DJI RS3 Mini: Real Test Footage And Review - The New Generation Of Handheld Gimbals

Summary

In this video, Brandon Lee reviews the DJI RS3 mini gimbal, a compact and lightweight travel gimbal that he's been using extensively over a month in Morocco. He compares it to the RS2, highlighting its smaller size and ease of use, especially with the Sony A7 S3 and Tamron lenses. The video demonstrates various features, including follow mode, custom modes, and native vertical mode. Lee also shares tips on stabilizing shots, changing lenses, and using Bluetooth to toggle autofocus and manual focus for tricky scenes. He concludes that the RS3 mini is a practical and reliable choice for travel videography.

Takeaways

• 🎥 The video features Brandon Lee discussing his personal experience with the DJI RS3 Mini gimbal, a compact and lightweight version of the RS3.
• 🛂 The RS3 Mini's reduced size and weight make it easier to pass through airport security and more practical for travel.
• 📚 Brandon has been using the gimbal for over a month, including in harsh conditions in Morocco, and found it to be a 'lifesaver' for its portability.
• 🔧 The RS3 Mini's handle cannot be removed, unlike the RS2, but its smaller size makes this less of an issue.
• 📸 The gimbal performs well with heavy camera setups, such as the Sony A7 S3 with a Tamron 17-28mm lens, and remains light to handle for extended periods.
• 🚶‍♂️ Brandon demonstrates various modes of the gimbal, including follow mode and full lock mode, and shares tips for steady high-action shots.
• 👀 A tip for shooting with a gimbal is to look ahead and at your feet rather than at the LCD to avoid stumbling and to ensure steadier footage.
• 🤳 The RS3 Mini allows for custom modes, enabling users to quickly switch between different gimbal settings for specific shots.
• 🔄 Brandon showcases changing lenses on the gimbal while maintaining balance, highlighting the strength of the gimbal's motors.
• 📹 The video includes a technical demonstration of filming a subject moving from a bright to a dark area, manually toggling focus between AF and MF using the gimbal's Bluetooth controls.
• 📱 The RS3 Mini features a native vertical mode, simplifying the process of switching to vertical video without additional equipment.
• 💼 Brandon emphasizes the RS3 Mini's ease of packing, especially in comparison to larger gimbals that may not fit as neatly in a backpack.
• 🔒 The gimbal's manual locks are not an inconvenience, and he prefers them over the automatic locks of the RS3 which sometimes caused issues during rebalancing.

Q & A

What is the main topic of the video?

The video is a personal review by Brandon Lee on the DJI RS3 mini gimbal, discussing its features, usability, and his experiences using it in Morocco.

What is the purpose of the DJI RS3 mini gimbal?

The DJI RS3 mini gimbal is designed for stabilizing cameras during filming, making it easier to capture smooth footage, especially in travel and outdoor scenarios.

How does the size of the DJI RS3 mini compare to the RS2?

The DJI RS3 mini is significantly smaller than the RS2, making it more portable and easier to travel with.

Why might the RS3 mini be preferred over the RS2 for travel?

The RS3 mini is lighter and more compact, which makes it easier to get through airport security and to pack in a backpack, as well as less conspicuous for street filming.

What is the main difference between the RS3 mini and the RS3, aside from size?

The main difference aside from size is that the handle of the RS3 mini cannot be removed, unlike the RS2 where the handle can be detached for easier travel.

What camera and lens setup does Brandon Lee use with the RS3 mini in the video?

Brandon Lee uses the Sony A7 S3 camera with a Tamron 17 to 28 millimeter lens in combination with the RS3 mini gimbal.

What filming tips does Brandon Lee provide for high-action gimbal shots?

He suggests not looking at the LCD screen constantly, looking ahead and at your feet to avoid falling and ensure steadier shots.

How does the RS3 mini handle changing lenses while maintaining balance?

The gimbal can be put to sleep, the axis can be locked in a 45-degree position for lens changing, and upon waking up, it can reorient itself even if completely out of balance.

What custom modes does the RS3 mini offer and how can they be used?

The RS3 mini offers three custom modes accessible via the 'M' button, which can be used for different filming scenarios such as pan-tilt follow and all lock mode for precise framing.

How does the RS3 mini handle longer focal lengths and why is this important?

The RS3 mini can handle longer focal lengths like the Tamron 28 to 200 lens, which is important as longer focal lengths can magnify shake and require stronger motors for stabilization.

What unique feature does the RS3 mini have for vertical filming?

The RS3 mini has a native vertical mode that allows for quick repositioning of the gimbal for vertical shots without needing additional accessories.

What is Brandon Lee's final verdict on the RS3 mini after using it for over two months?

Brandon Lee is very positive about the RS3 mini, stating that he will continue to use it for his shoots due to its compact size, light weight, and strong performance.

What is the issue with the detachable handle on other gimbals according to Brandon Lee?

The issue with detachable handles on other gimbals is that they can leave exposed contacts and sometimes fall off if not properly reattached, which can be a hassle during filming.

How does the RS3 mini's manual locking mechanism compare to the automatic locks on the RS3?

The manual locking mechanism on the RS3 mini is preferred by Brandon Lee because it gives him more control during the balancing process, unlike the automatic locks on the RS3 that sometimes lock unintentionally.