Sony A7III, DjI Rs3 Mini gimbal with external monitor.

Hello forum:

This post is kind of my last-resort attempt for a solution. None of the manufacturers involved will provide any solution or even attempt a path towards my attempt at resolving this on my own!

I use a Sony A7III & my DjI Rs3 Mini gimbal. Have an issue with ANY hdmi external monitor from various manufacturers. The monitors are NOT the problem.

When the Sony A7III and the DjI Rs3 gimbal are connected via bluetooth to enable basic features, ANY external monitor functions perfectly. IF I’m connected via USB-C from the Rs3 Gimbal to my A7III (which unlocks extended gimbal features), ANY monitor will NOT show an image, the screen is dark, almost black. I’ve tried different USB-C cables, all the way up to thunderbolt-4 spec cables.

I much prefer the USB-C connection, because it unlocks additional gimbal controls of camera movements. My only other option is to NOT use an external monitor with my gimbal, which is very challenging.

Thanks in advance for your assistance.

I'm not an expert, but to clarify, you are trying to use USB-C at both ends of the cable and NOT? the Sony Multi cable, which does connect to the gimbal via USB-C. I know they result in different functionality with the gimbal.

In my case, I am having a problem connecting my A7IV via bluetooth to the RS3 Mini, and for now will use the multi cable.

Prior to that experience, I also own the DJI RS2 pro and have used that with my A6500, so the only connection is via the multi cable, and also had my monitor working fine with that.

Have not had much time yet to try other combinations. Will be interesting to see other responses to your problem.

Travelino said:

I'm not an expert, but to clarify, you are trying to use USB-C at both ends of the cable and NOT? the Sony Multi cable, which does connect to the gimbal via USB-C. I know they result in different functionality with the gimbal.

In my case, I am having a problem connecting my A7IV via bluetooth to the RS3 Mini, and for now will use the multi cable.

Prior to that experience, I also own the DJI RS2 pro and have used that with my A6500, so the only connection is via the multi cable, and also had my monitor working fine with that.

Have not had much time yet to try other combinations. Will be interesting to see other responses to your problem.

Click to expand...

Hello Travelino:

I'm connecting the USB-C cable from the A7III to the USB-C port on the gimbal. Having gone to YouTube for assistance, it was said you MUST use the included L-Shaped Multi-Camera Control Cable (USB-C, 30 cm) from DJI. That's what I started with and when it didn't work, I tried a plethora of other USB c to c data cables, all the way up to thunderbolt-4 specs.

To be honest, I've been shooting Sony A7R3 and A7III for 4 years and have never heard of the Sony Multi cable?? I shoot tethered (still shots), from both cameras into my Mac laptops and recently to my iPad Pro 2022, all via USB-C data cables up to 15' in length. I've never had connectivity issues until I started this recent A7III to gimbal process.

First off, here is a link to the multiport cable I was referring to. This is a DJI product sold by B&H. it is for the Sony cameras and connects via the camera's mini USB, not the USB-C.


In the case of my A6500, that is the only way I can connect to the gimbal so the gimbal can control some camera functions, mainly start/stop video, shot stills, zoom, etc

In the case of my A7IV, it would have the same functionality.

On the DJI camera compatibility list, there are two columns as to how the supported cameras can be connect to the gimbal, one is this multi cable, the other is USB-C to USB-C (I believe, as I haven't tried that) That connection offers a different set of functions that the gimbal can control, versus the multi cable connection. I wanted the functions that the multi cable control, so chose that. In fact, I just ordered a second of these cables today, so I would have one for the RS3 mini as well as keeping the original for my RS2.

You can also buy them on Amazon, but have to be careful that you are getting the correct multi cable, that it's for Sony cameras.

I wish I could succeed in connecting my A7IV via blue tooth, but have exhausted trying at this point. I've followed videos and cross verified and even found another forum user with the exact same firmware etc, but mine just won't work, so I'm stuck with the cable for now.

I appreciate your reply and will take a look at the cable. It’s kinda funny that you’re stuck with the cable but can’t connect via BT. I’m stuck on BT but can’t use the cable (for now).

This tutorial might help you regarding BT connectivity? Give it a shot.

It’s for the A7III but the menu path should be similar? He demonstrates both steps, cable and BT.

Hi again:

Just kind of an update for you. I'm going to try this Sony cable you suggested and if it doesn't fix my monitor issue, I'll just return the cable. I'm going to order from B&H. The cable links on Amazon seemed suspect.

A clarification...you mentioned you can't connect via bt. Not sure if you're aware but in the video link I sent you yesterday the author states that to enable bt, the cable must be disconnected, and conversely, to use the cable, bt must be turned off in the menus. He emphasized you can't have both at the same time.

Thanks for your followups!

Just checked the forum and see your link. I'll take a look to see if it fixes my problem.

I can't remember when I was using my A6500 and the RS2 and had just gotten my monitor, but I vaguely remember some issues with the monitor that were affected by some of the HDMI settings, where one setting worked the way I wanted and another didn't. sorry I can't be more specific, but one of the settings is to set on the camera, HDMI for camera control, versus not. If you haven't already tried different settings for HDMI, try experimenting with those to see if it fixes your problem.

At the start of your thread, you said you didn't want to use bluetooth, because you were able to get more camera functions via the USB cable. Be aware that with the multi cable, the functions will be the same as the bluetooth connection, according to the DJI chart showing what features work with each type of connection.

Not related, but my Sony 16-35 F4 PZ lens arrives today and I am looking forward to using it a lot with the gimbal as well as with just the camera. And with clear image zoom, it will cover up to 70mm, so not bad for a wide angle zoom for video.

Thanks I think I'll still get the cable and attempt your suggestions as well. I just got off a lengthy chat with B&H and it was basically massive confusion with no solution. He said I could return the cable if it doesn't help.

You mentioned your coming lens. I'm actually thinking of the 20-70 F4 Sony, and selling my 24-70 2.8. The 20-70 is quite a bit lighter and more video-centric. And, with the good ISO performance of the Sony bodies, I really don't need 2.8. I also shoot with the 70-200 F4, and when using the 24-70 & 70-200, I always set the 24-70 to F4 anyway, to avoid exposure confusion when shooting both lenses together at a gig.

Will update you again after I get this Sony cable from B&H

I haven't tried my monitor in a while but in the next day or two I'll try mine and see what works for me versus doesn't with the monitor. Since I am not able to connect via bluetooth (I did look at the video link and it pretty much is what I did), I've only connected with the multi cable and my monitor worked in the past. I may try USB C to USB C to see what happens and let you know.

I do want to try the bluetooth connection again with a slight variation in sequence and see what happens.

Sadly not much response from others on gimbals and video. Would be really nice to have a form section for Sony Video.

Good morning:

I agree with having a Sony/Video-centric forum section, given how many Sony bodies are used for video.

Yes, please do let me know the result(s) of your further testing.

Thanks.

Travelino said:

Sadly not much response from others on gimbals and video. Would be really nice to have a forum section for Sony Video.

Click to expand...

I have an RS2, an A1, and external monitors, but I've never tried to get them all to work together at the same time. But I read this thread with interest anyway. Just wanted to let you know there are a few folks here interested in video!

Hope you both get your technical issues sorted out. Thanks

Hello Joe: Welcome to the "group of frustration"!

I've also been receiving chat updates from a Dji admin. She said something about "When using HDMI (such as connecting to a monitor), the HDMI cannot transmit normally during recording due to limitations of the camera control protocol". That apparently happens when connecting USB-C to USB-C (Sony to Dji).

So, the camera triggers computer control when connected to the gimbal. I believe her but also said "I'm just surprised that Sony has no workaround for this issue, given that the Sony bodies are one of the more popular mirrorless brands for video capture."

When looking online, I see many shooters using gimbals with external monitors, so there is a solution somewhere.

I'm still putzing with everything but won't re-address this until I get another cable (discussed earlier in this thread) next Wednesday. IF his other cable doesn't work, I'll just return it and use BlueTooth.

Ski, just did some tests with my monitor.

The monitor worked with either the multi cable as well as with the USB-C to USB-C cable.

On the HDMI settings, if I turn on the setting to show info display on the monitor, then the lcd on the camera goes off. That was the setting that I was referring to yesterday. But in either case, the image from the camera is being displayed on the monitor.

And there wasn't any difference for the monitor with regard to which cable I used.

Just an FYI, I used the new multi cable that I bought since I wanted to retain the one that came with my RS2, and I found that when I first plugged it in, it didn't work. I had the same problem with my original cable. I thought I was having a bad connection problme, but what I think the problem is, is turning the gimbal on first, then the camera. Basically, once I did that a second time all was well. I was finding that problem even with my A6500 on the new Mini gimbal, but don't remember going through that with the RS2.

Something new to me, is when I tried USB-C to same, I thought from the DJI compatibility charts, that triggering still images didn't work but it did, same as with the multi cable, by just holding the gimbals start button down till it fires off a still photo.

This is just more info for now, but I think I will start a thread with the same info and a ;bit more with sort of a "review" that others can add to. I bought a briefcase nato connected arem and handle from Smallrig, all in one, that seems really nice where you can attach a monitor at the top of the handle, as it has a cold shoe as well as multiple 1/4 threaded holes and one 3/8. What I found once I put the arm on, without a camera at that point, the tripot feet on the gimbal are not long enough and the gimbal tipped over. Not good, DJI should have put the tripod foot handle that they use on the RS2, as that is bigger. I did use my RS2 one today and its super stable, as it is with the RS2. But I hate to start swapping parts between the two.

Secondly, I bought a low cost bag/case from Amazon, called Bagsmart to store the gimbal. I will have to post some pictures I took of it. For me, its fine and light weight and not overly large.

Thanks for the information! I will investigate all but for now, all of this is on the back burner until early next week.

A7III and my A7RIII are packed away for a still shoot tomorrow (no video), and I don't get this other cable that I would still like to add to the mix to test, until next Wednesday.

Might be a few days before I reply. And if possible please send a link to your new thread to allow me to follow.

Somewhat related, I just received an Osee T5+. A fantastic monitor that I'm looking forward to using with the gimbal.

Hi Travelino: I've been posting on this forum for years and still don't understand how the "reply with quote" function works. Pardon my repeating what you said before I reply!

You said "

On the HDMI settings, if I turn on the setting to show info display on the monitor, then the lcd on the camera goes off. That was the setting that I was referring to yesterday. But in either case, the image from the camera is being displayed on the monitor.

When I have my monitor connected via HDMI and I use the multi cable or c to c cable, HDMI info is Off, and greyed out, and the camera LCD is on, until I hit record on the gimbal and then the cam monitor goes black. I NEVER get information displayed on the monitor. When any of the 2 cables are connected, my external monitor is still black. I never have an image from camera displayed on the monitor, unless I'm not using any cables and am connected via BT. Very limited gimbal control but at least I have a monitor image.

I'm getting beyond frustrated. With BT connected, (no cables), I have external monitor access, but the only thing I can do with the gimbal is start/stop recording, and joystick control from the monitor. NOTHING else, including any access to the very convenient dJi IOS app that allows for fantastic options for movement.

It seems like if you use a Sony mirrorless with the Rs3 mini, your only real option is to NOT use an external monitor. I still find that hard to believe. For a real paying job, if I ever need the convenience if the IOS app, with the gimbal on a tripod, I'll just switch to the cable and unplug the dead-image monitor. Use the IOS app remote actions and then when I'm handholding the gimbal, I'll revert to BT only. Very convoluted.

I do plan to keep the multi cable just in case I ever need to record video with my 6500.

IF I hear any positive updates from my other postings I'll let you know.

Thanks for your feedback!

I can appreciate your frustration, as I am having a problem connecting via blue tooth, and have tried everything I can think of, even returning my original gimbal for a replacement. The camera works fine via blue tooth using the Sony BT remote, so I figure the camera is fine.

Did you get the multi cable yet and try it? I am able to connect my monitor but in fact, I did not try to record with it. I have used it before on my RS2 with my A6500 and the monitor and multi cable. the only thing that goes off is my lcd on the camera, if I have the info setting ON for the hdmi monitor. sorry I didn't try all this on the mini and the A7IV and actually push the record botton, but I try and do that in a few days, whgen I have a chance. From what I understand you are experiencing, the monitor shows an image and when you start to record, the camera's lcd goes dark. If that is correct, it is very weird.

I do have an option to just use the cable, versus BT, but in your case, not being able to use your monitor is a much more serious limitation and it should work. You are plugging the right HDMi mini cable into the camera and monitor? Is there a possibility that the hdmi cable has a problem?

My new A7IV has a full size hdmi port that I like a lot, and do have a thin HDMi cable, so not bulky or stiff. I also found that I need to turn on the gimbal first, then the camera so it recognizes the cable connection, either USB C or multi, but seems ok once I do it the first time. I had previously thought I was having a cable problem and would re seat it then wiggle, but I now think it is just the order of what I turn on first.

Good morning. So, the process continues! A few thoughts for you...

For me, the multi-cable works the same as the c to c cable. It's still interesting you have trouble connecting to BT.

And just to confirm, my ext. monitor only shows an image during recording if I am connected to BT, with BT turned on in the camera menu. That gives me very limited gimbal control. Start/stop recording and joystick movement are it, nothing else works.

I CAN leave either cable connected and if I were to need the full capability of the gimbal, including the fantastic dJi IOS app, I just turn off BT in the camera menu and then I get no EXT monitor, but full control of the gimbal. Just weird!

One huge issue I'm having that might eventually just negate my ability to use the external monitor is the fricking HDMI cable. The monitor came with a very lightweight but too short HDMI to mini cable. I have a coiled cable but that makes easy balancing of the gimbal with connected monitor almost impossible to achieve, especially when I'm trying to pan the camera/gimbal setup. It's acting like a bungee cord on an open door, if you can envision that comical mess. I'm sure I can get a thin, slightly longer HDMI cable if I want to continue with this attempt.

At some point I'll have a Sony body with the beneficial articulating screen and that will completely remove this messy post from DPReview.

I am posting on many Rs3 mini YouTube threads, and possibly someone will have some thoughts that I will send to this thread.

I'm also in continuous contact with a dJi tech on a thread and she does reply to me promptly when I post any updates to her. Her last reply to me said (quoting) "Our engineers have tested this before and added the note on the website. We will forward this to our engineers department. If there are any workaround later, we will update it.
Please stay tuned to our website."

So this issue has garnered attention to dJi, which can't be all bad!

Stay tuned.

Hello: Received an update from a YouTuber, saying when he updated his A7III firmware from V4, to V4.01, his monitor problem (same as mine), was fine, no future issues.

Being hopeful, I did successfully update V4.01 for my A7III. Tried everything again and no change to the frustration of a few days ago. Changed HDMI & C to C cables as well as trying 3 different HDMI monitors. Same result with all.

I only get external monitor imagery if I'm connected via Bluetooth only. Minimal gimbal feature set with BT. BT off, and c to c (or Sony multi cable) connected and I get lots of great gimbal connectivity, but NO external monitor illumination.

My next step will be to contact Sony pro services to see if they have any thoughts.

Stay tuned I guess!!

So, I might be making progress using the Sony mult-cable!

When recording the external monitor is not going dark. Tomorrow I need to do some testing to determine in greater detail what is and is not working. One feature that IS working is the IOS Dji remote with external monitor working. Again I will do more testing tomorrow. Not sure why all of a sudden progress has been made.

I definitely need to get a straight (not coiled) HDMI cable for the monitor to camera connection. The coiled cable is causing havoc with the gimbal motors.

Will update you again.

Good to hear you are making progress. Today I hooked my A7IV with multi cable again with my monitor via HDMI to make sure it didn't go dark when I start recording and all works fine, monitor shows lens/camera image both before and during recording. Just to let you know.

I really don't know why the gimbal would be the problem in this case, but more likely the camera and how its treating the cable connection and how that might interfere with with HDMI output, thinking that the cable is doing camera control. Try HDMI camera control on versus off to see if that parameter is in conflict. IN my case with my camera, it doesn't seem to change how it works for me.

I bought the larger tripod foot that DJI makes and comes with the RS2 gimbal, as the smaller foot that came with the RS3, actually tipped over when I added the briefcase arm (with no camera mounted). DJI should have included the bigger tripod foot, as the smaller one is not stable enough to be safe. I realize they tried to keep the whole rig smaller, but I think the smaller foot is a poor design.

My briefcase arm is not DJi, but I bought the small rig one with handle and Iike it better than my DJI handle. The Smallrig handle has multiple 1/4 inch threaded female connection points as well as a cold shoe mount at the top of the handle and on the side of the arm. I tried my 7" Feelgood monitor on the top cold shoe today and it works pretty well, just that now this lighter gimbal is pretty heavy and not much lighter than my RS2.