Wanted to get some feedback on buying a motorized gimbal for weddings. I am looking at the OSMO or Ronin M maybe MX. What do you guys think would the Osmo cut it? I like the OSMO's size and weight, I don't like the bit rate on the built in camera and low light look, but I figured on using a small led light in low light settings. I primarily need the tool for some cutaway B Roll shots to enhance the overall cinematic video look. I don't care about audio. On the other hand I like the fact that I can mount my 70D on the Ronin and choose my glass but I don't like the added weight and size. What's your take. I am also open to other suggestions.
DJI Osmo vs Ronin for Weddings
- Thread starter Ken1212
- Start date
Bern Caughey
Veteran
I don't work in the wedding field, but do a fair amount of documentary-esque work.
The Ronin, or similar dual-handle gimbals, are great, & allow a lot options such as adding a monitor, wireless follow focus, & second operator, but if your not wearing a EasyRig, or such, the overall weight is fatiguing. And having to lug around their stand just so you can put them down can be a hassle. The Helix series can be put down without a stand, but are just about as bulky, & heavy. Given the option I treat these gimbals much like a Steadicam, & hire a dedicated operator.
The Osmo is an elegant solution for lesser needs, but DJI's cameras don't turn my crank, so suggest looking at other single-handle gimbals. I just picked up a ZhiYun Crane because it's easy to setup, & transport, but it's best used with payloads of 1200 grams, or less, & you'd likely want something more robust. I'm very interested in Beholder's EC1, but it's just hitting the market, & might be hard to source. The EC1 claims a maximum payload double the ZhiYun's, & uses a Manfrotto compatible quick release plate, both features I miss with the Crane. It also has more mounting points, & they're 3/8-16, as opposed to the single 1/4-20 on the ZhiYun.
The single-handle of these type of gimbals make operating less precise then two-handle versions, but it's easy enough to attach a pair of handles to their base to remedy this somewhat. I believe Beholder offers a simple screw-on attachment, as do others, & there are 3rd party, plus DIY solutions. Of course if you add too many bits onto these gimbals they start to have the same issues as the natively two-handle models.
If your comfortable tuning PID settings in SimpleBGC then the EC1, or Helix, might be a great choice. If not then DJI's software is supposed to be much more intuitive. ZhiYun developed their own software too, & (supposedly) the gimbal can be tuned using the iOS app, but it's weight restriction may not play well with your dSLR, & heavier lenses.
There's a number of discussions about single-handle gimbals going on the Industy News forum that I suggest digging thru. These devices are still maturing, & seems every month there's a new kid on the court, so I understand why those threads have ended up in that forum, but it be nice if they made their way down here to the Support section.
The Ronin, or similar dual-handle gimbals, are great, & allow a lot options such as adding a monitor, wireless follow focus, & second operator, but if your not wearing a EasyRig, or such, the overall weight is fatiguing. And having to lug around their stand just so you can put them down can be a hassle. The Helix series can be put down without a stand, but are just about as bulky, & heavy. Given the option I treat these gimbals much like a Steadicam, & hire a dedicated operator.
The Osmo is an elegant solution for lesser needs, but DJI's cameras don't turn my crank, so suggest looking at other single-handle gimbals. I just picked up a ZhiYun Crane because it's easy to setup, & transport, but it's best used with payloads of 1200 grams, or less, & you'd likely want something more robust. I'm very interested in Beholder's EC1, but it's just hitting the market, & might be hard to source. The EC1 claims a maximum payload double the ZhiYun's, & uses a Manfrotto compatible quick release plate, both features I miss with the Crane. It also has more mounting points, & they're 3/8-16, as opposed to the single 1/4-20 on the ZhiYun.
The single-handle of these type of gimbals make operating less precise then two-handle versions, but it's easy enough to attach a pair of handles to their base to remedy this somewhat. I believe Beholder offers a simple screw-on attachment, as do others, & there are 3rd party, plus DIY solutions. Of course if you add too many bits onto these gimbals they start to have the same issues as the natively two-handle models.
If your comfortable tuning PID settings in SimpleBGC then the EC1, or Helix, might be a great choice. If not then DJI's software is supposed to be much more intuitive. ZhiYun developed their own software too, & (supposedly) the gimbal can be tuned using the iOS app, but it's weight restriction may not play well with your dSLR, & heavier lenses.
There's a number of discussions about single-handle gimbals going on the Industy News forum that I suggest digging thru. These devices are still maturing, & seems every month there's a new kid on the court, so I understand why those threads have ended up in that forum, but it be nice if they made their way down here to the Support section.
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Thanks Bern for the input, my preference is to keep things light and quick since this is for few B-Roll shots to add some dynamic shots mainly in weddings. My only concern with the Osmo I feel it's going to be a challenge in low light plus the bit rate. I am going to look at some of the other single handed units and maybe be purchase a mirrorless camera like the Panasonic 4/3 GX85 or G7
Bern Caughey
Veteran
Thought about getting a Osmo with the Micro 4/3 format X5 camera, & Focus Handwheel, but it doesn't seem ready for prime time quite yet. Too bad as I already own most the compatible lenses.
There's potential in the platform so hopefully firmware updates resolve most the issues.
There's potential in the platform so hopefully firmware updates resolve most the issues.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
I own an Osmo and agree with Bern, get a Crane. The Osmo is only decent in daylight. Interiors, unless there is a pretty good ambient level, get really ugly, really quickly. It's small, easy to use, weighs nothing and is faster than a Crane but in the end, the Crane with a small mirrorless isn't that much heavier and the images will be much better than the Osmo. I am keeping my Osmo as it is handy but not quite good enough quality for some of the work I need it for. I'm buying a Fuji XT2 with the Crane, going to be a killer little setup. I like the Fuji colors, metal body and dedicated controls much better than the GH4 or A6300.
puredrifting
Major Contributor
Shot a nice gig for CBS broadcast yesterday with the Crane and a Canon 80D, cant say the show but it was rehearsal of some dancing, my first time out with the Crane and it performed well. Have a Fuji XT-2 on order but the Canon 80D will get me by although it's size is too large for the Crane, the Crane is made for small mirrorless cameras, not DSLRs. The camera and lens were hitting parts of the Crane if I tried to do certain moves that I never needed to do in shooting like 270 degree pans. Going to try the 24mm 2.8 STM pancake lens next, I was using the Canon 10-18 STM IS yesterday and it worked fine but is a little slow and a little too large for the 80D body on the Crane. The Crain is pretty cool though it works well.