DJI's RS 2 and RSC 2 Gimbals Have Arrived... and They're Awesome

DJI has officially released two new gimbals, the RS 2 and RSC 2, which were previously teased and then leaked by Best Buy yet again. (Really, Best Buy? Get it together.)

Both gimbals are part of DJI's Ronin series, the major difference between them being payload capacity. The RS 2 has a dynamic peak performance of 10 lbs, whereas the RSC 2 comes in at 6.6 lbs. Let's glide in. 

---

DJI RS 2 Gimbal

Key Features

• 20% Increase in motor capacity 
• 10 lbs dynamic payload
• Axis lock 
• Fine tune knob 
• Acra Swiss/Manfrotto plate compatible 
• Dual focusing system 
• 1.4" touchscreen 
• 12 hour battery life 
• Weighs only 2.86 lbs 

RS 2

The Ronin-S was one of our favorite gimbals we field tested. It was light, compact, and versatile enough to get just about any shot. However, the underslung mode wasn't the greatest. The RS 2 aims to improve upon that and more.

The 3-axis gimbal is geared toward heavier setups over the new RSC 2 model. Think DSLRs, compact cinema cameras, and larger lenses. You can even consider pairing the lighter Sigma fp with a heavier lens, and the RS 2 should be able to perform without fault. 

When compared to the Ronin-S, you're looking at a complete redesign where the RS 2 incorporates carbon fiber into the arm, similar to the Ronin 2. Because of that, it drops in weight to 2.86 lbs (1.3 kg), about a pound lighter than the Ronin-S, while still being very robust.

The unit supports a dynamic payload of 10 lbs (4.5 kg) providing 12 hours of battery life. What that means is, while the RS 2 can carry a higher capacity, DJI suggests at 10 lbs or less, the gimbal will perform without flaws. Users will notice an increase in motor capacity to allow for the heavier payloads over the Ronin-S while still capturing buttery smooth footage. 

RS 2

Additionally, DJI has developed new predictive technology with its Titan Stabilization algorithm to reduce the need for manual operation while it compensates for tilt and angle movements. Beside its ability to track subjects, do panoramas, timelapses, and motionlapses, DJI added a new SuperSmooth mode that's said to provide "another level of camera stability" to compensate for longer focal length lenses up to 100mm. How well that mode performs will be something No Film School tests out in a future review. 

Based on the images alone, the RS 2 looks like a big improvement in design over the Ronin-S. It's very customizable, which is ideal with so many camera bodies available. The underslung mode looks to be easier to operate as well.

RS 2

The unit has axis locks to help balance the camera. There's a dual-layer mounting plate that's compatible with both Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto, a fine-tune knob to dial in your balance, and a built-in 1.4" color touchscreen to navigate settings. The front dial controls focus, and there's a new quick-charge function where after a 15-minute charge, you can get about two hours of battery life. On top of all that, the RS 2 can be mounted to jibs, car attachments, or sliders for even more versatility. There are two RSA ports that double as NATO ports to mount accessories or a remote controller. 

RSC 2 w/ Pro Combo kit

DJI RSC 2 Gimbal

Key Features

• Stronger motors
• 6.6 lbs dynamic payload
• Dual focusing system
• 1" OLED screen
• 12 hour battery life 
• Weighs 2.43 lbs 

The Ronin-SC was the lightweight version of the Ronin-S, and the RSC 2 continues that tradition with some new features, including stronger motors, a higher payload, an improved underslung mode, and longer battery life, all while still keeping its compact design.

The most notable change is its folding design, making it one of the most portable gimbals available. The dynamic payload capacity sees a bump, too, from 4.4 lbs to 6.6 lbs. 

RSC 2

Like the RS 2, the smaller version is equipped with the latest Titan Stabilization algorithm to help predict movements and smooth out shots, as well as the dual-layer mounting plate for Arca-Swiss and Manfrotto. DJI also added a new Briefcase mode, where the main gimbal arm can be positioned forward for a different perspective. There's also a cool new underslung mode to capture low angled shots.

One thing to point out is the battery is internal and cannot be removed. However, it does offer 12 hours of operating time and features the same quick charge option found on the RS 2. 

RavenEye on the RS 2

What They Both Share 

As you might expect, DJI has made accessories available for both gimbals, including a cheese plate, Focus Wheel, 3D Focus System, and the newly developed RavenEye image transmission system, among others. 

RavenEye is essentially a wireless video transmission system that connects via the Ronin app. When the gimbal is connected to app, it sends a 1080p 30fps signal to a mobile device from up to 650 feet (200 meters) away. As an operator, you can then control the gimbal using a virtual joystick in the app or by Force Mobile, where the gimbal mimics the movement of the mobile device. Cool. 

DJI also included several pre-programmed movements, which most have carried over from the previous models. 

• Time Tunnel: Performs a 360-degree roll while capturing a hyperlapse (available later on the RSC 2 via firmware update)
• Flashlight: Tilts the camera all the way forward so users can grip the base like a flashlight
• One-Tap Portrait Mode: The gimbal quickly orients the camera into vertical shooting
• Panorama: After configuring sensor and focal length, choose a start and stop point for panoramas up to gigapixel size
• Roll 360: Flashlight position and rolls the camera system 360 degrees
• Timelapse: Great for showing a passage of time