DJI RS4 Mini Gimbal review: Smooth and steady

Camera stabilization has significantly improved in recent years, but for truly smooth video, nothing beats a precision gimbal. DJI’s new RS4 Mini is robust enough to stabilize full-frame mirrorless cameras yet compact enough that you won’t need a separate case just to carry it around. We tested this $369 gimbal setup for two weeks.

The verdict: At this price point, this is likely the best bet for most enthusiasts and aspiring pros. It offers a solid mix of features without the added complexity of higher-end models. It has a few quirks common with DJI gimbals, but overall, it’s sturdy, silent, and reliable.

How we tested the DJI SR4 Mini Gimbal

I have used just about every generation of the RS-series gimbals, and I set this one up just like I would any other model. I spent several hours operating it with a Canon R5 Mark II, as well as an iPhone 16 Pro Max (using the optional smartphone mounting kit). 

During our two-week review period, I tested the built-in tracking modes, re-balanced it with various cameras, and shot several hours of varied subjects, from walking around a farmer’s market to capturing CrossFit athletes working out. I am not a great filmmaker, but I shoot solid B-roll, so that’s the majority of my testing process. 

The setup

This is my least favorite part of using any gimbal, and the setup process here is still a bit quirky. The app provides helpful videos on how to get things up and running, but the gimbal has to be connected to the app in order to view them. That wouldn’t be an issue if the gimbal didn’t have to be turned off while you’re balancing it. Annoying but certainly not a deal breaker. 

It was roughly 15 minutes from taking it out of the box that I was using the gimbal with setup 95 percent complete. The metal frame has a Teflon coating for protection, which does seem very tough but can also give some resistance when it comes to moving the arms around. These are small complaints, though, and once everything is balanced, the RS4 Mini kept everything balanced like a champ.

The features

Once everything is set up, operation is fairly simple, though you have to get the hang of it. The color touchscreen makes navigating menus simple enough. The sturdy joystick and scroll wheel offer precise control over movements and camera functions. The handle is a great size with enough mass to make it feel sturdy. The device comes with an extender handle that opens up into a table tripod, and I find the whole rig much easier to maneuver with it attached. 

The RS4 Mini weighs 2 pounds and can handle a rig up to 4.4 pounds (or 2 kg), which allows it to handle a full-frame mirrorless camera with a lens. The heaviest rig I tried mounting was a Canon R5 Mark II with an RF 50mm f/1.2 lens. In total, that gear weighs roughly 52 ounces, and the RS4 Mini handled it with no problem. 

I did notice that the battery drops considerably faster when a heavy camera is onboard, but that’s true with every gimbal. The motors must work harder to stabilize so they burn through power more quickly. I didn’t do a continuous use test, but DJI promises up to 13 hours out of a single charge. In the real world, I’d expect about 10. That said, the battery does offer a quick charge, which can get you up to five hours of operation after just 30 minutes on the cord. 

The USB charging port can connect to a power bank as well, but that makes the rig much harder to handle. Just charge it up before you go out shooting. This is particularly relevant because the battery no longer detaches from the RS4 Mini like it did with the previous model, so you can’t swap in the field. 

Is the RS4 Mini Combo worth it?

For $459, you can get a combo version of the RS4 Mini, which includes a briefcase-style handle for the gimbal as well as DJI’s precision Intelligent Tracking Module. The bracket-like handle may seem simple, but it significantly improves the ease of carrying the camera at a lower angle.

The Tracking Module connects magnetically to the gimbal’s side, enabling the device to track subjects during complex movements. While it is a simplified version of the DJI Raveneye system, it allows the gimbal to “ActiveTrack” a subject and receive gesture commands from up to 10 meters away. This feature is great for solo content creators who want to maintain their position in the frame without constantly adjusting the camera.

If you plan to utilize tracking capabilities, investing in the Combo for the Tracking Module is worthwhile. However, the module can be purchased separately for $69, so the decision to buy the combo depends on your shooting needs.

In conclusion, after using the RS4 Mini gimbal for two weeks, there are minimal complaints. While occasional technical glitches may occur, they are rare. For smartphone users, a smaller option like the Osmo 7P may be more suitable. However, for dedicated camera users looking for a balance of features and cost, the RS4 Mini is a reliable and responsive choice. It offers essential features without being overly complicated, making it the ideal gimbal for most enthusiasts. Please rewrite this sentence.