DJI has announced the Ronin 4D Flex and its first zoom lens, the DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0. The 4D Flex allows operators to separate the Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera from the main body, reducing handheld weight and size.
Now, please be aware that although it separates from the main body it still needs to be connected to it to still work. What DJI is doing is very similar to what Sony does with the VENICE Rialto system.
Key features
- Extendable Gimbal Camera Design
- 2m Gimbal Camera Extension Cable
- Lossless Transmission of High-Speed Image Signals
- 1.8kg Minimum Handheld Weight
- Supports Ronin 4D Hand Grips and Monitors
- Agile Configuration Switches On Set
This is quite an interesting move from DJI and in a lot of ways it makes sense. While a lot of people were wanting a system where the camera could detach from the gimbal, this is probably the next best thing.
Utilizing the 4D Hand Grips and Main Monitor that come win the 4D Flex kit you can create a lighter and smaller set-up that is suitable for solo operators and small crews.
Solo operators can separate the X9 gimbal camera from the main body, reducing the handheld weight of Ronin 4D to just 1.8kg. This allows you to operate the camera for longer without having to put it down. What you do need to keep in mind is that someone is still going to have to carry the main body of the Ronin 4D.
It already appears that someone like Tilta has made a backpack-style carrying device for the main body.
The 4D Flex also makes the X9 gimbal camera compatible with a variety of rigs.
So how does it work?
You connect the Ronin 4D Flex to the main body via a 2m ultra-thin coaxial cable, which supports lossless transmission of up to 8K. This allows high-speed signals from the camera sensor to reach the main body, and it also provides control and monitoring signals to be delivered in real-time.
Switching between Flex and the integrated configuration on set is claimed to be fast and no tools are required to do this. For static shots, the standard Pan Axis Quick-Lock with accessories increases the gimbal’s payload, supporting telephoto, cinema zoom, and anamorphic lenses.
The Ronin 4D Flex is compatible with a large and expanding Ronin ecosystem. Not only do you get native compatibility with Ronin 4D’s Hand Grips and the Main Monitor, but also 3-axis stabilization, LiDAR focusing, and professional monitoring and control.
The Ronin 4D Flex is now available to purchase for $929 USD, and it includes Ronin 4D Flex, one Pan Axis Quick-Lock, two Ronin 4D Hand Grip Adapters, and 2 Hand Grip Adapter Cables.
DJI’s First Cinema Zoom Lens
The DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 Lens features precise back focus control and native system calibration, autofocus, manual focus, and automated manual focus (AMF). DJI claims that when it is mounted on Zenmuse X9, it delivers delivers ultra-high resolution from center to edge while covering ultra-wide to wide-angle focal lengths. It has a minimum focusing distance of 19cm / 7.48″.
The lens is constructed out of aluminum magnesium alloy, and it weighs 520g / 1.14 lb. It also features an internal servo zoom motor that is claimed to deliver smooth and reliable zooms without the need for an external focus motor or lens calibration. It is nice to know that the DL PZ 17-28mm can be zoomed without requiring re-balancing.
Key features
- Imager Size: Full frame (36×24 mm)
- Focal Length: 17-28 mm
- MOD (From Object to Image Plane):
- 17 mm: 0.19 m
- 28 mm: 0.26 m
- Aperture Range: T3.0 to T22
- Filter Diameter: Φ 67 mm
- Lens Mount: DL mount
- Weight (lens hood included): Approx. 520 g
- Operating Temperature: -10° to 55° C (14° to 131° F)
The DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 Lens is available to purchase for $1,339 USD.
ProRes RAW Activation License Key
What is also interesting is that DJI is now offering an activation license key for Apple ProRes RAW so that it can be used with the Ronin 4D. Perhaps DJI did some type of licensing deal with RED to make this happen.
The license is valid indefinitely upon a one-time purchase. It is interesting that the compatibility for the ProRes RAW license is only listed as being the DJI Ronin 4D Zenmuse X9-6K. The 8K version of the Ronin 4D isn’t listed at all.
The Apple ProRes RAW license for Ronin 4D is available to purchase at www.store.dji.com for $979 USD.
Other Upcoming Accessories
Two upcoming accessories, the DJI Three-Channel Follow Focus and DJI Ronin 4D Expansion Plate (SDI/XLR/TC), will both be available by May 2023.
