8K upgrade for radical Ronin
Posted on Feb 27, 2024 by Samara Husbands
Redefining Cinematic Excellence
Get cinematic brilliance, 8K sensor, LiDAR focus and elevate storytelling with the DJI Ronin 4D-8K
The DJI Ronin 4D-8K is a new version of the wild-looking Ronin 4D. It is an all-in-one system with an 8K full-frame sensor that shoots in Raw, takes manual focus lenses and turns them into AF versions, features a four-axis stabiliser and built-in image transmission. And at £11,038/$12,838 for the whole kit, it’s a lot of equipment for the money.
The Ronin 4D-8K can shoot in 8K at 60fps in the 17:9 format and 4K in 120fps. If you choose 2.39:1 for Cinemascope, this increases to 8K in 75fps. It uses an 800/4000 dual-native ISO sensor with up to 14.7 stops of dynamic range.
Nine-stop physical ND filters are built-in for precise exposure control without colour shifts associated with variable NDs. The lens mount is interchangeable between DJI’s own DL mount as well as Sony E, Arri PL and Leica L and M. These allow autofocus on manual lenses and Automated Manual Focus (AMF) by using the innovative LiDAR focusing system.
The camera also offers the new DJI Cinema Color Science (DCCS), claimed to deliver natural skin tones that are accurate and aesthetically pleasing, even in complex light conditions. The DCCS colour engine boasts a new algorithm, high-bit-depth colour and tone, and LUT processing modules for precise adjustments.
The sensor is DJI’s own design and uses the Cinecore image-processing platform, developed by DJI to deliver high-quality digital intermediates for post-production. Cinecore supports up to 8K videos in codecs such as Apple ProRes Raw, ProRes 422 HQ, H.264 as well as – to match the Inspire 3 drone – CinemaDNG.
The D-Gamut colour space is optimised for richer green colouring and skin tone representation. Delivering more than 14 stops of dynamic range, D-Log curve is said to align with Arri cinema camera colour and supports the ACES workflow. The camera preserves delicate and natural transitions in highlight areas, making it the ideal choice for colour grading flexibility.
The Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) is a standard set by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to ensure colour accuracy across equipment. ACES is now certified for DJI’s Ronin 4D, Inspire 3 drone and the Zenmuse X7 camera.
The Ronin 4D-8K combo includes the body, a Zenmuse X9-8K gimbal camera, a DJI DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 ASPH lens, a 1TB SSD and mount, handgrips, top handle, a High-Bright Remote Monitor, battery, LiDAR Range Finder and Raw licence key.
The Zenmuse X9-8K gimbal camera is also available separately for £2599/$3599.
Originally published in the March/April 2024 issue of Pro Moviemaker.
