DJI has announced a trio of new products, the DJI RS 3 & RS 3 Pro gimbals and DJI Transmission which they say will give creators bold new tools that set-up faster, operate more easily, connect seamlessly and transmit for miles.
The RS 3 model weighs in at just under 1.3 kg (2.8 lbs), which DJI says is light enough to be easily operated with one hand and a maximum tested payload capacity of just under 3kg (6.6lbs) allowing it to be used with the majority of mainstream devices.
DJI has also redesigned the axis-locking system which now automatically releases and unfolds the gimbal as soon as it is powered on.
When not needed, the RS 3 can be put into sleep mode by tapping the power button once rather than shutting it down completely, making powering it back on or stowing it away and relocating much faster.
A new Bluetooth Shutter Button supports automatic connection with a camera without the need to connect using a camera control cable.
The RS 3 also features DJI’s 3rd-Gen RS Stabilization Algorithm, which offers 20% improved performance over the previous RSC 2 model.
DJI says that this will make it much easier to operate while shooting at low angles, running, or even filming from a moving vehicle.
A new SuperSmooth stabilization mode offers even great stabilization when shooting with lenses with focal lengths of up to 100mm.
UI and interface logic have been redesigned, placing all controls, including a physical gimbal mode switch that allows operators to alternate between pan follow, pan and tilt follow, and FPV modes instantly, within easy reach.
This means that most gimbal setups to be done directly on the gimbal itself, without having to connect to the mobile app.
The new battery grip provides up to 12 hours of battery life, and supports PD fast charging at 18 watts. The battery can also be charged independently or during use.
The RS 3 Pro’s arms are constructed from one uncut piece of carbon fiber which DJI says makes it lighter and stronger than the jointed carbon fiber material used on previous models.
They have also been extended, to provide more balancing space for commonly used pro level cameras such as the Sony FX6, Canon C70, and RED Komodo.
Structurally, the RS 3 Pro has been optimized to keep its weight at 1.5kg (3.3lbs) and still allow for a maximum tested 4.5kg (10lbs) payload capability.
The RS 3 Pro’s biggest feature is the addition of the same LiDAR technology found in the Ronin 4D by mounting the DJI LiDAR Range Finder (RS) attachment (shown in image to the right) to a camera’s multi-function shoe.
Capable of projecting 43,200 ranging points within a 14-meter indoor area, the LiDAR range finder works in conjunction with the RS 3 Pro’s high-torque focus motor to enable autofocus on manual lenses with out the need for repetitive calibration.
The LiDAR Range Finder carries a DJI-developed chip, which DJI says is identical to the one used in Ronin 4D, in addition to a built-in 30mm camera, that boosts the computing power of ActiveTrack by more than 60 times, to create a upgraded version of that feature DJI is calling ActiveTrack Pro.
Target identification and tracking are also more sensitive and accurate allowing professional cameras to maintain a steady, clear shot in even more dynamic scenarios.
The RS 3 Pro offers a dual RSA/NATO port and battery port which allows it to connect to various accessories such as the new Briefcase Handle, Twist Grip Dual Handle, and Tethered Control Handle.
Finally, the DJI RS SDK protocol enables third-party manufacturers and individual developers to create customized shooting solutions for RS 3 Pro further expanding its capabilities.
The DJI Transmission is their first independent wireless video solution to combine reception, monitoring, control, and recording into one unit.
O3 Pro transmission technology enables the DJI Transmission system to offer a 20,000-foot on-ground transmission distance with end-to-end ultra-low latency, video transmitted in 1080p/60fps and live audio monitoring at 16-bit 48 kHz.
DJI has also added a DFS band on top of the traditional 2.4 GHz and 5.8 GHz settings, that offers up to 23 channel options for more compliant and interference-free transmission channels.
The built-in frequency sweeper automatically scans the current electromagnetic environment looking for for the best wireless channel and will instantly switching channels when needed. The ability manually select an appropriate channel to avoid interference between devices is also available.
It features a 7-inch, 1500-nit High-Bright Remote Monitor that includes an integrated receiver, eliminating the need for video cables running into a monitor.
The system is able to work simultaneously with ten or more transmitters, sending signals to transmit to ten devices which is especially helpful on larger sets.
Control mode allows for monitoring to be carried out from two receivers at the same time, also allowing the gimbal and camera to be controlled remotely.
Broadcast mode can also be enabled on top of Control mode, allowing for an unlimited number of receivers.
The High-Bright Remote Monitor also has a built-in gyroscopic sensor that can act as a standalone motion controller for RS 3 Pro, and when combined with the Ronin 4D Hand Grips, the operator of an RS 3 Pro stabilizer can control the gimbal, focus, exposure, and start/stop a recording with both hands.
It also provides simultaneous access to video time codes and independent recording and playback of 1080p/60fps H.264 footage.
The DJI Transmission system also works seamlessly with DJI Master Wheel and Force Pro, allowing for a variety of ways to control camera movement.
