man in foreground points Ronin 4D at an actor in the background

The DJI Ronin 4D combines a 4-axis motorized gimbal with a professional cinema camera, LiDAR focusing and wireless transmission. The all-in-one design makes for a highly mobile and highly capable camera rig. With this new system, DJI aims to relieve some of the worst pain points for run-and-gun cinematographers.

The Zenmuse X9 full-frame cinema camera

At the heart of the system is DJI’s Zenmuse X9 full-frame camera. Powering that is the CineCore 3.0 image processing system, allowing for internal recording of Apple ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 HQ and H.264 video. The Zenmuse X9 can shoot resolutions up to DCI 8K at 75 frames per second (fps) and 4K at up to 120 fps.

The camera also offers dual native ISO for better low-light performance and a built-in 9-stop ND filter. Plus, DJI promises more than 14 stops of dynamic range along with “authentic and accurate colors.”

The Zenmuse X9 uses DJI’s DL mount, with support for three compact full-frame prime lenses (more lenses on the way). Users can also swap the DL mount for another interchangeable lens mount such as Leica M.

DJI added the Z-axis

The rig’s integrated gimbal gives the Ronin 4D not three, but four axes of stabilization, substantially reducing vertical shake. The gimbal works together with a downward Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensor, forward and downward dual-visual sensors, a built-in IMU and barometer, and an advanced new algorithm to deliver stabilization that DJI promises is “on par with a dolly.”

According to DJI, “When this compact body combines with its powerful stabilization capabilities, complex camera movements that used to be very costly to achieve are now easily attainable.”

The Ronin 4D aims to make focusing easier

Another highlight of the Ronin 4D is its LiDAR Focusing System. “Compared with phase detection autofocus (PDAF), Ronin 4D’s LiDAR Focusing System can focus faster, without compromising the image quality or relying on the surface texture of the subject,” DJI says. This is possible thanks to the LiDAR Range Finder, which casts up to 43,200 ranging points within a 10-meter detection range.

For manual focusing, the LiDAR Waveform displays ranging focus points from the top-down. DJI promises this simplified view will make achieving precise focus easier and more intuitive.

The Ronin 4D also includes ActiveTrack Pro. DJI claims the tech can deliver “cinema-standard tracking shots, even in just one take.”

Wireless transmission

Rounding out the feature set, the Ronin 4D also features DJI’s O3 Pro Video Transmission technology, offering a 20,000-foot transmission range. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5.8GHz as well as the DFS frequency band and an AES 256-bit encryption algorithm that can output a 1080p/60fps FHD feed to multiple remote monitors simultaneously.

Pricing an availability

The DJI Ronin 4D is currently available for pre-order and will begin shipping in December 2021. The Ronin 4D-6K is priced at $7,200 and the 8K version is $11,500. For full details, head to dji.com.


Nicole LaJeunesse is a professional writer and a curious person who loves to unpack stories on anything from music, to movies, to gaming and beyond.