Jumping in here because I literally just went through this struggle trying to save some cash. Tbh, the RS4 is GREAT but it's kinda overkill if you're watching your budget. I started with a massive rig and it basically killed my back, plus it cost a fortune. I ended up swapping to the DJI RS 3 Mini and honestly? It's SO much easier to carry around. You can usually find it for like $280-$300 now. It handles the weight of those compact cinema bodies just fine as long as you aren't slapping a massive 24-70 GM II on there or something. Wait, actually, if you're gonna use the top handle with the XLR inputs (if yours has it), the clearance can be a bit tight on the mini. In that case, I'd look at the Zhiyun Weebill 3S. It’s usually around $350 and the built-in wrist rest is a lifesaver for long shoots. It doesn't have the fancy auto-locks of the newer DJI stuff, but for the price difference, I think it’s a way better value for most people. Just make sure you calibrate it right or you're gonna burn out the motors fast.

Tbh, I'm always kinda skeptical about pushing the weight limits on those smaller gimbals. I had a scary experience a while back where my motors started overheating and vibrating during a crucial shoot because the balance was just a tiny bit off. It totally soured me on the ultra-lightweight stuff for professional work. I ended up looking for something with way more motor torque headroom because I hate that feeling of wondering if my gear is gonna fail mid-take. I eventually went with the Zhiyun Crane 4 and it's been a game changer for reliability. Here is why I think the technical side matters:

• Motor headroom ensures the gimbal doesnt work at 90 percent capacity constantly.
• Built-in balance indicator lights help you see if you're stressing the hardware.
• Higher quality locks mean the arms wont slip during transport. Basically, if you're gonna be out in the field all day, you want something that feels solid. I've found that having those extra beefy motors helps with those tiny micro-jitters that sometimes pop up on smaller gimbals when you're moving fast. It's definitely heavier than the mini options, but I'd rather have the reliability than save a few pounds and worry about a motor burnout.

Great info, saved!

Haroldvob is totally right about motor headroom. Pushing a gimbal to its absolute limit is basically asking for a mid-shoot failure, which is the worst feeling ever. Tbh, if you want reliability without the huge price tag of the newest models, I still swear by the DJI RS 3. It handles the FX weight way better than the mini versions. Two quick tips for real-world use:

• Never skip the internal autotune after you balance it physically. It helps the motors handle micro-vibrations you might not even notice.
• If you use the XLR top handle, get a SmallRig Offset Plate for DJI RS 3 to prevent the back motor from hitting the camera. It's just a way more stable experience than trying to save a few bucks on an underpowered rig.

To add to the point above: honestly, you might want to consider a cage and counterweight setup instead of just swapping the gimbal. Its a solid DIY way to fix balance issues. Just be careful not to overload the motors too much tho.

• use thin, flexible cables so they dont pull on the gimbal arms
• check clearance for the flip out screen I would suggest doing a full manual balance every single time you change a lens... it really helps the motors last longer.

DJI RS4 is the best choice.