How to set up the DJI Ronin-S and balance your camera

Looking to smooth out your video footage? Then there are a couple of options. Stick your camera on a tripod or use a gimbal.

The DJI Ronin-S is one of a new breed of single-handed gimbals that are smaller, lighter and more convenient to use and carry. It also packs in more features than many of its rivals with a sophisticated mobile app and extensive camera and lens compatibility.

But before you get started, you need to set up the DJI Ronin-S to balance the weight of your camera and lens combination. Rest assured, the set-up process is rapid and easy, but there are some tricks to know to ensure you get it right.

DJI has ensured that the Ronin-S design makes an adjustment while balancing as simple as possible. Although there will be a certain amount of re-adjustment each time you attach your camera to the Ronin-S, the more times you do it the quicker and easier it becomes.

It goes without saying that for each new camera and lens combination you attach to the Ronin-S, you’re going to need to run through the process again. In the video tutorial below I show you step-by-step how to set up the DJI Ronin-S and balance it with your camera and lens.

If you use the same camera, lens combo then once setup you shouldn’t need to adjust again. Saying that the Ronin-S is relatively large so to pack it into a backpack, I found that some adjustments were required to make it small enough to fit comfortably, in which case the set-up procedure does need to be followed, goes without saying really.

If you want more details on the DJI Ronin-S or any other DJI products then check out Modus Brands – UK Distributors of Ronin-S.

How to set up the DJI Ronin-S and balance your camera on the gimbal

1. Attach the base plate to the camera
2. Attach the battery grip to the mini tripod and place on a flat surface
3. Slide in the gimbal and lock the lever on the side
4. Loosen the axis arms screws and unfold the gimbal arms so they can be moved freely
5. Slide the camera into position on the gimbal plate
6. Hold the Roll Axis motor in position and find the centre balance for the camera by sliding backwards and forwards and then use the lever to lock in place
7. Tilt the camera up, so the lens is pointing upwards and adjust the Tilt arm until you find balance
8. Rotate the camera, so the lens points forwards and adjust the horizontal position of the camera on the tilt arm, then readjust camera position if needed
9. Rotate the Roll axis and adjust the arm to find balance, once found you should be able to roll the arm, so the camera stays in position without rotating back to the start position
10. Tilt the Ronin-S at 45º and adjust the Pan arm, so the camera finds balance on the Pan rotation.
11. Sit the Ronin-S back on the flat surface and power up the battery grip then gimbal and wait for the beep
12. Download the Ronin App and make sure BlueTooth is switched on
13. Start the app and follow the connection instructions
14. From the main screen click Configuration / Motors / Auto Tune
15. Your now ready to start using the DJI Ronin-S