Get the RS 4 Mini if you want hands-free subject tracking, faster setup and longer battery life: it adds automatic axis locks, works with the RS Intelligent Tracking Module, and runs up to 13 hours versus 10. Get the RS 3 Mini if you want the lightest, cheapest way to stabilize a mirrorless camera: it carries the same 2 kg payload and weighs 95 g less. Both shoot vertical without extra parts.
Specs side by side
| RS 4 Mini | RS 3 Mini | |
|---|---|---|
| Payload | 2 kg (4.4 lb) | 2 kg (4.4 lb) |
| Weight | 890 g | 795 g |
| Battery life | Up to 13 h | Up to 10 h |
| Charging | About 5 h of use from a 30-minute charge | About 2.5 h for a full charge (10 W) |
| Axis locks | 2nd-gen automatic | Manual |
| Subject tracking | With RS Intelligent Tracking Module | None |
| Follow modes | Adds Responsive mode | Standard |
| Vertical | 3rd-gen Native Vertical Switch | Native vertical mode |
| Our price | From $340 | From $219 |
Specs from DJI's announcements and spec pages.
What the RS 4 Mini adds
Auto axis locks. Power on and the three axes unlock in about a second. Power off and they lock for packing. On the RS 3 Mini you lock and unlock by hand, which is fine but slower when you shoot in short bursts.
Tracking. The RS Intelligent Tracking Module clips onto the tilt axis magnetically. It keeps a person in frame up to 10 m away and works with any camera, with or without the Ronin app. Start tracking with the trigger or an open-palm gesture. For solo creators, this is the main reason to upgrade. The module comes in the RS 4 Mini Combo, or you can add the RS Intelligent Tracking Module later. It doesn't work with the RS 3 Mini.
Battery and charging. DJI rates 13 hours of runtime, 30% more than the RS 3 Mini, and quick charging gives about 5 hours of use after 30 minutes.
Finer balancing. Teflon interlayers and a fine-tuning knob make small balance adjustments easier, which helps with lighter lenses.
Responsive mode. A follow mode that reacts faster to your hand, useful for sports and quick pans.
Where the RS 3 Mini still wins
- Weight. At 795 g it's noticeably lighter on long handheld days and in a travel bag.
- Price. It costs much less and still handles the same cameras: full-frame mirrorless bodies with compact primes or small zooms.
- Simplicity. If you don't need tracking, the RS 3 Mini's Bluetooth shutter control, native vertical mode and touchscreen cover the basics well.
Which should you buy?
- Solo vloggers, interviews, product demos: RS 4 Mini with the tracking module.
- Run-and-gun shooters who set up often: RS 4 Mini for the auto locks.
- Travel and budget builds: RS 3 Mini.
- Heavier lenses or cinema rigs: neither. Look at the RS 4 or RS 4 Pro. See DJI RS 4 vs RS 4 Mini.
Check your camera and lens weight before you buy, and leave headroom under 2 kg for a mic or ND filter.
Already chosen? Read RS 4 Mini best settings, or shop all gimbals.
Related guides
- DJI RS 4 vs RS 4 Mini: which gimbal for your camera?
- Is the DJI RS 4 (or RS 4 Mini) worth it?
- Best DJI RS 4 Mini settings (follow speed, smoothness, joystick)
- DJI Mini 4 Pro vs Mini 3 Pro: is the upgrade worth it?
- DJI RS 4 Mini vs Osmo Mobile 8, 7P and Osmo Pocket 3
- DJI RS 4 Mini with Canon R5, R6 Mark II, R8 and R10
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