DJI Ronin-SC Pro Combo Stabilizer Review

Today, we’ll be taking a quick look at the DJI Ronin-SC Pro Combo Stabilizer. The Ronin-SC is a lightweight 3-axis stabilizer for mirrorless cameras, that offers superior stabilization, and a sleek design.

The Pro Combo version comes with a focus motor and focus wheel that delivers precise, smooth focus control with a detachable mounting design.

I’ve been meaning to get a stabilizer for quite a while (or a gimbal as some might call it) for my Sony A6400 mirrorless camera. But I’ve been reluctant to get one because most stabilizers on the market, either lacked some of the essential features I needed, or couldn’t do what it supposed to.

After doing some research, one name stood out from the rest … DJI. If you don’t know already, DJI are one of the market leaders when it comes to stabilizer technology. Their renowned DJI Ronin series of stabilizers has won numerous accolades. So when they announced their new replacement to the orginal Ronin-S, I was super excited.

Let’s begin with the overview and specification of the DJI Ronin-SC …

Overview

With a lightweight design and superior stabilization, Ronin-SC is a 3-axis stabilizer for mirrorless cameras, allowing users to create professional footage with ease.

Lightweight & Compact

Opening possibilities for filmmakers and content creators in almost any situation, Ronin-SC was built to go anywhere. Magnesium and aluminum construction, along with high-strength composite materials provide robust performance at just 1.1 kg. With a modular, quick setup design, Ronin-SC can pack neatly in limited spaces and be carried with ease.

Gimbal Dimensions : 220×200×75mm
Weight: 1.1kg
Max. Battery Life: 11hours
Weight/Payload: < 2.0kg

Greater Compatibility

Ronin-SC supports a wide range of cameras and lenses while meeting strict performance standards. It has been rigorously tested to support a payload of 2.0 kg while still achieving a smooth, cinematic shot. Intuitive and user-friendly controls for shutter and focus are also available for most camera brands.

Dynamic Stability

Even in action-packed scenes, Ronin-SC gives a perfectly stable shot. Sport mode improves the sensitivity of each axis while continuing to maintain stabilization, making Ronin-SC more effective in fast follows, sudden motions, and even complete changes in direction.

Unobstructed Roll Axis Arm

An innovative framework elevates camera payload above the roll axis, keeping the camera’s built-in display free of obstruction. After DJI introduced this concept, it has been embraced throughout the handheld gimbal industry.

Unlimited Pan Axis

The pan axis allows for continuous movement, freeing the camera for more ambitious shots. Options like an infinite 360° roll allow filmmakers to achieve completely unique shots.

Down to Every Detail

The buttons and trigger are easy to reach for every essential control. A flared battery grip makes extended holding easier and slip-resistant, letting you capture moments throughout the day.

Automated Features

Ronin-SC offers a suite of advanced capturing features to unleash your imagination.

ActiveTrack 3.0

ActiveTrack technology arrives for the first time in the Ronin series. A smartphone mounted above the camera, the Ronin app, and Ronin-SC work together seamlessly to achieve smooth, precise gimbal movement at all times, allowing you to focus more on creating the shot that matches your vision.

Force Mobile

Ronin-SC introduces Force Mobile, an app-based version of the Force Pro camera movement control system. By tilting and rotating your smartphone, users can control the gimbal with ultra-low latency, delivering a fluid, expressive shot with an instinctive feel.

Ronin App

The Ronin app has also been improved for an even better user experience making Ronin-SC professional and easy to use. The layout has been refined to offer quicker access to preset scenarios, and we’ve also included a camera balancing guide, along with tutorials to help users master their handheld gimbal. The app also minimizes hardware tuning, setting filmmakers free to produce great footage.

Simple Setup with Safety Features

Axis locks on each arm allow for faster storage and individual axis balancing. The Quick-Release Plate includes a positioning block to memorize the perfect camera position for instant remounting. When powering off, the motors gradually power down the gimbal, ensuring reliability and quick setup wherever your shot takes you.

More information can be found on DJI’s website.

Intro Video

Specifications

Tutorial Video

Photo Gallery

A Closer Look

In Action

Verdict and Conclusion

I have to say … this stabilizer is probably the BEST purchase of 2019 for me. The included features are amazing, and everything can be controlled via the DJI Ronin App. There’s the Joystick control, ActiveTrack 3.0, Force Mobile, Panorama, Track, Motion Lapse and Time Lapse. Believe me, you won’t get these amazing functions on most stabilizers out there.

Weighing in at only 1.1 kg, it light-weight and compact … perfect for vloggers and film makers on the go. The build quality is superb. It’s robust and feels solid in your hand. All the controls are ergonomically in the correct positions, including the memory profiles, the physical joystick and the trigger button for 180 pan/re-center. You a total of around 11 hours of battery life, but this depends on how you use it. The heavier the camera, the quicker the battery will drain.

What I also like about the DJI Ronin-SC, is the amount of add-ons and accessories you can get for it. These include the focus motor, focus wheel, command unit, phone holder, cheese plate and the BG18 grip (built-in battery), with a flared grip for a reliable hold.

With such a powerful tool at my disposal, the only limiting factor is my imagination. So watch this space for some really cool videos!

You can buy the DJI Ronin-SC Pro Combo Stabilizer for around USD $540 from Amazon. Also available …

US $540.00 – https://amzn.to/2mjB6k4
UK £415.00 – https://amzn.to/2oDnZeo
EU €459,00 –https://amzn.to/2o139po

Final Thoughts

If you’re a budding film maker, vlogger or YouTuber, then go get yourself the DJI Ronin-SC stabilizer now. Trust me, it will be the best investment you’ll ever make. Based on the features, the easy-to-use App and the price … I can only recommend it 110%. Well done DJI.

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