DJI Ronin 4D Put to Test in a One-Take Short Film

Behind the Scenes

by Francesco AndreolaMarch 8^th, 2022

“Christmas Eve” is a one-take short film published by DJI and is a perfect example of the advancements in today’s camera technology. Entirely shot on the DJI Ronin 4D, this single-take film evolves in a series of complex camera movements that would have been very hard to achieve otherwise. Let’s take a closer look.

The launch of the DJI Ronin 4D was one of the most impressive announcements in 2021. This compact system integrates a full-frame camera and a gimbal in an all-in-one hybrid concept. In case you missed it, check out our lab test as well as our review here.

Although the specs of this product are just amazing on paper, DJI decided to put it to the test in a real-world scenario. The result of this effort is “Christmas Eve”, a one-take short film. So before going on reading, take a moment to get comfortable, grab a drink, and hit play.

“Christmas Eve”: a one-take short film shot on the DJI Ronin 4D

“Christmas Eve” looks more like a mere stylistic exercise rather than a proper narrative story. In fact, the way it is scripted clearly aims at putting to test all the major features of the DJI Ronin 4D. To name a few, these include the 4-axis stabilization, the low light capabilities and dynamic range of its FF Zenmuse X9 camera, the LiDAR Range Finder, and the integrated wireless video system.

Despite the lack of a proper storyline, the final result really gives a sense of what’s possible to achieve with such a state-of-the-art system. Opening up with a quiet Christmas Eve dinner, the sequence rapidly evolves into a fast-paced chase scene with very complex camera movements.

The short film, directed by Yiamin Luo, Ze Du, and award-winning cinematographer Xiaoshi Zhao. Throughout the sequence, the camera moves back and forth between the hands of four camera operators, a crane, and other camera supports.

For example, at one point the DJI Ronin 4D is attached to a crane that tracks the characters down a 2-story building, before being grabbed by a camera OP at the bottom.

Behind the scenes with Xiaoshi Zhao

Along with the final result, DJI also released a behind-the-scenes video in which you can hear directly from cinematographer Xioshi Zhao, as he shares his experience shooting with the Ronin 4D and explores the possibilities opened up by this technology.

According to Zhao, some shots would have been impossible to achieve with other bulkier systems, including DJI’s own Ronin 2. Being a Mōvi Pro user myself, I cannot disagree since I sometimes wish I had a more agile solution.

Indeed, the small and compact size of the Ronin 4D allows the camera to move in very restricted spaces. As seen in “Christmas Eve”, the Ronin 4D can easily pass through a car window without an issue.

Moreover, the DP shares his appreciation for the focusing features, including the LiDAR Range Finder and the Automated Manual Focus, as well as the integrated wireless system. According to him, these tools can take some pressure off the crew, while at the same time offering a more streamlined workflow.

Have you had the chance to shoot with the DJI Ronin 4D yet? According to you, what other possibilities can be opened up by this system? Share your thoughts in the comments below!