The DJI Ronin-S and Ronin-SC are two handheld camera stabilizers that DJI released two years ago, allowing users to capture smooth, stabilized footage using their own camera. DJI has just released two new camera gimbals in the Ronin series, the DJI RS 2 and the DJI RSC 2 models. The RS 2 is the successor to the Ronin-S, while the RSC 2 is the successor to the Ronin-SC. But how do these new handheld camera stabilizers compare to their previous versions, and how do they compare to each other?
While the RS 2 allows for bigger, heavier camera and lens combinations, the RSC 2 allows for less heavy combos but features a unique foldable design. Both models feature major design changes and key upgrades that make them a worthy upgrade from the Ronin-S and Ronin-SC. The one that you choose depends on your budget and your needs. We’ll go over the design changes of the DJI RS 2 and the DJI RSC 2 and help you figure out which one works best for you.
The DJI RS 2 is DJI's brand new version of the DJI Ronin-S, featuring several key upgrades as well as a revamped design that makes this handheld camera stabilizer lighter than ever. The DJI RS 2 has a monocoque carbon fiber construction that gives it a light weight of 1.3kg. However, just because it’s lighter in weight doesn’t mean that it compromises on payload capacity. The DJI RS 2 can support camera and lens combinations of weights up to 4.5kg, which makes it the best weight to payload ratio in the industry.
In addition to its carbon fiber construction, the DJI RS 2 comes with Teflon-coated arms that allow even smoother movement through the locks for a better balance. These arms can also be individually locked, which makes it easier to balance the camera gimbal during setup or storage. With the onboard buttons, users can easily control the camera gimbal and switch between profiles and operating modes. Users can also use the DJI RS 2 with certain camera control cables to allow you to control camera functions such as shutter, focus, or recording.
Just as the DJI RS 2 is the successor to the DJI Ronin-S, the DJI RSC 2 is DJI’s successor to its popular Ronin-SC. This handheld camera stabilizer weighs slightly less than the DJI RS 2 at 1.2kg, but its payload capacity is 3kg in comparison to the 4.5kg of the RS 2. However, the DJI RSC 2 stands apart by being more compact than the DJI RS 2, measuring only 7” x 7.5”. The RSC 2 also features the same individually lockable axes as the DJI RS2, in addition to D-Ring camera screws that allow you to set it up without the need for additional tools.
The RSC 2 also features a foldable design by adding a foldable hinge on the camera gimbal that can be used as a handle. This allows the DJI RSC 2 to transition between six different operating modes such as Briefcase, Underslung, Upright, Flashlight, Portrait, and Storage mode.
Upgraded Screen
Both the DJI RS 2 and the DJI RSC 2 have new screens that allow you to view and use their features with ease. While the DJI RSC 2 comes with a new 1-inch OLED screen, the DJI RS 2 comes with a full color touchscreen. The LCD touchscreen allows you to quickly adjust the parameters of your shot as well as access the different features of the Ronin mobile app through the RS 2 instead of on your mobile phone. The screen displays indicators such as battery status, camera status, mode indicator, and gimbal balance quality status. With the LCD touchscreen, you can even select your target through ActiveTrack 3.0 when using it with the Ronin RavenEye Image Transmission system.
Titan Stabilization Algorithm
Both the DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 come with a new Titan Stabilization Algorithm to help you capture even smoother and more stable footage. It can be incredibly difficult to account for all movements when using a handheld camera gimbal, but the SuperSmooth feature compensates for micromovements and also increases torque to help stabilize zoom lenses of up to 100mm. This means that even if you’re moving the camera while filming, the footage will stay in focus.
ActiveTrack 3.0
Unlike the DJI Ronin-S, the DJI RSC 2 and the RS 2 come with ActiveTrack 3.0, which is DJI’s most advanced tracking technology. This technology uses advanced algorithms to detect and track your subject, giving you a smoother shot and focusing right where you need it to.
RSA/NATO Ports
Both the DJI RS 2 and RSC 2 feature NATO ports that allow you to attach many different third-party accessories. NATO compatibility gives you more versatile handling and mounting possibilities, making these two handheld camera stabilizers much easier to use with different accessories than the DJI Ronin-S. The DJI RS 2 also has RSA ports that further improve compatibility, allowing you to use accessories such as the Focus Wheel and Twist Grip Dual Handle.
Improved Battery Life And Charging Time
The DJI RS 2 supports 12 hours of battery life and a fast charging time of only 1.5 hours. You can also charge the DJI RS 2 battery independent from the camera gimbal, which means you can still use the device while charging other batteries. The DJI RS 2 also employs a cartridge design, allowing you to securely mount the battery and swap it out even faster. The RSC 2 goes even further with up to 14 hours of battery life and a charging time of around 2 hours.
Force Mobile
Just like the DJI Ronin-SC, the DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 feature the dynamic Force Mobile function. This allows you to use your phone movements to control the movements of the camera gimbal, allowing you to remotely control the handheld camera stabilizer without touching it. This expands the capabilities of the filming process and gives you greater freedom to capture the footage you need.
Vertical (Portrait) Mode
Shooting in portrait mode is a necessity for anyone looking to post creative videos to social media. By shooting vertical footage, you can ensure that your video is compatible with social media formatting. The DJI RSC 2 and RS 2 both come with a new feature that allow you to instantly switch to portrait mode. This makes filming a breeze and makes sure you capture that perfect shot without wasting time switching between filming modes.
Dual-Layer Camera Mounting Plate
Both the DJI RS 2 and the DJI RSC 2 come with a redesigned camera mounting plate that is compatible with most popular brands. The convenient dual-layer mounting system allows you to use the handheld camera stabilizer with almost any payload on the market, making it a highly versatile camera gimbal.
RavenEye Wireless Video Transmission System
One of the coolest features of the DJI RS 2 and the DJI RSC 2 is the new RavenEye wireless video transmission system. This system gives you 1080p video transmission between the camera and your mobile device from up to 100m away, and its latency is extremely low at only 50ms. You can use your mobile device to mark your subject on the remote live view, starting ActiveTrack 3.0 and tracking the subject with your payload camera.
RavenEye also allows you to more easily use Force Mobile, making the system highly responsive and allowing you to control the camera gimbal by rotating and tilting your smartphone device. Instead of trying to clunkily adjust your payload and ruining the smoothness of your shot, the RavenEye system and Force Mobile make it easier to capture fluid, dynamic shots with professional-level quality.
Ronin App Features
The DJI Ronin app allows you to personalize your shooting experience by using your mobile phone to access and manage things such as gimbal motor parameters and SmoothTrack. Auto Tun allows you to automatically adjust motor parameters based off of the weight of the payload you have mounted. With the DJI RS 2, however, you can bypass the app and start Auto Tune by pressing and holding the M button and trigger simultaneously for four seconds.
The SmoothTrack feature on the Ronin app allows you to film a complicated long take with only one group of settings, while the CamAnchor and Track mode let you plan your shot ahead of time and set it into motion with one click. The Ronin app also lets you access gimbal operation data in real time and diagnose the status of the gimbal with its live gimbal data feed.
Creative Functions
The DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2 both come with a Timelapse function that triggers the camera to capture still photos at set times. Once it’s completed, the camera automatically stops and creates unique and interesting Timelapse footage. They also feature the Track function, which allows you to use up to 10 waypoints to create shots. You can give each waypoint its own roll, pitch, and yaw position, creating easily repeatable and unique transitions.
Panorama mode is another amazing feature of the DJI RS 2 and DJI RSC 2, causing the camera gimbal to pan in a steady and automated motion to create gigapixel panorama of superior quality. The one function that the DJI RS 2 has the the DJI RSC 2 doesn’t is the Time Tunnel function, which combines a 360-degree roll with hyperlapse to create breathtaking shots.
DJI RS 2 Redesigned Focus System
The DJI RS 2 includes a built-in front dial that allows you to control focus or zoom directly from the handle. It also features an advanced 3D focus system that the DJI RSC 2 does not. This focus system upgrades the DJI Ronin-S focus wheel, measuring the distance between the lens and your subject to ensure the focus is precisely set. It also uses ToF sensors to improve focus in low light conditions, which allows you to use autofocus on manual or wide-aperture lenses.
The DJI RS 2 is compatible with the DJI focus motor system, which gives you better focus or zoom control even with unsupported or manual lenses. Using the 3D focus system, the RS 2 will precisely adjust focus on most cameras and lenses regardless of whether or not you’re in low light conditions.
The DJI RS 2 comes with contents such as a carrying case, BG30 grip, and control cables that help you transport and use this handheld camera stabilizer. For an extra $210, the DJI RS 2 Pro Combo provides you with additional contents such as a phone holder, focus motor, and additional HDMI cables that further improve the function and versatility of the camera gimbal. The DJI RSC 2 also has an optional Pro Combo that adds the same additional contents for an extra $260.
The DJI RS 2 is the more expensive option at $939, while the DJI RSC 2 is priced at a more affordable $539. However, the RS 2 comes with several unique features that make it a step above the RSC 2. Not only does the RS 2 come with an LCD touchscreen that gives your greater control through the camera gimbal itself, but it also supports much heavier payloads than the RSC 2. The unique foldable design of the RSC 2 is pretty impressive, though, and its smaller size is definitely a plus.
If features such as the fine-tune balancing knob or 3D focus system are must-haves for you, then the DJI RS 2 is worth the price. If you’re looking for something a bit simpler and more affordable, then the DJI RSC 2 more than holds its own when it comes to stabilizing camera footage.
Dr Drone
Author
DrDrone is Canada's leading provider of drone technical services, with over a decade of experience and the distinction of being the first company in the country to offer drone servicing and repairs. As the largest drone vendor in Canada, we are also the primary supplier of Remotely Piloted Air Systems (RPAS) to the Canadian government. Our team members possess extensive knowledge of each drone's technical specifications and have a wealth of hands-on experience. For more than ten years, we have been dismantling and reconstructing drones, ensuring a deep understanding of these systems.