SmallRig 4196 – Extended Vertical Arm for More Precise Balancing of the DJI RS 3 Mini Gimbal

SmallRig 4196 is a professional extended vertical arm specifically designed for the DJI RS 3 Mini camera gimbal. This practical accessory improves camera balancing, allows the camera setup’s center of gravity to be lowered, and expands the gimbal’s versatility with different camera and lens combinations. Featuring a design that is 15 mm longer than the original vertical arm, SmallRig 4196 helps achieve better weight distribution while maintaining the camera’s freedom of movement.

Manufactured from high-quality aluminum alloy and stainless steel, SmallRig 4196 combines durability, low weight, and practical design. Weighing approximately 40 grams, the extended arm is suitable for professional videographers, content creators, and filmmaking enthusiasts who want to get more out of their DJI RS 3 Mini gimbal. Clearly visible reference markings simplify camera balancing and help speed up the transition between horizontal and vertical shooting.

Specifically Designed for the DJI RS 3 Mini

SmallRig 4196 is designed to replace the original vertical arm of the DJI RS 3 Mini gimbal. Its construction takes the gimbal’s design and balancing mechanism into account, allowing users to adjust the camera’s position without replacing the entire stabilization system.

The DJI RS 3 Mini is a compact three-axis camera gimbal used to capture smooth video footage in professional productions and everyday content creation. The camera and lens combination affects the gimbal’s balance, and the adjustment range of the original arm may be insufficient for certain larger camera setups.

SmallRig 4196 helps overcome these limitations by providing additional camera positioning options. The extended vertical arm makes it easier to achieve proper balance with more demanding camera configurations, provided their dimensions and total weight remain within the gimbal’s specified limits.

It is important to note that SmallRig 4196 is specifically designed for the DJI RS 3 Mini. Compatibility with other DJI RS series gimbals should not be assumed.

15 mm Extended Design for Improved Camera Balancing

One of the most important technical advantages of SmallRig 4196 is its 15 mm extended design compared to the original DJI RS 3 Mini vertical arm.

This modification allows the camera setup’s center of gravity to be lowered and provides additional adjustment space for balancing.

Proper camera gimbal balancing is essential because uneven weight distribution can increase the workload of the gimbal motors and affect the smoothness of camera movements.

The extended arm helps users find a more suitable position when the dimensions of the camera body or lens make conventional balancing difficult.

This can be particularly beneficial when using hybrid cameras with larger lenses or compact cinema cameras.

However, SmallRig 4196 does not increase the maximum payload capacity specified by DJI for the RS 3 Mini. Its primary purpose is to improve camera positioning and balancing flexibility.

Lower Center of Gravity for Smoother Stabilization

SmallRig 4196 allows users to lower the camera setup’s center of gravity, helping achieve a more balanced gimbal configuration.

A three-axis gimbal works by using motors to compensate for camera movement. To operate efficiently, the camera must be properly balanced across the relevant axes.

If the camera’s center of gravity is incorrectly positioned, the gimbal motors may require additional effort to maintain the desired orientation.

The extended vertical arm provides additional adjustment range, allowing certain camera and lens combinations to achieve more suitable weight distribution.

A properly balanced camera setup supports efficient gimbal operation and helps reduce unnecessary motor strain.

The final stabilization performance also depends on the camera’s total weight, lens, additional accessories, gimbal settings, and operator movement.

Greater Flexibility with Larger Camera Setups

SmallRig 4196 is designed to expand the practical capabilities of the DJI RS 3 Mini with different camera and lens combinations.

The manufacturer provides examples such as the Sony FX3 with a 24–70 mm lens, Canon EOS R5 with a 24–70 mm lens, FUJIFILM X-T5 with a 16–55 mm lens, and Panasonic LUMIX GH6 with a 12–60 mm lens.

These examples illustrate camera configurations that may benefit from the additional positioning space provided by the extended vertical arm.

Camera body dimensions, lens length, lens weight, and additional mounted accessories all affect balancing.

For example, a large-aperture zoom lens may shift the camera’s center of gravity forward compared to a compact prime lens.

SmallRig 4196 helps accommodate these differences by allowing the camera to be positioned more effectively on the gimbal.

However, the camera models mentioned by the manufacturer do not automatically guarantee compatibility with every lens and accessory combination. The total weight, dimensions, and balancing possibilities of the setup must always be checked before use.

Maintaining Camera Freedom of Movement

SmallRig 4196 is designed to provide additional positioning flexibility without unnecessarily restricting the camera’s normal movement within the gimbal’s operating range.

This is particularly important for dynamic filmmaking, where the camera must be able to change direction and position smoothly.

For example, during walking shots, tracking sequences, and other camera movements, the gimbal must compensate for the operator’s motion without excessive mechanical restrictions.

The extended arm provides more room for camera positioning while preserving the functionality of the stabilization system.

However, the actual range of movement depends on the camera, lens, and additional accessories being used.

Before recording, it is advisable to check the movement of all gimbal axes to ensure that the camera does not collide with any part of the stabilizer.

Clear Reference Scale for More Precise Balancing

SmallRig 4196 features clearly visible reference markings that help make camera balancing faster and more accurate.

The reference scale allows users to monitor the arm’s adjustment position and simplifies finding the correct balance point.

This is especially useful for videographers who regularly use multiple cameras or lenses and need to readjust their gimbal for different configurations.

Once the appropriate position for a particular camera setup has been determined, the reference markings make it easier to remember and restore that position during future shoots.

This practical feature can reduce the time required for repeated balancing.

However, the reference scale does not replace complete gimbal balancing. Before filming, all relevant axes must be checked and the balancing procedure recommended by DJI must be followed.

Faster Transition Between Horizontal and Vertical Shooting

SmallRig 4196 helps simplify the use of the DJI RS 3 Mini for both horizontal and vertical video production.

Horizontal shooting is ideal for YouTube videos, documentaries, advertisements, and traditional video productions.

Vertical shooting is particularly important for social media platforms, where video content with a 9:16 aspect ratio is widely used.

Examples include Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts.

The reference markings on SmallRig 4196 help users find the correct balance point more quickly after changing the camera’s orientation.

This is particularly useful for content creators who need to record both horizontal and vertical footage during the same shooting session.

It is important to note that the extended arm does not automatically change the DJI RS 3 Mini’s shooting modes. Switching modes and balancing the camera must be performed according to the gimbal’s user instructions.

Durable Aluminum Alloy and Stainless Steel Construction

SmallRig 4196 is manufactured from aluminum alloy and stainless steel, combining structural strength with relatively low weight.

Aluminum alloy makes it possible to produce a rigid and lightweight component suitable for the moving structure of a camera gimbal.

Stainless steel components provide additional durability in areas requiring strong and reliable mechanical connections.

This combination of materials is practical for professional video production, where accessories are repeatedly installed, adjusted, and used.

The durable construction helps keep the camera in the desired position and supports accurate balancing.

Nevertheless, even robust metal components should be used according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and excessive force should be avoided when tightening fasteners.

Compact Dimensions and Lightweight Design

SmallRig 4196 is a compact accessory measuring approximately 110.8 × 20 × 20 mm.

The extended vertical arm weighs around 40 ± 5 grams, adding relatively little weight to the gimbal setup.

Low weight is particularly important for the DJI RS 3 Mini, whose main advantages include its compact and portable design.

Lightweight accessories help maintain the gimbal’s ease of use during longer shooting sessions.

The compact shape allows the arm to be integrated into the gimbal’s structure without requiring a large external support system.

The package measures approximately 106 × 98 × 33 mm and weighs around 66 ± 5 grams.

These specifications also make SmallRig 4196 convenient to transport and store with other filmmaking equipment.

A Practical Accessory for Professional Video Production

SmallRig 4196 is well suited to professional videographers who use the DJI RS 3 Mini with different camera configurations.

For example, when filming corporate videos, commercials, or events, it may be necessary to change lenses or adjust the camera setup.

Each such change can affect the camera’s center of gravity and require the gimbal to be rebalanced.

The extended vertical arm provides additional adjustment space, which can help achieve proper balance even with more demanding configurations.

The clearly marked reference scale also makes repeated setup adjustments faster.

This is particularly useful during shooting days when the time spent configuring equipment directly affects production efficiency.

Suitable for Social Media Content and Vertical Videos

SmallRig 4196 is also a practical upgrade for content creators who regularly produce videos for social media.

Modern content production often requires both horizontal and vertical formats, making flexible camera equipment increasingly important.

For example, a single project may include a horizontal main video for YouTube and vertical short clips for Instagram Reels or TikTok.

In such situations, the ability to adjust the gimbal configuration efficiently is especially valuable.

SmallRig 4196 simplifies camera balancing after changing the shooting orientation, allowing recording to resume more quickly.

It does not replace the gimbal’s native vertical shooting functionality but enhances its mechanical adjustment options.

Useful When Changing Lenses

SmallRig 4196 can be particularly beneficial for videographers who use different lenses during a single shooting day.

Changing lenses often affects the camera setup’s weight distribution. A longer or heavier lens can shift the center of gravity forward, while a smaller lens changes the overall balance.

With the DJI RS 3 Mini, the camera must be rebalanced after such changes.

The extended design of SmallRig 4196 provides additional adjustment space and helps find a suitable position when the original arm’s range is limited.

The reference scale also makes it easier to remember settings used with different lenses.

This helps reduce setup time and allows filmmakers to focus more on recording.

Installation and Balancing

SmallRig 4196 is installed in place of the original vertical arm of the DJI RS 3 Mini gimbal.

Before installation, the gimbal should be switched off, and the camera should be removed or securely supported according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

After removing the original arm, SmallRig 4196 is installed in its place, ensuring correct positioning and proper tightening of the fasteners.

The camera can then be reattached to the gimbal, and the necessary axes must be balanced.

During balancing, it is important to check that the camera remains in the intended position without tilting uncontrollably in any direction.

Once the camera is balanced, the gimbal can be switched on, and automatic motor tuning can be performed through DJI’s software if necessary.

Always follow the official installation and operating instructions provided by SmallRig and DJI.

SmallRig 4196 – More Precise Balancing and Greater Flexibility for the DJI RS 3 Mini

SmallRig 4196 is a high-quality and practical extended vertical arm specifically designed to expand the capabilities of the DJI RS 3 Mini camera gimbal. Its 15 mm extended design helps lower the camera setup’s center of gravity and provides additional adjustment space for balancing different cameras and lenses.

Measuring approximately 110.8 × 20 × 20 mm and weighing just 40 ± 5 grams, this accessory is manufactured from durable aluminum alloy and stainless steel. The clearly visible reference scale makes balancing more precise and simplifies transitions between horizontal and vertical shooting.

SmallRig 4196 can improve the usability of larger camera configurations while maintaining the gimbal’s freedom of movement. It is a practical solution for professional videographers, social media content creators, and filmmaking enthusiasts who want to use their DJI RS 3 Mini more efficiently.

SmallRig 4196 combines compact design, durable construction, and more precise adjustment options, giving DJI RS 3 Mini users greater flexibility and helping them achieve smoother, better-balanced camera operation.