Unleash Your Inner Cinematographer: A Deep Dive into the DJI RS 4 Combo

Are you a filmmaker, videographer, or content creator constantly striving for that perfectly smooth, cinematic shot? In the fast-paced world of visual storytelling, a reliable camera stabilizer isn’t just a luxury – it’s a necessity. Enter the DJI RS 4 Combo, DJI’s latest iteration in their acclaimed Ronin S series, designed to elevate your videography to professional heights.

We’ve taken the DJI RS 4 Combo for a thorough spin, and we’re here to give you an honest, detailed review. This isn’t just about specs; it’s about real-world performance, user experience, and whether this gimbal truly lives up to the hype. If you’re looking to upgrade your gear and capture stunningly stable footage, read on! You can find the DJI RS 4 Combo available for purchase here on Amazon.

First Impressions & Key Features: What Makes the RS 4 Stand Out?

Right out of the box, the DJI RS 4 feels like a premium piece of equipment. It’s robust yet surprisingly ergonomic, building on the successful design language of its predecessors while introducing crucial refinements. The “Combo” package is particularly appealing, as it includes essential accessories like the Ronin-S Focus Motor (2022) and an additional Briefcase Handle, which significantly enhances versatility right from day one.

Let’s break down some of its most impactful features:

Next-Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm: This is the heart of the RS 4. DJI claims improved stabilization, and our tests confirmed it. The RS 4 delivers incredibly smooth footage, even with dynamic movements like running or shooting from a moving vehicle. It handles quick pans and tilts with grace, minimizing micro-jitters that can plague less sophisticated gimbals.
Increased Payload Capacity (Up to 6.6 lbs): While not the heaviest payload in its class, the 6.6 lb (3 kg) capacity is more than sufficient for most mirrorless cameras and a wide range of lenses, including many professional setups. This allows for greater flexibility in camera and lens choices, accommodating popular setups like the Sony A7S III with a G Master lens.
Extended Axis Arms & Teflon-Coated Components: A thoughtful upgrade, the longer axis arms provide more balancing space for larger camera setups, a common pain point with smaller gimbals. The new Teflon coating on all three axes means smoother, easier balancing adjustments, even with heavier rigs. This attention to detail significantly cuts down setup time.
Automated Axis Locks (2nd Gen): A fan-favorite feature, these locks are even more refined. Pressing the power button automatically unlocks and extends the three axes, allowing you to start shooting almost instantly. When powered off, they automatically lock, making transport hassle-free and protecting the gimbal.
Bluetooth Wireless Control: Say goodbye to multiple cables! The RS 4 supports Bluetooth wireless shutter control, letting you start/stop recording and control photo capture directly from the gimbal with compatible cameras. This streamlines your workflow and reduces clutter.
High-Torque Focus Motor (Combo Exclusive): The included Ronin-S Focus Motor (2022) in the combo package is a game-changer for solo operators. It provides precise, responsive control over lens focus or zoom, allowing you to pull focus accurately using the front dial on the gimbal. This opens up new creative possibilities for cinematic focus transitions.
Dual-Layer Quick-Release Plate: The updated quick-release plate with a fine-tuning knob ensures easier and more accurate camera mounting and balancing. Once balanced, your camera stays securely in place.
Vertical Shooting Switch: For content creators heavily invested in social media, the native vertical shooting mode is a huge win. A dedicated switch allows for instant transition to vertical video, eliminating the need for awkward setups or additional accessories.

User Impressions: What’s it Like to Shoot With?

Operating the DJI RS 4 Combo feels intuitive and empowering. Once balanced – and the Teflon-coated arms genuinely make this process quicker – you instantly feel the robust stability it offers. The gimbal motors are powerful yet quiet, minimizing any unwanted noise in your audio recordings.

The joystick is precise, and the mode switch allows for quick transitions between pan follow, pan & tilt follow, and FPV modes. We particularly loved the trigger button’s versatility – hold it for sport mode, or double-tap to recenter the gimbal. The front dial for focus control, when paired with the included motor, is a joy to use and significantly elevates the production value of your shots.

The optional BG21 battery grip provides extended operating time, ensuring you can get through long shooting days without constantly swapping batteries. The ability to charge the grip independently or while attached to the gimbal is also a convenient touch.

Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment

Pros:

Exceptional stabilization performance: Delivers butter-smooth footage in a variety of challenging scenarios.
Thoughtful design improvements: Automated axis locks, extended arms, and Teflon coating genuinely enhance user experience.
Versatile payload capacity: Handles most popular mirrorless camera and lens combinations with ease.
Comprehensive Combo package: The included focus motor and briefcase handle add significant value and functionality.
Intuitive controls and user-friendly interface: Easy to pick up for experienced gimbal users, with a reasonable learning curve for newcomers.
Native vertical shooting: A massive benefit for social media content creators.
Robust build quality: Feels durable and ready for professional use.

Cons:

Learning curve for beginners: While intuitive, gimbals still require practice to master for truly cinematic results.
Battery life (stand-alone): While the BG21 grip is good, if you use a power-hungry setup and don’t have the combo’s extended grip, you might find yourself needing a spare.
Weight (with larger setups): While the gimbal itself is reasonable, adding a heavy camera, lens, and accessories can still make for a physically demanding shoot over long periods. This is true for all professional gimbals, but worth noting.
Proprietary accessories: While DJI’s ecosystem is robust, you’re generally locked into their accessories for full functionality.

Who Is the DJI RS 4 Combo Best For?

The DJI RS 4 Combo is an outstanding choice for:

Professional Videographers & Filmmakers: Its robust build, precise control, and exceptional stabilization make it perfect for commercial shoots, documentaries, and narrative filmmaking.
Dedicated Content Creators & YouTubers: If you’re serious about the production quality of your vlogs, tutorials, or short films, the RS 4 will elevate your output significantly. The vertical shooting mode is a huge plus.
Event & Wedding Videographers: The quick setup, reliable performance, and ability to handle various camera/lens combos make it ideal for fast-paced environments where capturing every smooth moment is crucial.
Anyone upgrading from a consumer-grade gimbal: If you’ve outgrown smaller, less capable gimbals, the RS 4 offers a significant step up in performance and features without breaking the bank.

It’s less suited for casual hobbyists who only occasionally shoot video and aren’t willing to invest time in learning its nuances. For those users, a simpler, smaller smartphone gimbal might suffice. But if you’re ready to take your videography seriously, the RS 4 is a powerful tool.

Final Verdict: A Must-Have for Serious Creators

The DJI RS 4 Combo isn’t just an incremental update; it’s a meticulously refined and highly capable camera stabilizer that delivers on its promises. From its next-gen stabilization algorithm to its thoughtful design enhancements like automated locks and Teflon-coated arms, every feature works in harmony to provide a smoother, more efficient shooting experience. The inclusion of the focus motor and briefcase handle in the combo package adds immense value, making it a truly comprehensive solution for solo operators and small production teams.

If you’re seeking to capture consistently smooth, professional-looking footage and streamline your workflow, the DJI RS 4 Combo is an investment that will undoubtedly pay dividends. It empowers you to tell your stories with unparalleled stability and creative control.

Ready to transform your video production? Don’t just shoot video – create cinematic experiences. Elevate your craft today!

Click here to get your DJI RS 4 Combo on Amazon now: DJI RS 4 Combo on Amazon

FAQ

Q. What is included in the DJI RS 4 Combo that is not in the standard DJI RS 4 package?
A. The DJI RS 4 Combo typically includes additional professional accessories such as the DJI Focus Pro Motor, a carrying case, a lower quick-release plate, a focus motor rod mount, a gear strip, and extra cables, providing a more comprehensive setup for advanced users right out of the box.

Q. What is the maximum payload capacity of the DJI RS 4?
A. The DJI RS 4 boasts a robust payload capacity of 3 kg (6.6 lbs), making it capable of supporting most mainstream mirrorless camera and lens combinations for a wide range of shooting scenarios.

Q. How does the DJI RS 4 improve upon its predecessor, the DJI RS 3?
A. The DJI RS 4 introduces several key enhancements, including stronger motor torque for improved stability, 2nd-gen automated axis locks, an added fine-tuning knob on the tilt axis for precise balancing, native horizontal plate quick switching for vertical shooting, and an expanded Bluetooth control range.

Q. Can the DJI RS 4 natively support vertical shooting without extra accessories?
A. Yes, a significant upgrade in the DJI RS 4 is its native support for horizontal plate quick switching to vertical shooting. You can easily transition between horizontal and vertical filming modes without needing to install any additional accessories.

Q. What kind of battery life can I expect from the DJI RS 4?
A. The DJI RS 4 is designed to provide up to 12 hours of operational time on a single charge, allowing for extended shooting sessions. Actual battery life may vary depending on payload, usage patterns, and environmental conditions.

Q. Is the DJI RS 4 easy to balance, especially for new users?
A. Yes, the DJI RS 4 is engineered for quick and intuitive balancing. It features 2nd-gen automated axis locks that automatically unlock and extend the axes, and an added fine-tuning knob on the tilt axis allows for precise, millimetre-level adjustments, significantly simplifying the balancing process for all skill levels.

Q. What is the primary function of the DJI Focus Pro Motor included in the Combo?
A. The DJI Focus Pro Motor enables precise control over your camera lens’s focus or zoom directly from the gimbal’s front dial. This accessory, often used with compatible lenses, enhances creative control and efficiency, allowing solo operators to adjust lens parameters remotely and smoothly during filming.