DJI have announced a number of new products over the last few months, including its next-gen drone the Matrice 600, its new handheld 3-axis gimbal the Ronin MX and a new follow focus simply named ‘Focus’.
We thought it was ABOUT time we took a look at the company’s latest offerings.
MATRICE 600
A six-rotor system next-gen drone, that features a 6-kilo (13.2-lbs) payload and is compatible with the full range of DJI’s Zenmuse gimbals and cameras. It has a dust-proof propulsion system to simplify maintenance, with actively cooled motors and 360º fully retractable landing gear for unobstructed imaging.
It’s powered by six proprietary ‘Intelligent Batteries’ that will give users 36-minutes flight carrying a Zenmuse X5 camera and 16-minutes when loaded with a RED Epic (or similar weighted) camera. Its power management system is customisable and the distribution board allows batteries to be toggled on/off via a button on the controller, to keep the drone flying if any of the batteries fail.
The onboard A3 flight controller features ‘Lightbridge 2’ video transmission tech, which uses sine-wave-driven, electronic speed controllers and a self-adaptive flight system that automatically adjusts parameters. This is said to produce high frame rates and HD live-streaming at distances of upto 5-kms (3.2-miles).
The optional A3 PRO system features advanced diagnostic algorithms, that compare sensor data from three Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) units and three inertial measurement units. The GNSS system can also be upgraded company’s Real-Time Kinematic technology, which can withstand magnetic interference and gives users centimeter-accurate positioning for complex manoeuvres or when cinematic shots need to be precisely replicated.
The M600 also features dual parallel CAN and API ports for connecting devices, the Guidance sensor system, RTK GPS units or third-party components and is compatible with the company’s Onboard Software Development Kit and Mobile SDK for industrial applications. Or the available DJI GO app that gives users a live video feed, battery and redundancy status, transmission strength and other data.
“The M600 is the most-powerful and easiest-to-use professional platform DJI has ever produced,” said Senior Product Manager, Paul Pan. “We’ve pre-programmed all M600 platform data and information into the A3 flight controller, remote and transmission system to minimise setup and get you flying as quickly as possible.”
PRICE
The M600’s retail price, including the integrated A3 flight controller with Lightbridge 2 and a full set of batteries, is US$4,599.
RONIN MX
This is the first universal aerial gimbal that the company has made that communicates with the DJI onboard flight controller. It’s compatible with the new M600 drone, video cranes and the full range of DJI accessories for long-distance focus, aperture control, remote start/stop controls and video transmission.
The Ronin-MX can pan 360º, tilt +45º to -135º and has redundant slip rings which offer greater reliability, with a built-in, independent IMU module, a Bluetooth module and a 2.4GHz receiver. It’s built from lightweight magnesium and weighs 2.77k-kilo (6.11-lbs).
Designed for handheld use, it also has a number of operational modes, such as aerial, car mounted, underslung, upright and briefcase. When mounted on the M600, the gimbal’s CANBUS port allows all flight controller data to pass through it, which means it’s positionally aware and able to keep the horizon level. An optional accessory allows the gimbal to transmit video real-time from a mounted camera, making full use of the M600’s Lightbridge 2 capabilities.
The gimbal is powered by a 4S Ronin-M battery, with third-party cameras powered by an optional onboard DJI battery. It has a maximum load weight of upto 4.5-kilos (just under 10-lbs) and is compatible with a wide range of cameras from Arri, Black Magic, Canon, Panasonic, RED, Sony and Nikon.
When operated via the DJI GO app, it has settings for SmoothTrack and gimbal-tuning for various cameras, including some of the RED series, DSLRs and a number of other procams.
It’s also compatible with the DJI Focus, through a wireless adapter mounted to the Focus remote.
PRICE
The Ronin MX retails for US$1,599. Bundled with the M600 and integrated A3 flight controller and Lightbridge 2, it will sell for US$5,999.
FOCUS
Featuring a brushless motor, DJI’s new wireless follow focus has an accuracy of ±0.02°, dual comm ports, high torque and a fast reaction speed to keep the camera’s lens in focus. It can be used either on land or in-flight for distances upto 100-meters (328-feet) or 5-kms (3.2-mile) when used with a Zenmuse camera.
The Focus Remote features spin-wheel control, with a removable white marking ring that is illuminated from behind for use on darkened set and an OLED display menu that is fully customisable, with programmable multi-focus points for precise, repeated camera tracking. The remote also has a USB-rechargeable battery, adjustable end-points and a rosette mount.
When used with the company’s Zenmuse X5 & X5R cameras and Inspire drones, the Focus remote connects to the drones flight controller (via an optional cable). It’s also compatible with the company’s Zenmuse and Ronin series gimbals, including the Ronin MX.
PRICE
The DJI Focus is available now for US$1999.
For more info on all of DJI’s new products, check: www.dji.com
Excerpts from Media Releases.
