DJI Ronin 4D: The Revolutionary Camera Behind ‘Civil War’

British cinematographer Rob Hardy used DJI’s innovative Ronin 4D to film Alex Garland’s 2024 movie ‘Civil War,’ pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in Hollywood filmmaking.

A Game-Changing Camera for a $50 Million Blockbuster

The Ronin 4D, an $8,000 camera system, was used extensively to shoot ground-based, run-and-gun scenes in the $50 million Hollywood production. Hardy praised the camera’s versatility and unique features that allowed for unprecedented shooting techniques.

“What we wanted was as much authenticity as possible,” Hardy explained. “It’s palpable. You feel it in the air.”

Unparalleled Flexibility and Control

The Ronin 4D’s standout feature is its ability to switch between different stabilization modes on the fly. Hardy highlighted the camera’s “sport mode,” which allows operators to quickly lock the gimbal for handheld shots.

“You can only do that on this camera,” Hardy noted. “For Civil War, it made total sense and suddenly freed us up to do that much more.”

Hardy also emphasized the importance of the master wheels, which allowed him to control framing remotely. This setup enabled complex shots that would’ve been difficult or impossible with traditional equipment.

Practical Effects and Realistic Cinematography

Contrary to what many might assume, Hardy revealed that many of the film’s striking scenes were achieved practically. The forest fire sequence, for example, used real fire and a specially designed “ember machine” to create the intense visuals.

“All practical,” Hardy said. “We had this mile-long stretch of road, forest either side, and we wet down that entire stretch. We had these metal trees with fire coming out of them.”

The Future of Filmmaking

Hardy sees the Ronin 4D as a game-changer for action cinematography. He’s already planning to use the newer 8K version on his next project, citing improvements in color science and low-light performance.

“Since Civil War, I’ve just been thinking always about all the other applications you can use for a tool like this,” Hardy reflected. “There are so many ways you can do it.”

DroneXL’s Take

The use of DJI’s Ronin 4D in a major Hollywood production like ‘Civil War’ showcases the growing impact of drone technology on traditional filmmaking. While not a drone itself, the Ronin 4D’s gimbal stabilization and remote control capabilities stem from innovations in the drone industry. This crossover between drone tech and mainstream cinema highlights the broader implications of drone technology beyond just aerial photography.

As we’ve seen with DJI’s constant innovations in the drone space, their expansion into ground-based camera systems is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in visual storytelling. The Ronin 4D’s success in ‘Civil War’ may well lead to increased adoption of drone-inspired tech in Hollywood, potentially changing the landscape of cinematography.

What’s your take on the use of drone-inspired tech like the Ronin 4D in major film productions? Share your thoughts in the comments below.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​