DJI Ronin 4D 6K Combo

DJI Ronin 4D 6K Combo available now without one key feature (but with a lower price tag)

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When it comes to the DJI Ronin 4D 6K Combo, there’s bad news, and then there’s good news. The 6K Combo version of the all-in-one 4-axis gimbal camera began shipping in February 2022. But the bad news: it shipped missing a key feature that was promoted (and highly-anticipated) upon its initial launch back in October 2021. The version shipping now will not include ProRes RAW capabilities.

The good news: DJI is dropping the price tag from the initially-advertised $7,199 to $6,799. So while you won’t get one of the best features, at least your wallet gets a break.

DJI Ronin 4D 6K Combo

The DJI Ronin 4D was announced in October 2021 as  ‘the most powerful cinematic imaging system DJI has ever created,’ according to DJI itself. Among its most standout features:

  • Full-frame Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera.
  • LiDAR focusing system.
  • 4-axis stabilization system.

It’s available in two different versions, with one entailing fancier tech inside (and a higher price point, to boot). The 6K version uses the X9-6K full-frame gimbal camera. The upgraded version gets you an X9-8 full-frame gimbal camera with additional PROSSD 1TB for capturing and storing higher-quality footage.

And while it was announced about four months ago it only is able to get into the hands of everyday people. The DJI Ronin 4D 6K Combo started shipping on February 16, 2022. From there, expected delivery dates still are roughly a month out in most locations. Meanwhile, the DJI Ronin 4D-8K became available starting in June of 2022.

What to know about changes to the DJI Ronin 4D 6K Combo imaging system

The DJI Ronin 4D carries an all new, full-frame Zenmuse X9 gimbal camera. But it won’t be exactly what was announced at launch.

Back in October 2021, DJI promised that the drone would be capable of internally recording Apple ProRes and ProRes RAW. The 6K version supports up to 6K/60fps and 4K/120fps, and the 8K version supports up to 8K/75fps. Cinematographers were thrilled at the prospect of full, cinematic-quality footage they could shoot on this handheld contraption.

But not everything is turning out to be as initially promised. Ronin will not support internal compressed RAW (Apple ProRes RAW) at launch. Though, Apple ProRes 4444 XQ will be available to all purchasers (even those who buy now) thanks to a firmware update that’s set to be made available later in 2022). Note that Apple ProRes HQ 422 is still available.

DJI did not give a reason for the change, but some have suspected it has to do with patent issues.

A few other changes include a new firmware update available at launch that will allow the Remote Monitor to view and control the main monitor interface with Mirror Control Mode. It will also allow a clean video stream on HDMI and SDI ports on the Remote Monitor Expansion Plates with no overlaid information. Additionally, Ronin 4D will support automatic calibration for some third-party auto lenses to realize LiDAR Focusing System functions.

DJI Ronin 4D gets a lower price tag

While the news is disappointing for some, DJI isn’t oblivious to it. The company lowered the price point to at least try to make up for it.

The Ronin 4D-6K Combo price tag is dropping to $6,799, from $7,199 as initially advertised. Though, the 8K version is still going for $11,499 which is the same as the initially-advertised price point.

If you pre-ordered a Ronin 4D-6K Combo for the higher $7,199, DJI says you should reach out to your dealer and request a refund for the $400 difference. If you’re still having trouble getting a refund, DJI suggests reaching out to them at their support page at www.dji.com/support.

And certainly, many are disappointed by the news. After all, Internal ProRes Raw was a huge reason why many people wanted the Ronin 4D. Online comments show people are cancelling previously-made orders. Some have been frustrated because they felt that DJI released minimal information about the changes.

Then again, some commenters have said that the news has actually convinced them to buy the Ronin 4D when they previously would not have been likely to. While it only amounts to about a 5.5% discount, the $400 savings can still be significant for many — especially aspiring cinematographers, for whom the Ronin 4D would likely most appeal to.

Purchase the Ronin 4D 6K version (starting at $7,199) from B&H Photo. Includes the:

  • Main Body (Zenmuse X9-6K).
  • Gimbal Camera.
  • LiDAR Range Finder.
  • High-Bright Main Monitor.
  • Hand Grips, Top Handle.
  • Intelligent Battery.
  • Carrying Case.

Pre-order the Ronin 4D 8K version (starts at $11,499) from B&H Photo. Includes all of the above, plus a more powerful Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera and a PROSSD 1TB.

Will you still be purchasing the DJI Ronin 4D 6K Combo given its lower price point, despite the fact that there are no ProRes RAW capabilities?

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