dji Ronin (XL) Multi Test-Shoot/Review!

[Ketch Rossi]

Hi every one...

As one which has always Tested and put specialty Gear to the test, I checked and used any Image Stabilization piece of equipment I could get my hands on, as I get motion seek easily when viewing Non-stabilized imagery or imagery that for what ever Story Telling decision has too much shaking going on, were as in Cloverfield as an example, I could never finish watching that Film because of JJ's choice on the shaking and shaking going on...

For this I made sure to do my best to stabilize my imagery as we did on my Skydive Dubai 2012 shoot... Which was an hard task to say the list, that put lot's of stress on my poor Camera Operator limiting our shooting and my choices, and I don't like to be limited in my storytelling!!

Then came The Movi... a great system, and grateful to be one of the very first to try it out and get to use it on one of my projects, but unfortunately it simply did NOT served my needs well, only been able to handle a very Compact Epic configuration struggling very much with even just a Leica Summilux Cine Prime and Motors with a side Handle.... And while today the Movi has a second version capable of doing a lot better... It also costs a small fortune, and still remains not easy to calibrate and time consuming at every little change.

FAST-FORWARD to today... And we have the "dji Ronin & dji Ronin or (Ronin XL)"... When Longer Arms Kit is installed.

The dji Ronin and or Ronin XL (if set up with the XL arms Kit) which is the same exact unit with different Arms Kit for larger/longer camera set ups.
The Ronin is a very affordable and easy to calibrate system capable of handling a fully rigged out Red Epic Dragon camera (and anything in between and or of similar payloads-dimension) so that a Cinematographer is NO longer limited by what lens set up He/She can use, and been able to use a fully geared up Cine-Style Dragon is what I was after since the beginning... Additionally the Ronin or (RoninXL) if using the additional longer arms Kit, is simply put a system that is not just for a large crew but one that even the beginner Amateur Inspiring Filmmaker can easily shoot in solo mode and get his/hers hands on and quickly be shooting and fast self calibrating at any camera set up changes.

And having seen what my buddy and fellow Reduser Filmmaker Pedro Guimarraes and dji Team did with it while in the Ronin standard version, I was one of the very first to talk to Willis about an XL version of the Ronin to use with a fully Epic Dragon camera were larger/longer/heavier lenses, Matte Box, and fully kitted out Cine Rig was NOT to be an issue... So I am of course excited of the "Ronin (XL)" which is simply put, the same exact Ronin, just with additional longer Arms, hence XL, we'll put thru the test on a Multi Shoot to Review together with those that will participate on it.

Infinite thanks to Willis and DJI for listening on the need for a solution for larger longer camera set ups and making this a reality via the XL Arms Kit for the Ronin!!


Mean while Peter has been running his thread with some great info and imagery here: http://www.reduser.net/forum/showthread.php?118200-DJI-RONIN-independent-review-and-in-depth-test

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Ok,

I just did an install of the XL arms, and I did not find it very hard to do, while of course I would suggest that you order it with it directly if you are not a delicate person and capable of even simple task of removing few screws and have to delicately pas the cable & Connector thru a small hole in order to free the cables, to then reinsert them in the XL Arms and reconnect.

Again, not a hard task, just a delicate one that must be performed with patient and the right tools, been careful not to snap any connections.

Other then that it tuck me about 10 minutes to do it.

Overall the additional Horizontal Length gain in the camera plain of movement will allow for bigger longer camera set ups.

The XL Arms themselves are just over 3" longer.

Production Unit mounted with XL arms as show in the final Shipping case.

Please note that ONLY one battery comes with the shipping Ronin, and that the Ronin ships with Standard Arms, and not the XL ones which measure 3" longer.

Total Net weight of the Ronin with camera plate is 8.5LB!

The Ronin Battery is .5LB

Making total weight of 9LB.


Love the case, think of Pelican with better latches. Total transport weight with case as shown is 50LB

 

[JeanChristophe Dupasquier]

Hi Ketch
So is this another (bigger) version of the DJI Ronin or is it the same as in the RU group buy? I'm asking because of the "XL". Either way, can you tell us its weight?
Looking forward for your review, thanks alot for the efforts

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Hi Jean,

as specified on my original thread, the XL is at its Core the Ronin, same one as that showed at NAB, and offered in the Group Buy, just with a set of Upgradable Parts, such as Longer arms Kit as to allow a balancing for a longer camera set up and easily balance it's center of gravity allowing for more horizontal travel on the camera plate.

I'll post pics soon... And go in detail about it

My pleasure Jean, anything for my fellow Reduser and the good of our community!

 

[Curt Pair]

Ketch,

I own the Cabrio lens line! I'd LOVE to be a part of this test, and to see if they will work! If it can handle these babies... it can handle just about anything! I'd need to slide the rig 'back' just for balancing reasons! Thanks for the opportunity!

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Hey Curt,

Added buddy...

 

[Vladimir Eugene]

Looks great Ketch, looking forward to seeing more on this thread

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks Vlad... Hope to see you again soon buddy!

 

[Daniel P Rudin]

Is it just me or are there some 'secret' Parts shopped out of the Pics? :drool5:

 

[Frank Glencairn]

Yeah, what's up with those black patches?

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

Hi every one...

As one which has always Tested and put specialty Gear to the test, I checked and used any Image Stabilization piece of equipment I could get my hands on, as I get motion seek easily when viewing Non-stabilized imagery or imagery that for what ever Story Telling decision has too much shaking going on, were as in Cloverfield as an example, I could never finish watching that Film because of JJ's choice on the shaking and shaking going on...

For this I made sure to do my best to stabilize my imagery as we did on my Skydive Dubai 2012 shoot... Which was an hard task to say the list, that put lot's of stress on my poor Camera Operator limiting our shooting and my choices, and I don't like to be limited in my storytelling!!

Then came The Movi... a great system, and grateful to be one of the very first to try it out and get to use it on one of my projects, but unfortunately it simply did NOT served my needs well, only been able to handle a very Compact Epic configuration struggling very much with even just a Leica Summilux Cine Prime and Motors with a side Handle.... And while today the Movi has a second version capable of doing a lot better... It also costs a small fortune, and still remains not easy to calibrate and time consuming at every little change.

FAST-FORWARD to today... And we have the "dji Ronin & dji Ronin or (Ronin XL)"... When Longer Arms Kit is installed.

The dji Ronin and or Ronin XL (if set up with the XL arms Kit) which is the same exact unit with different Arms Kit for larger/longer camera set ups.
The Ronin is a very affordable and easy to calibrate system capable of handling a fully rigged out Red Epic Dragon camera (and anything in between and or of similar payloads-dimension) so that a Cinematographer is NO longer limited by what lens set up He/She can use, and been able to use a fully geared up Cine-Style Dragon is what I was after since the beginning... Additionally the Ronin or (RoninXL) if using the additional longer arms Kit, is simply put a system that is not just for a large crew but one that even the beginner Amateur Inspiring Filmmaker can easily shoot in solo mode and get his/hers hands on and quickly be shooting and fast self calibrating at any camera set up changes.

And having seen what my buddy and fellow Reduser Filmmaker Pedro Guimarraes and dji Team did with it while in the Ronin standard version, I was one of the very first to talk to Willis about an XL version of the Ronin to use with a fully Epic Dragon camera were larger/longer/heavier lenses, Matte Box, and fully kitted out Cine Rig was NOT to be an issue... So I am of course excited of the "Ronin (XL)" which is simply put, the same exact Ronin, just with additional longer Arms, hence XL, we'll put thru the test on a Multi Shoot to Review together with those that will participate on it.

Infinite thanks to Willis and DJI for listening on the need for a solution for larger longer camera set ups and making this a reality via the XL Arms Kit for the Ronin!!

LOCATION...
We'll shoot in LA and or surrounding locations.

THE SHOOTERS...
I am inviting fellow Reduser to participate in this shoot as to MAXIMIZE resources and knowledge with a common goal of getting the absolute BEST Test Shoot scenarios for a most complete yet very down to heart (that every one can understand) review!!

To do so, simply post your interest with location, and "WHY" I should choose you vs. some one else, meaning what you would be able to offer as to assist in making this Test Shoot the best and most comprehensive it can be, what are you bringing as far as shooting location Gear, Machinery etc. to use the Ronin XL on and or with and so on.

THE SHOOT...
Besides using it hand held while walking, fast walking, running, going up/down stair cases, the intention here is to also use the Ronin XL in a large variety of equipment such as in open window Helicopter, mounted on RC Copter, off the back of a Truck, 4 wheelers, Motorcycle, fast moving car, Horse back, SteadyCam and so on, as to truly put it under any and all test possible imaginable, while operating in safety and only taking calculate risks by those that know how to.

THE STORY...
We'll come up with a cool storyline concept for a Short as to put every one involved thru the pace, and use it as if was in a real Film Shoot, instead of just testing out it's functionality, and if it survives our tests then will survive any and every one else's...


Looking forward to hear from you and create a small strong Team and possibly working with you on this great adventure to be either in Europe or USA... (which I will define asap and report) and if I indeed am able to delay the trip to Italy, I will also do several Summer shoots once there that those from Europe stating interest here can participate to.

I will be Posting Pictures of the Rig and it's BEAUTIFUL shipping case as soon as I can, travels permitting, and I'll update any info when possible.

Hey Ketch/ first of all , your first set up with the gyros, Iam not susre who set up the camera and handles like this, but its the wosrt set up you can ever do with gyros. The handle grip of your hands should be in the centre of Tilt axis and not support like this a VERY top heavy camera set up. If you have done that, you would have a mush easier system, more stable and easy to handle and better footage. It wouldnt take the total weight of your arms but it would for sure distribute the gyro forces versus the total set up and camera better.

Looking at your Movi adventure, first you need to say that this was the older Movi model and from that days there is much improved and done with the Movi rigs in all aspects
I will also for one more time say, that make the best out of those devices you need to gain experience working with them and surely owning one is the right way to go, as you can play with it daily , and find the weak and strong points of the system as well as your capabilities. I have seen very good footage , and I have seen terrible footage from the same device, that means that the key is also who and how he is using it.

Also, though the idea on gimbals on steadicams nearly close to 1 year or more, there is no footage that shows the device being used for the average steadicam shot as a tool, and not as a certain specific move. There is a very good reason for that. And that applies to all gimbals at current form available.

When operators are able to at least perform any kind of move they are asked from the director just like steadicam operators do, then it will be the case. Until then it will be just for the special shot, and that doesnt apply only towards camera weight size restrictions. Its way more than that.

Have fun with your gimbal, waiting for your footage .
regards

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Is it just me or are there some 'secret' Parts shopped out of the Pics? :drool5:

Yeah, what's up with those black patches?

He he, those were bleached out by me as they are parts which have nothing to do with the Ronin...

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Hey Ketch/ first of all , your first set up with the gyros, Iam not susre who set up the camera and handles like this, but its the wosrt set up you can ever do with gyros. The handle grip of your hands should be in the centre of Tilt axis and not support like this a VERY top heavy camera set up. If you have done that, you would have a mush easier system, more stable and easy to handle and better footage. It wouldnt take the total weight of your arms but it would for sure distribute the gyro forces versus the total set up and camera better.

Looking at your Movi adventure, first you need to say that this was the older Movi model and from that days there is much improved and done with the Movi rigs in all aspects
I will also for one more time say, that make the best out of those devices you need to gain experience working with them and surely owning one is the right way to go, as you can play with it daily , and find the weak and strong points of the system as well as your capabilities. I have seen very good footage , and I have seen terrible footage from the same device, that means that the key is also who and how he is using it.

Also, though the idea on gimbals on steadicams nearly close to 1 year or more, there is no footage that shows the device being used for the average steadicam shot as a tool, and not as a certain specific move. There is a very good reason for that. And that applies to all gimbals at current form available.

When operators are able to at least perform any kind of move they are asked from the director just like steadicam operators do, then it will be the case. Until then it will be just for the special shot, and that doesnt apply only towards camera weight size restrictions. Its way more than that.

Have fun with your gimbal, waiting for your footage .
regards

Hey Constatine,

having used ser the Mini Gyro extensively I can assure you that do to the inner spinning elements and it's total weight there was no way I would have used it in any different way, and that of the various tested set how this offered the best results, certainly Inwould have never mounted the handle on the Epic and have IT carry the crazy weight of the Mini Gyro!!

as for the amici I did specifically said Inwas one of the very first to play with it and that imply a it been the very first model in its early life ci le, and it was operated and balanced by one of Movi's top operator so no issues there, it was simply the Gimbam not ready to take on any Elic set ups with nothing else ten very compact lenses.

But this is neither a tread to discuss the Mini Gyro nor the MōVI or any other Gimbam really, but a thread to discuss the ronin with the XL arms and how it will perform, so I simply wish NOT to discuss any other gear other the. The Ronin, hope you can appreciate that.

I completely agree with you however that and as with any specialty equipment practice is King!!

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

Hey Constatine,

having used ser the Mini Gyro extensively I can assure you that do to the inner spinning elements and it's total weight there was no way I would have used it in any different way, and that of the various tested set how this offered the best results, certainly Inwould have never mounted the handle on the Elic and have IT carry the crazy weight of the Mini Guro!!

as for the amici I did specifically said Inwas one of the very first to play with it and that imply a it been the very first model in its early life ci le, and it was operated and balanced by one of Movi's top operator so no issues there, it was simply the Gimbam not ready to take on any Elic set ups with nothing else ten very compact lenses.

but this is neither a tread to discuss the Mini Gyro nor the MōVI or any other Gimbam really, but a thread to discuss the ronin with the XL arms and how it will perform, so I simply wish NOT to discuss any other gear other the. The Ronin, hope you can appreciate that.

I completely agree with you however that and as with any specialty equipment practice is King!!

Elic... is that a new camera? hahahaha
the mini gyro , all you had to do is invert the handles Ketch, to an upright position and that would its self improve the system, I have KS6 gyros, and 4x4 , 6x6 gyros and certaingly know what Iam talking about here hehehe, sure limited but it takes a while to learn how to compromise and use the total camera system for your own benefit.

You are right about the thread discussion, but then you shouldnt really make a start with them diverting to them as well , because people think imidiatelly that mini gyro, gyro systems, Movi gimbals, or anything else you are showing, are not as good tools to use . For example I have pulled 240mm lens zooms with gyros on gimbals and the footage was great, yet not seen a gimbal that can do this. There are other limitations but lets not discuss this as you already mentioned.

have fun.

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Elic... is that a new camera? hahahaha
the mini gyro , all you had to do is invert the handles Ketch, to an upright position and that would its self improve the system, I have KS6 gyros, and 4x4 , 6x6 gyros and certaingly know what Iam talking about here hehehe, sure limited but it takes a while to learn how to compromise and use the total camera system for your own benefit.

You are right about the thread discussion, but then you shouldnt really make a start with them diverting to them as well , because people think imidiatelly that mini gyro, gyro systems, Movi gimbals, or anything else you are showing, are not as good tools to use . For example I have pulled 240mm lens zooms with gyros on gimbals and the footage was great, yet not seen a gimbal that can do this. There are other limitations but lets not discuss this as you already mentioned.

have fun.

Ha ha, that is what happens when you write on an iPhone on a sleepless night!!

the reason the handles were not turned upside down is because it was not a comfortable grip and offered no support to the hand itself and this was both the case for myself as well as my Operator.

It was intentionally started this way as to me both systems are no longer an option since the Ronin is here.


the Mini Gyro is literally a Dead Technology for me, and will never use it again.

the MōVI simply is not the tool for my needs, and at 3 Times the cost I doubt it will be the tool for many others vs the Ronin.

but I also line to make a point to say that your input and valuable experience is always much appreciated and on e we a tart posting about the Ronin I most welcome your input.

 

[constantine Tirintzis]

HAHAHAHA, yeah I have the same prob myself, because of the age and not the i-phone have to keep re writing posts.

The minigyro is dead technology as a devise , and not as far as the gyros concerned .

there are people that do aerial shots with very difficult platforms those days and produce outstanding footage just by using a couple of gyros and a gimbal frame.

here is one example..have you ever seen a gyrocopter 2 seater , with an operator using an easyrig, Gravity One , and gyros? here it is.Not to hi jack the thread but just a prove that gyro systems do work well in many cases.

http://vimeo.com/16931381

and that will be the last comment about anything else than the Ronin on this thread.. I promise..hahaha

 

[Ketch Rossi]

HAHAHAHA, yeah I have the same prob myself, because of the age and not the i-phone have to keep re writing posts.

The minigyro is dead technology as a devise , and not as far as the gyros concerned .

there are people that do aerial shots with very difficult platforms those days and produce outstanding footage just by using a couple of gyros and a gimbal frame.

here is one example..have you ever seen a gyrocopter 2 seater , with an operator using an easyrig, Gravity One , and gyros? here it is.Not to hi jack the thread but just a prove that gyro systems do work well in many cases.

http://vimeo.com/16931381

and that will be the last comment about anything else than the Ronin on this thread.. I promise..hahaha

He he, well, for me been that for a small guy I have big hands, the issue really is the tiny keyboard on the iPhone, and if the "6" does not come Bigger I am moving to the the Galaxy.


Yeah that is what I meant, I well know that Gyros are still a fantastic, but not as in the Mini Gyro.

I hadn't seen one before, but now I have, that is a crazy guy right there ha ha!!


Any ways, you have no idea how incredible happy I am of the advent of the Brushless Gimbals, and the Ronin could have not come at a better time for all that I have to shoot, and I suffer quite a bit only last shoot in the Italian Alps, during the hand held Heli Shots.

I will be looking forward to equip the Ronin (XL) with the accessories that will always make it a breeze to use even when totaling close to 20LB total weight when including the Gimbal it self, and all accessories on it.

 

[Nawaf Alsabhan]

Thanks for doing these tests Ketch, I can't wait to see and read them :thumbup1:

 

[Ketch Rossi]

Thanks for doing these tests Ketch, I can't wait to see and read them :thumbup1:

My pleasure Nawaf!!

Look forward to continue to get the positive response and get a great small team together with all kinds of gear and various lenses to test the Ronin (XL) with, and see if we can brake it's boundaries and find out it's limits.

 

[Shadi Abu Sharar]

hay man how is the test going any photos