DJI Walks Back Nikon Compatibility For Ronin-S

When the DJI Ronin-S was released earlier this Spring, DJI listed 27 Nikon cameras that were compatible with the Ronin-S firmware that allowed the DJI Ronin-S to control Start/stop video recording as well as still photo capture.

We published an article at the same time listing these Nikon DSLRs and Mirrorless cameras that were included in the list.

We received a lot of email and comment inquiries from our readers who wanted to know about Nikon models (like the D7500) that were excluded from the list.

The next day, May 30th, DJI updated the compatibility list to advise that “Pull Focus” would also be included as a feature “will be implemente through a future firmware update”….subject to the caveat: “with supported lenses”.

That must have been a relief for many Nikon camera enthusiasts who were considering adding a Ronin-S to their arsenal of professional grade videography tools.

DJI’s latest compatibility list (you can access it here on the Ronin-S FAQ page) has significantly dialed back the list of cameras that are actually compatible with the current firmware version of the Ronin-S.  We have no doubt that the programmers are working around the clock at DJI to build out the list additional features, but they hype seems to have gotten ahead of the firmware.

So as of today, July 3rd 2018, only the Nikon D850 is capable of Start/stop recording video feature and still capture.

In the next firmware version DJI advises that Auto Focus by half-pressing the Ronin-S camera control button will trigger auto focus and users will be able to Pull Focus electronically.

There is no timeline for when this enhanced Ronin-S firmware upgrade will be available.

The remaining list of 26 Nikon models (you can see them here) now includes the D7500, however Shutter Control (via USB or IR) is still pending as part of the Ronin-S “Follow Up Development Plan”.

So in summary, only 1 Nikon camera, the D850 can start/stop video and take stills using the Ronin-S controls/app.

For now, the remaining Nikon DSLRs in the list can only be physically balanced and stabilized on the Ronin-S.

We monitor the Ronin-S compatibility list daily, so suscribe to our site (at the right) or allow us to send notifications to you so you’ll be the first to know.

DJI really wanted to get the Ronin-S into the hands of creators to help them make spectacular videos and tell their story using the best tools.

The challenges with getting one device to talk seamlessly with almost 30 cameras (of different vintages) is a big task, and we know that DJI is working incredibly hard to make that happen.