DJI Ronin-SC 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer

The DJI Ronin-SC Gimbal Stabilizer represents a significant advancement over its predecessor, the Ronin-S.

Designed specifically for small mirrorless cameras weighing under 4.4 lb, this three-axis single-handle gimbal combines compactness and lightness with a host of enhanced features and technological innovations.

Weighing a mere 2.4 lb on its own, the Ronin-SC is exceptionally portable, offering increased comfort during prolonged handheld use with a mounted camera.

The gimbal introduces two locking modes for efficient camera balancing and secure storage.

The sliding quick-release camera plate simplifies the rebalancing process when transitioning between locations.

By balancing the camera in the lock position, detaching it from the plate, placing the gimbal in storage mode, and then remounting the camera upon arrival, users can seamlessly maintain balance.

Equipped with stabilization, pan, tilt, and roll control, the gimbal enables 360° continuous panning, ensuring steady 3D/360° motion shots.

User-friendly controls include a record button, a joystick for precise gimbal adjustments, and a re-center front trigger button to reset the gimbal to its default orientation.

The M button activates Sport Mode, providing rapid tracking response for capturing dynamic action sequences.

Enhanced by Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity, Active Track 3.0 has been updated for effortless subject tracking without manual input.

The innovative Force Mobile feature allows users to control the gimbal’s motion via their smartphone’s gyroscope when mounted on a rig or tripod, offering precise and natural gimbal movements.

Additional features include time-lapse and motion-lapse modes for creative video capture.

Powered by a 2450mAh rechargeable 18650 LiPo battery integrated into its handle, the Ronin-SC boasts an impressive 11-hour runtime on a single charge.

Charging is convenient through the USB Type-C port, and the gimbal supports camera control functions like run/stop or focus pulling using multiport USB cables connected to a compatible camera.

The handle also features 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 mounting threads for attaching accessories such as the included smartphone holder.

The comprehensive package includes accessories like an extended grip/tripod, camera riser, lens support, port cover, Allen wrench, quick release plate with a 1/4″-20 camera mounting screw, an M4 screw, multicamera USB control cables, a USB Type-C charging cable, a USB Type-C to micro-USB adapter, and a storage case for added convenience.

Key Features

Compact and Lightweight Design: Weighing only 2.4 lb, the Ronin-SC is highly portable and designed for comfortable handheld use, allowing for extended shooting sessions without fatigue.

Stabilization and Control: The gimbal provides stabilization, pan, tilt, and roll control, enabling smooth and steady 3D/360° motion shots. It features a joystick and a record button for precise control, as well as a re-center front trigger button to reset the gimbal to its default position.

Quick-Release Camera Plate: The sliding quick-release camera plate facilitates easy balancing and makes it convenient to rebalance the camera when changing locations. The gimbal offers two locking modes for balancing and storage.

Sport Mode and Active Track 3.0: The M button activates Sport Mode, offering a fast tracking response for recording action sequences. Active Track 3.0, accessible through the mobile app, enables subject tracking without manual controls.

Force Mobile Control: DJI’s Force Mobile feature allows users to control the gimbal’s motion using their smartphone’s gyroscope when mounted on a rig or tripod, offering precise gimbal movements based on natural motion.

Built-in Features: The gimbal includes various built-in features such as time-lapse and motion-lapse modes for creative video capture.

Long Battery Life: Powered by a 2450mAh rechargeable 18650 LiPo battery in the handle, the gimbal offers up to 11 hours of runtime on a single charge. It can be charged via a USB Type-C port and can also provide camera control functions through compatible multiport USB cables.

Accessories and Mounting Options: The Ronin-SC comes with accessories, including an extended grip/tripod, camera riser, lens support, port cover, Allen wrench, quick-release plate, smartphone holder, and various cables. It features 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 mounting threads on the handle for attaching additional accessories.

The DJI Ronin-SC offers an impressive array of features and improvements, making it a versatile and user-friendly gimbal stabilizer for small mirrorless cameras.

DJI Ronin-SC Specifications

General Features

Auto Calibration: The Ronin-SC features Auto Calibration, allowing the gimbal to automatically determine an optimal motor stiffness value based on the mounted payload’s weight.

Offset Roll Motor: With an offset roll motor, the Ronin-SC positions the camera above the roll axis, ensuring an unblocked view of the camera’s LCD screen. This design minimizes camera shake during transitions between upright and underslung modes.

Modular Design: Built with modularity in mind, the Ronin-SC supports both direct-connected and wireless accessories, providing versatility in customization.

Versatility: The Ronin-SC offers versatile applications, including mounting onto an RC buggy for low-angle shots or functioning as a stabilized remote head when attached to a jib.

Multitasking Capability: Equipped with both 1/4″-20 and 3/8″-16 accessory mounts, the Ronin-SC supports various add-ons like microphones, LED lights, or wireless video transmitters.

Additional Features:

• DJI specialized gimbal drive motors with encoders for precise control
• Bluetooth 5.0 communication for reliable connectivity
• Hardware joystick and virtual joystick operation support
• Time-lapse, track, and panorama shooting capabilities
• Sport mode support for dynamic shooting scenarios
• Roll 3D/360° rotation support for creative perspectives
• Quick record function for efficient video capture.

Locking/Unlocking the Gimbal

Activate the lock for the pan, tilt, and roll axis by toggling it into the locked position. Unlock the corresponding axis by toggling the axis lock into the unlocked position. Prior to toggling the axis lock, it is advisable to securely grasp the axis arm.

Camera Compatibility and Mounting Instructions

Supported Cameras and Lenses:

Ronin-SC has undergone comprehensive testing to accommodate a payload of 2.0 kg. Ensure that the total weight of the camera, lens, and accompanying accessories does not exceed 2.0 kg.

Mounting a Camera:

Prior to mounting your camera on the Ronin-SC, perform the following preparations: remove the lens cap and confirm the insertion of the camera battery and memory card.

• The default setting has the three gimbal axes locked. Unlock the axes, adjust the gimbal to the specified position, and then lock the axes once again.
• If necessary, affix the riser plate* to the camera’s underside using a flathead screwdriver.
• Attach the dovetail plate and lens support. Slide the slider to the front of the plate, ensuring the camera lens and the arrow on the dovetail plate face the same direction. Mount the camera following the indicators on the dovetail plate. For optimal performance, utilize the lens support.
• Loosen the knob on the bottom of the camera mounting plate, shifting it to the side of the axis. Slide the camera onto the plate, tightening the knob when the camera is centrally positioned on the plate.

Balancing Procedure

To ensure optimal performance from the Ronin-SC, correct balancing is crucial. Proper balance is not only essential for capturing fast motion or acceleration shots but also contributes to prolonged battery runtimes.

Before powering on the Ronin-SC and initiating the software setup, it’s imperative to balance the three axes.

Before Balancing:

1. Fully configure the camera with all accessories and cables connected before installing and balancing it on the gimbal. Remove the lens cap, if present, before balancing.
2. Power on the camera, especially if using an optical zoom lens, and select the focal length for varifocal lenses before balancing. Ensure the Ronin-SC is powered off or in sleep mode during the balancing process.
3. Mount all accessories, such as the phone holder or focus motor, before balancing. Refer to the accessory manuals for additional instructions.
4. Unless specified otherwise, the balancing process remains the same with or without a phone holder and mobile phone mounted.

1. Balancing Depth for the Tilt Axis:

• Unlock the tilt axis and lower the camera by loosening the tilt axis knob.
• Rotate the tilt axis so that the camera lens points forward. Ensure the camera is not front or back-heavy. Adjust the camera position accordingly.
• Loosen the knob under the camera mounting plate and balance the camera until steady.
• Tighten the tilt axis knob.

2. Balancing the Vertical Tilt:

• Rotate the tilt axis so that the camera lens points upward. If a phone holder and mobile phone are mounted, tilt the axis up at approximately 45°. Ensure the camera is not top or bottom-heavy.
• Loosen the knob on the tilt motor and balance the camera until steady without tilting up or down.
• Tighten the tilt axis knob.
• Repeat Step 1 to balance the depth of the tilt axis. Use the slider on the dovetail plate to record the balance position. Move the slider next to the mounting plate and tighten it.

3. Balancing the Roll Axis:

• Lock the tilt axis and unlock the roll axis. Check the direction of the roll motor swing. Adjust the camera position accordingly.
• Loosen the knob on the camera mounting plate and balance the camera until steady.
• Tighten the roll axis knob. If the camera moves forward, adjust it until the slider is next to the mounting plate.

4. Balancing the Pan Axis:

• Unlock the pan axis. Hold the grip, tilt Ronin-SC sideways, and check the pan-axis movement. Adjust the camera position accordingly.
• Loosen the knob on the pan motor and balance the camera until steady while rotating the pan.
• Tighten the pan axis knob.

Camera Compatibility List

Sony	A6000, A6100, A6300, A6400, A6500, A6600, A7, A7C, A7M2, A7M3, A7R2, A7R3, A7R4, A7S, A7S2, A7S3, A9, Rx10 III, Rx10 IV, RX100 V, Rx100 VI, Rx100 VII
Canon	EOS 200D II, EOS 5DS R, EOS 90D, EOS M50, EOS M50 II, EOS M6 II, EOS R, EOS R5, EOS R6, EOS RP, PowerShot G7 X Mark III
Nikon	D500, D780, D810, Z5, Z50, Z6, Z6 II, Z7, Z7 II
Panasonic	GH5, GH5S, G9, GH3, GH4, G95, S5
FUJIFILM	X-E3, X-H1, X-T2, X-T20, X-T3, X-T30, X-T4, X100V
Sigma	FP