DJI Ronin 4D Review: 6K vs 8K - Is It Worth The Upgrade?

DJI Ronin 4D Review: Why the 6K is the One to Have
Let’s talk about the most versatile and, honestly, underrated camera out there right now: the DJI Ronin 4D. I’ll be focusing on the 6K version because, in my opinion, it’s the sweet spot-and I’ll get into why I’m not rushing to upgrade to the 8K. I’ve been working with this camera for over a year and a half now, and it’s completely changed the way I shoot. So, here’s my take on what makes the Ronin 4D a beast in its own right, and why the 6K model is where it’s at.
My Initial Thoughts and Why I Held Off
When the Ronin 4D came out three years ago, I didn’t jump on it right away. Don’t get me wrong, it had some impressive features, but DJI was known more for drones than cameras, and this thing looked a bit… unconventional, let’s say. My clients weren’t exactly sold on it either. Then DJI dropped the Flex extension system, letting you pull the sensor off with a six-foot cable and mount it separately-like the Rialto system on the Sony Venice. That was a game-changer. I ordered it immediately, and once I had it in hand, I saw just how much it could do.
Flexibility and the Wireless Game
One of the best things about this camera is its built-in wireless system. DJI has been perfecting wireless tech with their drones for years, and they nailed it here. I actually swapped out all my Teradek systems for DJI Transmission because it’s that solid. I’ve used it for live events with huge crowds, where normally wireless would struggle, but this system held up flawlessly. For me, this wireless capability was a massive win and made the camera so much more versatile on set.
Form Factor Designed for Fast-Paced Shoots
What I love about the Ronin 4D is how it’s designed to be ready right out of the case. Other setups need tons of balancing and adjusting, but with this, everything-camera, gimbal, monitor, focus slider-is powered by a single battery. This means you can go from unpacking to shooting in seconds. For projects that demand quick moves and spontaneous shots, this setup is a lifesaver. It’s perfect for those high-stakes moments when you just need to capture the shot.
A Workhorse Across Different Types of Shoots
I’ve used the Ronin 4D on everything: music videos, commercials, documentaries, even multi-cam livestreams. This camera plays well with others too-I’ve paired it with ARRI Alexa 35, RED Komodo, Canon R5C, you name it. The color matches up easily, and the stabilization lets me pull off shots that normally would require days of rigging with other cameras. Whether I’m doing a tracking shot on a car, a move through tight spaces, or an overhead shot, this camera just delivers without a hitch.
Inside the 6K Sensor
Now, about that 6K sensor-it’s a full-frame with around 14 stops of dynamic range. It shoots up to 50 FPS in 6K, or 120 FPS in 4K with a Super 35 crop. The quality holds up in low light, too, thanks to a dual native ISO of 800 and 5,000. Surprisingly, it even competes with low-light kings like the Sony A7S III and FX3. The only thing that’s missing here is H.265 codec support, which DJI has in their drones, so it’s strange they left it out on this.
Why I’m Sticking with the 6K Over the 8K
The 8K version is nice in theory, but for me, the trade-offs aren’t worth it. It doesn’t perform as well in low light, has a lower base ISO, and lacks ProRes 4444, which I use a lot. Plus, the rolling shutter performance isn’t as good, and you’re limited to 30 FPS in the DR expansion mode. I’d rather have solid low-light capability and flexibility than just higher resolution, so for now, the 6K fits my needs better.
The Few Limitations
Nothing’s perfect, and the Ronin 4D does have its quirks. The sensor readout options could use more variety. I’d love to see a 16:9 option or even 4:3 for anamorphic work. Also, the frame rate limitations can be annoying, especially in live-streaming contexts where I’d want 29.97 or 59.94 FPS. Hopefully, DJI will address these with firmware updates because this camera has serious potential to cover even more ground.
Final Thoughts
After using the Ronin 4D for a while now, I can confidently say this camera has opened up new creative possibilities I wouldn’t have with other gear. From its quick setup to its incredible wireless system and low-light performance, it’s become my go-to for just about everything. It may look different, but that design has a purpose-and it’s one of the main reasons this camera stands out. For me, the 6K model is worth every penny, and I’m excited to see how DJI continues to push boundaries with it.
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