The RSC 2 also requires a little more skill to use, but at the same time I like the simplicity. As ever, the gimbal is only part of the story, and while good on it’s own, this film making tool only becomes complete once you add the Follow Focus. My original Ronin-S, now a few years old and well worn, has finally succumbed to easy adjustment, or at least I’ve become so used to it that it all seems to slot into position perfectly. \

The conditions were generally good, and finding a dry patch of level ground; it was easy enough to set up the camera and get the gimbal balanced. Setting up the RS 2, there was a small battle with each arm adjustment to find that perfect balance. Herewith the RSC 2, there’s still a little resistance, but it’s far easier. Gimbals typically rely on a companion smartphone app for additional settings and adjustments as there’s not a whole lot of space for controls on the handle. The RSC 2 does, however, have a 1-inch OLED screen and a menu control wheel for accessing many of the settings directly. It may be the little sibling to the excellent RSC 2 but I prefer it by a mile. The full metal construction might not be as stunning or sleek as the carbon fibre of the RS 2 but it is far more functional.The rubber elements on the handle are also subtler than those found on the Ronin-SC, with a smoother texture that’s neatly integrated yet offers a good amount of grip. The RSC 2 comes with camera connectors so that you can stop and start recording with a button on the gimbal handle. Not all cameras are supported, however, and Olympus fans get a raw deal with only the E-M1 II supported. (Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World) Once completed with the usual progressive balance of one arm before moving on to the next, the DJI RSC 2 was ready to fire up. Performance There are two features that, for me, really boost the RSC above most other gimbals on the market at present, the first is the wheel positioned by your index finger. This can be linked into the optional follow focus accessory and enables full manual control. Its position is spot on, and this feature alone makes me like this gimbal. With the DJI RSC 2 you are less reliant on the DJI mobile app for settings changes, as it comes with a 1-inch OLED display and controls for menu navigation. (Image credit: Rod Lawton/Digital Camera World)

The slightest mistake as you take a corner and the RSC 2 is far more likely to whip as it hits the limits of its rotations. It’s not that the gimbal itself is not doing the job; it’s more that it’s far less forgiving than the bigger model. I liked the carbon fibre look of the RSC 2, but as I was reviewing the two gimbals, it became apparent that metal, at least, in this case, was the better material. For all its perks, the RavenEye Image Transmission System does highlight an important point about the RSC 2: many of its best features require sold-separately accessories. When it comes to stabilisation for the small Sony A7 series and other mirrorless cameras, the DJI RSC 2 does an outstanding job.A deep breath, rebalance, and all was fine, at least with the stabilisation, the sun, however, had gone, and the runner and I decided to call it a day.

It sounds like common sense, but so many gimbals cover the screen in this position, here it’s clear and easy to see. Especially if you’re using a Sony Alpha with that ridiculous tilt-only screen The DJI RSC 2 seemed to find the correct level well, and any fears that the slightly ruff ground would start the gimbal off slightly was dismissed. The DJI RSC 2 stands on its own as a very decent gimbal stabilisers designed perfectly for the latest generation of mirrorless cameras. Of course, when it comes to using a gimbal, you have to consider that there are all sorts of situations and locations where they will be used. In the first part of the test, motion and movement were sedate and well within the range that almost all gimbals should handle.A gimbal is only as good as its operator in the end, but with DJI’s new Titan image stabilisation system, the DJI RSC 2 can produce super-smooth footage even in the hands of amateurs, with only a hint of wobble with run and gun filming (you need to perfect that special gimbal ‘crouch’ as you walk). With the RSC 2, set[-up is relatively easy, and the arm adjustment and camera balance were all straightforward enough. Still, provided your camera is fully compatible, you won’t find a gimbal as clever and capable as the DJI RSC 2 – apart from the RS 2.