The DJI Ronin 4D and the RED Komodo 6K solve different problems. The Ronin 4D is a full-frame cinema camera with a 4-axis gimbal, LiDAR focusing, 9-stop internal ND and wireless video built into one rig. The Komodo 6K is a small Super 35 box camera with a global shutter and RED's REDCODE RAW. Pick the Ronin 4D for fast-moving, stabilized work with a small crew. Pick the Komodo when you want a tiny body to build into rigs, crash cams or a separate gimbal.
Specs side by side
| Ronin 4D | RED Komodo 6K | |
|---|---|---|
| Sensor | 35 mm full-frame CMOS | 19.9 MP Super 35 CMOS, global shutter |
| Camera options | Zenmuse X9-6K (24.1 MP) or X9-8K (44.7 MP) | One version |
| Top frame rates | 4K up to 120 fps | 6K up to 40 fps, 4K up to 60, 2K up to 120 |
| RAW | Apple ProRes RAW (license included with the 8K combo only) | REDCODE RAW |
| Other codecs | ProRes 4444 XQ (6K), ProRes 422 HQ, H.264 | ProRes 422 HQ and 422 |
| Dynamic range | 14+ stops | 16+ stops (RED's figure) |
| Media | DJI PROSSD, CFexpress Type B, USB-C SSD | CFast 2.0 |
| Lens mounts | DL, L, M, plus third-party E and PL mounts | Canon RF, adapts EF |
| Internal ND | 9 stops, ND2 to ND512 | None |
| Weight | About 4.67 kg, full combo without lens | 2.10 lb, body only |
Figures are DJI's and RED's published specs.
Where the Ronin 4D wins
- Stabilization built in. The 4-axis gimbal adds an active Z-axis that cancels the up-and-down bounce of walking. A Komodo needs a separate gimbal, a Steadicam or an easy rig to do the same.
- Focus without a focus puller. The LiDAR Range Finder measures out to 10 m, and the X9 Focus Motor brings autofocus to manual lenses after calibration.
- Internal ND. Nine stops of motorized ND mean no matte box or filter swaps outdoors.
- Full-frame look. Shallower depth of field at the same framing, and dual native ISO (800/5000 on the X9-6K) for low light.
- Wireless video included. O3 Pro transmission reaches about 6 km (FCC) at 1080p/60fps.
Where the Komodo wins
- Global shutter. No rolling-shutter skew on whip pans, car rigs or fast action.
- Size. At 2.10 lb for the body, it fits on drones, cars and small gimbals where a Ronin 4D can't go.
- REDCODE RAW. If your post house already runs a RED pipeline, R3D slots straight in.
- Dynamic range. RED rates it at 16+ stops versus DJI's 14+.
The real cost comparison
A bare Komodo isn't a finished rig. To match what the Ronin 4D does out of the box, you add a gimbal, a monitor, a wireless video system, ND filters, a follow focus and power. Built that way, the Komodo is no longer small. A DJI RS 4 Pro is a common choice for putting a compact cinema body on a gimbal.
The Ronin 4D is quote-only at Uplink Imaging, so ask us to price the exact kit (X9-6K or X9-8K, lenses, PROSSD and batteries) against your current build.
Which should you choose?
- Documentary, run-and-gun, music videos, small crews: Ronin 4D.
- Car, action and crash-cam work, or as a B-cam in a RED shop: Komodo.
- You already own a gimbal and wireless system: the Komodo makes more sense.
- You want one box a single operator can light, frame, focus and stabilize: Ronin 4D.
More on the DJI side: is the Ronin 4D full frame, Ronin 4D lenses and is the Ronin 4D Netflix approved. Request a quote on the DJI Ronin 4D or browse cinema cameras.
Related guides
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