There’s no denying that the DJI Ronin-S is a monster of a [single-handed] gimbal that’s capable of supporting heavy camera systems. DJI has now plugged the gap in their range by launching a brand-new, fully-loaded lighter 3-axis gimbal that’s called the Ronin-S Compact [SC].

Designed primarily for mirrorless camera systems, the Ronin-SC weighs just 1.1kg making it 41% lighter than its big brother, the Ronin-S. The new gimbal will take [up to] just under 2 kg, making a complete camera system that will weigh just over 3 kg.

Impressively, the new Ronin-SC promises approximately 11 hours of power While being lighter and smaller. Alongside being much lighter, the SC comes with a host of new features.

The Ronin-SC’s new design features include axis locks on all three axes [pan, tilt and roll] which makes balancing the camera much easier and is said to help with transportation, too. In addition to this, the Ronin-SC has a new position lock system, so once the gimbal is balanced, the time it takes to remount the camera and start working is shaved to just seconds, saving crucial time during shoots. Similarly to the larger Ronin-S, users can control the gimbal movement with the device’s joystick and access modes and settings with the Mode [M] button and the front trigger button.

You’ll also find a range of intelligent modes within the new Ronin-SC. The [redesigned] Ronin app will allow users to set [up to] 3 different custom profiles, modify settings such as motor output and even run balance tests to assure that the camera system is set up properly.

The 360-degree roll movement can be saved in one of the custom profiles by choosing it in the app, and for fast-paced scenes, there’s Sport mode, which enhances the response speed of the gimbal. This can be accessed easily by holding the Mode button.

The Ronin-SC has the same modes on offer as Ronin-S but with some new additions. The new ‘Force Mobile’ mode is similar to ‘Force Pro’ and synchronises the movement of any connected mobile device with the Ronin-SC. At the time of writing, Force Mobile mode is only accessible on iOS.

Users can now operate gimbal movements at a distance of [up to] 82 feet when utilising the new Bluetooth 5.0 link.

The Ronin-SC allows users to select a subject for the gimbal to follow using a mobile device. Its new algorithms include deep learning and also optimised calculations for tracking humans.

ActiveTrack 3.0 uses the mobile device’s camera to send information to the Ronin-SC, similar to the technology found in some of DJI’s drones and the Osmo range. Users can mount the mobile phone to the top of the camera’s hot shoe with the included phone holder mount, open the Ronin app and select the subject to follow automatically.

• Virtual Joystick: You can now control gimbal movement remotely using the virtual joystick, which is perfect for when the Ronin-SC is being supported on a tripod or monopod.
• TimeLapse: The SC’s TimeLapse controls allow the user to adjust settings including interval, clips and frames per second.
• Motionlapse: Users can add an element of motion to TimeLapse shooting.
• Motion Control: The Ronin SC allows setting of unique movement paths by using Motion Control and selecting up to 10 different points.
• Panorama: Automatically shoot panoramas in multiple rows or columns.

Although the new Ronin-SC isn’t compatible with existing Ronin-S, the Ronin-SC is compatible with a range of DJI accessories including a new, lighter & smaller external focus motor, Command Unit, DJI Force Pro, DJI Master Wheels, and a variety of third party accessories.
Whilst the Ronin-SC has been designed to work seamlessly with popular mirrorless camera systems on the market. A full list of compatibility can be found on the DJI Ronin-SC website.

Information on these compatible accessories can be found at DJI’s dedicated web page.

Pricing and availability

The Ronin-SC is now available at www.dji.com, flagship stores, and retail partners. You can choose between the Ronin-SC Standard, which includes the essentials to get you up and running for £325 or the or the Ronin-SC Pro Combo, which adds the focus wheel along with the external focus motor and the Remote Start Stop [RSS] Splitter for £415.