DJI Ronin 4D Firmware v01.03.0200 Released – Another Update Soon

Earlier this month, DJI released new firmware for its Ronin 4D gimbal/camera system. In addition, the company promises to release yet another update soon. Let’s take a look at what’s new in version 01.03.0200 and what to expect in the upcoming update!

The DJI Ronin 4D is a beast in its own right (Review | Lab Test). Half camera, half gimbal and a lot of clever features make it truly unique among the usual filmmaking gear. And according to the manufacturer, many ideas are yet to be implemented in the form of firmware updates. However, being a brand-new hardware platform, updates are sometimes a bit harder to implement than one might think.

For this reason, DJI has not only recently released an update (v01.03.022), but has also already announced an upcoming one that should be released “at the end of August”. While the first update is not particularly extensive in terms of functionality, the second one coming seems to be quite interesting.

DJI Ronin 4D v01.03.0200

First up, the already available firmware v01.03.0200 sports the following features and bug fixes:

• Added ability to record and playback the transmission image and audio – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• Added force mobile feature to control the gimbal – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• Support for up to 1080p/60fps HDMI signal display input – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• Added support for anamorphic display de-squeezing – High-Bright Remote Monitor.
• HDMI/SDI output frame rate individual settings – remote monitor expansion plate.
• HDMI output audio ability: remote monitor expansion plate.
• Added ability to mark the focus points and limit points – Three-Channel Follow Focus.
• Fixed issue: Ronin 4D transmitter occasionally failed to start linking in a low-temperature environment.

The most notably item on that list is certainly the new independent recording and playback on the High-Bright Remote Monitor. This supports independent recording and storage of H.264 video at up to 1080p/60fps on the microSD card. When several remote monitors are used in conjunction, each monitor can play back clips separately without interfering with other monitors.

Furthermore, the High-Bright Remote Monitor can now act as a standalone motion controller for the DJI Ronin 4D, so you can execute complex camera movements from a moving vehicle or with a jib.

Upcoming firmware update

In addition to the update above, DJI is preparing another update as we speak. This new version should be released in “late August” and as you can observe in the table below, it comes with some nice additions:

• New Codec – Pro Res 422 LT: Provides footage quality close to ProRes 422 HQ with a much lower bitrate and is more storage-friendly.
• 3.5mm Audio Time code Input: Supports Audio Time code input to sync time code between different cameras.
• Anamorphic De-squeeze Display: Support de-squeeze factor setting to allow users to monitor the screen at a normal aspect ratio when using an anamorphic lens
• Clean HDMI Video Output: The HDMI port on the main body supports clean video output of up to 4K/ 60fps.
• HDMI Output with Time code and Recording Signal Information: Supports the use of third-party monitors for sync recording and time code sync.
• Comprehensive Parameter Settings with the Right-hand Grip: Perform nearly all screen functions with the right-hand grip to improve operation experience when operating with both hands.
• Tap Twice to Zoom In Any Area: Tap twice to zoom in and drag to check details
• Auto Loop Playback: Repeatedly playback footage automatically.
• Fixed Issue: Jitter of the Z-Axis during tilting.
• Fixed Issue: Abnormal sounds when switching ND filter after installing the E-mount unit.

More choices for a given codec are always nice to see, and ProRes 422 LT gives you a good option when longer runtimes are more important than superior image quality (though of course this additional codec can’t substitute for the omitted ProRes RAW support).

Pricing

The update itself is available for free, and DJI shares a few tips for a smooth update process:

• Attach all the accessories to Ronin 4D before updating firmware.
• Attach the DJI Three-Channel Follow Focus to the High-Bright Remote Monitor to update firmware simultaneously.
• Make sure to update both the Video Transmitter and High-Bright Remote Monitor to the latest firmware version. Otherwise, the video transmission may work abnormally.
• If the update fails, restart the device and try again.

The DJI Ronin 4D 6K is priced at $6,799, while its bigger brother, the Ronin 4D 8K, will launch “later this year” and is priced at $11,499.

Link: DJI

Are you a proud DJI Ronin 4D owner? Share your experiences in the comments below!