DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro
- Thread starter ahalpert
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rob norton
Veteran
Do you use a ring grip with it and or easyrig etc or just handheld?
rob norton
Veteran
An actual go cart steering wheel? Can you put the rig on the ground?
ahalpert
Major Contributor
What's the advantage of the steering wheel over 2 side handles? I feel like the side handles would be more ergonomic? Aren't you tilting your wrists way down?
I got an rs4. Broke it in yesterday. Nice product.
The last time I researched gimbals, it didn't seem like the Stabilization was improving from one generation to the next, they were just adding and refining features. I didn't do much research this time but that was my assumption.
I've been doing shoots with up to 3 cameras mounted on gimbals. I've been using an rsc2, rs3 mini, and zhiyun weebill-s. I also have a ronin-s which is the only unit I have a lens motor for and when I need to fly a zoom I use that rig, but I favor lightweight gimbals for endurance.
I was planning to replace my weebill-s with an rs4 mini if it came out because the plastic tie-downs on the weebill can slip and the rig loses balance. Happens to me like twice per shoot day, total pain.
I like the rs3 mini but some of the longer/heavier lenses I fly on it cause it to struggle. So I figured I'd just get the rs4. I prefer the weight of the mini but it's not a massive difference.
So now on a wedding shoot, the mini flies the wide angle and the rsc2 and rs4 fly the normal and the telephoto.
By the way, Rob, I think you asked me why I didn't strap 2 phones to my arm for controlling 2 different cameras. I bought a strap that fits lower on my arm and now I'm doing that. And I bought the biggest size camera holsters available, which fit the entire rigs if you don't use the tripod stand. So I have the normal and telephoto connected to controllers continuously. And the wide angle, which I use less often, I just operate off the body and match the settings of the other 2. Lens changes are super fast this way.
I like the Teflon coating on the rs4 and the fine tuning knob for the tilt axis. It addresses subtle but persistent pain points of earlier versions and shows they must be listening to their user base. I like the ptf/pf/fpv switch. That's a very fast way to go between different modes and I assume that your speed/smoothness settings for M1/2/3 can then be applied to any of those shooting modes. The menu interface is very intuitive.
I don't like how easy it is to bump the axis locks. That happens to me all the time. And I think the tie downs could be more rigid. Sometimes the unit seems to shift slightly, and certain the camera will turn on the baseplate from pressure. I need to solve that.
I got an rs4. Broke it in yesterday. Nice product.
The last time I researched gimbals, it didn't seem like the Stabilization was improving from one generation to the next, they were just adding and refining features. I didn't do much research this time but that was my assumption.
I've been doing shoots with up to 3 cameras mounted on gimbals. I've been using an rsc2, rs3 mini, and zhiyun weebill-s. I also have a ronin-s which is the only unit I have a lens motor for and when I need to fly a zoom I use that rig, but I favor lightweight gimbals for endurance.
I was planning to replace my weebill-s with an rs4 mini if it came out because the plastic tie-downs on the weebill can slip and the rig loses balance. Happens to me like twice per shoot day, total pain.
I like the rs3 mini but some of the longer/heavier lenses I fly on it cause it to struggle. So I figured I'd just get the rs4. I prefer the weight of the mini but it's not a massive difference.
So now on a wedding shoot, the mini flies the wide angle and the rsc2 and rs4 fly the normal and the telephoto.
By the way, Rob, I think you asked me why I didn't strap 2 phones to my arm for controlling 2 different cameras. I bought a strap that fits lower on my arm and now I'm doing that. And I bought the biggest size camera holsters available, which fit the entire rigs if you don't use the tripod stand. So I have the normal and telephoto connected to controllers continuously. And the wide angle, which I use less often, I just operate off the body and match the settings of the other 2. Lens changes are super fast this way.
I like the Teflon coating on the rs4 and the fine tuning knob for the tilt axis. It addresses subtle but persistent pain points of earlier versions and shows they must be listening to their user base. I like the ptf/pf/fpv switch. That's a very fast way to go between different modes and I assume that your speed/smoothness settings for M1/2/3 can then be applied to any of those shooting modes. The menu interface is very intuitive.
I don't like how easy it is to bump the axis locks. That happens to me all the time. And I think the tie downs could be more rigid. Sometimes the unit seems to shift slightly, and certain the camera will turn on the baseplate from pressure. I need to solve that.
cpreston
Veteran
Here is a photo of the setup from when I used to run the C500 and grip on the side with the steering wheel. The steering wheel is actually much more stable to hold and set on the ground and it allows me to rest the gimbal against my waist and chest. Also, weight ends up almost entirely in the bicep rather than on the wrist and those relatively weak shoulder muscles at the front of the shoulder. I bought a padded vest to make it even easier to rest the camera against me.
Frankly, I don't know why the steering wheel isn't the normal setup for gimbals.
NorBro
Major Contributor
On a side note, very true and accurate...used to tell guys to work them with front lateral raises, helps a lot with the camera slinging to build them a little. You could pretty much do this with anything (like a camera bag with some accessories in it) because they are in fact so much weaker than other prominent daily muscles.
ahalpert
Major Contributor
So you find the ergonomics are superior? How about the actual steering? Also seems like the grips are closer set than some alternatives
Since I use my left hand intermittently for tapping the controls, I have to be able to singlehandedly carry the rig, which usually means my right hand stays on the center column. Which is fine since the joystick is there anyway. But if I wasn't using the smartphone controller I would probably get the tethered control handle and spread my hands to two side handles. With lightweight rigs, I'm not dying from the ergonomics even if I fly them all day
rob norton
Veteran
Thanks for the photos and info Casey. The steering wheel looks great!
I held off buying a gimbal for a very long time but just picked up the rs4 pro/tilta advanced ring. We'll see how it goes.
Using with the c200, looks like I'll actually have a use for the phone/browser to possibly control start/stop recording.
I completely forgot you can, in a delayed way, control focus and other settings too, pretty helpful.
I held off buying a gimbal for a very long time but just picked up the rs4 pro/tilta advanced ring. We'll see how it goes.
Using with the c200, looks like I'll actually have a use for the phone/browser to possibly control start/stop recording.
I completely forgot you can, in a delayed way, control focus and other settings too, pretty helpful.
ahalpert
Major Contributor
welcome to the dark side. let us know how you like it.
by the way, speaking of phone controllers, I started using a 2nd phone on my arm lower than the first one, which I think was a suggestion you made to control multiple cameras. just had to get a mount with a thicker diameter to fit that part of the arm. it's an uncomfortable situation but it works.
as for remote control of the gimbal head, the best thing I've found is a ps4 controller. but you have to connect it to the gimbal through a phone running the ronin app.
rob norton
Veteran
Thanks. That's cool, distribute as much as possible off the rig and onto the body!
I'm definitely going to pick up a ps4 controller. I'd like to experiment with the phone mounted on a tripod but I don't have a proper fluid head tripod, only a miller air, which couldn't pan and tilt at the same time to save its life.
I did a shoot all day yesterday with an absurd rig, I'll share a photo tour when I get a chance. Basically 4x smallrig super clamps to hold accessories on the ring (mic, wireless tx, camera monitor, phone). I used a ready rig, which saved the day but you pan way more than you tilt with a gimbal so I feel like the easyrig with stabil attachment is the way to go, the RR felt like I was fighting the pans but probably more user error than a limitation.
I'm definitely going to pick up a ps4 controller. I'd like to experiment with the phone mounted on a tripod but I don't have a proper fluid head tripod, only a miller air, which couldn't pan and tilt at the same time to save its life.
I did a shoot all day yesterday with an absurd rig, I'll share a photo tour when I get a chance. Basically 4x smallrig super clamps to hold accessories on the ring (mic, wireless tx, camera monitor, phone). I used a ready rig, which saved the day but you pan way more than you tilt with a gimbal so I feel like the easyrig with stabil attachment is the way to go, the RR felt like I was fighting the pans but probably more user error than a limitation.
QuickHitRecord
Veteran
Just wanted to drop in and say that this thread helped me out a lot! Especially the @cpreston steering wheel mod. I haven't seen anyone else do this on Youtube or the other socials, so I guess DVX still does have some unique problem solvers hanging around!
I recently went with the DJI RS4 Pro and their new AI focusing module. I'm not totally there yet in terms of a product that I'd be confident to hand over to a client, but I'm getting there. Here's my C70 rigged up with the steering wheel:
I like the steering wheel a lot more than the stock mini tripod. I don't have to be so careful about setting it down, and it's not as top-heavy -- an annoyance that I had with the Zhiyun Crane2 a few years back. I also like that I can rest the wheel on my belt or a hip, or even set the whole thing down on my steadybag to give my arms a break. I've also attached a mini arca plate underneath using a gimbal counterweight as a spacer so that I can just stick it onto a tripod if I want to, but it doesn't touch the ground when I set the whole thing down.
So far, these settings have been the best I've tried. I've also mapped the tilt to the dial on the RS4, and disabled the up + down on the joystick so that I have clearly separated controls for panning and tilting.
The AI module is great! It helps you keep a subject framed up the way you want them when you need to be focusing on your walk. Plus, you can just set a focus box on that part of the frame and just not have to worry about missing focus.
I experimented with the Digital IS mode on the C70 (after a recent firmware update allowed for the Vector Motion to be disabled), but still got some wierd jitters so I'm exiling it from my user menu and just ordering the RF 16-28mm lens instead.
For the C70, the CameoGear CameoGrip allows LANC control of start/stop, aperture adjustment (up and down on the joystick) and two other assignable buttons.
I recently went with the DJI RS4 Pro and their new AI focusing module. I'm not totally there yet in terms of a product that I'd be confident to hand over to a client, but I'm getting there. Here's my C70 rigged up with the steering wheel:
I like the steering wheel a lot more than the stock mini tripod. I don't have to be so careful about setting it down, and it's not as top-heavy -- an annoyance that I had with the Zhiyun Crane2 a few years back. I also like that I can rest the wheel on my belt or a hip, or even set the whole thing down on my steadybag to give my arms a break. I've also attached a mini arca plate underneath using a gimbal counterweight as a spacer so that I can just stick it onto a tripod if I want to, but it doesn't touch the ground when I set the whole thing down.
So far, these settings have been the best I've tried. I've also mapped the tilt to the dial on the RS4, and disabled the up + down on the joystick so that I have clearly separated controls for panning and tilting.
The AI module is great! It helps you keep a subject framed up the way you want them when you need to be focusing on your walk. Plus, you can just set a focus box on that part of the frame and just not have to worry about missing focus.
I experimented with the Digital IS mode on the C70 (after a recent firmware update allowed for the Vector Motion to be disabled), but still got some wierd jitters so I'm exiling it from my user menu and just ordering the RF 16-28mm lens instead.
For the C70, the CameoGear CameoGrip allows LANC control of start/stop, aperture adjustment (up and down on the joystick) and two other assignable buttons.
little bobby
Well-known member
This go-cart steer wheel mod is one of the most creative mods I've seen to a gimbal in a long time.
Have you had any glare from the chrome on the steering wheel? That would be my only concern but nothing some black gaff or hockey tape couldn't fix.
Been looking at the RS4 Pro as well as my Zhiyun Crane 3 Lab is starting to become the limiting factor for some of my b-roll shoots. Seems like ecosystem around the DJI gimbals is pretty robust with multiple 3rd party manufacturers creating accessories for it beyond what DJI offers.
Have you had any glare from the chrome on the steering wheel? That would be my only concern but nothing some black gaff or hockey tape couldn't fix.
Been looking at the RS4 Pro as well as my Zhiyun Crane 3 Lab is starting to become the limiting factor for some of my b-roll shoots. Seems like ecosystem around the DJI gimbals is pretty robust with multiple 3rd party manufacturers creating accessories for it beyond what DJI offers.
QuickHitRecord
Veteran
No issues yet but I can imagine a scenario where the sun bouncing off the chrome shows up in the scene. Darkening it would be a smart idea.
I bought a Digital Foto Thanos SE to use with my gimbal. I put it on and I instantly hated it. But apparently this is a common first reaction to it, and it eventually it seems to win people over. I'm skeptical, but I am hanging onto it for the time being, just in case. In all honesty, using it with the steering wheel and a steadybag like I have been isn't a terrible way to go either.
I had to invert the gimbal for a low mode shot on a recent project and had a laugh when I actually got to use the steering wheel to turn the gimbal as I was working to keep the subject in the frame. It felt like I was playing a video game.
The thing that I am currently trying to figure out is how to keep the arca plate at the base pointing in the right direction (forward).