DJI RS-3 Combo Gimbal Kit – First Looks Pt 1

DJI has never been shy when it comes to adding goodies into their Combo versions of products. And so it is with the RS-3 Combo.

Not only do you get the base gimbal and quick release Arca-Swiss / Manfrotto plate with a grip that also contains the battery, also included in the combo kit is an extended grip-cum-tripod, and “briefcase’ handle.

Of course you will get the decent DJI carrying case with lots of pockets to snugly hold all those bits including the necessary USB charging cable and a multi-camera control cable.

But there is also icing on the cake as included in the package is DJI’s very excellent focus motor kit and all the necessary bits for that, like the motor rod mount kit, focus gear strap, lens fastening support and fastening strap.

The first thing I did was assemble the battery grip and tripod to the main gimbal assembly which took all of 30 seconds. The next task was to charge the unit. The battery grip has a USB-C slot down the bottom of the grip behind a water-resistant rubber-like flap. When it is plugged in, in typical DJI fashion a panel of 4 small greens LED flash to let you know it is charging, and when all 4 are on you know you have topped up the juice.

DJI says the 3000mAh battery is good for up to 12 hours and should charge in around 2 ½ hours with an 18W charger.

While it is charging, I did some investigation on how the RS-3 will fit into my workflow. Of course, the first thing you need is a camera, and ideally one that is compatible with the smarts of the RS-3’s software.

One thing they have done in this model is to add Bluetooth 5 support in addition to normal USB-C connectivity and I was keen to find out whether my Blackmagic Pocket Cinema Camera 6K could take advantage.

Under the website FAQs there is a link – https://www.dji.com/au/support/compatibility – to check your camera against the Bluetooth support and while a whole swag of models from Canon, Nikon, Sony, Panasonic, Fujifilm, Sigma and Olympus, sadly the BCCC 6K is not even though it does support Bluetooth. Helpfully on the website is a request form to add your camera and this was duly done!

Doubly sadly, nor is it controlled by the USB-C option (and nor is my Canon 5DS), so to test out this functionality I’ll need to either wait or try and get a model from Fujifilm that is supported.

Righto, once the RS-3 is fully charged, I’ll continue. In the meantime, if you want more info see https://www.dji.com/au/rs-3 https://www.dji.com/au/rs-3