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Just over two years after it was first announced, DJI finally upgrades its Ronin camera platform to 8K with the new Zenmuse X9-8K gimbal camera.
DJI might not have made a name for itself yet in high-end cinematography cameras, but in terms of sheer specification and price/performance, it has packed enough into the Ronin platform to make pretty much any cinematographer sit up and take notice. Which is precisely what many people did two years ago when the DJI Ronin 4D-6K came out in 2021 (read the review - we were impressed).
At the time, DJI was taking reservations for the 8K version, which proved to be a slightly optimistic punt, as it’s only just been made available now at a list price of $12,838. This is a substantial markup on the 6K combo, which you can get for $6799
So, what do you get? The camera provides full-frame support for up to 8K 60 fps 17:9 video in Apple ProRes Raw, and 8K 30 fps 17:9 and 8K 75 fps 2.39:1 in ProRes 422 HQ, as well as 4K/120fps. 800/4000 Dual-Native ISO performance is complemented by a maximum 14.7 stops of dynamic range, offering cinematic depth and rich colour grades in plenty of scenarios.
9-stop physical ND filters provide precise exposure control, while DL/E/L/PL/M interchangeable lens mounts provide an enviable freedom of choice. It features both autofocus on manual lenses and Automated Manual Focus (AMF) for quick and accurate focusing thanks to its LiDAR focusing system. And its Flex Form feature, which allows the Zenmuse camera to be detached from the main body via a 2-metre extension cable without tools, is a fairly convincing argument for its flexibility.
Storage is via DJI PROSSD 1TB, CFexpress 2.0 Type B, or USB-C SSD.
Color science
Judging from DJI’s PR materials it’s the color science in the camera that the company is most proud of. The Ronin 4D-8K integrates DJI Cinema Colour Science (DCCS), which delivers impressively natural skin tones even in complex lighting conditions. The DCCS color engine boasts a new algorithm, enabling smooth yet detailed images, high bit-width internal color and tone processing for natural transitions, and multiple high-precision LUT processing modules for precise color adjustments in diverse lighting conditions.
Complementing this is the CineCore image processing platform, developed by DJI to deliver high-quality digital intermediates for post-production. Equipped with a proprietary chip and advanced processor architecture, CineCore supports up to 8K videos in professional codecs, including Apple ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 HQ, H.264, and (as per the Inspire 3 drone), CinemaDNG. The D-Gamut color space is optimized for richer green coloring and skin tone representation. Covering over 14 stops of dynamic range, the company says D-Log curve ensures detailed highlight and shadow retention even in challenging lighting, aligning “effortlessly” with ARRI cinema camera colour and supporting the ACES workflow. With its film-consistent symmetrical dynamic distribution, DCCS preserves delicate and natural transitions in highlight areas, making it the ideal choice for filmmakers seeking unparalleled image quality and colour grading flexibility.
(ACES is now officially certified for DJI Ronin 4D, Inspire 3 and Zenmuse X7, ensuring a consistent colour journey, preserving the filmmaker's creative vision across various professional equipment and screening standards.)
Pricing and availability
The Ronin 4D-8K combo is available immediately (though it looks like shipping is 4-6 weeks in many places). It includes the Ronin 4D Main Body, a Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera, a DJI DL PZ 17-28mm T3.0 ASPH Lens, a PROSSD 1TB, a PROSSD Mount, Hand Grips, a Top Handle, a High-Bright Main Monitor, a TB50 Intelligent Battery, a LiDAR Range Finder, a DJI Ronin 4D RAW License Key and more.
This combo retails at $12,838 (£11038 GBP/ € 12758). The Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera is also available for purchase separately at $3599 (£2599 / €2999) and includes a Zenmuse X9-8K Gimbal Camera Protector Case, a X9 Gimbal Base Cap and a DL Mount Body Cap.
Tags: Production
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