DJI RONIN Group Buy

[Pete Capo]

Really interested!

 

[Abiodun Shote]

Hello Zeb,
Thanks for all you are doing for the Ronin GB, I have a suggestion for you.
I think its getting to 6 weeks now and we still don't have a clear picture of what our GB price is, nor do we have an ideal what final product design / accessories we will be getting.
To prevent a "mirage" effect, (also to save us from having to check the thread 10times a day for an update that is not available yet) I am suggesting that we make a REFUNDABLE deposit to DJI (maybe $500 or $1,000). DJI can then provide a time window for this deposit to be recalled (refund) or change to NON-refundable once they release product pricing, accessories /design that is going to come with this GB.

This way, I don't have to lurking around this thread every now and then. I don't doubt the product quality or the benefits we are going to get from this GB, but I am skeptic about the reality of the timeline considering the time is taking DJI to provide the pricing info, seems like they are still in R&D stage with some components.

Thanks

 

[Phil Dingeldein]

Hello all... new to the group and heard about this group buy for the DJI Ronin. Please add me to the list if it's not too late. Thanks!

 

[Cassidy lackos]

Interested

Interested

Interested

 

[Serena M]

Interested

 

[Zeb B]

Hello Zeb,
Thanks for all you are doing for the Ronin GB, I have a suggestion for you.
I think its getting to 6 weeks now and we still don't have a clear picture of what our GB price is, nor do we have an ideal what final product design / accessories we will be getting.
To prevent a "mirage" effect, (also to save us from having to check the thread 10times a day for an update that is not available yet) I am suggesting that we make a REFUNDABLE deposit to DJI (maybe $500 or $1,000). DJI can then provide a time window for this deposit to be recalled (refund) or change to NON-refundable once they release product pricing, accessories /design that is going to come with this GB.

This way, I don't have to lurking around this thread every now and then. I don't doubt the product quality or the benefits we are going to get from this GB, but I am skeptic about the reality of the timeline considering the time is taking DJI to provide the pricing info, seems like they are still in R&D stage with some components.

Thanks

DJI is a large, multi-department China based corporation so communication is a bit challenging at times but they are getting close to providing us the GB kit / support information. They have promised a beta unit for me to use in the near future which I will put to work and report my findings and impressions. I want detail and clarity on price, performance and proposed support before any money changes hands.

 

[Abiodun Shote]

DJI is a large, multi-department China based corporation so communication is a bit challenging at times but they are getting close to providing us the GB kit / support information. They have promised a beta unit for me to use in the near future which I will put to work and report my findings and impressions. I want detail and clarity on price, performance and proposed support before any money changes hands.

...thanks for all your efforts. The situation is clearer now.

 

[Kemalettin Sert]

DJI is a large, multi-department China based corporation so communication is a bit challenging at times but they are getting close to providing us the GB kit / support information. They have promised a beta unit for me to use in the near future which I will put to work and report my findings and impressions. I want detail and clarity on price, performance and proposed support before any money changes hands.

near future is broad term.

 

[Peter Lan]

right now I am more worried that the longer this drags on without a confirmed package and price we will start losing people that were "interested"

 

[Note Suwanchote]

I'm wondering---how's the customer service with DJI?

 

[Zeb B]

I'm wondering---how's the customer service with DJI?

Unknown: like most gimbal manufacturers, DJI will have to set up a Cine service / support system from scratch. My guess is that their hobby lobby RC copter network currently in place will be only a small part of the final Cine program necessary to support the movie industry and film making professional. AMP would be an exception since they are currently involved in the LA area scene with their copter business and work closely with RED. I expect that DJI will announce what they have in mind for Ronin Cine support in the very near future. The examples I might personally model after include Apple, Tesla and Canon CPS. They're big boyz and I'm sure they know what they are doing without our silly input.

 

[Abiodun Shote]

right now I am more worried that the longer this drags on without a confirmed package and price we will start losing people that were "interested"

Some will definately move on especially once Letus starts shipping, the greater worry is DJI's timeline.

 

[Adam Eden]

I bought a Phantom 2 with 3d3d gimbal from a reputable source in Australia. I needed a couple of spare parts that are worth about 20c each and the after sales service from DJI is disgusting, they cannot supply my supplier with part numbers so they can order them for me and DJI told me to find a better supplier and won't deal direct for a couple of rubber bushing screws.

I now have no interest in being part of this group buy so please take me off the list as i want nothing to do with DJI for anything ever again, as my Phantom 2 cannot be used without these plastic screws and literally I'm screwed and cannot use the device now.

 

[Abiodun Shote]

Unknown: like most gimbal manufacturers, DJI will have to set up a Cine service / support system from scratch. My guess is that their hobby lobby RC copter network currently in place will be only a small part of the final Cine program necessary to support the movie industry and film making professional. AMP would be an exception since they are currently involved in the LA area scene with their copter business and work closely with RED. I expect that DJI will announce what they have in mind for Ronin Cine support in the very near future. The examples I might personally model after include Apple, Tesla and Canon CPS. They're big boyz and I'm sure they know what they are doing without our silly input.

Will AMP be involve with support for the Ronin? I understand the bureaucracy of public communication when it comes to large, multi-department companies however I think DJI needs to take a cue from RED. Look what hienle is done over at the Letus GB. Having a nice product is one thing but CS is another major factor. I can't imagine what Adam has gone thru, $1000 gone down the drain cos of 20c rubber bushing screws.
If and when this GB goes down, with approx 250 units bought, certainly some folks will need CS and if DJI is unresponsive, some of us might be coming to you (with the assumption that you have an open line of communication with DJI) for help. This certainly would put some strain on your time. Its really important that we understand the level of CS that comes with the product, DJI should be very clear with it and like Constantine wrote here http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?115003-Letus-Gimbal&p=1368718&viewfull=1#post1368718 its whole new experience we are about to get into. Damages are going to occur, spare parts will be needed, factory error will occur, DOAs might even occur, what CS is in place for all these probabilities?

And like you finely wrote

DJI and BeSteady can learn a thing or two communication from Letus ;-)

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

I cannot judge which company is the best for technical support and which isnt. That is only proved when time comes to resolve a problem. And that very much depends on , in which part of the world you live in.

In general , considering there arent any main differences in choice of rigs and performance, and depending on common sense, and not the continues excitment that is flowing around this forum I would 1) buy a product that is manufactured as close as possible to my country 2) a product that I can maybe have hands on trial , or have someone I trust do this for me though personal taste can vary from man to man 3) Buy from a company that has more experience with real cinema tools and not only rc experience.

Explaining No3 means this. There are 10s of guys in rc forums that can make you a gyrostabilised gimbal at any time. For copter use, for hheld use etc. But I really doubt if there is one single person that knows how the control of the camera should be, what makes sense to a real operator in terms of ergonomics, have experience in crane jibs operation, or steadicam operation, and design this so it makes sense. Some times craziness in fast development just because of huge interest , create companies that state that they are experts, and a lot of bla bla, just to get interest and get the most customers on their side. On the other hand I can understand that an camera man isnt always very educated in everything on the tech side, and he judges by instinct, looks, etc. Also GB do spread a lot of excitement and some times create different teams that battle in between them with out even know what they are battling for, since most havent even tested any similar devices.

In other words guys, get something that is good for your pocket ,possibly with support close to you, and learn how to use it, and get the best of it. If some of the exciting adaptations dont work so well, dont get frustrated, because thats what happens with new things, and you should really rely on your experience rather than other peoples experience for you. If for example you have no steadicam experience, you cannot judge , if a proposition from a company makes sense or not, and by that means, you gamble.
same goes for everything else. Of course its very important you know what you want to get out of a system for sure, and if the limitations dont bother you, then its all good.

The bottom line is, that you get a very cheap device that will eventually cover you and produce stable shots for your film making, and a few years back that was way more expensive to achieve. I know for a fact , that many for example bought steadicam devises from this forum, because of that GBs and excitement, only to find out, that it takes a lot of dedication and practice , to be able to make good shots and its not just a matter of getting a cheap tool. Then it was 10s of them being sold second hand.

Best regards

 

[Erich Roland]

I cannot judge which company is the best for technical support and which isnt. That is only proved when time comes to resolve a problem. And that very much depends on , in which part of the world you live in.

The bottom line is, that you get a very cheap device that will eventually cover you and produce stable shots for your film making, and a few years back that was way more expensive to achieve. I know for a fact , that many for example bought steadicam devises from this forum, because of that GBs and excitement, only to find out, that it takes a lot of dedication and practice , to be able to make good shots and its not just a matter of getting a cheap tool. Then it was 10s of them being sold second hand.

Best regards

well said Cantantine, true words.

Everybody loves the idea of beautiful smooth shots on all they're productions with a cheap tool to buy that's easy to use, but its rarely (if ever) that simple. I too bought one of those cheap steadicams and in a matter of months it turned into a pile of chinese metal rubbish. And what do I do send it back to China.... start making my own parts to replace the busted parts that I cant get the manufacturer to send?

I have some CS stories about Letus who has been around for many years now that are less then stellar, if anybody wants to hear send me a PM with your email address. Maybe its all different now, one hopes.

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

well said Cantantine, true words.

Everybody loves the idea of beautiful smooth shots on all they're productions with a cheap tool to buy that's easy to use, but its rarely (if ever) that simple. I too bought one of those cheap steadicams and in a matter of months it turned into a pile of Chinese metal rubbish. And what do I do send it back to China.... start making my own parts to replace the busted parts that I cant get the manufacturer to send?

I have some CS stories about Letus who has been around for many years now that are less then stellar, if anybody wants to hear send me a PM with your email address. Maybe its all different now, one hopes.

ok but on the other hand companies do improve , so by that I mean that a company that might not be very well in all aspects in their start, might change to a very good organised company in a few years. So its progress in general and following it.

edit @ as about Chinese stuff? well you should see how many photo cameras where flashing on Nab 2014 when Peter demoing the G1 and guess where the majority of the photographers were from? haha, yes I know what you say.in fact I have dealt with them many years back. Its impossible to be sure or confident about anything..

 

[Erich Roland]

chinese metal

chinese metal

Ive been suckered too many times into inexpensive products, then I wonder when I will learn my lesson. The old saying comes back again and again.

"the bitterness of low quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten".

You go to the trade show and of coarse everything works perfectly and you cant believe how this (fill in the blank).... follow focus, dslr cage/parts, steadicam, brushless gimble, etc.... how well it works and how much cheaper it is then the Arri, or the Chrosziel, Movi, or..... (other main stream part/gear maker).... and I happily throw down my money... ahhh what a great deal I've found! Then 3 months later I'm reminded once again why good quality gear cost more and usually worth the extra money. All it takes is one broken bit that takes months to replace (if you can replace) and I'm regretting the cheap buy and feel like crap.... that I did it again. Then have to go and buy the real deal item that I should have bought in the first place.

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

Ive been suckered too many times into inexpensive products, then I wonder when I will learn my lesson. The old saying comes back again and again.

"the bitterness of low quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten".

You go to the trade show and of coarse everything works perfectly and you cant believe how this (fill in the blank).... follow focus, dslr cage/parts, steadicam, brushless gimble, etc.... how well it works and how much cheaper it is then the Arri, or the Chrosziel, Movi, or..... (other main stream part/gear maker).... and I happily throw down my money... ahhh what a great deal I've found! Then 3 months later I'm reminded once again why good quality gear cost more and usually worth the extra money. All it takes is one broken bit that takes months to replace (if you can replace) and I'm regretting the cheap buy and feel like crap.... that I did it again. Then have to go and buy the real deal item that I should have bought in the first place.

considering your surname is a technological proof of achievement specially in the 80s 90s leading music industry , I should have thought that you wouldnt have done so many mistakes lolol , just kidding man. take care

I refer to JX3P , DR 505, etc etc hahahahaha awesome technoogyyyy

 

[scott devitte]

My two pennies- I looked at and tried all the gimbals at NAB, because I don't want to pay Movi prices. I too have been burned by a desire for cheap. The only two that could potentially answer to the above fears and concerns were the Letus and the Ronin. As I could have a use for each, and as I value having a backup, I am in for a group buy on both. I appreciate all the concerns being raised, I share them. I feel that at this stage of the game it is really good to let the companies know that we expect a top notch product with a long service life and, it's good for them to hear from people who have to make them work in the field. This is the time where changes to make a really useful product can occur. It seems that Letus has established a two way street and from what Zeb indicates Dji is working on it. Let's make sure that both companies rise to compete in the market with Movi.