DJI RS 5 Finally Unveiled and It’s More Than a Refresh

DJI has officially unveiled the DJI RS 5, the latest addition to its professional gimbal lineup. Designed for solo operators and small production teams, the RS 5 builds on the foundation of previous RS models with an emphasis on smarter subject tracking, improved stabilization performance, and easier day-to-day operation. DJI has focused on refining core features that directly impact real-world shooting. The RS 5 introduces a new intelligent tracking system that operates directly from the gimbal’s touchscreen, stronger motors paired with updated stabilization algorithms, and a series of ergonomic improvements aimed at faster balancing and smoother movement.

RS Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module

The headline upgrade is the new tracking module, a compact magnetic add-on that snaps directly onto the gimbal. Unlike previous solutions, it doesn’t rely on a phone app or an external monitor. The live camera feed appears right on the RS 5’s touchscreen, letting you tap a subject and lock tracking instantly. It recognizes people, vehicles, and animals, works at distances up to 10 meters, and, crucially, can re-identify a subject if they temporarily leave the frame. In real-world shooting, where obstructions and chaos are unavoidable, that matters far more than perfect lab conditions. Gesture controls are also built in, allowing operators to start or stop tracking and trigger recording with simple hand movements. It sounds gimmicky until you imagine solo shooters, presenters, or filmmakers working without an assistant and without having to sprint back to the camera between takes. Backing all of this is DJI’s fifth-generation stabilization algorithm paired with a claimed 50% increase in peak motor torque. The result is noticeably stronger control during fast walking, running, or vertical shooting, the kind of movements that usually expose a gimbal’s limits.

Improved Ergonomics

Every axis now features fine-tuning adjustment knobs, using a leadscrew design with Teflon-enhanced layers. Balancing feels smooth and precise rather than jerky or imprecise, especially with heavier mirrorless builds. You’re far less likely to overshoot balance points or fight the hardware. A new Z-axis stability indicator on the display provides real-time feedback on vertical motion. It won’t magically fix poor walking technique, but it does make vertical shake immediately visible and harder to ignore. The second-generation automated axis locks also deserve credit. Power the gimbal off, and everything locks itself. Power it back on, and it unfolds automatically. Transporting the RS 5 no longer feels like solving a mechanical puzzle under pressure.

DJI RS 5 Remains Compact

Despite the added intelligence and stronger motors, the RS 5 remains compact. Fully assembled with grip and plates, it weighs about 1.46 kg and supports payloads up to 3 kg. That comfortably covers popular setups like Sony FX3 rigs, Canon R5 Mark II builds, Nikon Z cameras, Panasonic S5 II systems, and Fujifilm X-series bodies with fast zooms. Vertical shooting is now third-generation and fully native. Switching between landscape and portrait takes seconds and requires no extra brackets or awkward adapters, a quiet win for social and hybrid shooters. Battery performance has also improved. A full charge takes roughly one hour, a significant jump in charging speed, and delivers around 14 hours of standby time. For longer days, the optional BG70 high-capacity battery grip pushes that figure to an impressive 30 hours, with 45W PD fast charging. Realistically, most cameras will tap out before the gimbal does.