorona917]

dji ronin 4d vs red komodo?

[@dudedavid522]

Shot on the 4d so MB doesn't get his FX6 dirty 😂

[@markbone]

😂😂😂😂

[@sijilo]

Break me

[@markbone]

😂

[@beany]

A bit disappointed at the amount of jitter on the crane shots. Some great footage though

[@dejavuking]

Hi erm I don’t want to beat up on a youtuber/film maker. But Matty Happoja recently I feel he’s been giving some really disingenuous and potentially harmful harmful advice, thoughts and notions relating to film making, videography etc. he keeps stating film making, video production is now “easy” because there’s lots of cameras with lots of features like the zv e1 with its A1, so there is no excuse in he’s opinion to not make great amazing films. This in my opinion is obviously complete BS!. Reason I think it could be really really harmful is. Say someone lacking confidence finally makes the jump gets a camera and thinks I’m going to try and make a short film, documentary or video but end up not liking what they produce…they then come on KZbin find a big youtuber with 2million subscribers stating film making is “easy” because gear and if your not making great content in 2023 what ya doing, that could really make someone feel like utter crap, useless and pointless being alive. Sound’s melodramatic but if someone’s dream is to make films, they feel disappointed in their work because there starting out but then see Matty going ah well it’s easy because modern cameras/camera gear yea imo it’s really irresponsible!. I just feel that’s so insulting and counter productive I really really feel strongly about this it’s really really bad!. It’s the equivalent of saying hay in 2023 there is tones of “accessible” fast sports cars so there is no reason you can’t go to a F1 track and set the same lap time as Lewis Hamilton because we’ll fast car!. Obviously that would be utterly idiotic advice and assertions. Because motorsport, driving like film making, is a skill you have the practice, build up knowledge and skill in. Not just go get a modern camera or car and you should be on the level of Stanley Kubrick or Lewis Hamilton because we’ll modern technology it’s utterly ridiculous coming from a person like him with two million subscribers!. I’m very very very disappointed in Matty, he’s made the it’s “easy” statement now on multiple videos recently.

[@Videofilealways]

a real filmmaker knows it still takes skill to capture and tell a great visual story

[@dejavuking]

@@Videofilealways yep 100% you got my point across a lot more eloquently and concisely than I did, not to make excuses but my dyslexia means I tend to over explain and write to much!. But yes yes yes indeed exactly it takes real skill omg like take we’ll mark here or Josh from make art now. The skill, the originality, the personality and technical ability is something they’ve developed over I’m sure at least many years if not decades. Not just through buying the latest feature filled camera, gimbal or the latest drone!. I just can’t believe someone like Matty would even assert such a thing!. But yea thanks I’m really glad I managed to get my point across despite my annoying overly long comment!. I didn’t know if I’d sound like a complainer but I just felt strongly about it.

[@sergiosanchez2012]

When I went to film school 24years ago, the only options to practice was super 8 and 16mm film, that if you really wanted something with quality. MiniDV cameras where released around that time, but they looked like shit. So we really didn´t have access to all the stuff aspiring filmmakers have now. It doesn´t matter if what you shoot looks like crap, that´s the point in learning, you´ll mess up and learn stuff as you grow until you end up doing stuff that you can be proud off. Cameras are very forgiving now and you can shoot amazing looking stuff even with a phone. Back in the day, to learn davinci resolve, you had to work in a Lab since the system was north of $250,000 investment, now is free and you can even use it on an iPad. That´s what the easy statement means, the paywall to get really proficient equipment is gone now. You don´t really need a huge investment in equipment to get professional results. Now talent and knowledge is the only requirement. That´s why is easier than ever to become a filmmaker.

[@dejavuking]

@@sergiosanchez2012 yea so you’ve reiterated what I said almost to the point. In relative terms camera equipment is more accessible and more “affordable” but in most cases still extremely expensive. But at the end of the day you can have the best equipment in the world but if you have no idea what your doing, no skill or talent the result is going to be terribly bad!. Just because there is better technology and equipment to build skyscrapers it doesn’t mean any old person can come along and be like ah yea let’s build a the new version of the Empire State Building!. Let’s also not forget just because there’s more camera equipment then ever that’s “more accessible” and “more affordable” than ever. It’s by absolutely no means accessible to an absolutely huge portion of society. Despite appearances and social media there is not many people worldwide that can afford to spend £1000 on a phone to get that good camera let alone spending £2,400 on the new Panasonic s5ii, £2,500 body only on the new Sony ev z1, £4000 body only for the FX3 plus thousands on a single lens, thousands of pounders on a slider, a thousand pounds on a good gimbal, a thousand pounds on two memory cards capable of recording high bit rate, hundreds on an atomos so on and so on. Just the phone alone is a bar to the majority of society so film making is absolutely not easier in terms of financial accessibility!. In terms of ability if you don’t have ideas, a way of telling a story, an eye for shots, shot angles, what to focus on and what not to focus on. It doesn’t matter what A1 features your camera has your film/video is going to be horse crap that nobody wants to watch!. Hence the saying all the gear no idea, you’ll effectively be a Video larpa!. Like this guys that buy all that tactical military gear and guns but have no idea what their doing.

[@sergiosanchez2012]

But It is easier, My first cinema camera was $30,000 the color grading software $65,000. Now I can get away with a $1800 dollar camera that has autofocus and the grading software for $300 or Even for free, so yes young guys starting up have it easier than me. What does matter is that You can shoot and express yourself with it, the more You shoot, the better you'll get. It doesn't mean you'll win an Oscar for it, most projects don't do it anyway. Only one a year for the thousands of films produced. The same with your example, there's only one Empire Building and only 21 F1 drivers out there of the thousands of pro racers. The fact that I can't become an F1 driver doesn't mean that I can't get a new sports car and run in a track with it and have fun. The newest car Will be safer and more forgiving than older models, meaning they are easier to drive now than before.