I. Getting to Know the DJI Ronin 2
Appearance and Construction
- Handle: The Ronin 2’s handle is ergonomically designed for a comfortable grip, housing the battery and control circuitry.
- Gimbal: A three-axis mechanical stabilization gimbal, including pitch, roll, and yaw axes, ensures stable footage.
- Motor Arms: Connect the gimbal to the handle, housing high-precision motors for precise movement.
- Control Panel: Located on the handle, featuring power buttons, mode switches, a joystick, and multiple customizable buttons.
- Display Screen: Some Ronin 2 models are equipped with an OLED display for showing current status and operating modes.
- Battery Compartment: Situated at the bottom of the handle, capable of holding one or more rechargeable lithium batteries.
- Expansion Interfaces: Such as USB-C ports, for charging, data transfer, or connecting external devices.
Accessory Preparation
- Camera Mounting Plate: Choose the appropriate quick release plate or universal plate based on your camera model.
- Tripod Adapter: For mounting the Ronin 2 on a tripod for enhanced stability.
- Batteries and Charger: Ensure you have sufficient spare batteries and the original charger.
- Remote Control (if applicable): Some Ronin 2 sets include a remote control for remote operation of the gimbal.
- Protective Case and Storage Bag: To protect the gimbal from bumps and facilitate portability and storage.
II. Balancing Adjustment
Initial Balancing
- Lock the Axes: Ensure all axes are locked before starting the balancing process.
- Mount the Camera: Attach the camera to the quick release plate and adjust it to a roughly horizontal position.
- Unlock the Pitch Axis: Unlock the pitch axis, tilt the camera up to 90 degrees, and adjust the bottom knob to keep the camera stationary.
- Unlock the Roll Axis: Lock the pitch axis, unlock the roll axis, and adjust the left and right knobs to balance the camera.
- Unlock the Yaw Axis: Lock the roll axis, unlock the yaw axis, and adjust the knobs on the motor arms to balance the camera on the yaw axis.
Fine Adjustment
- Using the App: Download and install the official DJI Ronin 2 app (such as DJI GO or Ronin), connect the gimbal via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, and use the app’s balancing tools for more precise adjustments.
- Observing Wobble: Enable the “Wobble Detection” feature in the app to observe any slight wobble of the camera on the gimbal and fine-tune the knobs to further reduce it.
- Dynamic Balancing: After changing lenses or adding external devices (such as microphones or external flashes), re-balance the gimbal.
III. Basic Operations
Powering On and Off
- Powering On: Press and hold the power button on the handle until the display lights up or you hear the startup sound.
- Powering Off: Press the power button shortly and release it after confirming the shutdown prompt.
Mode Switching
- Follow Mode: The gimbal follows the movement of the handle, suitable for capturing dynamic scenes.
- Lock Mode: The gimbal maintains its current position, ideal for shooting static scenes or precise framing.
- Panorama Mode: The gimbal automatically rotates to capture panoramic photos or videos.
- Other Modes: Such as Sports Mode, Selfie Mode, etc., select based on shooting needs.
Controlling the Gimbal
- Joystick Control: Use the joystick on the handle to control the gimbal’s movement on the pitch, roll, and yaw axes.
- Button Control: Quickly switch modes, adjust parameters, or trigger shooting through buttons on the control panel.
- App Control: Control the gimbal via virtual joysticks, sliders, or touchscreen in the app.
IV. Advanced Features
Smart Tracking
- Setting Tracking Targets: In the app, select the “Smart Tracking” feature and set the tracking target (such as faces, objects, or specific areas).
- Starting Tracking: The gimbal automatically adjusts its angle to keep the tracking target centered in the frame.
Time-Lapse and Interval Shooting
- Setting Parameters: In the app, set parameters such as shooting interval, number of shots, or video duration.
- Starting Shooting: The gimbal automatically rotates according to the set parameters and captures photos or videos.
Customizable Buttons and Configurations
- Customizable Buttons: In the app’s “Settings” menu, select “Customizable Buttons” to assign different functions or shortcuts to the buttons on the handle.
- Saving Configurations: Save commonly used configurations as presets for quick switching.
V. Shooting Techniques
Stable Shooting
- Holding Posture: Adopt a stable holding posture, gripping the handle with both hands and keeping your arms and wrists steady.
- Breathing Control: Control your breathing while shooting to avoid slight wobbles caused by breathing.
- Using a Tripod: In scenarios requiring higher stability, use a tripod to secure the Ronin 2.
Camera Movement Techniques
- Zoom In: Move the handle forward to gradually bring the subject closer in the frame.
- Zoom Out: Move the handle backward to gradually move the subject farther away in the frame.
- Pan: Use the joystick to control the gimbal’s rotation in horizontal or vertical directions, capturing wide scenes or tracking moving subjects.
- Dolly: Move the entire Ronin 2 (including the handle and gimbal) to capture smooth moving footage.
Framing and Lighting
- Rule of Thirds: Divide the frame into nine parts and place important subjects on the intersection points or lines.
- Lighting Utilization: Pay attention to the direction and intensity of light, using natural or artificial light sources to create different atmospheres and effects.
- Color Coordination: Choose appropriate color schemes based on the shooting theme and atmosphere.
VI. Maintenance and Care
Cleaning and Maintenance
- Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and appropriate cleaner to clean dust and dirt from the gimbal and camera mounting plate.
- Checking Screws: Regularly check and tighten the screws on the gimbal and camera mounting plate to ensure secure connections.
Battery Management
- Charging: Use the original charger to charge the batteries, avoiding damage or insufficient charging caused by non-original chargers.
- Discharging: Avoid leaving batteries in a fully charged or completely discharged state for long periods to extend their lifespan.
- Storage: When not in use for an extended period, remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry, and ventilated place.
Firmware Updates
- Regular Checks: Regularly visit the DJI official website or the “Firmware Update” section in the app to check for new firmware versions.
- Update Procedure: Follow the official guide to download and install new firmware versions, ensuring the gimbal’s performance is continuously optimized and updated.
With this comprehensive and professional guide, you should now have a thorough understanding of the DJI Ronin 2 and be able to master its various functions and operational techniques. In practical shooting, continuously experiment with and explore new shooting methods and techniques to capture even more impressive footage.
You can check more about Used DJI products such as Ronin 4d.