DJI RS3 Experience: Getting Stronger? become more usable

On June 15, DJI released two third-generation RS camera handheld stabilizers, which are the upgraded products of RS2 and RSC2.

One is called DJI RS3 and the other is called RS3 Pro.

In the face of the new generation of naming, everyone thought that DJI wanted to cancel the DJI RSC series, which was more inclined to non-professional video shooting users. Attributes, and can also meet the needs of RS2 users who want to "krypton gold become stronger".

It's just that DJI's upgrade positioning for the RS3 and RS3 Pro will be somewhat different from the idea. The RS3 Pro in their definition is an upgraded version of the RS2, and the RS3 is an upgraded version of the RSC2. The positioning and definition between the two generations have hardly changed.

As a heavy user of DJI RSC2, the colleagues in the Aifaner video group also made detailed comparisons and experiences after getting the RS3.

After the experience, I found that the DJI RS3 is actually closer to the RS2 in terms of experience. It is more like a redesign of a machine for low-level users based on the combination of DJI RS2 and a new generation of technology.

Compared with the upgraded version of DJI RSC2, we prefer to regard it as "DJI RS2S".

An update on the shoulders of RS2

Although the gimbal of the same company will not have much difference in appearance, DJI has added a new red line logo to the new generation of the fuselage, and added the DJI RS3 logo to the red line. It is not difficult to distinguish them. .

The difference in appearance between RS3 and RSC2 is mainly reflected in the overall structure, the control screen, and details such as key positions and shaft locks.

DJI RS3 abandoned the folding structure used by RSC2 and changed to the battery detachable structure used by RS2.

Although the battery needs to be removed when storing, it is a little more troublesome than the RSC2 that is folded directly. But the disassembled RS3 needs less storage space than the folded RSC2. Originally, the RSC2 was already the size of an A4 sheet of paper after being folded, while the RS3 was made a little smaller than it.

After the battery support is removed, the DJI RS3 becomes a little more convenient to use.

In the past, when the stabilizer was out of power during shooting, it was necessary to wait for the charging to complete before continuing to shoot, or connect a mobile power supply through the USB-C interface during shooting, or build a plug-in V-mount battery through the expansion on the stabilizer to achieve a longer period of time. Keep shooting. But in this case, the shooting composition will become heavier, and the wiring will become more complicated and difficult to control.

Now the RS3 can directly replace the battery, and buying one or two more batteries can also achieve similar results. If you don't have the habit of plugging in a V-mount battery before, it will be much more convenient than plugging in a power bank.

The battery capacity of the DJI RS3 is 3000mAh and supports 18W fast charging. The specifications are the same as those of the DJI RSC2. It can be said that it is a "removable version" of the DJI RSC2. It does not realize the 24W fast charging used on the RS2.

Another point to note is that the batteries used on RS3, RS3 Pro and RS2 are not the same and cannot be used universally.

After adding the disassembly structure, the second update point is the screen.

The DJI RS3 said goodbye to the black and white 1-inch screen of the RSC2 and replaced it with a 1.8-inch color touch screen. The operating mode is similar to that of the RS2, but the RS3's 1.8-inch screen will be larger than the RS2's 1.4-inch screen.

But in any case, the direct touch mode is more intuitive than the combination of a small-sized screen and a control wheel. It can also switch quickly when holding the gimbal, reducing scrolling operations on menu settings and improving efficiency.

When observing the screen difference, you can also find that the key setting of RS3 is not exactly the same as that of RSC2. The mode button and record button of the two are just opposite, and old users who have upgraded from the previous generation need to adapt.

A mode switch is added next to the RS3, which can quickly switch among the three modes of FPV first-person main vision, PF left and right follow mode, and PTF pitch and heading follow mode, reducing the trouble of entering menu settings.

In other positions, the RS3 is roughly the same as the RSC2. There are still large scroll wheels and trigger buttons in front of the handheld handle for quick correction and Selfie mode switching.

RS3 and RSC2 provide three USB-C interfaces, and DJI has marked specific uses on the three interfaces. The difference is that RSC2 is placed under the quick release plate, while RS3 is placed in a vertical position next to the hinge.

In addition, RS3 also joined the Bluetooth module this time. When shooting, you can wirelessly connect with the camera. After the connection is complete, you can directly use the buttons on the stabilizer to half-press focus and record control. The remote recording function is the same as the wireless control of major brands of handles (such as Sony GP-VPT2BT). similar.

In this way, the time for connecting and arranging the cables is reduced, and the embarrassment caused by forgetting to bring the cables can also be avoided.

As for the quick release board, the new board of RS3 and RS2 basically use the same combination design. The bottom plate is a long quick release board similar to the specifications of the conventional camera head, and a square quick release board is reserved on it.

There is also a hole next to the place where the square quick release plate is placed to fix the follow focus.

The RS3 has added a fine-tuning knob on the position where the long board is installed, and the scale on the quick-release board can improve the leveling efficiency.

There is a structure to support the lens in front of the quick release plate. When using a longer lens, the user can use it to keep the lens balanced and avoid the situation of hanging head.

However, this support structure occasionally resists the focus or zoom ring of the lens, and it will be a little inconvenient to use a follow focus device to follow focus.

Another point is the same as the RSC2, the RS3 is still not compatible with all the quick release boards of the camera head specifications. Users who want to quickly switch from a gimbal to a gimbal may need to wait a few more generations.

The RS3 still retains the shaft lock design on the body. Different from the RSC2, the new generation has added an electric shaft lock structure, which will automatically return to the positive lock when the stabilizer is turned off and the motor is asleep.

In this way, it is convenient for the photographer to quickly lock the transition, and it can also avoid the random swing of the stabilizer and the collision of the environment when the location is transferred, so as to achieve the effect of protecting the equipment.

In terms of accessories, the DJI RS3 still offers two options: a stand-alone version and a package version when it is released. The set version provides a storage bag for travel, a portable handle for converting to portable mode, a follow focus motor module and a USB-C interface data cable for connection.

stronger? no, it's better

Let’s talk about the weight first. The load-bearing and self-weight of the DJI RS3, DJI RSC2 and DJI RS2 are:

• DJI RS3 has a self-weight of 1.3kg and a load-bearing capacity of 3kg
• DJI RSC2 has a self-weight of 1.2kg and a load-bearing capacity of 3kg
• DJI RS2 has a self-weight of 1.3kg and a load-bearing capacity of 4.5kg

It can be seen here that the load-bearing capacity of the DJI RS3 is the same as that of the RSC2, which is 3kg, which is a little lower than that of the DJI RS2 and the DJI RS3 Pro. Based on the difference in positioning, this is reasonable.

Considering that the daily video group shooting is mainly based on α7S III, and the matching lenses are mainly SEL1635GM, SEL2470GM, and SEL90M28G, the load-bearing capacity of RSC2 and RS3 is sufficient without external monitors and other accessories.

As for its own weight, the DJI RS3 is about 100g heavier than the RSC2. Although the data looks unremarkable, in fact, you will find that the new design has a better balance, and the DJI RS3 feels a little lighter than the RSC2.

Although this is an intuitive feeling, I also gave it a try to several colleagues around me when I experienced it, and they all came to the same conclusion, which is really amazing. If you want to experience the difference, lift both stabilizers with your dominant hand and you should be able to feel the RS3's progress.

The part that improves grip and comfort is also reflected in form switching.

As mentioned above, the DJI RS3 abandoned the folding design of the RSC2, and if you want to switch to the portable mode, you need to add a handheld handle. Based on this, the fact that I need to add a handle will complicate the shooting, and it will be more convenient to switch the RSC2 directly through the folding structure.

In fact, just the opposite of what I thought.

In view of the fact that the folding joint of RSC2 needs to have enough holding force to support the camera lens and the stabilizer structure, and also protect the thick noodle cable that is close to the joint, the joint will be very, very, very tight, and it needs to be moved every time. Use a lot of force.

In contrast, the increased weight of the handheld handle used by the RS3 is not large, and it does not feel much when held by hand, and there is no problem in disassembling it after the shooting is completed. If you need to switch back and forth between portable and normal modes in a shooting scene, the RS3 is a more convenient choice.

In addition, Dajie, the video team videographer who has experienced DJI RS3, said:

When shooting, whether it is a handheld or a vertical shot, after adding the handle, I can hold it with both hands, which can greatly reduce the burden on my arms. A handle that can distribute the weight of the hands reasonably is very important, so I should use it as an on-hook accessory in the future.

As for the folded structure of RSC2, I don't miss it anymore.

The RS3 also supports the one-key switching vertical mode function that appeared on the RSC2. With the vertical shooting handle used in the portable mode, the front and rear dual-hand mode can be realized, which can delay the fatigue refresh when holding it.

However, when the handle is installed on the right side, it will block the mode lever switch, making it difficult to switch when shooting. Therefore, the official recommendation is to install it on the left side.

But if your habit is to install it on the right side, you can, as long as you adjust the mode before shooting. After all, in the case of shooting with both hands, there is not much need to switch modes quickly.

In addition to the handheld feel, some design details on the RS3 are also optimizing the shooting control experience.

For example, the added axis lock can protect the equipment and facilitate quick transitions, the mode switch is convenient for the cameraman to quickly switch between three common modes, and the gear and knob structure on the quick release plate facilitates quick leveling… These designs are all optimized The presence of RS3 use.

Of course, DJI wants to be 100% easy to use, and the DJI RS3 still has a lot of room for improvement.

For example, the compatibility of the long quick release plate is improved, so that it can be fully compatible with the quick release plate used on the camera head. Modify the support bracket on the quick release board to make it have the function of front and rear adjustment, which can cope with the focus and zoom ring of different lenses.

The gear knob design on the quick release plate can also be added to other places that need to be moved and leveled, especially on the roll axis that carries the most weight, it needs to add a knob fine-tuning structure.

Now, every time you level the RS3, you lift the entire camera with one hand and carefully adjust the position with the other hand. This operation is like you have to lift one side of your sofa with one hand, and then reach into the bottom of the sofa with the other hand to touch the charging head that accidentally rolled in. It is quite laborious to operate.

If these are adjusted, then the DJI RS3 can really satisfy people comprehensively. But for a quasi-professional and professional device that is updated every 1-2 years, the results of this optimization and progress point are still satisfactory.

In this way, the DJI RS3 has indeed become better to use.

But has it gotten stronger?

In terms of stability, the DJI RS3 has not changed much compared to the DJI RSC2. It still provides normal stabilization and super stabilization modes.

RS3 Super Stabilizer

Maybe due to the slippery road in rainy weather and the limitation of the initial firmware version, we did not test the stability of the DJI RS3 when running at full speed. There will be more fluctuations, and it is not so fair for the DJI RS3 without Z-axis image stabilization.

However, in the actual shooting, the stability of the DJI RS3 is not bad, whether it is normal or super stabilization, it can reflect good stability. Although there is no obvious gap with DJI RSC2 and DJI RS2, this stabilization effect is enough.

In fact, the enhanced part of DJI RS3 is not in the stability, but in the "smart follow" function.

After we installed the Ronin image transmission (the previous Eagle Eye image transmission module), we enabled the smart follow function on the DJI RS3 through the official app. It is found that the smart follow function of DJI RS3 is much more stable than the previous generation.

Even if the frame-selected subject enters the painting quickly after it is drawn, the DJI RS3 can firmly lock the subject and immediately respond to follow. In contrast, RSC2 occasionally still has the situation that the main body cannot be locked after being drawn into the picture, and RS3 is still much more stable.

In the face of such a substantial upgrade, Dajie, who is familiar with the NBA, suddenly mentioned during the test:

After reading the comparison with the RSC2, the performance of this function is completely different. Just like last season, who averaged only 19 points per game, this season suddenly broke out into Morant, who averaged 27 points per game. The improvement is too great.

Finally, let's talk about battery life.

The official data of the DJI RS3 is that the battery of 3000mAh can stand by for about 12 hours, which is the same as the standby time of the DJI RS2, but a little lower than the 14 hours of the DJI RSC2. However, considering the changes in experience and functions of the DJI RS3, plus the implanted Bluetooth function and a larger touch screen, the 2-hour standby battery life gap can actually be ignored.

In actual experience, it is not a big problem to shorten the standby time by two hours, mainly because the battery life of RSC2 is enough. According to the previous shooting experience, RSC2 is about 4 hours a day to follow the activities, and the power consumption will go to about 50% at most.

Then, in the shooting experience of about a week, the RS3 was only charged once at the beginning, and it has not been exhausted yet. This is closer to the low-to-medium usage scenarios in my daily shooting work, so I won't worry about battery life.

Is it RS3 or "RS2S"? It doesn't really matter

Back to the question at the beginning, how should we define the DJI RS3 stabilizer.

If you only look at the appearance and parameters, and just look at the design changes on the product details page, you may feel that the DJI RS3 has more of the characteristics of the RS2, and is a modified and improved version of the DJI RS2.

This is also a superficial definition of DJI RS3 that I and videographer Dajie first gave to DJI RS3:

DJI RS3, in fact, should be called DJI RS2S.

But after actual use, we found that the DJI RS3 still retains the attributes of RSC2. The functions previously "delegated" from the RS2 to the RS3 can also meet the upgrade standard, and the improvement in handling comfort and overall experience can also meet the needs of the next generation of products.

More importantly, DJI RS3 still stands at the entry-level position in the DJI RS system, with RS accessories and technical support that have been developed for many years. The most cost-effective stabilizer in the world” is a gesture to welcome users who want to get started.

That's the mission of the DJI RSC series, and it's where the DJI RS3 does it best.

Therefore, in fact, there is no need for him to define this product. No matter it is called DJI RS2S or DJI RS3, as long as you want to enter the DJI RS stabilizer ecosystem, then DJI RS3 is still the most cost-effective choice.

Authors: Liang Menglin, Guan Wenjie

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