If you already own an RS 3 and it carries your camera, you don't need to upgrade: the payload (3 kg) and battery grip (BG21, 12 hours) are the same. Buy the RS 4 over a used RS 3 if you shoot vertical video often, want faster setup with second-generation axis locks and smoother Teflon-coated balancing, or want to control focus and zoom with DJI's Focus Pro Motor.
What's the same
- Payload: both are tested to 3 kg (6.6 lb).
- Battery: both use the BG21 grip, rated at 12 hours with the gimbal balanced and stationary. DJI says the RS 4 grip also fits the RS 3, so your spare grips carry over.
- Screen and controls: both have a full-color touchscreen, front dial, joystick and trigger, and Bluetooth camera shutter control.
- Accessories: DJI says the RS 4 works with previous-generation RS accessories. Check DJI's universal accessories list for specific items.
What DJI changed on the RS 4
From DJI's own RS 4 vs RS 3 comparison:
- Second-generation native vertical shooting. You release the horizontal plate and lock it in the vertical position. DJI says the new plate removes the need for the additional accessories vertical shooting used to require. You do have to rebalance after switching.
- Teflon coating on all three axes for lower friction and easier balancing, plus a fine-tuning knob on the tilt axis.
- Second-generation automated axis locks with smaller gaps when locked, which DJI says reduces shake.
- Joystick mode switch. Toggle the joystick between gimbal movement and lens zoom.
- Native Focus Pro Motor support. Focus with the dial and zoom with the joystick.
- RSA port for the tethered control handle and third-party accessories.
- BG70 High-Capacity Battery Grip support, rated up to 29.5 hours.
- Longer tilt axis by 8.5 mm, for bigger lens and accessory combinations.
The RS 4 is slightly heavier: about 1,066 g for the gimbal vs about 990 g for the RS 3, without the grip.
Should you upgrade?
- Stay with the RS 3 if you shoot horizontal, use autofocus lenses and are happy with it. It's a capable gimbal with the same payload.
- Upgrade to the RS 4 if you deliver vertical cuts for social clients, use manual or power-zoom lenses, or swap setups many times a day.
- Buying new today: the RS 3 is discontinued, so the RS 4 is the current model at this size. DJI lists guaranteed software updates for both through December 31, 2026.
Lighter option
If your camera and lens weigh under 2 kg, the RS 3 Mini at $219 or the RS 4 Mini at $340 cost far less than the RS 4 at $516. The RS 3 Mini has manual axis locks and a 10-hour built-in battery. See RS 4 vs RS 4 Mini for the size question.
Already decided? Read is the DJI RS 4 worth it and DJI RS 4 vertical shooting, or browse our gimbals collection.
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