DJI RS 4 Mini, full review: with tracking too!

DJI further refines its formula with the DJI RS 4 Mini, an ultra-light stabilizer designed for creative nomads and videographers with compact hybrid cameras. A direct successor to the RS 3 Mini, this new model inherits several new features from the RS 4 range, while retaining its reduced size and featherweight. But what is it really worth in the field? Is it the stabilizer you need for your setup? All the answers in this detailed article.

DJI RS 4 Mini: What you need to know

No time (or just too lazy) to read the whole review? Here are the key points to remember about DJI’s new compact stabilizer:

• ✅ Stabilization as efficient as ever, with the 4th-generation algorithm already used on the RS 4 and RS 4 Pro. Little visible difference from the RS 3 Mini, but still ultra-smooth.
• 🔄 S implified vertical transition thanks to a new mounting plate – ideal for content destined for social networks.
• 🔒 Automatic axis locking and new physical cursors for faster, more comfortable use.
• 🎯 Intelligent tracking module (optional): real added value for solo designers and beginners, with automatic face tracking, gesture activation, etc.
• 🔋 Correct range (6 to 7 h in real use), with fast recharge (5 h in 30 min) and total charge time reduced to 1h30.
• 💼 Three packs to choose from: Standard (€389), Bundle (€479) and Creator Bundle (€498) – with the option of adding accessories separately.

DJI RS 4 Mini: Express datasheet

Before delving into the details of the test, here are the main technical specifications of the DJI RS 4 Mini. All you need to know about its format, battery life and charging capacity.

Dimensions (L x W x H)	236 x 64 x 316 mm (folded) 175 x 182 x 338 mm (unfolded)
Weight	890 g
Maximum load	2 kg
Autonomy	13 hours (stationary)
Charging time	1 hour and 50 minutes
Mechanical amplitude	Pan axis: 360° continuous rotation Tilt axis: -110 to +210° Roll axis: -95 to +235°

DJI RS 4 Mini: design, controls and handling

Design and ergonomics

Weighing in at 890 g, the DJI RS 4 Mini stays true to the compact spirit of the range, while weighing slightly more than the RS 3 Mini. It retains its excellent portability: when folded, it measures 236 × 64 × 316 mm, and slips easily into a camera bag or shooting backpack.

The main handle is a little shorter than on the RS 4 or RS 4 Pro models, which may make it slightly less comfortable for longer sessions. That said, the overall format remains very balanced, with a pleasant grip from the very first minutes.

Finally, despite its small size, the RS 4 Mini is capable of carrying a payload of up to 2 kg. This makes it compatible with a wide variety of hybrid configurations, including some full-frame bodies combined with medium-sized lenses.

Interface and controls

DJI has kept the RS 4 Mini’s interface simple and well thought-out, with all controls accessible at your fingertips.

They include :

• 1.4-inch color touchscreen, identical to that of the RS 3 Mini, and as responsive as ever
• a classic power button
• front-access recording button
• a joystick to control nacelle orientation
• an M button for switching to Sport mode or quick focus with a short press
• a rear trigger, useful for recentering the camera or switching to selfie mode
• a rear thumbwheel, controllable with the index finger, assignable to various functions (focus, ISO, zoom, aperture, etc.)

Two new sliders have been added :

• a slider on the right-hand side, located above the power button, lets you select the stabilizer mode (Follow, Pan & Tilt, etc.).
• a left cursor, positioned at the bottom, toggles the joystick between gondola and zoom control on compatible motorized lenses

Set-up and quick start

DJI further simplifies start-up with automatic locking of the three axes: when switched on, they unlock by themselves; when switched off or in standby mode, they lock automatically. The result: fewer manipulations, and appreciable time savings on every shoot.

As with all stabilizers, theaxes still have to bebalanced. But DJI has improved the experience with Teflon-coated arms that glide more easily. And if need be, the Ronin app offers clear tutorial videos to guide beginners.

Another highlight: horizontal/vertical tilting, essential for social networking formats. On the RS 4 Mini, this change is made without removing the camera: simply loosen a knob to rotate the mounting plate, leaving the setup in place. The operation takes less than 10 seconds – a real plus when shooting. The only drawback: depending on the equipment used, rebalancing may be necessary.

DJI RS 4 Mini : Features

Stabilization modes: designed for all scenarios

As on the RS 3 Mini (and previous generations), the three main stabilization modes, well known to stabilizer users, are also present:

• PF (Pan Follow) mode: the gondola follows horizontal movements only. Ideal for smooth panning to left or right.
• PTF (Pan & Tilt Follow) mode: the gimbal follows pan and tilt movements, perfect for diagonal shots or gentle climbs.
• FPV (First Person View) mode: all axes are free, offering a sensation of total freedom, ideal for immersive effects or rapid movement.

Other modes enrich the experience:

• Reactive mode: a new feature that enhances the stabilizer’s responsiveness when moving around a subject. The RS 4 Mini becomes more responsive, ideal for fast movements.
• Fluid mode: in contrast, this mode softens transitions, for smooth shots, especially in side tracking.
• Roll 360 3D mode: in this mode, the stabilizer is held horizontally, and the camera can rotate 360° on itself, creating highly dynamic effects – perfect for stylized transitions or more creative clips.

The intelligent tracking module: a discreet but powerful shooting assistant

One of the great new features of the RS 4 Mini is its compatibility with an optional intelligent tracking module. This small accessory attaches magnetically to the stabilizer arm, and incorporates a dedicated AI-assisted camera.

Thanks to this visual recognition, the RS 4 Mini can lock a subject and automatically accompany it into the frame, without any manual intervention on the axes. The system moves the gimbal for you, smoothly and precisely.

📷 Very useful:

• for solo creators who film in motion (YouTube, tutorials, social networking content…)
• or for tripod shots: placed on the ground, the RS 4 Mini can follow a face in full panoramic rotation, without an operator

It’s also a real plus for beginners, who no longer have to worry about framing: the camera automatically keeps the subject centered, allowing them to concentrate solely on their movements and the fluidity of the shots. Even more experienced users will appreciate this added comfort, especially when shooting solo.

Two ways to activate tracking:

1. Via the rear trigger: if a face is detected in the frame, pressing it immediately triggers tracking.
2. By gesture: stand in front of the camera and raise your palm (configurable), to start or stop tracking and recording. An LED light around the lens changes from red to green to confirm the action.

DJI RS 4 Mini: Performance

Further fine-tuning of stabilization

With its fourth-generation stabilization algorithm, the DJI RS 4 Mini is based on the same principles as its big brothers, the RS 4 and RS 4 Pro. In practice, the results live up to expectations: movements are ultra-smooth, even when moving around a subject.

That said, let’s be honest: the RS 3 Mini’s stabilization was already very solid. It’s hard to see a glaring difference to the naked eye between the two generations under conventional conditions. But DJI continues to fine-tune its algorithms with each iteration, and this is particularly noticeable on very subtle movements or complex shots: fewer micro-shakes, better management of transitions and a smoother feeling of control.

In short, not a revolution, but a controlled evolution that confirms DJI’s expertise in the field.

Comfortable autonomy… but variable according to use

DJI claims up to 13 hours of autonomy for the RS 4 Mini, in optimal conditions. But as is often the case, these figures are obtained in stationary use, without any real charging. According to published tests and available user feedback, real-world usage typically reaches around 6 to 7 hours, which remains very solid.

⚠️ This figure may vary significantly depending on a number of factors:

• weight of the setup: the heavier the setup (up to 2 kg), the higher the power consumption of the motors;
• whether or not to activate the intelligent tracking module, which continuously activates the tracking engines;
• type of movements and chosen stabilization mode (e.g. FPV more demanding than Pan Follow) ;
• ambient temperature, as is always the case with Li-ion batteries.

Good news: recharge time has been reduced to 1.5 hours, compared with around 2 hours on the previous generation. And best of all, the RS 4 Mini now supports fast recharging: 30 minutes are enough to recover up to 5 hours of autonomy, so you can get going again quickly between two sessions.

DJI RS 4 Mini: Packs and prices

Pack	Price
Standard	389 €	See on Amazon
Bundle	479 €	See on Amazon
Designer Bundle	498 €

What’s in each pack?

🟢 S tandard Pack

The basic package includes :

• DJI RS 4 Mini gondola
• the quick-release plate
• a mini tripod
• USB-C camera control cable
• USB-C charging cable
• a screw kit

That’s all you need to get started, as long as you don’t need advanced functions like auto-tracking or mobile framing.

🟡 DJI RS 4 Mini Bundle

This pack adds two key accessories:

• the intelligent tracking module, which automatically locks and tracks a subject;
• the case-type handle, more compact and lightweight than previous versions. It attaches to the side of the stabilizer and can be tilted to different angles to improve grip, especially for low-angle shots.

🔴 DJI RS 4 Mini Creator Bundle

Here we find the contents of the Bundle pack, with the addition of :

• a smartphone holder, useful for stabilizing a mobile too (for vertical content or fast tracking on the move, for example).

Accessories available separately

The two main accessories included in the top packs can also be purchased separately. The intelligent tracking module is priced at €69, while the smartphone holder is available for €19.

A good option for those who opt for the Standard package and wish to upgrade their configuration later, according to their needs.

Conclusion DJI RS 4 Mini: Should you give in?

Designed above all for creators of moving content, the DJI RS 4 Mini ticks virtually all the boxes for a compact, versatile stabilizer. Compared to the RS 3 Mini, it offers a number of well-thought-out evolutions: automatic axis locking, physical switches for quicker mode changes, simplified vertical transition and, above all, compatibility with a formidable intelligent tracking module.

Even ifbalancing may still require a little patience, notably due to the rigidity of the arms, the whole unit remains fluid to use, very stable in real-life conditions, and well calibrated for professional or semi-pro content.

And with the possibility of attaching a smartphone (via an optional bracket), the RS 4 Mini becomes a hybrid tool, capable of accompanying a variety of shoots, without sacrificing performance.

✅ DJI has achieved a very good vintage here, with a Mini version that is more complete and accomplished than ever.

I already have the DJI RS3 Mini, should I upgrade to the DJI RS 4 Mini?

If you’re happy with your RS 3 Mini and don ‘t need any of the new features, upgrading isn’t essential. Improvements such as automatic axis locking or new mode switches bring real comfort, but don’t justify a change of model on their own.

On the other hand, the intelligent tracking module, exclusive to the RS 4 Mini, can make a real difference – especially if you’re shooting alone, or want to save time on framing and transitions. It’s this new feature in particular that may justify a switch to the new model.

💡Also read
➡️ Want to compare? Read our full review of the DJI RS 3 Mini.