DJI RS 4 Mini review

What is the DJI RS 4 Mini and who is it for?

Shake-free moving video shots really require a motorised gimbal. For mirrorless camera set-ups, DJI now offers what could be the perfect stabiliser in the shape of its RS 4 Mini. This bit of kit handles a payload of up to 2kg and costs just £419 in the Combo kit. The Combo is much cheaper than DJI’s RS 4 Pro kit and around two-thirds the weight. It’s also designed to pack up much flatter, making it easier to store.

This gimbal is ideal for content creators, filmmakers and bloggers using mirrorless cameras.

DJI RS 4 Mini features

The RS 4 Mini was put to the test with the Sony A1 II to explore how its compact design and intelligent features.

Intelligent tracking

Assembling and using any gimbal can be a learning curve, but the new RS 4 Mini enables hands-free subject tracking via a module that clips on next to the camera. When the subject raises a hand or the front trigger button is pressed, the gimbal locks onto the subject and automatically tracks them as they move around the frame, or even briefly out of it and back in again.

Meanwhile, you can reframe the shot using the gimbal controls or set the menu to keep the subject in the centre. It’s a great feature and works well, and you can adjust things like speed. It’s only for people up to ten metres away, so sadly is no use for cars, bikes or animals.

Solo use and compatibility

If you’re a solo vlogger, you can put the gimbal on a tripod or solid surface and walk around talking to the camera, with the camera following you around the frame. Alternatively, the gimbal can be used for a phone or action cam as well.

Setup and camera support

The RS 4 Mini’s automated axis locks enable speedy set-up, unlocking all three axes in a second. Switching to vertical shooting is fast, by unfastening a clamp and repositioning the camera plate. There’s also Bluetooth shutter control, which eliminates the need for cables, enabling wireless recording and zoom adjustments directly from the gimbal’s controls.

DJI lists all the cameras this is compatible with, but unfortunately the Sony A1 II we used for most of the test was too new to be included. However, the Sony A7S III worked perfectly.

Controls and shooting modes

It has all the regular controls of DJI gimbals, like the multi-purpose trigger button at the front. But the most useful feature is that holding it down locks the camera in its current position, despite you moving the gimbal around. Tap the trigger twice and it resets to the starting point, while three taps turns it around for selfie mode. The RS 4 Mini has all the most-used modes: Pan-Follow, Pan-and-Tilt Follow, FPV and 3D Roll 360. The OLED touchscreen displays icons more clearly than older models.

In the menus, you can set how smooth or responsive you want the movement to be, and responsive mode lets you use hand gestures to start and stop filming for orbit shots.

Stabilisation and battery

The upgraded stabilisation algorithm balances strength and the tactile feel of camera movement. It feels like a very controlled movement.

Compared to the older RS Mini, the battery life has been upped by 30% for up to 13 hours of use. If you do run the battery down, a 30-minute charge via USB-C gives around five hours of use.

Combo kit extras

The Intelligent Tracking Module comes in the Combo kit, but not with the standalone gimbal, which is a real bargain at £339. The kit also buys you a separate, second handle which makes it far easier to use with low angles.

DJI RS 4 Mini price and availability

The DJI RS 4 Mini is available to buy, with a starting price of £419.

For more information visit the DJI website.

DJI RS 4 Mini specifications

Axes: 3

Load capacity: 2kg

Battery: 3100mAh

Run time: 13 hours

Charging time: 2 hours

Display: Fixed touchscreen OLED

Modes: Pan-Follow, Pan-and-Tilt Follow, FPV, 3D Roll 360, Custom mode

Connectivity: 2.4GHz, Bluetooth 5.1, 2x USB-C, Android and iOS app

Dimensions: 316x236x64mm folded

Weight: 890g