DJI Ronin RS4 Pro

The DJI Ronin RS4 Pro is Prosumer Camera Gimbal developed by DJI.

Anti-consumer issues[edit | edit source]

The DJI RS4 Pro camera gimbal requires the owner to use the DJI Ronin smartphone app for baseline function and firmware updates of the gimbal due to activation and firmware updates via DJI from the Ronin app. Similarly to the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro, the gimbal when first powered on presents with an activation screen, QR code, and slider; allowing manual bypass by the user a maximum of 5 times without downloading and activating/registering the gimbal via the Ronin app. After manually touch-sliding a bar to bypass this screen on the gimbal 5 times, the usage of the gimbal is not possible, until the DJI Ronin app is installed and used to "activate" the gimbal. As well, this prevents the ability to update firmware as this is only possible via Bluetooth over the Ronin app, and firmware is unavailable directly via DJI's website.

Furthermore, activating the gimbal via the DJI Ronin app requires users to agree to the DJI products terms of use, which include both binding arbitration and a class action waiver. The user must also agree to DJI's Privacy Policy from within the app, which among various other privacy concerns, states that storage of geolocation data taken at the time of activation will occur on DJI's side. As well, a Product Improvement program is presented in which further data is collected, though this can be opted out of upon presentation.

Permissions requested on an iPhone 14 Pro Max via the Ronin app include a request for push notifications and the following:

Required Permissions for activation:

• Allow Finding Devices on Local Networks - DJI states, "Permission required before connecting to DJI device." Apple states, "Information from networks can be used to determine your location and create a profile of you."

• Allow Finding Bluetooth Devices - DJI states, "Allow DJI Ronin to use Bluetooth to communicate with other devices?" Apple states, "Information from Bluetooth devices can be used to determine your location and create a profile of you."

Optional Permissions for activation:

• Allow Approximate Location - DJI states, "Allow DJI Ronin to access this device's location to help get the position of hardware devices".

This is an anti-consumer practice that forces users to install and use proprietary software on their mobile devices, forcefully giving up their personal data and depriving them of their right to hold DJI accountable in a court of law, as well as creating a target for those who may wish to exploit this collected data. This also contributes to a culture in which devices that may not otherwise require or even benefit from app or other connectivity slowly begin providing noted features only through anti-consumer methods such as invasive activation via apps, or updating over-the-air via Bluetooth through an app rather than downloading updates via PC and uploading via USB.

References[edit | edit source]

1. ↑ DJI RS4 and RS4 Pro Product Manual. https://dl.djicdn.com/downloads/DJI_RS_4/UM20240408/DJI_RS_4_User_Manual_v1.0_en.pdf Retrieved on May 16, 2025.
2. ↑ DJI official website. "DJI products terms of use". 2024-09-03. Archived from the original on 2025-04-03. Retrieved 2025-04-19.
3. ↑ "Privacy - DJI". https://www.dji.com/policy Retrieved on May 16, 2025.