When it comes to finding camera rigs that can act as stabilization units for panning shots and running shots as well as being able to take overhead flying shots and still shots, there are not that many affordable rigs out there that independent and amateur filmmakers can purchase. There are two stabilization units that are versatile enough to be used for multiple purposes – The DJI Ronin 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal System and the FreeflyMoVI M5.
DJI Ronin
The DJI Ronin has a load capacity of up to 16lbs meaning that it can support some of the heavier industry cameras as well as smaller handheld camcorders. This makes it ideal for those indie filmmakers with some experience who are looking to be a little more adventurous in their shooting style. The 3 axis gimbal system means that you can operate the DJI Ronin in three different operation modes – briefcase mode, upright mode and underslung mode, so that you can get the most out of your camera without having to buy lots of different rigs.
The DJI Ronin is an expensive piece of equipment, but you do get what you pay for. The stabilization unit takes five minutes to set up, making it one of the easiest to assemble in any price range and you can balance the unit without need tools. The DJI Ronin also comes with a built in receiver that means you can operate the DJI Ronin using the DJI assistant app on iOS devices, meaning that open person can operate the rig, whilst another controls the camera.
The design of the DJI Ronin is designed to be highly stable to enable filmmakers to get the best possible shots. The DJI Ronin I quite heavy and large, weighing 25lbs and measuring 20 x 16 x 16 inches, though it requires only 1 lithium ion battery to operate.
Freefly MoVI
By comparison, the FreeflyMoVI M5 is a compact and lightweight stabilization unit that has been specifically designed with independent filmmakers in mind and also is ideal for using when trying to capture the events of a wedding day on film. It weighs just 4.75lbs but it cannot support the same weight that the DJI Ronin can, with a maximum load capacity of just 5lbs, it has been designed to operate with DSLR cameras.
Similar to the DJI Ronin there is the ability to remotely control the FreeflyMoVI M5 through the Freefly Configurator via your tablet, Mac OSX or Windows devices. Some of the features available through the Freefly Configurator include auto tuning, motion booting, wireless tuning and graphing using a Bluetooth connection as well as other advanced features. The FreeflyMoVI M5 also has a dual operator mode where one person can concentrate on framing a shot whilst the second can remotely operate the rig, maneuvering it into the right position.
The FreeflyMoVI M5 is the cheapest MoVI model on the market, but it still carries quite a hefty price tag, but like the DJI Ronin, you do get what you pay for. Using the FreeflyMoVI M5 inverted mode, filmmakers can take ultra-low angle shots as well as ultra-high angle shots; the FreeflyMoVI M5 automatically detecting the mode so you can focus the shot. Similar to the RDJ Ronin, the FreeflyMoVI M5 is easy and quick to set up as it requires no tools. When you have configured your camera to the rig, you don’t have to take the FreeflyMoVI M5 apart when you want to add accessories to your camera or change the lenses.
The FreeflyMoVI M5 has two handles that you can use to operator the rig with and the rig is so intuitive to control that you will be able to control the direction of the gimbal without losing out on any stability. One of the greatest features of the FreeflyMoVI M5 is the GPS system. The control algorithms that have been developed for the rig mean that it has an incredibly high accuracy GPS that can correct acceleration when the gimbal is used outdoors and a GPS signal is available. This feature is especially useful if the rig is being used on cars or even helicopters when units without GPS systems can drift off their target.
The Final Verdict
There are a lot of good reasons to purchase both of these units. If you are going to be working outside and experimenting with shots on moving vehicles, the FreeflyMoVI M5 is the clear choice, especially if you are going to want to work at low and high angles using a DSLR camera. If you need a rig that is light enough to attach to a UAV, then the FreeflyMoVI M5 is not only designed to work well with a UAV but has the accelerating correction feature to help keep your shots precise and free of shaky frames. If you are planning on doing heavy duty filming, then you would be much better served by the DJI Ronin 3-Axis system.
Click here to purchase DJI Ronin on Amazon!
Click here to purchase Freefly MoVI on Amazon!