The DJI Ronin 4D has dual native ISO. The Zenmuse X9-6K camera's native ISOs are 800 and 5000. The Zenmuse X9-8K uses 800 and 4000 with Dynamic Range Expansion on, and 320 and 1600 with it off. For the cleanest image, shoot at one of the two native values for your camera and control brightness with the built-in ND filters and iris, not with ISO.
What dual native ISO means
A dual native ISO sensor has two base sensitivities, each with its own low-noise setting in the sensor. At either native value you get the camera's best noise performance and dynamic range. Between and above them, the camera applies gain, which adds noise or trades away highlight or shadow range.
In practice:
- Bright scenes, daylight, controlled lighting: use the low native ISO.
- Night exteriors, dim interiors, available light: switch to the high native ISO. It's usually cleaner than pushing the low base far up.
The Ronin 4D calls this setting EI (exposure index). DJI says EI is one of the settings you can change remotely in Control mode through the High-Bright Remote Monitor, along with ND, iris and white balance.
Zenmuse X9-6K
- Native ISO: 800 and 5000
- EI range: 200 to 12800
- Dynamic range: 14+ stops, per DJI
800 is the everyday setting. 5000 is the low-light setting. Values below 800 are available but sit below the native base.
Zenmuse X9-8K
The 8K camera adds Dynamic Range Expansion. DJI's FAQ says:
- It's off by default and can be enabled when the sensor frame rate is 30 fps or less in full-frame format.
- Off: dual native ISO EI 320/1600, max dynamic range 14.1 stops.
- On: dual native ISO EI 800/4000, max dynamic range 14.7 stops.
EI range on the X9-8K is 200 to 6400.
So with the 8K camera, the native values you should aim for depend on that one setting. At high frame rates or in cropped formats, where Dynamic Range Expansion isn't available, think in terms of 320 and 1600.
Use ND, not ISO, for brightness
Both X9 cameras have built-in physical ND filters: DJI lists 9 stops, from clear to ND512, in 1-stop steps. That's what makes a dual native ISO workflow easy on the Ronin 4D:
- Pick the native ISO that suits the light.
- Set shutter angle and frame rate for the look you want.
- Set the iris for depth of field.
- Dial ND up or down to land the exposure.
If even ND clear and a wide-open lens leave you dark, move to the high native ISO rather than creeping up from the low one.
Quick reference
| Situation | X9-6K | X9-8K, DR Exp. on | X9-8K, DR Exp. off |
|---|---|---|---|
| Daylight or lit set | EI 800 | EI 800 | EI 320 |
| Night or dim interior | EI 5000 | EI 4000 | EI 1600 |
Recording formats
Native ISO applies whatever you record to: ProRes RAW, ProRes 422 HQ or H.264, among others. RAW gives the most room to adjust exposure later, but it can't remove noise that came from shooting at the wrong ISO.
More about the camera in is the Ronin 4D Netflix approved and DJI Ronin 4D vs Sony FX3. The DJI Ronin 4D is quote-only. Call 1-800-613-6323, or browse cinema cameras.
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