Review: DJI RS 3 Mini, 3-Axis Mirrorless Gimbal Lightweight Stabilizer – Excellent blend of portability and functionality

In-depth review of the DJI Rainbow RS3 Mini’s power and innovative features for improved video content... Read more

Specifications

Color	black
Brand	DJI
Compatible Devices	Camera
Item Dimensions LxWxH	19.69 x 19.69 x 11.02 inches
Item Weight	0.99 Kilograms
Maximum Weight Recommendation	4.4 Pounds
Product Dimensions	19.69″D x 19.69″W x 11.02″H

Introduction: Unboxing the Mini-giant

Imagine this: a box arrives, tiny and foreign. You might think it’s such a small box for a gimbal. Yet, unbeknownst to many, inside this box is a silent powerhouse – the DJI Ronin RS3 Mini. As a seasoned gimbal user, with the DJI Ronin S from 2018 being our first foray into the gimbal scene, we had a mixed sense of excitement and slight uncertainty unboxing the RS3 Mini. Let’s delve into the specifics and see what sparked that momentary disruption in our usual product enthusiasm.

My First Contact with the DJI Ronin RS3 Mini

It might sound cliché, but first impressions do last. The initial encounter with the RS3 Mini was nothing short of astonishing. Just holding that device in our hands, we were met with an uncanny blend of skepticism and fascination. The whole concept of miniaturised gimbals seemed so far fetched, we were close to casting our doubts over its potential performance. Little did we know, we were in for a surprise.

A Moment of Hesitation: Why I Doubted a Mini Gimbal

You see, conventional wisdom often dictates that when it comes to tech gadgets, especially gimbals, size matters. The bulkier, the better. Or so we often assume. Yet, the promise of putting an A7 S3 on this compact gimbal with the 2470 GM lens, without any issues so to speak, had us intrigued. Granted, we were a bit hesitant. After all, this assumption wasn’t baseless. It was instead built upon our past experiences with bigger, seemingly more capable gimbals. So the question lingers – can this tiny wonder, this mini-giant, truly hold its own against the big guns? Only time will tell.

Features: The Magic of the Mini

• Mini gimbal size balances portability and functionality
• Unusual lockable motor arms offer transportation convenience
• Quick-shift capability for seamless mode transition

When I think about key features, two specific elements come up, instantly winning this tiny gimbal some major points. Let’s dig in.

Taking a Look at its Size: My Surprise Factor

Admittedly, the size was the first feature to surprise me. This mini gimbal was significantly smaller than any previous models I’ve tried. This compact form factor felt perfect, without forgoing any potency of operation. Of course, size can be subjective, but in my opinion, this size balanced portability and functionality perfectly.

Design Brilliance: The Unusual Lockable Motor Arms

One of the standout design features had to be the lockable motor arms. This feature may not be entirely new. However, reflecting back to my initial days with other gimbals constantly flopping around, I appreciated this small but crucial design upgrade. Suddenly, carrying the gimbal around felt like less of a hassle. The foldable aspect translates into a smaller footprint, making it far more convenient to handle and transport.

Quick Transition: Shifting to Vertical Mode in Seconds

Another exciting feature was the quick-shift capability, allowing for seamless transition from horizontal to vertical mode. This process was made simple. You pull > drag > and pop the camera part, and you’re all set. Suddenly, shooting vertical videos felt just a bit easier. Previously, switching modes meant battling with a camera cage and a complete gimbal rebalance. But now, no such deterrents; vertical mode came at a whim.

Note:

The gimbal did demand a slight rebalance after shifting modes. For an uninterrupted operation flow, it helps to keep this in mind.

While these were the main attractions, the RS3 Mini offered a bunch of other features that together housed the device seamlessly into my videography arsenal. It satisfied the functional quotient and even won over some aesthetic points (those sleek aluminum arms!). I recommend keeping an open mind and exploring everything the mini has to offer to take full advantage of the gadget.

Feel and Usability: Going Hands-on

• DJI Ronin S3 Mini offers enjoyable, user-friendly experience
• High-end durable plastic and aluminum alloy construction
• Precision and excellent grip on focus wheel

Let’s talk about how it actually feels to use the DJI Ronin RS3 Mini. It’s incredibly important to remember that the way a product feels and behaves in your hand can be just as significant as the technical specs and features it offers.

Check on Quality: My Thoughts on Construction

From the moment I unboxed the gimbal, the build quality was apparent. Although much of the construction consists of some sort of aluminum alloy, there is a minor presence of plastic in the handle. Despite being plastic, it doesn’t feel cheap or brittle to touch. On the contrary, it feels like high-end, durable plastic. Still, some users might have preferred the handle to be made of a similar metallic material like the rest of the gimbal.

Focus Wheel Functioning: The Precision of operation

Moving on to the focus wheel, it’s noticeably precise and has an excellent grip. This level of precision and tactile sensation is incredibly essential when filming, providing the user with significant control.

The Grip Factor: Touching Upon the Smallest Detail

• The Good : The grip is generally comfortable, making it easier to hold the gimbal for extended periods. This could be a big plus for videographers involved in day-long shoots.
• Room for Improvement : Regardless of the comfortable grip, the size might be an issue for users with larger hands. During the testing phase, I found my fingers frequently touching the joystick inadvertently because of the small handle size, which was less than ideal. This is something to bear in mind if you’re considering purchasing this gimbal.

In summary, the DJI Ronin S3 Mini provides an enjoyable, user-friendly experience overall. However, it’s fair to say there’s some room for improvement in areas like the grip and handle construction. Prospective buyers need to weigh these factors and make a decision that suits their specific needs and preferences best.

Interface and User Control: The Ease of DJI

• DJI Ronin RS3 Mini has user-friendly interface
• Ronin App offers control customization
• Device allows easy calibration process

Right from the get-go, the DJI Ronin RS3 Mini proved that it was much more than just an alluringly compact gimbal. Its secret weapon lies in an element that often gets overlooked – the user interface.

DJI’s User-Friendly Interface

The developers at DJI seem to have aced the title of ‘user-friendly’ with this device. Setting up your gimbal and getting started with actual shooting is super quick. The pain of struggling with complex connectivity often mars the experience of using new tech gadgets. But in my experience with the DJI RS3 Mini, that was never an issue. Thumbs up DJI!

Ronin App: An App That Simplifies Life

True control is all about customization . With the Ronin App, you gain that and more. All the different aspects in the app make it more convenient to tweak those small, yet significant things like the stiffness and the speed of the motors during panning – a practical advantage that shouldn’t be understated.

Easy Calibration is the Key

• The process of calibrating the gimbal emerges as another well-engineered feature. Simply press the calibration mode, and start calibrating after you’ve balanced your gimbal . DJI’s step-by-step guidance is such a relief, especially for novices.
• However, like any device, the DJI RS3 Mini is not without some room for improvement. One aspect that users may find a little off-putting is the complexity involved in balancing the gimbal, particularly for first-time users. The process involved several steps, which included unlocking, adjusting, and re-locking every axis. Yet, once you get the hang of it, it’s like a cakewalk.

From the straightforward start-up to the control efficiency achieved through the Ronin App, the DJI Ronin RS3 Mini boasts a top-notch user interface that enhances the whole experience. If speed, simplicity, and customization are traits you’re looking for in addition to solid performance, this gimbal won’t disappoint.

Performance: Witnessing Real-time Capabilities

• DJI RS3 Mini excels in real-time active shoots
• Gimbal balancing act is initially challenging but ultimately straightforward
• Impressive balance feature, focus control, mode transitions

In this section, we will deep dive into the real-time practical capacities of this DJI RS3 Mini. With its compact design and abundant features, I was eager to know how it performs during active shoots. Let’s get started.

Back to Basics with Balancing Act: My First Trial

The RS3 Mini boasts simplicity in its functions, so the first thing I jumped into was balancing the gimbal act. To begin with, there’s a slight learning curve, but once you grasp the basics, it is straightforward. The fluidity of balancing is commendable, considering the gimbal’s mini size. Note: the motors need to be unlocked before the balancing act begins.

Pushing the Limits: Taking Gimbal Handling to the Extreme

Following the principle of seeing is believing, I took the RS3 mini for a stride, literally. Initially, I started walking while shooting using the Sony GM 16-35 lens in ‘one hand hold’ mode. The result was surprisingly smooth, with the gimbal effortlessly managing minor shakes and jittering.

But let’s push this baby further. I started running – without paying particular attention to handling the gimbal – the footage was very smooth and looked as if the camera was floating in the air. However, remember that cardio and running with a gimbal are really different things and you may feel a bit exhausted in the beginning.

Hello Vertical! Testing the 35-millimeter Balance Stability

You might question the vertical stability, given the compact design. Well, fear not! I ran another test, shooting at a 35-millimeter length without much rebalance. The gimbal proved its mettle, offering silky smooth footage, reflecting the true power of DJI’s efficient gimbal technology.

Learning point: The key aspect while using a gimbal lies in its need for rebalancing from time to time for different shots – Thankfully the R3 Mini proved worthy as there was no need to pause and adjust for balance despite the focal length change in the lens.

Conclusion:

The DJI RS3 Mini’s performance during direct trials surpassed my initial expectations. Its seamless integration of the balance feature, focus control, and mode transitions are impressive. However, it’s essential to remember that a bit of initial practice will significantly enhance your user experience – especially if you’re new to gimbals.

Additional Perks: The DJI Extras

• Bluetooth connectivity enhances user convenience
• Multiple modes offer customization and flexibility
• On-gimbal personalizations provide quick adjustments

Bluetooth Connectivity

One of the most compelling features I discovered was the convenience of the Bluetooth connectivity feature. In the tech-laden world we live in, the option to connect devices wirelessly is a breath of fresh air. With the DJI RS3 Mini, I was able to connect my camera effortlessly, without the need for any additional cables.

This nifty feature meant I didn’t have to worry about potentially causing any damage to ports, making my overall experience with the gimbal smoother and more enjoyable. If you appreciate a simplified setup and a hassle-free workflow as much as I do, you’ll definitely appreciate this feature.

Flexible Modes

The numerous modes on offer with this gimbal shows the thoughtfulness that has gone into its design. Ranging from Pan Follow , Pan Tilt Follow to FPV , it also featured a Custom Mode . This customizability meant that I could alter the settings to my precise needs, affording me that level of flexibility and convenience rarely seen in gimbals at this price level.

The 3D roll 360 mode also ensured I could produce those sophisticated shots often reserved for Instagram. Whether you’re an Instagram-enthusiast or a professional videographer, the range of modes will give you that creative freedom you crave.

On-Gimbal Personalizations

If, like me, you prefer handling your device physically, you’ll absolutely adore DJI’s on-gimbal personalizations. With just a swipe down on the display, I could easily access the different settings. Options ranged from Selfie Mode, Orbit Follow, to Horizontal Collaboration. This meant I could make critical changes on-the-fly without having to pause and connect to the mobile app.

My assessment is that this level of autonomy pushes the RS3 Mini ahead of its peers. It proved incredibly helpful when I required those quick adjustments to ensure my shots were just as I wanted. If on-gimbal personalizations are important to you, then the DJI RS3 Mini could well be your match.

Extraordinary Shots: The Mini Gimbal Adventures

• DJI Rainbow RS3 Mini simplifies capturing ‘swoosh perspectives’
• RS3 Mini Gimbal combines portability and smooth performance
• RS3 Pro superior for carrying heavier loads

In all my years as a video enthusiast, I’ve tried a wide range of equipment. Still, switching to the DJI Rainbow RS3 Mini added a new exciting chapter in my videography journey. Here, I’ll share some adventures I had, and shed light on how the Mini Gimbal influenced the finished product.

Instagram-worthy: Swooshing in FPV mode

The first thing I noted was how easy it made capturing those dramatic moving shots that you may often see on Instagram. It’s fascinating how the ‘FPV mode’ enabled getting those ‘swoosh’ perspectives . Compared to other experiences, using the RS3 Mini Gimbal removed the traditional complexity involved. It felt natural and intuitive, targeting a broad range of users, from beginners to more experienced videographers seeking to add finesse to their work.

The Gimbal Shoot-off: Comparing the Mini to RS3 Pro

It’s natural to question how this compact gimbal performs compared to its bigger counterparts. To equip you with unbiased information, I attempted a comparative evaluation.

Gimbal Size:

• The RS3 Mini’s compact size makes it a notably convenient option, especially if you’re often on-the-go.
• In contrast, while the RS3 Pro offers robust features, its size can be a potential disadvantage for some videographers, especially those keen on portability.

Performance:

• The Mini Gimbal stands tall with its smooth, effortless balance. Despite its diminutive size, it manages to hold steady with camera weights such as the A7 S3 with the 2470 GM lens.
• The RS3 Pro obviously surpasses in terms of carrying heavier loads. Yet it’s worth pondering whether you need that extra attribute, given the overall portability tradeoff.

Both gimbals stand strong in their respective niches. Yet, it’s the Mini Gimbal that shines brightly for videographers seeking a blend of portability and excellence.

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, the extraordinary shots captured during my time with the DJI Rainbow RS3 Mini played a significant part in leaving a lasting, positive imprint. I hope my experiences and comparisons provide valuable insight and assist you in making an informed decision.

Concluding Thoughts: To Consider or Not

After spending considerable time with the DJI RS3 Mini, it’s safe to say that this mini gimbal has a lot to offer. Its compact size, feature set, and performance bring a solid balance to the table. I should point out, though, that nothing is perfect, and even the RS3 Mini has areas where it could improve.

Overall Impressions

I was genuinely impressed by this device’s feature set and overall user experience. From its easy user interface to the accurate focus wheel operation and the smooth transition between modes, the DJI RS3 Mini had me at ease. Furthermore, the Bluetooth connectivity and handy app further elevated the experience. All these features made it function remarkably well in a variety of shooting scenarios.

Points of Improvement

Nevertheless, a few imperfections could use some attention. The grip could be just a tad bigger to comfortably accommodate user hands of all sizes. The ability to detach the battery would have made it even more portable. However, I understand that such changes might impact other factors like pricing and overall design.

Considerations for Potential Users

If you’re a budding videographer looking to elevate your shoot quality without burning a hole in your pocket, the DJI RS3 Mini could be just right for you. Its various powerful features, packed in a mini yet sturdy body, make it quite an effective tool that can turn your traveling filmmaking or short film creation into a smoother experience. However, those seeking to handle heavier payloads might find the answer in something like the RS3 or RS3 Pro.

Final Words

In conclusion, the DJI RS3 Mini projects a strong case for its existence in the ever-evolving gimbal market. As with any equipment, the key is to understand your exact requirements and expectations. If its feature set aligns with your shooting needs and you’re not largely bothered about a detached battery and the perfect grip, then you might find exactly what you’re looking in the DJI RS3 Mini.

Should you buy the DJI RS 3 Mini, 3-Axis Mirrorless Gimbal Lightweight Stabilizer?

Buy it if…

You’re Looking for Compact yet Powerful

The DJI RS3 Mini Gimbal is smaller than previous versions and boasts powerful features such as precise focusing and easy usability.

You Shoot Dynamic Videos

Switching between vertical and horizontal modes is quick and easy, making this gimbal perfect for shooting on the go or creating diverse content.

You Value Intuitive User Interface

With DJI’s easy setup process and comprehensive Ronin app, tweaking adjustments and calibrations to the gimbal is a breeze.

Don’t buy it if…

You Have Larger Hands

The smaller grip may not be comfortable for those with larger hands and could potentially interfere with operation.

You Regularly Need a Heavy Payload

Though powerful, the Mini is not designed for extremely heavy loads. For such requirements, DJI’s larger gimbals such as the RS3 or RS3 Pro may be more suitable.

You Prioritize Detachable Battery

If the option to detach and possibly swap out batteries is crucial for you, this might not be the right pick as the RS3 Mini has an inbuilt battery.

FAQ

What was the first impression of the DJI Rainbow RS3 Mini?

The initial impression was its small size compared to the other gimbals the reviewer has used before.

What does the lockable motor arms feature do?

The lockable motor arms feature allows the gimbal to be folded down into a smaller footprint, making it more portable.

How is the camera transition from vertical to horizontal mode?

The transition from vertical to horizontal mode is made simple and can be done in a matter of seconds.

Is there any issue with the construction of the gimbal?

Though the handle does have some plastic instead of metal, it feels like high quality plastic and should not be an issue.

Are there any downsides to the grip of the gimbal?

For someone with large hands, the grip may be a bit small and can lead to touching the joystick unintentionally.

How simple is it to calibrate the gimbal?

Calibrating the gimbal is very simple, just press the calibration mode and follow through after balancing your gimbal.

Does the gimbal work well with a heavy load?

The gimbal works fine under a normal load, but not at the end points direction. Rebalancing is not required when shifting from 16 millimeter to 35 millimeter.

What are some additional features of the gimbal?

The gimbal features Bluetooth connectivity, different customizable modes, quick setting adjustments, and a number of parameters in the gimbal that can be adjusted with the Ronin app.

What is the reviewer’s favorite mode?

The reviewer’s favorite mode is the pan follow mode.

Who would the reviewer recommend the DJI RS3 Mini gimbal to?

The DJI RS3 Mini gimbal would be recommended for travel filmmakers, or someone looking to improve the quality of their videos without breaking the bank.