DJI’s new gimbal tools make high end filmmaking even smoother
posted Monday, April 9, 2018 at 11:21 AM EDT
DJI has announced two new high-end cinema products, the DJI Master Wheels and DJI Force Pro, that offer professional gimbal control solutions to discerning filmmakers by adding a new way to manage DJI’s Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals. The Master Wheels is a professional level, highprecision gimbal control system that applies a 3-wheeled form to control pan, tilt and roll. The Force Pro is a motion sensing system that uses DJI’s industry-leading remote-control technology to precisely synchronize the movement of Force Pro with the gimbal, helping capture cinematic scenes with ease. Intuitive and easy to learn, Force Pro breaks down the barriers that come with understanding the operation of more complex gimbal control systems.
Master Wheels
Master Wheels are what DJI is calling a "high-precision gimbal movement tool" that utilizes three weighted wheels to adjust pan, tilt and roll. It works by using high resolution optical encoders which detect the subtlest of wheel adjustments while "complex algorithms" translate that movement to enhance the level of accuracy of the gimbal.DJI says that the Master Wheels employ the latest sensor positioning technology along with dual-band low-latency 2.4/5.8GHz wireless transmission technology to ensure a stable and reliable connection from the main console to the moving rig with a latency as low as 10 milliseconds and an operating distance of over 1.9 miles.
DJI built the Master Wheels to have an intuitive user interface, which offers quick access to gimbal settings along with the status of equipment. Three user-customizable buttons offer the ability to save shortcuts while on-board motion capture storage enables the filmmaker to easily repeat the motion of the rig, allowing filmmakers to dedicate their attention to other aspects of the scene such as the actresses and actors. Built-in three-stop switches are capable of adjusting direction for each axis while dials manipulate speed, smoothness and dampening. Additionally, Master Wheels can change vital camera settings from the main console for a rapid response to any modifications an operator might need to make.
The three stainless steel wheels and the control modules have the ability to be detached from the main console and connected with a wire for space constrained shooting situations. The wireless transmitter can also be detached and remotely mounted via a 5-meter cord in order to gain a stronger signal when needed.
You can also attach various accessories using multiple 1/4” and 3/8” threads located on the main console (such as external monitors). For added comfort during operation, the angle of one control module can be manually adjusted based on the preference of the user. Master Wheels can be mounted on a variety of platforms including inside vehicles, tripods and more with a dedicated Mitchell mount on the base of the main console.
Compatibility with an ecosystem of DJI products, as well as support for third-party gimbals, broaden the versatility of Master Wheels on set. You can direct gimbal movements using DJI’s professional products including the Ronin 2 and Ronin-S, taking full advantage of the latest in gimbal technology. DJI TB50 intelligent batteries, the same model used on the Ronin 2 and Inspire 2, power the system for up to 18 hours. For filmmakers with non-DJI equipment, Master Wheels support various third-party gimbals and can be powered through the DC-IN port to utilize V-Lock batteries from third-party manufacturers.
Force Pro
Utilizing DJI’s s remote-control technology, Force Pro precisely synchronizes the movement of the operator with the movement the gimbal, helping capture smooth imagery even in complex or fast-moving scenes. An embedded compass and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) work in tandem to ensure precise movement and prevent the gimbal from drifting to maintain a consistent frame. Its low-latency dual-band 2.4/5.8GHz wireless transmission system offers near real-time control with a communication latency as low as 10 milliseconds. Force Pro can also be physically tethered to the gimbal using a CANBUS cable offering a 200Hz signal to eliminate any chance of connection interference while on set.
For those lacking experience working with more complex products such as Master Wheels or even joysticks, DJI did their best to design the product so that the operation of Force Pro is easy to understand (which is not common in the high-end cinema industry). An optional lightweight handlebar adds to the efficiency of Force Pro, offering a total solution for handheld operation with the ability to mount various accessories to the handlebar, including monitors, video transmission systems, and thumb controllers. You can conveniently set two custom speed profiles and a built-in ultra-bright OLED screen provides equipment status along with the ability to control gimbal and camera settings for fast adjustments to a changing scene.
Force Pro is compatible with DJI Ronin 2 and Ronin-S gimbals along with other third-party systems and offers a battery life of up to 5 hours when fully charged. Recharging can be achieved several ways: via the USB-C, CANBUS port, or the built-in DC-IN port compatible with third-party V-Lock batteries.
Pricing and availability
Master Wheels will be available for pre-order on April 10th, 2018. The complete 3-Axis Model will retail for $8,000 USD, 2-Axis Model for $6,000 USD and Single Wheel Control Module for $2,500 USD. Master Wheels will begin shipping in June 2018.
DJI Force Pro will be available for pre-order on April 10th, 2018. Retail cost will be $1,200 USD and will start shipping in June 2018.