The DJI RS 4 is worth it if you shoot with a full-frame mirrorless camera and a standard zoom, want fast setup, and may add focus motors or wireless video later. The RS 4 Mini is worth it if your camera and lens weigh under 2 kg and you value a lighter, cheaper gimbal that also takes a phone. Both have automated axis locks that unlock when you power on and fold and lock when you power off, and both shoot native vertical without extra parts.
What you get
DJI RS 4 ($516)
- 3 kg tested payload; DJI says it handles most mainstream cameras with a 24-70mm f/2.8.
- 2nd-gen automated axis locks and 2nd-gen native vertical shooting.
- Teflon-coated axes for smoother balancing.
- 1.8-inch OLED touchscreen; joystick mode switch for gimbal or zoom control.
- Up to 12 hours on the BG21 grip, 29.5 hours with the BG70.
- Works with the DJI Focus Pro Motor, Ronin Image Transmitter and previous RS-series accessories.
DJI RS 4 Mini ($340)
- 0.4 to 2 kg payload, about 890 g with plate.
- 2nd-gen automated axis locks and 3rd-gen native vertical shooting, the fastest switch in the RS series, about 10 seconds by DJI's count.
- Smooth and Responsive follow sensitivity, Orbit Follow.
- Up to 13 hours on a built-in battery; can run while charging.
- Mounts the RS Intelligent Tracking Module directly; holds phones with the RS 4 Mini Phone Holder.
- No focus motor, LiDAR or image transmitter support.
Trade-offs
RS 4: heavier to carry all day, and the standard kit has no case or briefcase handle. Its BG21 grip doesn't fit the RS 4 Pro.
RS 4 Mini: limited to 2 kg, non-removable battery, smaller 1.4-inch screen, and DJI recommends no cage on its quick-release plate. It can't be used for vehicle mounting with the expansion base kit.
Who should buy which
| You shoot with | Best pick |
|---|---|
| Compact mirrorless, small primes, travel | RS 4 Mini |
| Full-frame body + 24-70mm f/2.8 | RS 4 |
| Cage, focus motors, wireless video, over 3 kg | RS 4 Pro |
| Phone only | Osmo Mobile 6 |
| Self-filming, solo creator | RS 4 Mini + Tracking Module |
Unsure about your rig's weight? See RS 4 payload and RS 4 camera compatibility.
Reviews and videos
We don't publish hands-on review claims we can't stand behind. For official demos, DJI posts setup, balancing and firmware tutorials on the RS 4 video page and the RS 4 Mini video page, and the Ronin app's Academy section has more.
Is the RS 4 still a good buy in 2026?
The RS 4 series remains current DJI hardware with FCC authorization, so it's legal to buy and use in the US and keeps getting service. DJI lists guaranteed software updates for the RS 4 and RS 4 Pro until December 31, 2026. The newer RS 5 has the same 3 kg tested payload as the RS 4, per DJI's spec page. For the policy picture, see is DJI Osmo banned.
Bottom line
For most mirrorless shooters, the RS 4 Mini is the better value if your setup stays under 2 kg. Choose the RS 4 when you need the payload headroom or plan to add lens control. Compare head-to-head in RS 4 vs RS 4 Mini, then set it up with how to balance the RS 4.
Related guides
- DJI RS 4 Mini with Canon R5, R6 Mark II, R8 and R10
- DJI RS 4, RS 4 Mini and RS 4 Pro payload: which cameras fit?
- DJI RS 4 Mini vs RS 3 Mini: is the upgrade worth it?
- Can you use the DJI RS 4 Mini with an iPhone?
- DJI RS 4 or RS 4 Mini not level, not calibrating or not turning on
- DJI RS 4 vs RS 4 Mini: which gimbal for your camera?
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