DJI RSC2 + Sirui 35mm Anamorphic Stability Test | Lumix GH5 | Sirui 35mm Lens

DJI RSC2 + Sirui 35mm Anamorphic Stability Test | Lumix GH5 | Sirui 35mm Lens

Introduction

Filming with a gimbal can make or break a shoot, especially when stability is your top priority. Today, I put the DJI RSC2 to the test with the Lumix GH5 and the Sirui 35mm Anamorphic Lens to see how well this gimbal holds up under real-world shooting conditions. Spoiler alert: It wasn’t exactly the game-changer I hoped for—at least, not right out of the box.

The Start of a Very, Very Bad Day

Before I could even begin testing the gimbal, I woke up to a major water leak in my front yard. Gallons of water were flooding the street due to a cracked pipe. Thankfully, a $12 steel water meter valve key saved the day by letting me shut off the water until the plumber arrived. But in the midst of this chaos, I decided to make the most of my time by heading out to my first DJI RSC2 test shoot.

First Impressions of the DJI RSC2

DJI claims the RSC2 is compact, foldable, and ultra-stable—but would it live up to the hype? My goal was to find out if this gimbal is truly more stable than others I’ve used, or if it’s just another gimbal with extra features.

Calibration Process

Before diving into the shoot, I performed a quick auto-calibration:

1. Pressed the M button on the back and the front trigger at the same time.

2. Held it until the calibration process started.

3. Let the gimbal balance itself.

Now, it was time to put it to work.

First Test Shoot: Filming a Kitted-Out Hyundai Veloster

For the first shoot, I teamed up with YC from YC Imaging and my friend Tim, who brought his Hyundai Veloster. We wanted to see how the RSC2 handled different movements while shooting a moving subject.

YC’s Take on One-Handed Gimbals

YC prefers a lower center of gravity with gimbals like the Ronin M, which allows for smoother movements. He wasn’t a huge fan of single-hand gimbals because they introduce more potential for tipping. But we both agreed that a gimbal’s stability heavily depends on the operator.

How We Tested Stability

We filmed seven identical shots of Tim in his car, switching between operators to account for different handling styles. No slow motion—everything was shot in 24fps to expose every shake and jitter.

Results

• The Sirui 35mm anamorphic lens delivered beautiful cinematic flares.

• The RSC2 was stable, but not significantly better than my Zhiyun Crane 2.

• The gimbal required practice—it wasn’t a mind-blowing experience straight out of the box.

Compact Setup: GH5 + RSC2 + Ninja V

My goal for 2021 is to build the most compact wedding filmmaking setup. Here’s what I used:

• DJI RSC2 Gimbal

• Lumix GH5 (two batteries)

• Atomos Ninja V Monitor (mounted via NATO rail)

• Sirui 35mm Anamorphic Lens

• Slim HDMI Cable

• SmallRig L-Bracket for GH5

This setup was lightweight and efficient, but I ran into one issue: The monitor placement blocked access to the RSC2’s menu. I’ll experiment with alternative mounting solutions.

Second Shoot: Filming a Mobile Gaming Truck

For my second test, I filmed my friend Lance’s Mobile Gaming Truck to create an Instagram promo video. This time, I was more comfortable with the gimbal and eager to try DJI’s Briefcase Mode.

What I Learned About Briefcase Mode

To enter Briefcase Mode:

1. Lower the gimbal by rotating the lock knob.

2. Lock it into place.

3. Press the trigger twice to auto-adjust.

This mode was great for low-angle shots, but it took some getting used to.

Final Edit: Social Media Promo

We filmed both daylight and nighttime shots for Lance’s gaming truck. The final edit showcased:

• Smooth tracking shots using the RSC2.

• Handheld close-ups to capture the truck’s details.

• A mix of the Sirui 35mm and 50mm lenses for cinematic depth.

Final Verdict: Is the DJI RSC2 Worth It?

After a full day of testing, my thoughts are mixed.

Pros:

✅ Compact & Foldable – Easy to transport. ✅ Strong Build Quality – Feels durable and reliable. ✅ Versatile Modes – Includes Briefcase Mode and Portrait Mode. ✅ Great Battery Life – Lasted through two full shoots.

Cons:

❌ Not Instantly Game-Changing – Requires fine-tuning and practice. ❌ Menu Access Blocked by Monitor – Needs a better mounting solution. ❌ Stability Not Drastically Better – Compared to my Zhiyun Crane 2, the difference was minimal.

Would I Recommend It?

If you need a compact, travel-friendly gimbal, the DJI RSC2 is a solid choice. However, if you already own a good stabilizer, don’t expect a massive improvement in stability. With more practice, I believe I can get smoother results, but out of the box, it wasn’t revolutionary.

For my next shoots, I’ll pair the RSC2 with the Lumix S5 and test how it handles different lenses and shooting conditions. Stay tuned for more reviews!

Peace.