Comparison DJI RS 3 Mini vs DJI Ronin-SC

The range of forward-backward tilt angles relative to the vertical position supported by the steadicam.

It can be written in different ways.

The simplest option is when one angle value is indicated in the characteristics. This may mean that the camera is able to deviate from the neutral position in both directions by the same angle, which is half the range.

Another recording option is used when the angles of inclination forward and backward are not the same. In such cases, the horizontal position of the camera on a vertical steadicam is taken as zero, the “—” sign indicates the maximum angle of camera deflection back, lens up, the “+” sign — forward, lens down.

The range of roll angles (to the side) supported by the steadicam.

Can be recorded in two ways (See "Tilt Range")

The maximum controlled speed supported by the steadicam is, in fact, the highest speed of rotation of the camera along one axis or another, provided by the device. This is the maximum rotation speed of the entire structure, at which the steadicam automation is able to provide effective stabilization along the corresponding axis (that is, keep the camera stationary).

This item is directly related to the scope — for shooting while hiking or cycling on flat terrain, a high stabilization speed is hardly necessary, but during surfing, acrobatic aerobatics and other similar activities, the “slow” steadicam often turns out to be ineffective.

— Time Lapse. The ability to use a steadicam for shooting video in Time-Lapse mode. In this mode, shooting is carried out at a very low frame rate (one frame every few seconds, or even minutes), due to which the effect of fast movement is achieved in the finished video (for example, a day from sunrise to sunset can fit in several minutes). However, this is the general principle of Time Lapse; but the specific ways of its implementation may be different.

— Selfie shooting. The presence in the steadicam of a separate mode for shooting selfies (self-portraits).

— Sports mode. Allows you to use the steadicam when shooting in extreme conditions, on the go and even while running. If you turn on the sport mode, the stabilizer begins to compensate for even deep and sharp frame deviations. Of course, an increase in the potential of the stabilizer affects the charge of the battery pack — the sport mode significantly speeds up the process of discharging the battery.

— Autopanorama. The presence of the mode of automatic shooting of panoramas in the design of the steadicam. In this mode, the camera attached to the device automatically rotates, taking a series of shots, from which the finished panoramic image is then “glued together”. Most often, this function involves the creation of horizontal panoramas, but it can...also provide the movement of the camera vertically.

— Fixing the position of the camera. The ability to fix the position of the camera mounted on the steadicam. Fixation means such a mode of operation in which the camera remains constantly directed in the same direction, regardless of the position of the steadicam itself.

— Axle lock. The presence of an axis lock in the design of the steadicam — in such a way that when turning along this axis, the camera will clearly follow the movement of the stand. Such an opportunity is necessary in cases where there is a need for precise and operational control over the movement of the camera.

— Tracking mode. The presence of an automatic tracking mode in the steadicam. In accordance with the name, in this mode the device automatically follows a certain object, turning the camera so that this object is constantly in the centre of the image, or at least in the frame. In this case, the subject for tracking can be set by the operator himself.

— Inversion mode. The presence of the inversion mode in the design of the steadicam. This function, as the name suggests, allows you to turn the device upside down, keeping all its functions and the position of the camera.

— The control wheel allows you to speed up and simplify the setting of the steadicam operating modes. The wheel is designed to complement the keypad, but in some cases it can and completely replaces the buttons. Typically, the control wheel is used to adjust the sensitivity of the gimbal, as well as rotate and lock the camera mounting pad. If the optics are fully compatible with the steadicam, then the control wheel can be used to adjust both focus with zoom and many other shooting parameters.

Model of the battery used in the Steadicam. This information is not of key importance when choosing: if you wish, knowing the battery model, you can find detailed information about it, however, the key characteristics of the battery are usually given in general information about the steadicam. However, model information can be useful if you plan to purchase an additional battery, or if the household already has a battery and you need to evaluate its compatibility with the device.

The maximum time during which the device will work stably. It is worth considering that the manufacturer really indicates the maximum time, which does not correspond to real indicators due to the conditions and intensity of use.

The presence of a display in the steadicam makes the operation of the device more comfortable and visual. Depending on the specific modification of the steadicam, the screen can perform many functions. Usually, the display shows basic information about the operating modes used, the date and time, as well as the battery level. The most advanced steadicams can display the image from the camera, which allows you to use it as a viewfinder with LiveView mode. At the same time, the screen size on professional steadicams can reach 3″ or more, but the vast majority of models are still equipped with a 0.5″ screen.

Foldable steadicams can be neatly folded to a compact size, which is very convenient for storage and safe transportation. Both the handle and the mount of the stabilizer itself can be folded. But it is worth paying attention to the fact that such a design solution makes the steadicam more vulnerable to mechanical stress, because over time the telescopic mechanism and swivel joints will begin to wear out.

The ability to mechanically block each axis of the steadicam using clamps, latches. Mechanical locking of the axes allows you to better balance the devices for specific tasks, and is also useful for transportation.