DJI Ronin-SC vs Zhiyun Weebill-S – Which Gimbal for Mirrorless Cameras?

I was about to hit the buy button to get a DJI Ronin-SC for my Sony a6300 mirrorless camera when the news of Zhiyun Weebill-S popped up (Weebill-S is an upgrade of Weebill LAB with new features but still keeping the compact size). So I have to evaluate again which gimbal to get and therefore did a spec comparison which I want to share with you. I’m looking for a gimbal that is small and compact for vlogging and travel and both have a similar price point, so let’s compare:

DJI Ronin-SC vs Zhiyun Weebill-S

Design

Similar to Ronin-S the newer and smaller DJI Ronin-SC features a detachable, portable design. The grip holding the gimbal’s battery can be detached to easily fit in any backpack. Storage position of DJI Ronin-SC is 220×200×75 mm while operating position is 370×165×150 mm. The axes can be locked for transport (a new feature compared to DJI Ronin-S).

Zhiyun still relies on their unique design keeping the gimbal smaller than an A4 size sheet of paper. The size is stated with 298x190x140 mm. A great feature of Zhiyun is that they use off-the-shelf 18650 Li-ion Battery, so you can get cheap extra batteries in case you run out during your shoot. Similar to its predecessor Weebill LAB, both feature lockable axes for transport so the gimbal is securely stored in your backpack.

If you are concerned about tripod mounts: DJI Ronin-SC is compatible with Acra Swiss mount while Zhiyun Weebill-S features a dual plate for either Manfrotto or Acra Swiss system.

DJI Ronin-SC vs Zhiyun Weebill-S – Box Content

Payload

DJI Ronin-SC is designed for mirrorless cameras with a payload of up to 2kg. (The larger DJI Ronin-S is primarily for DSLR cameras). In my chart below you can check the weight of Sony a6x00 cameras with several lenses.

Zhiyun Weebill-S states a max. payload of 3kg, that’s the same compared to Weebill LAB, but Zhiyun states a 300% increase in motor torque. I guess with the new version they didn’t want to increase the stated payload, but the gimbal should take to load without struggle.

Intelligent Features

Both gimbals feature some impressive, intelligent features:

DJI Ronin-SC & Zhiyun Weebill-S

Timelapse and Motionlapse: Both gimbals give you the option to record not online time-lapse videos, but motion-lapse videos. You can define start-, end- and waypoints to finetune the path your camera should be moving turning the time-lapse recording.

DJI Ronin-SC (included) & Zhiyun Weebill-S (with optional accessories)

Active Track: The Ronin-SC is the first-ever Ronin product to support DJI’s ActiveTrack 3.0 technology (not available with Ronin-S). By using the Ronin-SC Phone Holder you attach a smartphone above the camera and with Ronin App and the gimbal precisely tracks the subject. Zhiyun introduced SmartTrack 2.0 with Weebill-S which does not require to mount your phone onto the camera, but you need the TransMount Image Transmission Module. It works similar, you frame an object on your app and it will be tracked and followed by the gimbal.

Force Mobile / Synch Motion: Force Mobile is a new mode on DJI that gives you an all-new way to control the gimbal by moving your smartphone. The gimbal follows the movement of your smartphone. Zhiyun now introduced a similar mode called Synch Motion, bit again the TransMount Image Transmission Module is required. Therefore with Zhyiun you have the option to see the live image on the phone while moving around!

Zhiyun Weebill-S only (with optional accessories)

Video Transmission: Zhiyun Weebill LAB already had video transmission to your phone. Many users criticised tha laggy transmission but actually like the feature. Zhiyun improved that feature and with Weebill-S you can stream the video footage to up to 3 devices (smartphones, tablets or monitors), in 1080p resolution for up to 100m. But it is not done via the gimbal as with Weebill LAB, you need the new TransMount Image Transmission Module.

ViaTouch 2.0:
Besides 1080p image transmitting, ViaTouch 2.0 connects your smartphone, camera and gimbal. Various gimbal and camera settings can be adjusted in real time, like Follow Speed, Aperture, ISO, Shutter Speed,…
Be aware: Aperture, Shutter, ISO, EV can’t be controlled on Sony cameras! Canon and Nikon only – see compatibility list.

Zhiyun Weebill-S – ViaTouch 2.0

DJI Ronin-SC vs Zhiyun Weebill-S – Pros & Cons:

I think in terms of stabilization it is hard to determine a clear winner. I used gimbals from both companies and stabilization is great, they both know what they are doing. It is also influenced by how good you operate the gimbal with your body movements. Another issue is camera weight, Zhiyun offers a higher payload as mentioned, but it comes to which setup you are using. So I guess the more valid question is, which gimbal supports you best getting the perfect stabilized shot. And then it comes to the gimbals features.

Conclusion

DJI Ronin-SC seems to be a great match for smaller mirrorless cameras like the Sony a6100 / a6300 / a6400 / a6500 / a6600 series cameras, when using the larger Sony A7 you might be restricted in weight with some lenses and might need the larger Ronin-S – or Weebill S is more suitable. On the other hand Ronin-SC has great intelligent features – built-in! – like Active Track and Force Mobile without the need of additional accessories.
Zhiyun Weebill-S is more powerful and therefore more suitable if you plan to upgrade to a larger camera. It has similar features like Active Track and Synch Motion, but they require additional accessories! (TransMount Image Transmission) On the other hand with these accessories your are also able to stream the video footage to smartphones and monitors and you can control the camera settings.

I think if you want to keep it simple and small with some great features, like Active Track, included, the DJI Ronin-SC is a great companion for your camera. I you are thinking about a larger camera or are attracted by the additional features, you can get Zhiyun Weebill-S for a little higher price but need to invest in some accessories – so if you want to use active track you need to get the TransMount image transmitterl

Video Reviews

Here are a few interesting videos to watch, the first on is the best review I think:

Price & Availability

DJI Ronin-SC

Usually I buy DJI products on their website, Ronin-SC is available for 439 USD.
Sometimes you can find better deals on Amazon:

Zhiyun Weebill S

Zhiyun is available at several retailer:

• Aliexpress (Zhiyun official store): 439 USD
• Gearbest: 439 USD
• Amazon:

Camera & Lens Weight

In my list you can find the weight of the Sony cameras a6100, a6300, a6400, a6500 & a6600. Weight is according to info provided by Sony including battery & SD-card. I put together a list of Sony lenses and their weight which concludes in the combined list of camera & lens weight.
If you think it is beneficial to add other lenses to the list, let me know in the comments below.
Note: if you are adding accessories, here are a few items to be aware of:

• Microphone (Rode VideoMicro incl. mount & windshield) +42g
• Ronin-SC mobile phone holder +83g & iPhone 11 +194g (for active track 3.0)
• Zhiyun Weebill-S Transmount Image Transmission Transmitter +133g