A photo of the DJI RSC2 camera stabilizer
The DJI RSC2 camera stabilizer

DJI has just announced the release of a brand new camera stabilizer, the RSC2, to add to an already impressive range of stabilizers. The RSC2 is set to take over from the Ronin SC as DJI’s entry-level stabilizer.

The RSC2 has a unique folding design which allows it to transform into one of six different configurations to provide a huge variety of shooting options. The RSC2 can also fold down to a very manageable size for storage, no bigger than a sheet of A5 paper. My first impressions of the RSC2 were very positive—the build quality is excellent and inspires confidence the moment you pick it up. The handgrip fits my hand beautifully, which is important because operating a stabilizer relies on a good grip. The RSC2 comes with an additional, detachable grip which you can easily and quickly screw into the bottom of the main handgrip. This additional grip also doubles as a tripod which is super handy when you’re setting up your camera on the stabilizer, or shooting a timelapse, or simply resting your arms after a long shoot.

Balancing your camera on the RSC2

The first thing you need to do before shooting with any stabilizer is mount and balance your camera. This can be a tricky process when you first start to work with any stabilizer, but the more you do it the easier it gets. One of the features of the RSC2 that I really appreciated when balancing my camera is the axis arm locks. There are three axis arms that you need to balance and each one has a lock which means that you can isolate each arm in order to balance it individually. The locks are easy to access and operate, and they come in very handy when transporting and storing the RSC2.

A photo of one of the axis locks on the DJI RSC2
Each axis arm of the RSC2 has a lock

The downside of a metallic finish

One of the downsides of the RSC2 I discovered when balancing my camera is a slight stickiness that occurs when you need to reposition one of the arms by sliding it through it’s mount. And often you need to make minute adjustments which makes the issue even more obvious. The matte metallic finish looks beautiful (and photographs beautifully as you can see), but it’s not ideal for parts that need to move over each other. Maybe with use those contact points will smooth out, or perhaps there’s a suitable lubricant that could be added.

A photo of the OLED screen on the DJI RSC2
The RSC2 has 1 inch OLED screen

The six modes of the RSC2

As I mentioned before, the RSC2 has six different shooting configurations, which makes it an incredibly versatile stabilizer. Aside from the standard Upright mode, there is also Underslung mode which allows you to shoot close to the ground. I initially just flipped the whole unit upside down, which kind of worked, except that the footage was also upside down. I later realized that there is a way to invert the unit and keep the camera upright. From Upright mode you can move to Portrait mode with just two taps of the M button. A lot of content is being shot in portrait mode for social media nowadays so it’s great to have that option at your fingertips.

Flashlight mode is really easy to transition to, although I would definitely recommend using the additional handgrip, as two hands make this mode much easier to use. This is a great mode for shooting dolly shots where you just want to push in or pull out from your subject. You’re probably not going to shoot for an extended period in flashlight mode however, as it’s a little tough on the arms. From Flashlight mode you can to transition to 360 mode with three taps of the M button. This is kind of a headline mode that allows you to shoot super cool rotating shots. Be sure to check out the video to see it in action. The final mode is Briefcase mode, which is sort of a modified Underslung mode, and one of my favourite ways to use the RSC2. It distributes the weight of the camera plus stabilizer really nicely.

A photo of the DJI RSC2 with the Sony A7C
The RSC2 has a max payload of 3kg

Shooting with the RSC2

Overall, I have to say that shooting with the RSC2 was very enjoyable. There are a number of controls on the handgrip of the RSC2 that give you greater control over your shots, and also ways to access your camera settings. The trigger button at the front of the handgrip is used to reset the stabilizer, which invariably goes off-kilter from time to time. Two taps and it re-centers with a really satisfying movement. There is also a dial on the front which allows you to control your exposure (via the ISO setting), or pull focus if you have the focus motor accessory (sold separately). I was testing the RSC2 with the brand new Sony A7C, which isn’t supported yet, so I wasn’t able to connect it and take advantage of the onboard controls, which include a record button. I could use the joystick however, which allows you to pan and tilt your camera independently of your hand movements. This is a great way to get more dynamic shots, for example by walking and panning or tilting at the same time. It can be a little tricky to get this just right, as the speed of the pan or tilt varies based on the extent to which you move the joystick. You can change this, and a number of other parameters, in the settings, which allows you to fine tune the way the stabilizer responds.

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The RSC2 has a detachable handgrip/tripod

Conclusion

I really, really enjoyed shooting with the RSC2 Camera Gimbal Stabilizer. I found the build quality and overall handling to be excellent. It is pretty intuitive to use, although I have to say that struggled to find good, concise instructions from DJI. The RSC2 is one of those review items that I wanted to spend much more time playing with, and it was with a tinge of regret that I passed it on to the next lucky soul to review.

Justin Morrison
Justin Morrison
http://www.justinmorrison.co
I am a professional photographer, working in motion and stills. I create portrait, lifestyle and documentary work, and I strive to tell real and authentic stories. Based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
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267 COMMENTS

  1. The coolest feature I think is the underslung mode (shooting mode) because you can take pictures really close on the ground.
    My favourite DJI product right now is the small 4k handhelkd Gimbal zoom camera because it is so small yet looks powerful.

  2. I love that the RSC2 can also fold down to a very manageable size for storage and my favourite and my favourite DJI product is the DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter

  3. I like all 6 configurations, but the Flashlight mode is pretty cool. It folds down nicely, but I think my fave is how accesible the controls are on the handle.

  5. I love that it has six different configurations to provide a huge variety of shooting options and the DJI RSC2 stabilizer is my favourite DJI product

  7. I like that the RCS2 is versatile, because it has six different shooting configurations. My favourite DJI product would be the Mavic Mini Quadcopter Drone.

  8. I like the controls on the handgrip of the RSC2 that give you greater control over your shots I think this would help me a lot. My favorite DJI product is my Mavic Air.

  10. I love the unique folding design which allows the RSC2 Stabilizer to transform into one of six different configurations so there are plenty of shooting options. My fav DJI product is the Mavic Air.

  12. I don’t have big hands and the RSC2 Stabilizer looks like a great fit, as well it has multiple configuration options. The DJI product that is my favourite is the Mavic Air 2 Quadcoptor!

  15. I really like the pistol grip configuration combined with the OLED screen which would be very handy for filming. My favourite DJI product is the RobomasterS1 which I had the opportunity to see a family friend’s kid play around with to truly impressive effect – way cooler than Lego Mindstorm from my youth!

  18. RSC2 has six different shooting configurations, which makes it an incredibly versatile stabilizer and would leave people asking how I managed to get my old body in a position to take such a photo! The DJI quadcopter would be a lot of fun!

  20. I love the foldable design as it would be easy to use and be very portable.
    Mavic Air would be my fav DJI product.

  26. The best Gimbal with the Foldable design, it is easy to transport and store. My favorite dji gear is the Mavic air 2.

  27. I love the RSC2 gimbals compact size and folding design.

    My favourite DJI product however is the mavic air 2. The size and performance is amazing.

  31. I love that it will be easy to carry and travel so I can take great pictures to share on my blog.

    The DJI Mini 2 Quadcopter is among my favourites.

  33. My favorite feature is that the stabilizer’s algorithm can actually learn how you use it and adapt to your style of shooting.
    My favourite DJI is the OM4 with magnetic phone clamp and ring holder for smartphone.

  35. The six shooting configurations! As someone who is new to videography and photography, having these 6 presets seems like an amazing way to learn the ropes!
    My friend’s who are big into videography have all been absolutely raving about DJI RS 2 Pro series. I haven’t been fortunate enough to own a DJI product yet, but this may be where that changes!

  37. 1) I love that I can use the RJI stabilizer with my smartphone to make smoother videos
    2) my favourite product is the DJI Mavic 2 Pro Quadcopter Drone

  41. I like the different configurations, including the fact you can go from Upright mode to Portrait mode with just two taps of the M button.

    The RSC2 Stabilizer is my favourite DJI product!

  44. It is compact which is a great feature. I like the DJI Mavic Mini Quadcopter Drone with Camera & Controller – White

  46. I love that it is so compact and folds . I would love the DJI Osmo Action Waterproof 4K HDR Sports & Helmet Camera

  49. After reading this review. I understand a bit more about it and what it brings. My aunt is the professional here so she would love this

  50. One thing I love about the RSC2 Stabilizer are the buttons on the handgrip. My favourite DJI product is Mavic drone.

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