DJI RS4 vs RS4 Pro: A Creator’s Guide to Choosing the Best Stabilizer

Every creator remembers the moment they outgrow their first setup. At first, you’re thrilled just to hit a record. A smartphone, maybe a small tripod, and you’re set. 

▶️ But as your style improves, you notice the details — the jitter when you pan, the bumps when you walk, the way your footage doesn’t quite match the vision in your head. That’s when you realize it’s time for a stabilizer.

DJI’s RS4 and RS4 Pro are two of the most talked-about options right now. Both promise buttery footage and professional movement, but they’re not built for the same kind of creator.

The RS4 leans light and travel-friendly, while the RS4 Pro packs more muscle for bigger rigs and serious projects.

👉 In the next sections, we’ll walk through what makes them different, who each model suits best, and how they perform in real shooting scenarios. By the time you’re done reading, you’ll know exactly which gimbal fits your style, your gear, and your creative goals.

Quick Overview: DJI RS4 vs RS4 Pro at a Glance

Sometimes, you just want the basics upfront. Here’s a quick look at the two models side by side:

Feature	DJI RS4	DJI RS4 Pro
Weight	Lighter and easier to carry all day. Great for travel and handheld vlogging.	Heavier but sturdier, built to handle bigger setups.
Payload Capacity	Best for smartphones, action cams, and light mirrorless rigs.	Supports heavier mirrorless cameras, large lenses, and small cinema rigs.
Battery Life	Standard runtime—enough for day trips or casual shoots.	Longer runtime with hot-swappable options, ideal for long events.
Smart Features	Core DJI functions: ActiveTrack, Timelapse, Panorama.	Adds advanced tracking, focus control, LiDAR compatibility, and extra accessory ports.
Price Range	Budget-friendly and less intimidating for beginners.	Higher cost, but future-proof for serious creators.
Best For	Beginners, vloggers, travelers who value portability.	Semi-pros and pros using heavier rigs or filming longer sessions.

DJI RS4

DJI RS4 Pro

Key Differences Between DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro

When you compare the DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro, you’re really choosing between two levels of filmmaking ambition. Both stabilize your shots beautifully, but the Pro comes with muscle and extras that the standard RS4 doesn’t need to offer. Let’s break it down clearly:

Weight

• DJI RS4: Lighter and easier to slip into a backpack. You can carry it all day without arm fatigue. Perfect for travelers, vloggers, and anyone who films while moving.
  
• DJI RS4 Pro: Heavier with a sturdier build. You’ll feel the weight, but that weight translates into better durability and stability when handling heavier rigs.

👉 Action tip: If you’re a travel vlogger shooting long days, the RS4’s lighter weight keeps you comfortable. If you’re in a controlled environment or don’t mind extra bulk, the Pro’s sturdiness gives you peace of mind.

Payload Capacity

• DJI RS4: Best suited for smartphones, action cameras, and lightweight mirrorless cameras with small lenses. Works well for minimal setups.
  
• DJI RS4 Pro: Handles heavier mirrorless cameras, larger lenses, and even compact cinema rigs with add-ons like microphones, lights, and follow-focus systems.

👉 Action tip: Stick with the RS4 if you’re mainly using a smartphone or small camera. But if you already own—or plan to buy—heavier gear, the RS4 Pro is your better long-term bet.

Battery Life

• DJI RS4: Offers solid runtime that covers most day trips, vlogging sessions, or casual shoots. You’ll likely recharge at night.
  
• DJI RS4 Pro: Provides longer runtime and, depending on configuration, hot-swappable options that let you swap batteries without shutting down. This is a lifesaver for event shooters, wedding videographers, or documentary makers who can’t afford downtime.
  

👉 Action tip: Travelers who can charge at night will be fine with the RS4. Professionals who film long events should invest in the Pro’s swappable power system.

Smart Features

• DJI RS4: Comes with DJI’s core features: ActiveTrack for automatic subject tracking, Timelapse, and Panorama. These are fun, useful, and enough for beginners and intermediate creators.
  
• DJI RS4 Pro: Goes further with advanced subject tracking, LiDAR focus options (depending on setup), multiple accessory ports, and deeper app integrations. These features are designed for creators who want fine control and professional add-ons.

👉 Action tip: If you want to keep things simple, the RS4 has everything you need. If you like experimenting with pro-level tools like focus pulling or external monitors, the RS4 Pro gives you that playground.

Price Range

• DJI RS4: More affordable, making it an easy entry point for beginners. You get stabilization without breaking the bank.
  
• DJI RS4 Pro: Costs more, but you’re paying for power, expandability, and advanced control.

👉 Action tip: Don’t overspend if you don’t need the extra features. Put the money toward other gear like microphones or lights. But if you’re serious about growth, the Pro is a smarter long-term investment.

Best For

• DJI RS4: Beginners, vloggers, travelers, and creators who stick to lighter setups.
• DJI RS4 Pro: Semi-pros, advanced creators, filmmakers with heavier gear, and anyone who wants pro features.

Why Gimbals Matter for Smartphone and Camera Filmmaking

Handheld footage might feel raw and authentic, but it rarely looks cinematic. When you record while walking, your steps transfer straight into the video. Even the newest phone stabilization systems can’t cancel out that jitter completely.

Here’s what a gimbal does for you:

• Keeps your shots steady – no matter if you’re running, climbing stairs, or hopping on a boat.
• Adds cinematic movement – pans, tilts, and orbits that would otherwise take big rigs.
• Saves time in editing – no more overusing digital stabilization that crops your image.
• Boosts confidence on camera – when your footage looks professional, you feel more confident sharing it.

Think back to your first attempt at vlogging. Maybe you held your phone at arm’s length while walking through a market. Without stabilization, the footage likely made viewers seasick. With a gimbal, you deliver smooth storytelling that keeps people hooked.

That’s why choosing between the DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro matters. Both are powerful, but they’re designed for slightly different creators.

Choosing the Right Gimbal: A Step-by-Step Guide

Deciding between the DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro doesn’t need to be complicated. Walk through these quick steps and the right choice will reveal itself.

1. What’s Your Shooting Style?

• Daily vlogging, travel diaries, or casual social clips → RS4.
  The RS4’s lighter frame keeps you comfortable during long days of filming.
  
• Narrative films, commercial shoots, or client projects → RS4 Pro.
  The RS4 Pro’s stronger motors and advanced modes handle heavier loads and pro setups.

2. What Gear Do You Use?

• Smartphone or lightweight mirrorless → RS4.
  It’s built for compact rigs and mobile creators.
  
• Mirrorless with large lenses, lights, or mics → RS4 Pro.
  The Pro supports more accessories without stressing the motors.

👉 Tip: Put your setup on a scale. If it’s close to the RS4’s limit, choose the Pro.

3. How Do You Travel?

• Always on the go, packing light → RS4.
  Easy to slip into your bag without weighing you down.
  
• Shoot mostly indoors, studios, or short trips → RS4 Pro.
  Extra weight isn’t a problem when portability isn’t your top concern.

4. What’s Your Budget?

• Tight budget → RS4.
  Spend less on stabilization and more on mics, lights, or editing software.
  
• Comfortable budget → RS4 Pro.
  You’ll future-proof your setup and skip the upgrade later.

5. Do You Plan to Upgrade Later?

• Sticking with smartphone filmmaking → RS4.
  It’s all you need for years of solid content.
  
• Planning pro-level projects or client work → RS4 Pro.
  Designed to handle growth, bigger rigs, and advanced tools.
  

Setting Up Your DJI RS4 or RS4 Pro

Getting your gimbal ready takes only a few minutes, but each step matters if you want smooth footage.

1. Mount your phone or camera.
   Slide it into the clamp or plate and lock it in place. Always do this before turning on the gimbal to avoid motor strain.
   
2. Balance each axis.
   Adjust tilt, roll, and pan until your camera stays level on its own. A well-balanced setup reduces stress on the motors and keeps your footage steady.
   
3. Power on.
   Once balanced, switch on the gimbal. You’ll feel the motors engage and stabilize instantly.
   
4. Connect to the DJI Ronin app.
   Pair via Bluetooth to unlock shooting modes, ActiveTrack, and advanced settings.
   
5. Run a quick calibration.
   Let the gimbal fine-tune itself for your specific setup. This step improves stability and prevents drift.
   

👉 Pro Tip: Always balance before powering on. Skipping this step shortens motor life and leads to shakier results.

Creative Filming Techniques to Try

Once your RS4 or RS4 Pro is balanced and ready, start experimenting with movement. Small motions go a long way.

• Orbit shot: Walk in a circle around your subject while keeping them centered. Perfect for travel vlogs or product showcases.
  
• Tracking walk: Use ActiveTrack to lock onto a friend and walk beside them. Great for lifestyle and storytelling content.
  
• Low-angle hero shot: Hold the gimbal close to the ground and tilt up. This makes your subject look larger-than-life.
  
• Timelapse: Mount the gimbal on a tripod, set start and end points in the app, and let it record smooth, moving timelapses.
  
• Push-in shot: Walk slowly toward your subject for a cinematic reveal. Works beautifully in both travel and narrative videos.

👉 Action Tip: Keep movements subtle. Gentle glides feel cinematic. Fast spins or constant motion can distract your audience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Elevate Your Content with the Right Choice

Both the DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro can change how you film. The RS4 is light, beginner-friendly, and perfect for travel. The RS4 Pro is heavier, more advanced, and ready for bigger rigs.

When you choose the right stabilizer, you stop worrying about shaky footage and start focusing on storytelling. Imagine walking through a busy street, capturing a smooth, flowing shot that feels like a movie scene. That’s the power these gimbals give you.

Key Takeaway: Match your gimbal to your shooting style, gear, and future goals. Don’t overspend, but don’t hold back if your ambitions point toward professional work.

👉 Next Step: If you’re leaning toward vlogging and travel content, start with the RS4. If you see yourself moving into bigger projects, save yourself an upgrade and grab the RS4 Pro now.