| Photo: DJI |
When DJI announced its extremely innovative Ronin 4D camera and stabilizer combo in 2021, we were very impressed. Maybe the most innovative video product in a decade, the world’s first four-axis cinema camera was a shoo-in for our 2021 DPReview awards. But one thing was missing at launch: the only available camera module was DJI’s Zenmuse X9–6K module, which tops out at 6K/60p or 4K/120p. The Zenmuse X9-8K camera and the Ronin 4D-8K combo kit were slated to be released at “a later date.” Now, two years later, that date is here.
The Ronin’s four-axis body remains unchanged, sporting its unique active Z-axis that cribs tech from DJI’s drone line (downward-facing ToF sensors, forward and downward dual-visual sensors, a built-in IMU and even a barometer) to eliminate bounce above and beyond what was possible with a three-axis gimbal. That, plus two automated focus modes that lean on a built-in 10M LiDAR range finder to track subjects in low-light conditions where traditional autofocus struggles.
Also unchanged are the camera module’s bells and whistles, including nine built-in physical ND filters for adjustment from ND2 to ND512 and the ability to record to SSD over USB-C, to CFexpress Type-B using the internal card slot, or to DJI’s PROSSD 1TB SSD, which comes part and parcel with the Ronin 4D-8K combo package.
 |
|
The Zenmuse X9-8K camera delivers footage at resolutions up to 8K/75p.
Photo: DJI |
The meat and potatoes of this release is the DJI Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera itself, which finally enables the top-of-the-line performance capabilities, namely full-frame 8K/60fps at 17:9 (and 8K/75fps at 2.39:1) that DJI touted in 2021 when the 4D launched with only the 6K/60fps-limited Zenmuse X9-6K Gimbal Camera on offer.
The Ronin 4D-8K combo, which includes the 4D body, Zenmuse X9-8K camera, 1TB SSD, DJI 17-28mm T3.0 ASPH lens, LiDAR Range Finder, TB50 battery, monitor, handles, grips and other essential bits and pieces, has an MSRP of $12,838. If you already have a Ronin 4D body and want to upgrade, the Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera is available separately, including a case, for $3,599. The Ronin 4D-6K combo will remain available for a more modest $6,799.
Buy now:
Press release:
DJI’s Cutting-Edge Color Science Comes to Life in The Ronin 4D-8K
December 14, 2023 – DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and creative camera technology, today announces the Ronin 4D-8K, a new iteration of the Ronin 4D professional cinema camera platform. This all-in-one 8K cinema camera integrates DJI’s most advanced technologies, including the revolutionary 4-axis stabilization, into one cutting-edge and comprehensive cinematography solution. A powerful, next-generation cinema camera, the Ronin 4D, is the future of filmmaking, offering groundbreaking flexibility to solo cinematographers and unlimited possibilities for coordinated shooting.
“Empowering creators with cutting-edge technology has always been at the heart of DJI’s mission,” said Paul Pan, DJI Senior Product Line Manager. “The Ronin 4D-8K stands as a testament to our dedication to delivering unparalleled imaging solutions and providing creators with the tools they need to bring their visions to life with exceptional clarity and brilliance.”
The DJI Ronin 4D-8K stands out with its premium performance, delivering an impressive suite of features that cater to the diverse needs of cinematographers. With full-frame 8K/60fps & 4K/120fps capabilities, this camera ensures exceptional image quality, providing filmmakers with extraordinary versatility in capturing the demands of the scene. The 800/4000 Dual-Native ISO enhances performance across various lighting conditions, complemented by a maximum 14.7 stops of dynamic range, offering cinematic depth and rich color grades in any scenario.
The Ronin 4D-8K further proves itself with built-in 9-stop physical ND filters for precise exposure control, DL/E/L/PL/M interchangeable lens mounts for creative freedom, autofocus on manual lenses and Automated Manual Focus (AMF) for quick and accurate focusing with the innovative LiDAR focusing system. Its seamless transition to Flex Form without tools allows for on-the-go adjustments, highlighting the camera’s versatility. In essence, the Ronin 4D-8K is a comprehensive solution that empowers filmmakers to bring their creative visions to life with ease and precision.
With the Ronin 4D-8K, DJI showcases the groundbreaking DJI Cinema Color Science (DCCS), which delivers natural skin tones that are both incredibly accurate and aesthetically pleasing, even in complex lighting conditions. Tailored for professional aerial and ground-based imaging equipment, DCCS unlocks boundless creative possibilities by vividly reproducing the kaleidoscopic colors perceived by the human eye. The DCCS color engine boasts a new algorithm, enabling smooth yet detailed images, high bit-width internal color and tone processing for natural transitions, and multiple high-precision LUT processing modules for precise color adjustments in diverse lighting conditions.
Complementing DCCS is the CineCore image processing platform, developed by DJI to deliver high-quality digital intermediates for post-production. Equipped with a proprietary chip and advanced processor architecture, CineCore supports up to 8K videos in professional codecs like Apple ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 HQ, H.264, and like on the Inspire 3, CinemaDNG. The D-Gamut color space is optimized for richer green coloring and skin tone representation. Covering over 14 stops of dynamic range, D-Log curve ensures detailed highlight and shadow retention even in challenging lighting, aligning effortlessly with ARRI cinema camera color and supporting the ACES workflow. With its film-consistent symmetrical dynamic distribution, DCCS preserves delicate and natural transitions in highlight areas, making it the ideal choice for filmmakers seeking unparalleled image quality and color grading flexibility.
Empowering filmmakers with a seamless and standardized color management experience, the Academy Color Encoding System (ACES) is a collaborative effort by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, professional filmmakers, and color scientists. From image capture to final screening, ACES, now officially certified for DJI Ronin 4D, Inspire 3, and Zenmuse X7, ensures a consistent color journey, preserving the filmmaker’s creative vision across various professional equipment and screening standards.
The Ronin 4D-8K combo includes the Ronin 4D Main Body, a Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera, a DJI DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 ASPH Lens, a PROSSD 1TB, a PROSSD Mount, Hand Grips, a Top Handle, a High-Bright Main Monitor, a TB50 Intelligent Battery, a LiDAR Range Finder, a DJI Ronin 4D RAW License Key and more. The combo retails for $12,838.
The Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera is also available for purchase, retailing at $3,599, and includes a Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera Protector Case, a X9 Gimbal Base Cap and a DL Mount Body Cap.
DJI Care Pro is now available for DJI Ronin 4D-8K, providing comprehensive protection for accidental damage. An unlimited number of free repairs are provided within the coverage limit for water damage, drop damage, improper use, and other accidents, together with International Warranty Service and two maintenance services by DJI technical experts.
Previously in this series, I talked about my visits to Andasibe NP, where I shot lemurs and chameleons, and to Tsingy Rouge NP, where I shot beautiful formations made by erosion. I also talked about shooting sifaka lemurs and baobab trees in Kirindy Forest reserve and about visiting several secluded stops on my way to the southern part of Madagascar. This time, I’ll talk about two short but fruitful visits: one to Isalo National Park and the other to Ranomafana National Park.
Isalo is a National Park in the Ihorombe region of Madagascar. It is a sandstone landscape dissected by wind and water erosion into rocky outcrops, plateaus, extensive plains and up to 200 m (660 ft) deep canyons. The park was created in 1962 and has been administered by the Madagascar National Parks authority since 1997. It includes landscapes considered part of the subhumid forests ecoregion. This ecoregion is home to numerous endemic species and has been given Critical/Endangered status because only small areas of native habitat remain, and most of those are highly fragmented.
As you’ve seen in previous articles, this fragmentation of ecosystems and, thus, the endangerment and rapid decline of endemic species is, unfortunately, very typical of Madagascar. Ecotourism is thus a most powerful and important tool to preserve what’s left of the fragile habitats and beautiful species of this poor country.
Isalo might not have infinite landscape photography attractions, but it does have some nice locations with fantastic rock formations, the principal of which is the famous rock arch. As with many locations in Madagascar, this arch is very crowded at sunset with tourist groups and locals but surprisingly empty during sunrise.
The arch can be photographed from both sides. The easier eastern side is basically connected to the road and is thus harder to shoot when it’s crowded, but getting to the shooting spot on the western side requires some agility and a bit of climbing and is thus much emptier, even during sunset. Thus, I chose to shoot the arch from the west during sunset and from the east during sunrise.
 |
|
The eastern side of the rock arch during a cloudy sunrise.
Canon 5D4, Canon 11-24mm F4 |
 |
|
The western side a few minutes after sunset, under a strong post-sunset glow. This phenomenon happens when the western horizon is clear of clouds. The glow is surprisingly red and reflects beautifully off of brighter surfaces such as the rock arch.
Canon 5D4, Canon 11-24mm F4 |
Apart from the arch, there are eroded rock formations nearby, surrounded by fields where termites build huge mounds, which can serve as nice foregrounds.
 |
|
A termite mound under post-sunset glow. I took this shot right after the arch shot since it was located just two minutes away.
Canon 5D4, Canon 11-24mm F4 |
As for wildlife, Isalo has a small variety, including the sportive lemur and the red-fronted brown lemur, which I had already seen and photographed. It also has a decent-sized population of the ring-tailed lemur, perhaps the most famous of this primate family.
Getting to the ring-tailed lemurs was a bit of a challenge, and it took some precarious rock climbing to get to the point where they were hanging out. Still, nothing extreme. Upon getting to the lemur group, I got plenty of interesting poses by the lemurs, which were super cute and fun to shoot.
 |
|
“Why hello there!” It seems like this lemur was a top model in a previous life!
Canon 5D4, Sigma 150-600mm F4.5-6.3 |
 |
|
I intentionally left some negative space on top of the frame since that’s where the lemur is looking.
Canon 5D4, Sigma 150-600mm F4.5-6.3 |
I will talk about ring-tailed lemurs much more extensively in the next article, but for now, I will say that it’s not only their beauty but their wonderful behaviors that make them a joy to shoot. One such behavior is licking the branches for a taste of pheromones. Both male and female ring-tailed lemurs have scent glands that secrete pungent substances, which some lemurs find irresistible!
 |
|
Like other lemurs, this species relies strongly on their sense of smell and territorial marking with scent glands, providing communication signals throughout a group’s home range. The males will participate in stink fights by dousing their tails with their pheromones and ‘wafting’ them at opponents. Additionally, lemurs of both sexes will scent-mark trees, rocks or other objects by simply rubbing their faces and bodies onto it. I guess the eyes say it all.
Canon 5D4, Sigma 150-600mm F4.5-6.3 |
What I’ll talk about next wasn’t the next stop in my trip after Isalo. That stop deserves its own article, so for now, I’ll skip it and talk about the very last stop – Ranomafana NP. The park protects more than 41,600 hectares (161 square miles) of tropical rainforest at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 m (2,645 to 3,937 ft) and is home to several rare species of plants and animals. Out of these species, I had a really good time shooting the golden bamboo lemur, a medium-sized lemur endemic to the area.
 |
|
Golden bamboo lemur. These guys are super fast and jump around constantly, but once in a while, they’ll stop and allow a shot or two. I think they’re absolutely beautiful!
Canon 5D4, Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6 |
This was the second bamboo lemur I shot (the first was the gray bamboo lemur in Andasibe (see the first article in the series), but it was the most photogenic, and by far the harder one to shoot. I had to run across narrow trails through thick vegetation, sometimes only to find out the lemur had already gone away. But I was very happy with this final shot: a golden bamboo lemur inside a heart-shaped leafy frame.
 |
|
It’s hard to beat cuteness in a heart-shaped frame. This was a difficult shot technically, as it was very dark inside the thick vegetation, and my camera found it hard to focus. Only a few shots turned out good, and this is my favorite. You may remember framing as one of the methods I discussed in my landscape composition series—I would say it’s even more useful in wildlife photography!
Canon 5D4, Canon 70-300mm F4-5.6 |
In the next, final article in this series, I’ll talk about the crown jewel of my Madagascar visit: Anja Reserve.
Erez Marom is a professional nature photographer, photography guide and traveller based in Israel. You can follow Erez’s work on Instagram and Facebook, and subscribe to his mailing list for updates and to his YouTube channel.
If you’d like to experience and shoot some of the world’s most fascinating landscapes and wildlife with Erez as your guide, take a look at his unique photography workshops in Madagascar, Greenland, the Lofoten Islands, Namibia and Vietnam.
Erez also offers video tutorials discussing his images and explaining how he achieved them.
Belgian photographer Eric T’Kindt photo was awarded the overall Gold prize at this year’s World Sports Photography Awards. The photo of Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto was shot at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, Antwerp, Belgium.
T’Kindt’s photo took the overall prize having been awarded Gold in the Gymnastics category.
Nikon has announced the Z6III, its third-generation mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera. A new 24MP sensor brings speed to every part of the camera, and all the key features have been upgraded.
The newest version of Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds video-oriented flagship camera has arrived, and it includes features like internal ProRes RAW recording, 32-bit Float audio capture, phase-detect autofocus, and compatibility with Panasonic’s Real-Time LUT system and Lumix Lab app.
The Lumix S9 is Panasonic’s newest full-frame mirrorless camera. It allows users to create their own custom looks for out-of-camera colors and is the first full-frame Lumix camera aimed squarely at social media content creators.
The Sony a9 III is the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera to feature a global electronic shutter with simultaneous readout. After extensive testing of this 120 fps sports camera, to see what you gain (and, perhaps, lose).
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We’ve picked the models that really stand out.
What’s the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we’ve rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
‘What’s the best mirrorless camera?’ We’re glad you asked.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a ‘best’ option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.
Belgian photographer Eric T’Kindt photo was awarded the overall Gold prize at this year’s World Sports Photography Awards. The photo of Japanese gymnast Daiki Hashimoto was shot at the 2023 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, Antwerp, Belgium.
T’Kindt’s photo took the overall prize having been awarded Gold in the Gymnastics category.
Nikon has announced the Z6III, its third-generation mid-range full-frame mirrorless camera. A new 24MP sensor brings speed to every part of the camera, and all the key features have been upgraded.
The newest version of Panasonic’s Micro Four Thirds video-oriented flagship camera has arrived, and it includes features like internal ProRes RAW recording, 32-bit Float audio capture, phase-detect autofocus, and compatibility with Panasonic’s Real-Time LUT system and Lumix Lab app.
The Lumix S9 is Panasonic’s newest full-frame mirrorless camera. It allows users to create their own custom looks for out-of-camera colors and is the first full-frame Lumix camera aimed squarely at social media content creators.
The Sony a9 III is the world’s first full-frame mirrorless camera to feature a global electronic shutter with simultaneous readout. After extensive testing of this 120 fps sports camera, to see what you gain (and, perhaps, lose).
What’s the best camera for around $2000? This price point gives you access to some of the most all-round capable cameras available. Excellent image quality, powerful autofocus and great looking video are the least you can expect. We’ve picked the models that really stand out.
What’s the best camera for travel? Good travel cameras should be small, versatile, and offer good image quality. In this buying guide we’ve rounded-up several great cameras for travel and recommended the best.
If you want a compact camera that produces great quality photos without the hassle of changing lenses, there are plenty of choices available for every budget. Read on to find out which portable enthusiast compacts are our favorites.
‘What’s the best mirrorless camera?’ We’re glad you asked.
Above $2500 cameras tend to become increasingly specialized, making it difficult to select a ‘best’ option. We case our eye over the options costing more than $2500 but less than $4000, to find the best all-rounder.
DLR testing the use of molten salt in a solar power plant in Portugal
Charles ‘Chuck’ Geschke, co-founder of Adobe and inventor of the PDF, dies at 81
80,000MP panoramas: EarthCam announces world’s highest-resolution robotic webcam
Glencore eyes options on battery recycling project
Stellar winds of three sun-like stars detected for the first time
RNA that doesn’t age
Jewish diaspora expresses concern as Iranian drones launch toward Israel
DJI Air 3 vs. Mini 4 Pro: which compact drone is best?
