DJI Ronin 4D and Inspire 3 RAW Licensing Suddenly Priced at 1: An Unexpected Turn After Patent Disputes?

DJI Ronin 4D and Inspire 3 RAW Licensing Suddenly Priced at 1: An Unexpected Turn After Patent Disputes?On March 31st, IT Home reported that users have observed a drastic price drop for the RAW usage license of DJI's Ronin 4D cinema camera and Inspire 3 drone, plummeting from 5999 to a mere 1. This shocking change has sparked widespread industry attention and reignited the debate surrounding DJI's RAW format licensing

DJI Ronin 4D and Inspire 3 RAW Licensing Suddenly Priced at 1: An Unexpected Turn After Patent Disputes?

On March 31st, IT Home reported that users have observed a drastic price drop for the RAW usage license of DJI's Ronin 4D cinema camera and Inspire 3 drone, plummeting from 5999 to a mere 1. This shocking change has sparked widespread industry attention and reignited the debate surrounding DJI's RAW format licensing.

This price reduction allows Ronin 4D users to obtain Apple ProRes RAW video recording capabilities for a symbolic 1, a one-time purchase with permanent validity. Similarly, Inspire 3 users can unlock CinemaDNG and Apple ProRes RAW formats at the same price for unlimited use. However, DJI has yet to offer an official explanation for this bottom-dollar discount, leaving the underlying reasons shrouded in mystery.

Looking back at DJI's RAW format licensing history, the price fluctuations seem closely tied to a series of patent disputes. In mid-February 2022, DJI announced that the Ronin 4D would cease supporting the compressed RAW codec Apple ProRes RAW. Rumors at the time suggested this was due to a conflict with cinema camera manufacturer RED over RAW patents. RED, leveraging its patents in internal RAW technology, has filed numerous lawsuits to protect its intellectual property, engaging in patent disputes with well-known manufacturers like Kinefinity, Sony, Nokia, and Nikon.

In March 2023, DJI announced that Ronin 4D would once again support internal Apple ProRes RAW video recording, but this required users to purchase a separate license for 5999. This move sparked considerable controversy, with many users expressing dissatisfaction with the high licensing fee. The current drastic price drop only adds to the complexity of the situation.

RED's strong position in RAW patent licensing is undeniable. The company has aggressively pursued patent litigation, safeguarding its technological advantage and exerting pressure on relevant manufacturers. Notably, Nikon acquired RED in April 2022, making RED a subsidiary. This event could have profound implications for the technological landscape of the entire imaging industry.

The 1 promotional price for DJI Ronin 4D and Inspire 3 RAW licensing is likely linked to the aforementioned patent disputes. It's possible that DJI, after negotiations with RED or its parent company Nikon, secured the Apple ProRes RAW license at a significantly reduced cost, allowing them to continue offering the feature. Alternatively, it could be a strategic move by DJI to expand market share through lower pricing. Of course, other undisclosed reasons could also account for this dramatic price change.

Currently, DJI has not responded officially to the price drop, fueling various speculations. While the 1 price is undoubtedly attractive to users, it also raises questions about DJI's future RAW format licensing strategy. Whether this low price will be maintained long-term, or if it's a short-lived promotional event, remains a key focus for the industry.

DJI's 1 licensing has undoubtedly garnered positive reputation and tangible benefits for users. However, the underlying complexities of patent disputes and business strategies will continue to ripple through the imaging industry. This event highlights the growing importance of patent protection in the rapidly evolving technological landscape, and underscores the increasingly intense competition and collaboration among manufacturers.

From a macroscopic perspective, this event reflects the complexity and uncertainty of the imaging industry's technological standards. RAW format, as a critical technology, significantly impacts manufacturers and users through its licensing cost and risks. Balancing technological innovation and patent protection will be a long-term challenge for the imaging industry. A deeper understanding of patent disputes and their impact on business strategies will help industry players make more informed decisions.

The further development of this situation warrants continuous observation. DJI's actions and the underlying reasons will significantly influence the entire imaging industry and provide valuable lessons for future technological advancements. We hope DJI will provide an official explanation for the price change, alleviating user concerns and offering clearer guidance for industry development. The story behind this 1 price remains to be fully revealed.