DJI RS 3 Mini Review

The title gives the game away, but at least this is exactly what it says on the tin; it’s a mini RS 3. Essentially, this single-handed gimbal stabiliser offers many of the same great features as the larger RS 3 and RS 3 Pro in a smaller package with less weight and coming in with a price tag half that of the Pro version.

So, if you’re looking at the present Ronin line-up, you have the flagship RS 3 Pro, then the RS 3, and finally, the RS 3 Mini. What is, as ever, interesting is that DJI continues to sell many of the older models of the Ronin, so if you do feel like picking up an older version of the gimbal, you can. However, as each generation offers such a leap forward; I’m not sure why you would.

Back to the RS 3 Mini, an impressive piece of kit, and smaller than the RS 3 Pro, which was already compact, with cleverly designed gimbal arms that give plenty of space and flexibility for mirrorless cameras or small DSLRs but nothing bigger which defines a clear line between models.

This mirrorless option will then give plenty of options for most run-and-gun videographers and filmmakers who are simply looking for a cheap, high-quality stabiliser. It also gives pros a lightweight gimbal that can easily be transported into places where it would usually be difficult or, at the very least, inconvenient to take a full-sized gimbal.

There are, of course, a few specification and feature reductions compared with the larger models; the payload rests at 2kg compared with the RS 3’s 3kg and Pro’s 4.5kg. It also reverts to manual axis locks, and like the RS 3, there’s no expansion option for the vehicle mount, Steadicam, slider etc., as there is with the Pro.

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!

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.

The major divide between this and the RS 3 models is the options for the video transmission system, which integrates as part of the system. With the RS 3 Mini, you’ll have to be satisfied with the straight stabilisation abilities, which is no bad thing.

Finally, power is supplied by an integrated battery in the handle; it’s all nicely balanced and charges to full capacity in 2.5 hours through the USB port in the side of the grip. A full charge lasts for a good ten hours, depending on use, and in this test, with the gimbal balanced and in use, it lasted well through a day’s constant use even when left on standby, ready to go.

The build of the DJI RS 3 Mini is small and solid, with only three parts to the entire rig. Firstly you have the actual RS 3 Mini with full aluminium arms and an extremely well-finished design. Then into the base, you can screw in the small tripod that enables you to sit the gimbal down for set-upset-up and balancing, and then when in use, this also doubles as part of an extended handle. The last major part of the RS 3 Mini is the base plate that bolts to the base of your camera and then slots directly into the tilt arm of the gimbal.

The attachment of the camera to the gimbal highlights the first interesting innovation of the gimbal design with the usual clamp on the lower part of the tilt axis that enables you to mount the camera horizontally. But, then take a look at the vertical of the tilt arm, and you see the ability to shift the mount so that the camera can be mounted vertically, ready for TikTok and other social media channels.

Before the camera is mounted in your desired orientation, you must unlock the axis and power it on. Unlike the RS 3 and Pro versions, the axis locks here are manual.

In the past, it was important to remove the lens cap to optimise the weight distribution. However, I’ve noticed that this is no longer highlighted in the balancing instructions, and with the power of the motors these days, I feel happier leaving it in place until the gimbal is powered on.

Balancing is relatively straightforward as long as you follow the procedure; if you don’t, you won’t get very far. The procedure sees the tilt axis being unlocked, and then the axis balance starts. The camera is supported and rotated, so the lens is pointing up, and the axis is adjusted so the camera does rotate back or fourth. Then the camera is set horizontally, and the second tilt axis adjustment is altered, so the camera holds position however you rotate the camera. Once that’s done, you repeat the roll and pan axis process, and then you have the gimbal balance ready to switch on.

If, however, you wish to use the camera vertically, then you can remove the lower part of the tilt axis and then the base plate slides and locks directly onto the vertical of the tilt axis before the whole balancing process takes place. To make things slightly easier when you switch from horizontal to vertical, there are measurement markings on the arm so that you can note the positions of your camera and lens combos.

The big feature of the RS 3 Mini is that it’s small and lightweight, over 40% less than the RS 3 and 50% lighter than the RS 3 Pro. This means it is an ideal solution for anyone who finds those larger gimbals too heavy to use comfortably or wants a nice compact gimbal stabiliser for their mirrorless camera. The size and weight also lend the gimbal for travel, documentary or any scenario where you need to be agile and travel light.

The next feature worth noting is the wireless connectivity to compatible cameras. For most modern cameras like the Canon R7, you can connect through the BlueTooth wireless link to activate the shutter, meaning that no wires are required. You can go a step further for Sony users if you have a compatible lens, where you can control the lenses zoom with the front dial on the gimbal. This makes using and balancing the RS 3 easier than many other single-handed gimbal stabilisers.

Finally, vertical shooting is a new and interesting feature. While previous gimbals can shoot in a vertical orientation, the RS 3 Mini is the first to shoot natively vertically. To do this, the base of the tilt axis is completely removed, and the camera is then slotted and tightened onto the vertical before the usual balancing takes place. It’s a neat idea and benefits the user over more conventional methods by still enabling the full motion of stabilisation that would be available if you were to mount the camera normally.

Essentially this feature offers the user a lightweight gimbal that can travel anywhere and offers the same level of stabilisation, if not better than the older and larger Ronin SC and for much the same price.

Every gimbal has its set-upset-up quirks, and the RS 3 Mini is no different. The small size means there’s limited scope for balance adjustment, so if you’ve followed the balancing procedure and your camera and lens aren’t balancing, then it’s essentially unlikely too. Check the compatibility list for a detailed breakdown; however, away from the list, almost all combinations of camera and lens that I have access to balanced without issue.

Once the camera is balanced, in this review example, a Sony A7 III with 35mm, it’s time to power up and give the stabilisation a good go. The first thing to note is that after years of development, the RS 3 Mini is refined. At first, the lack of movement of the camera when balancing does seem a little restrictive. However, once you follow the procedure, the camera settles easily.

Setting on a flat surface, the gimbal is powered on and shifts into life. The next step before doing anything is the registration process and firmware update. This is DJI, and it’s inevitable that at some point in the day, there will be a firmware update pinging through to whatever device you’re using.

The initial update was quick; registration of the gimbal is made by connecting and logging into the app. The process took less than five minutes, and once done, it’s done.

Next is the auto-calibration process; this is simply an option in the menu, and once selected and activated, the gimbal takes care of the rest. It’s a relatively quick process; you can see slight shifts and shakes as the gimble prepares itself for use.

Once completed with the checks, it’s ready to go; unlike older gimbals, the RS 3 Mini can switch automatically between operational modes such as the standard upright mode, underslung, briefcase and flashlight. Using some of these operational modes can make the small RS 3 Mini a little tricky to handle. However, this is why the NATO port has been included, enabling you to bolt in very useful support handles.

The main modes can be accessed using the M Button on the grip; this enables you to quickly switch between PF (Pan Follow), PTF (Pan, Tilt and Follow) and FPV (First person view), where all axis are essentially unlocked.

I start with FPV and check out the quality of stabilisation. What’s instantly apparent is the lightweight nature of the small gimbal makes it extremely easy to handle, especially with a handle attached. The small screen makes navigating settings quick and easy, and the layout of the buttons and joysticks help with the ease of use.

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.

Due to the camera and gimbal size, there is far more of a feeling of oneness between the two devices. While I have been using either the 24-70mm or fixed focal length lenses, you can see how beneficial this rig would be with the Sony motorised zoom lenses.

As a small handheld gimbal stabiliser, the performance, once correctly balanced, is impressive, with the small motor’s speed and reaction times not seeming any different to that of the larger gimbals. What makes this gimbal stand out is the sports mode that cranks up the reaction speed of the motors. Not only is this good for keeping up with the action, but a quick double click of the button and the mode reverts to the standard follow modes without needing to stop filming. The effect enables a fast and smooth transition between action and slower-paced footage without requiring an edit between shots.

As ever, there is also the app, and there have been a few features that have been added in the last few releases. The first is that vortex roll, or 360º is now standard and works smoothly; this is a great way to create dynamic-looking footage quickly. The second is the motion control, where you can set up to 10-way points for the gimbal to move through. This feature has been available since the Ronin-S, but over the years, it’s been refined with stay durations at each waypoint.

For the most part, the performance of the RS 3 Mini is exceptional, although the weight limit and lack of image transmission can feel a little limiting when you’re used to the larger gimbals. What stands out, however, is the pure convenience, the RS 3 Pro was small, but this is even smaller.

The issue with compact, single-handed gimbal stabilisers is they can often outshine their larger siblings. The ZHIYUN Weebill 3 is a great gimbal with plenty of scope for upgrades and, at the same price, is also a direct competitor to the RS 3 Mini.

There is little to pick between the two. However, the RS 3 Mini feels like a simple get-out-and-shoot solution that pros use when they want to leave the big guns at home. The WeeBill 3 is an all-encompassing gimbal that can expand as much as you like and can be as simple or complex as you need.

The DJI RS 3 Mini has the advantage of that DJI design and build quality. It feels solid; there’s nothing cheap or plasticy about it, and the performance backs that up. The small size and light weight nature is a virtue, but this is DJI, and I can’t help but think they could have gone a step further; while the gimbal is small, once the Sony A7 III is balanced, the gimbals axis arms still need to be released for it to pack down small again. This means that a small amount of balancing is needed each time you set up; surely, there’s a neater and more backpack-friendly approach.

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?

The RS 3 Mini DJI has opted to keep things simple; it’s the gimbal you’ll grab on a small shoot or where you want to travel light. It’s that gimbal that hasn’t existed before, small, lightweight and ready for action. It might not have the option for many of the extras that the RS 3 and RS 3 Pro offers but after extensive testing, I’m more than happy with what it does provide, especially considering the price and size.