The DJI Ronin 4D is Upsetting in an Unexpected Way

[@trowaclown]

So much information crammed into 20 minutes of non-stop talking. You're an inspiration for how information should be digested and presented.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you for the kind and encouraging words! Means a lot to hear that from you 😂

[@SeaUrchinFilms]

He did pause to breath, once.

[@SpaceAgeConsulting]

@@SeaUrchinFilms Yes but the lovely B-roll made you miss the pause. Not certain we can count that.

[@cine-v]

Couldn't agree more!

[@mondobytes]

Agreed on the Ronin 1D idea. I said the same thing, I love everything about the DJI Ronin 4D and it also ruined me, they really did an amazing job with the design and feature set but 90% of the time I'll be using my camera without a gimbal. It's funny that DJI wasn't even trying but they literally created the best Cinema Camera without even wanting too. If they can release a Ronin 1D under $5,000 it would be an instabuy for me.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Exactly. I'm all in if a 1D happens. I too feel $5K is perfect pricing.

[@virtuocities]

Should I get the 6K or 8K version of the Ronin 4D camera? Since the 8K version comes with the included 1TB SSD for ProRes Raw.

[@DynamicPhil84]

@@dslrvideoshooter Ooooor... what about a module that swaps out the gimbal for a regular lens mount?? Offer the gimbal-less version for $5k, then another $2kish for the gimbal mount.

[@richt-1]

I feel it’s unfair to say DJI weren’t trying. The 4D shows all the hallmarks of a highly functioning, highly resourced product development operation. I doubt the brief was anything but ‘dominate the market’.

[@PhantomFilmAustralia]

@@virtuocities Even 6K can be overkill depending on what you are going to be using it for. Is the extra juice going to be worth the squeeze for you? The 6K takes up a phenomenal amount of hard drive space. The 8K will take a hell of a lot more. I personally opt for high dynamic range and excellent audio over excessive resolution. If you feel the 6K would serve you better over the 4K, then by all means, opt for the 6K. As for the 8K, I'd wait for what improvements the next model will bring, and see if they've ironed out whatever kinks this generation of camera may have.

[@alexwr]

And bear in mind this is (technically) a 1st Gen product. The fact it all the elements work so well together is crazy! They put so many amazing features in this, but I agree that a 1D version would be really great for those that don't use all those crazy features, but still want the grips and all the great accessories. The only other issue is that everything is so proprietary. You have to buy DJI stuff to get the full experience. I understand, but also, proprietary SSDs? Is the the same as the RED situation where the SSDs in their mags were just software locked down, but otherwise bog-standard SSDs?

[@dslrvideoshooter]

For a first go they completely nailed it!!!

[@uzigalil]

@@dslrvideoshooter Ive seen where they made and used earlier versions 2 years ago and never relesed them for general public use. then they kept refining it

[@ActiveDad]

The fact that you did this review from space is just insane.

[@fodsonmedia]

Oh hell YES, I'd be all over the "1D" gimbal-less version of this in a heartbeat!

[@yuxuanhuang3523]

get a mirrorless, a rig and you get similar results with half the price. that lidar is cool though, Apple has the hardware but is it willing to share (seems unlikely to me).

[@EVRLYNMedia]

you know, i hear canons latest 1D is pretty great for video! XD

[@EpictheEpicest]

I just want to say thanks to DJI for actually INCLUDING all the accessories you need to start shooting with the camera, and at a fair price. I'm not a fan of buying a camera only to get a brick that requires 7 more purchases just to be able to use it. The fact that you get TWO really nice hand grips, top handle, fully orientable monitor, cables, follow focus, a battery, 1 TB SSD and a gimbal all included for $7,200 is a pretty fucking good deal. Please keep making products like this.

[@philipbloom]

The thing that blew me away in this review was the Blake’s 7 VHS tape! What a great show 🤓

[@philipbloom]

Oh and great idea about a gimbal-less version.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

YES! That show is so fantastic. Reminds me I need to rewatch!

[@aaronw8525]

One of the best things about being transplanted to Scotland from Canada in the 80s as a boy was watching cool shows like Blake's 7, Terrahawks and of course my dad turned me onto "the Prisoner".

[@WW_Studios]

@@dslrvideoshooter hahah

[@clint_davis]

Probably the most informative, most concise, best product review I've seen of any camera. Remarkably well done.

[@df98156]

I like the fact that you were able to film in a Tantive IV hallway

[@tree3111]

There are a very large and inexpensive selection of third-party lenses available today.

[@brad_neal]

Man, DJI is killing it at every turn! I know upwards of $10k sounds like a lot, but only a few years ago it was $100k for a 1080 cam.

[@Bikman]

good point.

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

It’s so , so true … look how far we have come. ARRI & PANAVISION must be S%$#@ing their pants. TECHHH !!! Every time , it’s the greatest investment you’ll ever make as a film maker. All this in ONE CAM / System. This is the future for film makers. NO DOUBT !

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

I’m looking at this absolute beast of a camera module and guess what I’m not seeing DTaps, USB cables, HDMI this and SD that all hanging off like some piece of antiquated garbage from the 2000’s. Why is that? Because these guys @ DJI really up their game and took it to a whole new paradigm change. This is what I call forward thinking for the new dawn of independent filmmakers in the world. No more 120 crew members all standing around looking important. JUST get up & GO!!!

[@RodrigoSantos-ve7op]

That's correct! people didn't realise how much money they are saving and also all the possibilities you can get in one camera like this it's almost unthinkable!!!

[@iPhonedo]

What a fantastic video. So much information, neatly organized and perfectly presented. I literally know the camera now. Nicely done sir!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Means so much to hear that from you!!! Thanks man ❤

[@vidfolio]

Yes, exactly this, no BS, just info. Love it!

[@timebendpictures]

Caleb, I'm always blown away by the quality of your reviews. You always add something new and interesting to the conversation. Please keep up the fantastic work.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you! So glad you're enjoying them :-)

[@Oliur]

Wow this was so detailed. The one video where I’ve learned the most about this beast.

[@RockstarCinema]

So far the best review on this camera I’ve watched others but keep coming back to this one so far I’ve watched 15 times

[@jeffgriffinvideo]

DJI should create a cinema camera 'eco system' where the same camera could be used in their drone, gimbal and non-gimbal camera setups.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

I agree. They have to be thinking about this. Would be siiiiiick if they had several body models with interchangeable sensors. They kinda have that with these 6K and 8K X9 units, but the sensors would be cool to have separately.

[@EmeraldAudiovisual]

They sort of have been at 2 of those already. Already with the Osmo series, you could either use the camera (like the DJI X5) on the drone or on the Osmo gimbal. The market they have missed, is the non-gimbal camera market. The only thing that they make in that sphere are the action cameras. Obviously, there is hope, that they may catch on to that in the Pro market, too.

[@Indpendent01]

this is what i was hoping GoPro was going to do!

[@jaylamb218]

This has been the BEST review of this camera by a long shot!!! Thank you very much!!!

[@rafalkonieczny]

I think this was the best presentation of features of this camera ever (and any other product I have seen). Love it! Thanks a lot.

[@toddd.8496]

Honestly... it's kind of crazy how much technology we are being spoiled with these days! I was surprised when you didn't mention the camera could do your laundry and drive your kids to school... because it can literally do EVERYTHING! Which is actually why I probably will never own or use it... it's just too much... too many features... too many options... too many optional accessories... too much of everything for my tiny pea size brain to every fully grasp or comprehend. Thanks for the amazing review Caleb! You always take your content to a level that few can match!

[@ALpHonz]

I watched every second of this! Great review. Just got ours setup and can’t wait to explore all the different settings and features.

[@keith-knittel]

A gimbal-less 4D to account for larger lenses would be awesome. Can't wait to see how well the autofocus works once adapting to other glass. Would love to have more non-prores recording options for projects that don't require serious grading and dynamic range (sometimes you just have to film something quickly and get it out the door!) as well, but as the first round of a cinema camera, it's pretty exciting

[@timdanyo898]

If you’ve got the budget and you primarily get gimbal shots then this would be a no brainer.

[@TedHolmwood]

Yep, actions sports and event coverage. Maybe architectural videography? I think this is a better fit for videographers than cinematographers.

[@YakAlmighty]

This camera is definitely the most well designed camera...but I just wish it was a regular cinema camera. Hopefully they'll make a 1d version

[@MattOdomcreative]

The feelings I get about this camera remind me very much of how I felt about the first Black Magic Ursa (which was an insanely amazing camera when on a tripod). That first Ursa, while flawed, ultimately led to the very nicely designed Ursa Mini Pro. Which is to say, this is a first gen, completely new camera paradigm. I think the 2nd gen version of the 4D will be even more stunning, and a 1D version to complement your 4D would an amazing kit.

[@knowledgeiskings]

THE BEST video I’ve seen in this camera. Very well done.

[@thatjordandrake]

1D idea makes a lot of sense. I miss that 4D focus knob so damned much...

[@SoulMedia1]

Amazing review! Beautifully shot and put together. Well done!

[@FrequencyOfThought]

11:14... OMG this is the cutest thing ever.. How can you not smile at that?

[@BampFilm]

That was the best overview of the 4D so far

[@josefrogoschewsky6458]

Awesome review. So pro, love the set as a backdrop too. Also, I really appreciate no music behind this, so much easier to hear you. Well done!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you Josef!

[@bluerabbit1236]

It's a lot cheaper now around 6.5k which is an amazing price point compared to other cinema cameras like Red Komodo where you pay almost 6k just to buy the body lol. I think a GH6/DJI RS3 Gimbal is the best combo right now. You have a very close image quality and almost all the gimbal features for half the price and, you can take it apart plus you can take pictures with it too. It's hard to beat that right now.

[@edwardcutler7492]

Z-arm is insane! It's a seriously clever innovation from DJI and greatly adds to why this cinema camera is so amazing!

[@jdsmedia]

THANK YOU for pointing out the gimbal-less option for this camera! Been saying since it came out they missed out on the oportunity to make the closest thing to a perfect camera that can be conceived today. Even better, being able to mount the sensor module solidly directly to the body with a 4 screw system that you can torque with your thumbs, so we can use heavy lenses without wobble. Would be the perfect camera. The features and image quality are incredible.

[@JakeBaconDigital]

Love your videos! You're literally the ONLY person who has mentioned how to balance this camera

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks Jake!!!

[@EmileModesitt]

+1 for a gimbal-less version!! Would be the most usable camera on the market!

[@NERV0USMONKEYS]

I hate reviews channels, you are The only exception!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thanks CS!

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

Red jacket is back! Love the virtual background 🔥 You know the more I think about it, if they released a version without the gimbal, and thus the lens limitations, this would make a solid cinema camera. Call it the Ronin 2D lol The gimbal is revolutionary, but for 90% of the time if your filming on a tripod, your not going to utilize it and fighting with what lenses you can use, which is more important

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Yes! The camera still has a place and it completely rocks at what it is designed to do. It just happens to be so good that we want it in another form factor! I'm so glad to the 4D exists. I just want to see a complementary model made.

[@NatesFilmTutorials]

@@dslrvideoshooter 100% Agree. I’m just now reaching the end where you have already thought of it 😆

[@CreeseWorks]

This was such a thorough breakdown. I now want this to be the design language of future cinema cameras. I'm definitely thinking of how to tweak that compact rig setup from a few videos ago to feel like this.

[@ItzSi]

That 1d looks incredible

[@liberalpoet]

Wow!! Thanks for the review! That thing is unbelievable!!

[@thebunn]

100% on a gimbal-less version. So many great features. Don't care about the gimbal. Best review of all reviews yet. Thank you Caleb!

[@SamHolland]

Amazing review and video AS ALWAYS! You confirmed all of my thoughts about this and I want the "1D" also. That would be the dream. Thanks again

[@johnpopedp]

Thoroughly enjoyed this review and could not agree more with your closing statements on how enjoyable the features are. My vote is with the 1D proposition. Thank you!

[@skeletoncake6111]

It would be perfect, if you could slap a "Gimbal module" on the front (like a tethered sensor block on other cine cameras). Then you would be able to switch from "1D" operation to "4D" Operation. I totally get your point and thought myself "this camera would be so much more "buyable" if you cound externalise/take off the gimbal part for when you donn't need it"

[@dslrvideoshooter]

That would also do the trick. But I have a feeling that Z arm assembly is probably way to complex to simple be removed but who knows!

[@skeletoncake6111]

@@dslrvideoshooter propably yes, it would have to be a pretty thicc Module for shure 😂

[@12345663484]

I couldn't agree more. When I first saw this thing I thought "wow, there are amazing features here and so much good stuff, but what if I don't want to use the gimbal??". I think the gimbal is cool for sure and when you need it it would be dope, but making it integral to the camera makes it hard to use the otherwise perfect rig a pain in any other situation. A 1D type rig would be amazing and probably make this camera take over from the fx6 as the the next cinema camera I wanna get.

[@_rhapsodist]

nice review Caleb and the gimbal-less version idea is great!

[@JurisDaugulis]

That Star Wars ft. Apple background makes me feel like I have been to the future. Great review as always

[@speedbird737]

Im in the UK and took delivery of the 8K Ronin 4D combo just before christmas - comes with Pro-SSD and native DL zoom lens (17-28mm) - also comes with ProRes Raw ! its a beast!!!

[@anthonypc1]

The most adorable part: 12:45

[@tomcypher3864]

That's just amazing! Thank you for this hard work!

[@christodec]

Very good insider and non biased factual review - congrats

[@boxoffisa]

Watching things I can’t buy now makes me enjoy the content even more.

[@capionstudio]

Love it Caleb. Great breakdown, and nice insight / idea on a Ronin 1D. DJI have revolutionized the way we think about cameras and totally spoiled us. Cant wait to get my hands on a 4D at some point, it slots in perfectly to the style of work I perform!

[@evilpigskin]

Great review!!! Super complete! Thanks Caleb!

[@videoguyla]

Oh no not much to say other than WOW. This creates a whole new world for cinematographers and assistants and has a lot of the virtual camera feature mindset that we're talking about in Hollywood

[@AJ_UK_LIVE]

My goodness Caleb, your camera shots at the beginning of this video are beautiful.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Thank you!

[@michaelpoczynek]

Very cool, Caleb. Excellent video as always.

[@brianjordan5629]

Amazing technology on the Ronin 4D but I love your idea too. It’s like we get the best of both worlds.

[@Chris-ey7zy]

Finally review of this by you.

[@OldManRunner]

Thank you Caleb. Such a well made video. Sharp, detailed, thorough and always engaging. With a really interesting point to make.

[@burtbrotherswoodworks4283]

I've watched idk how many reviews over this camera buf alot lol, so far your review has been one of the best you've, covered alot that other reviews glimps over thanks for the video 👍

[@PouyaLucky]

"I want this camera with some of these amazing features just without the gimbal" I bet you next gen cinema cameras will have these options as either standard or addon. Great review as always and very detailed. I wish you included a few minutes of cinematic sequences with music and everything to showcase how it looks on a polished product. Keep up the great work

[@HarrisonWaters]

Great video as always Caleb. 1D is a great idea!

[@Musicaenvivo420]

I was upset when i got mine and i was not informed NONE OF THE "combos" come with lenses and to top if off B&H was the worst at "trying" to help i had to re irder everything to add lenses and ssd card and mount, but well hopefully i get my setup soon

[@KenTVtw]

the lens are trash though just get sony lens

[@calebcollinshomes]

That’s the best idea I’ve heard about this camera!

[@michaelkemp2241]

What a badass pro level camera. The pros definitely outweighs the cons. It would be a dream to have the Ronin 4D!!!

[@darkknightwithanidea1845]

Thorough & great review … again, as always. 🎥👍🏻

[@RamasolaProductions]

I agree on the 1D version!

[@KaraAshleyThrace]

Out of the probably 15-20 videos I've watched on the 4D none went over in depth all the buttons, features in such detail. I Really appreciated that in your video. Thank you.

this camera is such a game changer for me ... and i don't say it for fun this is literally a gamecahnger, i sold my gimbals, focus motors, monitors, sliders, steadycam vests ... and so much more ... this is the perfect camera for my use case

[@CompleteGeekTV]

I’d like to see the opposite of a “Gimballess” version and I wish they would make a “Sensorless” version that we could add our own cameras too. Like the A7siii.. I personally like this form factor a lot more than the one handed gimbals or the humongous ring handle options for the DJI RS2. The only other way to add that 4th axis stabilization on to pre-existing cameras is to do some sort of steadicam vest system or the Tilta float. I would gladly attach an a7Siii to a system like the 4d and never take it off

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Yes! Or at least a DJI Ronin S with a Z-arm.

[@toddpeterson5904]

This is the kind of innovation we need in professional cameras. Totally agree that it would be great to have a non-gimbal version. Now, if they could only add more buttons, dials, and knobs....

[@TheFilmmakersWorkshop]

Awesome review. Totally agree with your final thoughts on the Ronin 1D. Fingers crossed! Keep em coming. Adam 😎

[@Braedin]

Hopefully the next ronin has that 4th axis 👀

[@waynewrz]

I have no intention of buying this camera, and I've seen many other videos on it, but I couldn't pass up yours man. Thanks for the great and informative video Caleb.

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Aw thanks for watching man!!!

[@SpLitSecondS_]

Even being on other side of the planet from you you still somehow reading my mind!!! 1D !

[@LeechTM]

Not only is the review great and very detailed, noooo, your also experimenting with a "Virtual" Background just for the fun of it. Great WORK!

[@johnnybermudez]

The 1d looks sick... I'm in

[@dimitrimoonlight]

Thanks for your reviewing. I use H265 codec 10 bit 4:2:0 C4k on M1 Mac mini with no problem to playback.

[@SiRizky_]

Best Review.. Impressive!🙌⚡

[@hollywoodgrump5164]

Wow, you read my mind from the get-go. Love the innovative camera features, do not need/want the gimbal. Great, thorough review as always.

[@davideastham]

Always have to like a video from Caleb !!

[@ross4814]

Thank you for this video. I am really close to purchasing the 4D and missed the fact I need the SSD to shoot in 6K raw. I love your idea of a 1D.

[@AdamBhay]

Nailed it. I'm dumb jealous of the features of this camera. Those handles in particular, I want on absolutely everything.

[@tobydeane556]

Great idea with the DJI Ronin 1D. It’s been a long time coming. I think DJI will take over the camera game because they deliver a product with the end user in mind, something very rare these days. If they continue to listen to customers feedback I believe they can take over. DJI for the win!

[@dirks4093]

Excellent review. Nicely done. You convinced me of a lot of things I needed to hear (good and bad). Thank you.

[@TohPhimmasenh]

I mostly shoot 4K prores HQ on my bmpcc 6k pro record to my samsung T7 this camera does everything I'm doing now plus more and no more gimbal set up, for the work that I do the 2 supported tamron lenses would do all the job require it's truely the perfect camera for me

[@exitmass]

Robin 1D… genius DJI, I’m ready to preorder!

[@frankfeng2701]

If Sony and DJI can team up on cinema camera and drone, game over for everyone else.

[@JoaquimGonsalves]

The 4D is so unique that Caleb went to outer space to do the B Roll!

[@MaxKissler]

Love the Ronin 4D Cinema Camera Concept Art! Looks solid and like a camera I'd like to use.

[@bake.agency]

This thing is scary advanced! Woah!

[@capturethisfilms]

my head just exploded lol ... bro... LEGEND!

[@JimiCanRead]

There’s so much clever stuff in this

[@scottievee330]

1% of the people watching clicked the like button. WTF? Great work, comprehensive and accurate. Great product for the one and done shooter. Does it all BUT... drops the ball in some areas as you point out.

[@yuxuanhuang3523]

I understand what you mean by that '1D', but this is meant to compete as a single-person on-the-move machine where you get focous and stability which was quite hard to achieve with traditional setups, so taking away the gimbal would make it an oversized A7 thus not competitive. it would be better if you could lock up the gimbal mechanically like with those gimbals when they fold up, so you can have tripod mode , power off the motors and use heavier lenses. I am sure someone, preferably DJI, makes a lock-up modification and release a motor-off mode in new firmware.

[@JamesSpurin]

If Batman created a Cinema Camera, this would be it! Incredible video, thanks again Caleb

[@thomasjmcclure]

would love to know how you did that star wars looking backdrop. projector? also great review!

[@dslrvideoshooter]

Tutorial coming in the new year!

[@SLLORATECH]

WOW 😲😳 Good Job ❤️ bro 🔥❤️

[@sambrandner]

16:15 just a heads up, the blue channel is where most of your noise is going to exist on every camera!