Note: When one power port serves as an input port, the other becomes an output port, or vice versa. Two plugs can’t be input power at the same time. The DJI RS 3 Mini is DJI’s latest release in the company’s range of single-handed gimbal stabiliser, and its compact form makes it a welcome addition to the line. At launch, due to that size reduction, it instantly goes head to head with the formidable ZHIYUN WEEBILL 3, so it needs to impress from the outset. Added support for zoom control using front dial for Sony FX3, A7S3, A7C, A7M3, A7M4, A7R3, A7R4, A9 II, ZV-1, A6400 and A6600 cameras when connecting the gimbal via Bluetooth.

Once done, the DJI RS 3 Mini is everything you could want for mirrorless camera stabilisation; the balance and reaction speeds are excellent. A Sony A73 with 35mm or even 24-70mm and the rig works as well as any other; swap for a Canon EOS R5 C with 24-70mm, and that only just pushes the small gimbals limits! Regarding control, the small 1.4-inch screen might be smaller than the 1.8-inch screen on the other two models, but it is still more than sufficient for guiding you through the options and settings. Ultimately once you work out where all the wires go for the focus motor, RavenEye and camera control, it’s all quite straightforward. Unfortunately, at the time of writing this review, there are few set-up notes; however, most of what applies to the set-up of the focus motor and Raven Eye again apply here. Full compatibility with the DJI High Bright monitor system Update the firmware for the DJI Ronin Image Transmitter using the DJI Ronin app by connecting the Image Transmitter via Wi-Fi. Do not disconnect the DJI Ronin app and DJI Ronin Image Transmitter during the update process. Added photo capture, video recording, zoom and autofocus support for Sony A7R5 camera with supported Sony E mount lenses using a Multi USB Camera Control Cable. To use autofocus on the Sony A7R5 camera, half press the camera control button on the gimbal.

Added photo capture, video recording, camera settings, autofocus, and focus pull support for the Sony A7R5 camera with supported Sony E mount lenses using a Multi-Camera Control Cable (USB-C). To use autofocus on the Sony A7R5 camera, half press the camera control button on the gimbal. Imaging modes such as panoramic and timelapse, along with a few others, can be accessed and, with the automatic shutter release, are all simple enough to use, with the App taking control of most of the difficult features.

In the test, the Bluetooth connection between the camera and the gimbal worked well, with the record button on the gimbal robustly connecting with the function on the camera as if they were connected by cable. Staying with the axis and the carbon arms, these have been extended slightly to enable the mounting of some of the new midweight professional cameras, such as the Sony FX6 and Canon EOS C70. For a gimbal of this size to take the weight of either of these cameras is impressive. While I don’t have access to either of these cameras, a Canon C100 MKII comfortably sat on the DJI Ronin RS3 Pro without issue and with plenty of clearance. Then there’s the usual design consideration for the micro tripod; like an after thought, this still bolts to the base, and while it could be argued that it’s optional, it’s not; you need it for the initial balancing and installation of the camera, so couldn’t it be a neat integral part?

Can the Ronin stabilizers shrink to suit mirrorless cameras and keep delivering the goods?

While the RS 3 Mini offers 3rd generation stabilisation, it doesn’t offer the superb SuperSmooth mode, but if you haven’t tried it, you won’t worry too much that you haven’t got it! The RS3 Pro is all about saving effort for the filmmakers; in use, it’s there to assist and make difficult shots easy, as well as having wide camera compatibility. To that end, DJI has extended the carbon fibre arms to give more space to the mounted cameras. This means that professional bodies and lenses such as the Sony FX6 and Canon C70 with 24-70mm f/2.8 lens can now be fitted. The payload limit is still 4.5kg which is quite substantial.