DJI has released the latest addition to the renowned Ronin series - the Ronin-S Compact (SC), a single-handed three-axis gimbal designed for popular mirrorless cameras.
The Ronin-SC offers a highly compact design, high-grade materials and advanced technology to open the world of creative possibilities for users capturing videos and photographs.
It offers the same modes as Ronin-S, but with several exciting new additions, including Force Mobile and ActiveTrack 3.0, and is also almost half the weight of the Ronin-S.
Photographers and filmmakers can choose between the Ronin-SC Standard - which includes the essentials to get you up and running and is priced £325 - or the Ronin-SC Pro Combo - which adds the focus wheel along with the external focus motor and the Remote Start Stop (RSS) Splitter and costs £415.
Both products are available to pre-order from Heliguy, and are expected to arrive on Friday, August 2.
A Closer Look At The Ronin-SC
The Ronin-SC is aimed at professional video creators, amateur video hobbyists and vloggers.
With this in mind, what are the stand-out features of the Ronin-SC and how can they help you maximise your creativity?
Compact, lightweight for ease of use
The Ronin-SC was created to be portable and travel-friendly, weighing 1.1kg - 41% lighter and 38% smaller than the Ronin-S - and can be taken apart to easily fit into backpacks and cases.
The reduced weight makes the Ronin-SC not only easily transportable but aids in reducing fatigue when using it on extended photo and video shoots.
Robust and intuitive design
Using high-quality materials including magnesium, steel, aluminium and composite plastic, the Ronin-SC’s durable construction is built to last and endure everyday use. Its powerful high-grade motors are capable of supporting up to 2kg and its dedicated battery offers users up to 11 hours of operation.
Taking feedback from the Ronin-S, the Ronin-SC offers new design features including 3 axis locks on the pan, tilt and roll axis which makes balancing the camera simplified as well as helping during transportation.
Additionally, the Ronin-SC features a new position lock system. Once the gimbal is balanced, the time it takes to remount the camera and start working is mere seconds, saving precious time during shoots.
Similar to the Ronin-S, users can control the gimbal movement with the responsive joystick and easily access different modes and gimbal settings with the use of the Mode (M) button and the front trigger button.
Intelligent modes for endless creative possibilities
A staple in the Ronin series, the Ronin-SC features a host of intelligent modes to inspire all levels of content creators. Using the redesigned Ronin app, users can set up to three different custom profiles, adjust various settings such as motor output and even run balance tests to ensure that the camera system is properly setup.
The popular 360-degree roll movement can be saved in one of the custom profiles by simply selecting it in the app and for fast-paced scenes, Sport mode, which increases the response speed of the gimbal, is easily accessed by holding the Mode (M) button.
The Ronin-SC offers the same modes as Ronin-S but with several exciting new additions. Key features and modes include:
- New Force Mobile 1: The new Force Mobile, similar to Force Pro, conveniently synchronises the movement of your connected mobile device with the Ronin-SC gimbal, offering an immersive filming experience. Users can now operate gimbal movements at a maximum distance of 24.9 metres using the new Bluetooth 5.0 connection. Currently, Force Mobile functionality will only work with iOS devices.
- New ActiveTrack 3.0: Using a mobile device, Ronin-SC users can select a subject for the gimbal to accurately follow. The new algorithms include deep learning and optimised calculations for human figures. Similar to the technology found in some DJI drones and the Osmo Series, ActiveTrack 3.0 uses the mobile phone’s camera view and sends this information to the Ronin-SC. Users can mount the mobile phone to the top of the camera’s hotshoe with the included phone holder mount, open the Ronin app and select the subject to follow automatically.
- Virtual Joystick: Control gimbal movement remotely using the virtual joystick, ideal for when Ronin-SC is on a tripod or monopod.
- TimeLapse: Create compelling TimeLapse content, adjusting settings including interval, clips and frames per second.
- Motionlapse: Add the element of motion to your TimeLapse.
- Motion Control: Set unique movement paths with Motion Control by selecting up to 10 different points.
- Panorama: Automatically capture panoramas in multiple rows or columns.
In The Box - Ronin-SC Standard v Ronin-SC Pro Combo
Here is a table showing the difference between what is included with the Ronin-SC Standard and Ronin-SC Pro Combo.
Part Name | Ronin-SC Standard | Ronin-SC Pro Combo |
Ronin-SC Gimbal | Yes | Yes |
BG18 Grip (built-in battery) | Yes | Yes |
Extension Grip/Tripod (plastic) | Yes | Yes |
Quick-release Plate | Yes | Yes |
Camera Riser | Yes | Yes |
Carrying Case | Yes | Yes |
Phone Holder | Yes | Yes |
Lens Support | Yes | Yes |
8-pin Port Cover | Yes | Yes |
Wrench | Yes | Yes |
Camera Screw 1/4"-20 | Yes | Yes |
Screw M4 | Yes | Yes |
Multi-Camera Control Cable (Multi-USB) | Yes | Yes |
Multi-Camera Control Cable (Type-C) | Yes | Yes |
USB-C Charging Cable | Yes | Yes |
Multi-Camera Control Adapter (Type-C To Micro USB) | Yes | Yes |
Focus Motor | No | Yes |
Focus Motor Rod Mount | No | Yes |
Focus Wheel | No | Yes |
Focus Gear Strip | No | Yes |
RSS Splitter | No | Yes |
DJI Ronin-SC Compatibility
The Ronin-SC is compatible with the following cameras:
- Sony: A7 Series, A9, A6500, A6400, A6300, RX100.
- Nikon: Z6, Z7.
- Canon: EOS R, M50.
- Panasonic: GH5, GH5S, G9.
- Fujifilm: X-T2, X-T3.
The Ronin-SC versus the Ronin-S
The Ronin-SC is the latest addition to the Ronin series and follows the hugely popular Ronin-S.
The burning question is what is the difference between the two?
In a nutshell, the Ronin-SC is built for mirrorless cameras, while Ronin-S is a professional handheld stabiliser designed for large and heavy cameras, such as DSLRs and larger mirrorless cameras.
Compared to Ronin-S, Ronin-SC is lighter, easier to carry, and more flexible when moving quickly while filming. In addition, a wide range of auxiliary shooting functions and hardware designs have been optimised for better performance.
In essence, the Ronin-S is perfect for those with DSLR cameras, more extensive lens setups and more ambitious shooting environments, while the Ronin-SC is superior for photographers or filmographers wanting to shoot on the move, thanks to it being lighter and more travel-friendly.
Both the Ronin-S and Ronin-SC support Panorama, TimeLapse/Motionlapse and Sport Mode, but the Ronin-SC is the first gimbal in the Ronin series to support ActiveTrack 3.0 and Force Mobile.
Here is a quick-look table at some of the things which separate the Ronin-SC and the Ronin-S.
Differences | Ronin-S | Ronin-SC |
Weight | 1.85kg | 1.1kg |
Dimensions | 486mm x 202mm x 185mm | 370mm x 150mm x 165mm |
Payload | 3.6kg | 2.0kg |
Max Battery Life | 12 hours | 11 hours |
Axis Lock | No | Yes |
Camera Mounting Plate | No Cogged Structure | Cogged |
Bluetooth | 4.0 | 5.0 |
Firmware Update | DJI Assistant for Ronin | DJI Ronin APP |
ActiveTrack 3.0 | No | Yes |
Force Mobile | No | Yes |
Charging Time | 2h 15min (Quick Charge) 2h 30min (No Quick Charge) |
2h 30min (No Quick Charge) |
Controlled Rotation Range | Pan axis control: 360° continuous rotation (Roll 360 mode) Tilt axis control: +180° to -90° (Upright Mode), +90° to -135° (Underslung and Flashlight Mode) Roll axis control: ±30°, 360° continuous rotation |
Pan axis control: 360° continuous rotation Tilt axis control: -90° to 145° Roll axis control: ±30° |
Max. Axis Rotation Speed | All axis: 360°/s | All axis: 180°/s |
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