DJI Ronin vs. Letus Helix

Anyone see these two gimbals that were just announced? I'm going to buy one soon, but neither one has been released yet. Just wondered if anyone happens to have any insider knowledge of either of them. Either when they might come out, any hands on experience (at NAB?), or general opinions? We got funding for our upcoming short film and I added one of these to the budget!


http://www.dji.com …ews/dji-ronin-coming-soon

http://letushelix.com

Nobody interested in either of these then?

The key factor that I see is the weight capacity. There are cheaper options for lighter cameras.

http://www.came-tv.com …71.html?ref=che​esycam.com

I'm rarely do DSLR video work, but when I do, I want it to work without the headache of calibrating for hours.

I actually have one like what sspellman linked to, and it sits on a stand b/c I can't figure out the PID tuning. It's pure torture, so if I wanted to change lenses, it's another hour of trying to calibrate PIDs! The nice thing about the Ronin and MOVI's are auto tune. Just balance them (TOOL-LESS) and it will auto calibrate itself. That's worth the extra money right there!

aparis99 wrote in post #17038084
I'm rarely do DSLR video work, but when I do, I want it to work without the headache of calibrating for hours.

I actually have one like what sspellman linked to, and it sits on a stand b/c I can't figure out the PID tuning. It's pure torture, so if I wanted to change lenses, it's another hour of trying to calibrate PIDs! The nice thing about the Ronin and MOVI's are auto tune. Just balance them (TOOL-LESS) and it will auto calibrate itself. That's worth the extra money right there!

Agreed. I'm on the waiting list for the Helix now. Should be shipping at the end of the month!

also, Ronin just drop price from $4500 to $2999.

sspellman wrote in post #16934973
The key factor that I see is the weight capacity. There are cheaper options for lighter cameras.

http://www.came-tv.com …71.html?ref=che​esycam.com

7500 is out. Pre-build. With 7000, you have to build and set up your PID.

Yeah, the price drop and additional features has caused me to place a pre-order for the Ronin as well while I continue to read up on the early testing of each system and decide.

Letus is out of Portland and we just shot part of the first feature film with the Helix last month. Film is in post (with me) at this point. I can upload test footage when we have a locked cut. Met with Letus and have access to testing out the Helix.

Both still seem to be in the same phase... about to ship the first batches. I really want to love the Helix and stick with it, but weight really seems to be the only concrete advantage when everything is said and done.

Sure, in the future, I think the Helix has the potential to evolve into the better of the two, but right now it's way more expensive with the same options you get for 2999.00 from DJI. Letus quoted me $4646 for the Helix comparably equipped. That's 50% more.

So in the end I went with the DJI Ronin. Zero regrets! This thing is AMAZING and comes with so much bang for the buck. From the time it got to my door until the time I had my 5D3 on it and completely balanced was 2 hours, never having touched one before. Pretty awesome. I can now disassemble it and reassemble it all in under 5 minutes after understanding it.

Heavy as hail, people weren't lying about that, I just can't say enough good things bout build quality, INCLUDED accessories, case, remote operation, bluetooth app, etc etc etc.

Gator- where did you order the ronin? I placed a preorder from adorama over a month ago and am still waiting for a shipping notice.

Kylemorgan88 wrote in post #17120017
Gator- where did you order the ronin? I placed a preorder from adorama over a month ago and am still waiting for a shipping notice.

Got mine from Atlanta Hobby. Pre-ordered around the same time. They were getting about 8-10 in a week.