The United States and India are launching a new Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) aimed at boosting co-development and co-production of maritime drones and counter-drone systems. The announcement was made in a joint statement issued by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during Modi’s recent official visit to Washington. Via the ASIA […]
On February 3, 1968, two of the Vietnam People’s Air Force top pilots, Pham Thanh Ngan and Nguyen Van Coc, took off on MIG-21s on their fourth interception mission of the day: a radar-detected pair of enemy aircraft, most likely light bombers. However, as the duo approached the Laotian border, MiG-21 pilot Ngan thought he […]
India’s First Drone Manufacturer Approved for Export to the U.S. and Europe Avironix Drones has received the General Authorization for Export of Drones (GAED) approval from India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) for its agricultural spraying drones. This approval allows the company to export its AviSpray16 Agricultural Spraying Drone to markets in the United […]
Here, UK drone services provider heliguy provides an insider look at how prisons are using drones to combat drone incursions. Drugs, weapons – and even mustard. That’s just some of the contraband smuggled into British prisons in recent years via drones. And the problem is getting worse. A watchdog recently warned that two major prisons […]
In this episode of Weekly Wings, Paul Rossi and Terry Neff break down the latest financial and policy shifts impacting the drone industry. They discuss how recent political and economic changes are driving acquisitions and vertical integration within the U.S. drone sector, highlighting how companies like Unusual Machines are expanding their footprint with strategic investments like […]
DJI is on a roll. Just two days after launching the Osmo Mobile 7 series, its latest smartphone gimbal, the company is back with another big release — this time catering to professional and enthusiast filmmakers. The new DJI RS 4 Mini, unveiled on Feb. 20, brings advanced stabilization technology to mirrorless cameras and smartphones in an ultra-lightweight form factor.
With this rapid-fire lineup of product launches (this is the second new product set in one week!), DJI is making it clear that its ambitions go far beyond drones. Particularly as regulatory scrutiny on Chinese-made drones intensifies, DJI continues to expand its creative camera ecosystem, reinforcing its dominance in gimbals, stabilization and other content creation tools. The RS 4 Mini is the latest move in DJI’s strategic push to future-proof its business.
Here’s what you need to know about the new RS 4 Mini and how it fits into the DJI ecosystem:
RS 4 Mini: a gimbal for the modern content creator
Launched on February 20, 2025, the DJI RS 4 Mini is basically a gimbal for standalone cameras. With it comes a portable yet powerful means of stabilizing your videos that’s designed with content creators in mind — albeit a more advanced set than those who would buy the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Series.
The RS 4 Mini is bigger and more powerful than the Osmo Mobile 7 — and it’s also there to hold a dedicated camera, not simply your smartphone. But while larger than the Osmo Mobil 7, it’s hardly large. It weighs just under 890 grams, which is less than 2 pounds. You’re not tucking this into your purse for impromptu filming, but this is still ultra-portable, ideal for budget shoots or even travel.
Despite its small size, it’s capable of supporting payloads up to 2kg (4.4 lbs). It features automated axis locks and a redesigned intelligent tracking module since its predecessor. And increasingly popular in 2025 when so many people are posting videos on Instagram, TikTok and YouTube shorts the RS Mini 4 has a vertical shooting mode.
Key RS 4 Mini features
I won’t list out all the specs, but here’s an overview of the standouts:
Second-generation auto-axis locks: Enables a faster transition between filming and storage by unlocking all three-axis locks in one second.
Third-generation native vertical switch: Offers the fastest vertical shooting transition in the Ronin series.
ActiveTrack and Intelligent tracking module: Keeps human subjects in frame up to 10 meters away.
Fourth-generation stabilization: Balances stabilization with a natural-feeling camera movement.
Extended battery life: 30% longer than its predecessor, allowing for up to 13 hours of operation.
Lightweight yet powerful: Supports a variety of mirrorless camera and lens combinations.
Quick-release magnetic mount: Ensures an easier attachment process.
Why DJI’s non-drone expansion matters
We shared a similar sentiment on Tuesday with the DJI Osmo Mobile 7 series launch, but just two days later comes yet another example of DJI’s increasing focus on non-drone products.
This expansion allows DJI to maintain its market dominance in imaging technology while hedging against the risk of potential drone bans in key markets — especially the U.S. Of course, DJI is hardly giving up on drones. Although its latest product launches haven’t been drones, the company has absolutely still been building new drones, including the DJI Neo and DJI Flip.
DJI RS 4 Mini: cost and availability
The DJI RS 4 Mini is available for purchase starting today through DJI’s official store and authorized retailers. It comes in two different configurations.
Standalone RS 4 Mini ($369): Includes gimbal, quick-release plate, tripod, multi-camera control cable and USB-C charging cable.
RS 4 Mini Combo ($459): Adds Intelligent Tracking Module and RS 4 Mini Briefcase Handle.
For those looking for additional protection, DJI Care Refresh offers replacement coverage for accidental damage, including wear and tear, collisions, and water damage.
Recent Events Underscore Importance of Leadership in Navigating Regulatory Challenges The drone industry is facing an uncertain future as recent federal layoffs, FAA job cuts, and administrative shifts create confusion. The need for strong leadership has become even more pressing following recent incidents, including a tragic plane crash in Washington. As the industry seeks stability, […]
– AeroVironment has announced the establishment of FreedomWerx, a state-of-the-art advanced manufacturing facility in Salt Lake City, Utah. The $42.25 million project is expected to create 500 jobs over the next five years. As part of AV’s distributed production strategy, FreedomWerx strengthens the company’s capacity to ensure uninterrupted delivery of precision-strike autonomous systems to government […]
After three days of flight demonstrations at the Blue UAS Challenge at Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center 29 Palms, DIU Service evaluators selected 23 platforms and 14 unique components and capabilities for National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) verification and cyber security review. Over the coming months, as these selections complete the verification process, the […]
– General Atomics Aeronautical Systems, Inc. and CAE have announced a long-term agreement for the development and production of the next-generation mission trainer for GA-ASI’s MQ-9B SkyGuardian remotely piloted aircraft system (RPAS). The contract with GA-ASI includes a firm order for 11 mission trainers, with the opportunity to deliver up to 50 devices over the […]
The United States and India are launching a new Autonomous Systems Industry Alliance (ASIA) aimed at boosting co-development and co-production of maritime drones and counter-drone systems. The announcement was made in a joint statement issued by President Donald Trump and Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi during Modi’s recent official visit to Washington. Via the ASIA […]
