DJI Announces New Drone and Ronin Gimbal

dji-matrice-600-drone-ronin-mx-gimbal

If you're like me and you've already purchased a Ronin-M gimbal, hearing news of its replacement is terrible news. Luckily, the new Ronin-MX brings new features to the table, and it's a whole new beast.

Thankfully, the new Ronin-MX isn't going to get in the way of the Ronin-M. It's slightly heavier (1 lb.) and is designed to be the perfect match for DJI's new Matrice-600 drone. As you can see below, there are a host of gimbals that the Matrice-600 can use, but the new Ronin-MX is the big daddy of them all.

Matrice-600 Specs

  • 6 kg/13.2 lbs. payload (without any gimbal)
  • A3 Flight Wave Controller (which can be upgraded to the A3 Pro)
  • 35 min. flight time with Zenmuse gimbal, 15min with the Ronin-MX and a RED camera
  • Six batteries for more insurance
  • Following features
  • SDI Output (1080p at up to 60 fps using Lightbridge 2)
  • Dustproof and weather resistant
  • $4,599
  • $5,999 with a Ronin-MX

Ronin-MX Specs

  • Same mounting options as the Ronin-M
  • Able to work with the Matrice-600's flight controller for extra stability
  • Weight: 2.8kg/6.1 lbs.
  • Extra battery on top of the camera for added stability
  • Able to use the soon to be released SRW-60G wireless video transmitter
  • Briefcase, underslung, and upright modes
  • Quick five-minute setup time
  • $1,599 (versus $1,399 for the Ronin-M)

In short, DJI realizes that some people might be hesitant to fly their RED Epic in the sky. With a host of new tiny cinema cameras coming out, they knew it was time to freshen things up. Why bother coming out with this new bundle?

Four Reasons DJI Is Selling This Bundle

  1. Better support for bigger cameras. Nobody's flying a RED or Alexa Mini without it being fully locked in.
  2. The second battery on the front end means that there's less pressure on the motors and the drone that's carrying the camera, evenly distributing the weight just that bit more.
  3. The pair can work together: "The Ronin-MX connects directly to the flight controller, providing important inertial data."
  4. You know it will work. This is a reliable bundle; that's why they're pushing its durability. They're selling into broadcast markets, where it may need to be used during live television. 

Should you buy a Ronin-MX over a Ronin-M? Probably not if you're shooting on a mirrorless or DSLR set up. However, this new gimbal may have put the original Ronin out of business.

This is exciting to see, and hopefully, these kinds of announcements keep coming during NAB this year.

Stephen Kampff's picture

Working in broadcasting and digital media, Stephen Kampff brings key advice to shoots and works hard to stay on top of what's going to be important to the industry.

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1 Comment

Ive been looking at both the Inspire One and Ronin M for later in the year but this combo makes more sense. Very interesting indeed.