DJI Ronin 4D Series: FLEX Mode with Jib Arm
Operating in Flex Mode on a jib arm allows for an additional range of mobility and supports complicated camera movement. Gimbal Operator Jason Robbins demonstrates how to best prepare the jib arm with a dual operator and execute the shot with precision.
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This lesson is part of the DJI Ronin 4D Series. This series demonstrates how to get the most out of your Ronin 4D.
Lessons in the DJI Ronin 4D Series:
You’re going to learn:
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DJI RONIN 4D FLEX DUAL OPERATION SETUP:
So far, Jason Robbins attached the Flex setup to a telescoping pole to do a poor man’s jib. While Jason handles the camera, cinematographer David Weldon will operate the wheels.
With this Dual Operation situation, they will take the DJI Master Wheels normally used with the Ronin and connect them to the Ronin 4D.
David notes that there is a cable that you can get that they plugged into the DJI transmission which will then supply control to the gimbal.
In this demonstration, they are using a heavy-duty telescoping pole but you can also use a lightweight carbon fiber alternative.
They removed the handgrips from the Flex and Jason added only one of them to the main module in case David wants to grab focus.
They will use the LiDAR control with Autofocus Tracking unless they need to throw focus on another detail at the moment. It depends on what the shot warrants.
FLEX DUAL OPERATION DEMONSTRATION WITH JIB ARM:
Now, it’s time to prepare for the shot! Both Jason and David get into position and Kyra, our talent, is ready at the desk.
Upon calling action, Jason moves in toward Kyra at a high angle.
Jason then cues Kyra and she stands up from the desk and he tracks with her as she walks down the hallway.
And then when he reaches the larger commons area, Jason booms up with the help of the poor man’s jib arm.
After that, Jason pushes in.
Jason then moves in for additional coverage.
Handling the jib arm, Jason gets low…
Then, he maneuvers by the plant on the coffee table.
Jason next toggles the camera’s placement by push panning it around on the jib arm to underslung mode to get even lower.
Once ready, Jason positions the camera super low under the coffee table.
Now, you can pull out from under the table and come up to eye level. Or, if the story is about an object on the ground, you can track along with it and then angle back up to Kyra.
DJI RONIN FLEX WITH JIB ARM ANALYSIS:
Utilizing the poor man’s jib arm with the Ronin 4D Flex opens up your creative possibilities! You can move the camera very high or very low, get into super tight spaces, and move as quickly as you need. Not only does it allow you to move the camera faster, but it’s also quick to set up.
While it’s not for every kind of creative situation, the Flex on a jib arm provides a lot of flexibility. But the DJI Ronin 4D doesn’t only deliver by way of versatility. It also delivers an impressive image quality.
As camera operators and cinematography experts, we’re always trying to find limitations with cameras. Then, it’s a matter of how you implement the camera knowing what those limitations are. With the Ronin 4D, it’s all about mobility and Flex Mode with a jib arm enhances the results.
So, check back as we continue to delve into the DJI Ronin 4D and reveal our discoveries.
STAY TUNED!
If you haven’t already, watch the first lesson in the DJI Ronin 4D series:
Stay tuned for the next lesson in the series that explores other features and techniques of the Ronin 4D.
- DJI Ronin 4D Series: Handheld Mode & Sport Mode