New DJI Ronin M

[Arthur Woo]

https://vimeo.com/125835329
https://vimeo.com/125145583
https://m.facebook.com/LetusCorporation

Thanks Hien, I've seen those vids. What I'm interested in seeing is regular speed motion from an average user on a run n gun project where there aren't exoskeletons/vests, no post stabilization, where it's just the Helix. The skiing one is definitely impressive, but the user was on skis, which is not the every day situation :smiley:

REDUsers - does anyone who owns a Helix have smooth footage with a longish take in 23.98fps? Something ideally with only the Helix/Epic (or Scarlet) and no other support?

Most of the test footage that's been posted by the average user I've seen is shakey and doesn't do the product justice compared to the medium/higher budget projects I've seen it used on that Letus promotes. As someone who uses a steadicam I can understand that it takes practice and there is definitely user error involved so I am not discounting that some people just aren't practicing enough on it before posting their footage. I would love to own a Helix since the footprint is exactly what I want, but so far most of the non-pro test footage makes me hesitate. I also want to use the Helix on lower budget projects in addition to commercial ones to increase the production value so I won't always have the option to use extra stabilization in the form of vests/exoskeletons. Thoughts?

 

[Björn Benckert]

The smoothness of a gimbal take has now little to do with the gimbal it self. Most gimbals today, ronin, helix and mövi etc all work well to keep a steady horizon on pan tilt roll, the amount of shake caused from the operator not able to hold his hands perfectly still is very much user dependent so quite difficult to compare. Then off course choice of FOV weight of camera/rig etc all comes into play. But to compare the actual gyros you would need to put them on the same rig, like on the nose of a moco rig or such to give a good comparison and then still all the possible different electronic settings comes into play.

 

[Arthur Woo]

The smoothness of a gimbal take has now little to do with the gimbal it self. Most gimbals today, ronin, helix and mövi etc all work well to keep a steady horizon on pan tilt roll, the amount of shake caused from the operator not able to hold his hands perfectly still is very much user dependent so quite difficult to compare. Then off course choice of FOV weight of camera/rig etc all comes into play. But to compare the actual gyros you would need to put them on the same rig, like on the nose of a moco rig or such to give a good comparison and then still all the possible different electronic settings comes into play.

Good points. I do think a lot of the 'bad' footage I've seen is due to the operator not being experienced/smooth enough.

Where I'm coming from: I would like to own one of these units to replace the regular vest/steadicam that I normally use on some productions, purely for size/transport reasons. I understand the mechanics are different (for example the vertical movement when walking is something inherent in the system that an arm/exoskeleton will help eliminate), but will a part time operator like myself who doesn't use a steadicam on every shoot be able to 'work the kinks out' with a gimbal with enough practice? I'm leaning toward the Ronin M or the Helix, but my steadicam has been working well enough that I don't really need to own a gimbal, it would just be a big relief to not have to carry an additional large case. I don't want to discover that after several weeks of practice that I need to buy extra stabilization equipment for even quick shots.

 

[Pedro Guimaraes]

Hi guys,

As has been discussed on this thread earlier the Red epic/scarlet/dragon/weapon is a top heavy camera since the lens mount is a few inches from the bottom of the camera.

Thus when using on the Ronin-M (as seen at NAB). You need to add weight UNDER the gimbal cradle to lower the CG in order to balance. At Nab they had the big LiPo battery under the cradle.

In fact you have similar problems with alot of other cameras on the Ronin-M also due to the very short tilt arms on the R-M. If you using a Canon 1DC with a quality glass you even run out of tilt arm adjutment. C300 also.

The other solution also discussed on this thread earlier is to mount the camera upside down. which can be challenging depending on your top plate hole configuration. Also The FAN and the circulation of air works better in upright mode as it was designed to sit.

That's why my company that some of you already know for our many Ronin accessories has released the Ronin-M Tilt arm extension.

http://cinemilled.com/shop/dji-ronin-m-tilt-arm-extensions/

This fixes all your top heavy camera issues. Basically a "must have" for any Red User.

Simply screws on and off in seconds.

bottom is also threaded so you can screw in your factory "stoppers" (prevents the cradle from dropping when loose)

Wanted to make the community aware of this new solution that has a direct impact on the usability and flexibility of any RED camera setup on the Ronin-M.
As you can see on our site we also already make many products for the M with more on the way shortly. http://cinemilled.com/shop/dji-ronin-mini-accessories/


All the best,

 

[Mike Hechanova]

That's awesome, Pedro! I refuse to take my dragon's bottom plate off and 15mm rail attachment, because I like to be able to pull the camera off and throw it on the tripod (using your quick switch plate) without having to change the config of the camera. This, unfortunately, makes my rig a little too top-heavy. I'm tired of adding weight underneath to compensate. Definitely ordering a pair. Hope its out of backorder soon.

Edit: I'm referring to the regular ronin tilt arm extentions btw, not the ronin M. Great that you have it for bigger version too.

 

[Kevin J Salisbury]

Simple yet effective. Thanks Pedro. Whats the current lead time for the handlebar shim being back in stock? (Ronin-M)

 

[Ken Butti]

i have a Ronin and it is fantastic with my Red and Rokinon lenses.
We are buying a Ronin M tomorrow for our C100mk2, but ill be testing it hopefully this weekend with the Red.

 

[Matt W.]

i have a Ronin and it is fantastic with my Red and Rokinon lenses.
We are buying a Ronin M tomorrow for our C100mk2, but ill be testing it hopefully this weekend with the Red.

Just quick heads up, the Ronin M is not compatible with the C100 mk II due to the huge viewfinder. Maybe with the extension arms. Should be good with the Red, though.

 

[Pedro Guimaraes]

Quick update since you guys are asking....

Ronin-M "universal" plates, Shims and Tilt Extensions in stock!! If you had one on backorder it's being shipped now. . Order away!

________________

.......and Mike Hechanova,

Yes the new extended tilt arms for the full size Ronin are extremely useful for Red users. Also in stock!

 

[Dan Kanes]

Pedro have you thrown a stripped down epic on a Ronin-M successfully?

 

[Eric Santiago]

@ jeffrey....not sure if I can provide any specifics...but I saw a video on youtube and one of the DJI reps mentioned flying a stripped down epic on the new Ronin.....I am thinking the side handle will have to come off. A buddy of mine did tell me about a new product that aerial media pros has for a side battery that might look promising. I want to see some raw footage however.
http://www.aerialmediapros.com/store/gi-side-v-lock-power-module/dp/778

After flying a Ronin for the last two weeks with my Scarlet.

I just cant see using this product.

Sure it balances nicely but any big battery options just doesn't play nice with a stripped down set-up for me.

My REDVOLTs are the heroes on the set however 20 min on average is an iffy production day.

From my experience of course

 

[Demetri Zuev]

After flying a Ronin for the last two weeks with my Scarlet.

I just cant see using this product.

Sure it balances nicely but any big battery options just doesn't play nice with a stripped down set-up for me.

My REDVOLTs are the heroes on the set however 20 min on average is an iffy production day.

From my experience of course

Ronin or Ronin-M?

 

[Eric Santiago]

Ronin or Ronin-M?

Ronin.

 

[Antony Newman]

Eric,

I am keen to get insights into pet 'hates' - or suggestions on what the ideal solution might be.

Also - where do you think the ideal position for the camera might be when you want it flying low to the ground?

Thanks,
AJ

 

[Eric Santiago]

Eric,

I am keen to get insights into pet 'hates' - or suggestions on what the ideal solution might be.

Also - where do you think the ideal position for the camera might be when you want it flying low to the ground?

Thanks,
AJ

Currently the only pet hates according to the DOP and ACs are:

REDVOLTs dont last long enough
Use thin cables since thick ones are bulky and causes friction during movement
DP-4 too small to use and needs shade (my bad)

Sorry not sure about camera position since that changes time to time due to different configs on set.
Were lucky we have two Scarlets on set one for Ronin the other for everything else.

Would I buy a Ronin, still on the fence since I really dig the Helix tech

 

[Philip Lanyon]

Sure it balances nicely but any big battery options just doesn't play nice with a stripped down set-up for me.


From my experience of course

is a vlock or ab plate mounted on the top crossbar not an option for this style of gimbal? Does the cable really affect movement that much?

 

[Eric Santiago]

is a vlock or ab plate mounted on the top crossbar not an option for this style of gimbal? Does the cable really affect movement that much?

It starts to add weight when you do that but then Im sure others are fine with it.

Cables can cause taunt and its cumbersome if its stiff.

Were running an Arrow +, DP-4, and a single RT-Motion (or Cinegears).

Thats pretty bare bones I believe.

 

[Chris Jordan]

Guys the M is NOT an option for you with your dragon/epic/scarlet. You could BAREBONES get it to work, but then you need to add a lot of stuff to make it realistic. The Dragon works great on an Movi M5, as many have showcased online. ZERO Issues, just need longer carbon tubes, or take off top mount and it's fine.

Also you should know DJI Ronin and M do not do well in the air AT ALL. They drift like crazy.

On top of that, they weigh more than the camera! Ronin coming in at 10lbs, and M at 5. Yikes.

 

[Adam Montville]

Guys the M is NOT an option for you with your dragon/epic/scarlet. You could BAREBONES get it to work, but then you need to add a lot of stuff to make it realistic. The Dragon works great on an Movi M5, as many have showcased online. ZERO Issues, just need longer carbon tubes, or take off top mount and it's fine.

Also you should know DJI Ronin and M do not do well in the air AT ALL. They drift like crazy.

On top of that, they weigh more than the camera! Ronin coming in at 10lbs, and M at 5. Yikes.

As the M5 was "rated" for DSLRs upto 5lbs, don't you think the Ronin M that's "rated" for 8lbs will work on the Epic / Scarlet bodies? The cost of the Ronin M is what's drawing me to it.

 

[Omar Saad]

As the M5 was "rated" for DSLRs upto 5lbs, don't you think the Ronin M that's "rated" for 8lbs will work on the Epic / Scarlet bodies? The cost of the Ronin M is what's drawing me to it.

Yeah, I was also under the impression that the M was definitely usable with a stripped down Epic/Scarlet. Didn't the DJI rep say as much on here? I'm targeting it as well, so if someone has tried it with an Epic and knows that it won't work, I'd definitely appreciate their feedback.

Thanks,
Omar