DJI’s Ronin series has been the standard-bearer of professional-level gimbals for a long time and has really led the charge when it comes to consumer-level stabilizers as well. More serious creators have looked to the more professional-grade options, but for some, they can be a little heavy and more complex than you want to take into the field for a simple shoot. The DJI RS 5 may be the one to bring those two worlds a little closer together with a bit more simplicity, without sacrificing its biggest features.
In the box for the DJI RS 5 Combo, the set we are looking at, you get the DJI RS 5 gimbal, an RS Intelligent Tracking Module, an electronic briefcase handle, a quick-open tripod, a lens-fastening support, an upper and lower quick-release plate, a battery grip, an L-shaped USB cable, a multi-camera control cable, a screw kit and a carrying case.
The build on the DJI RS 5 is as good as ever, with a body that is built like a tank, yet is lighter than the RS 4 by about 90 grams despite its numerous improvements. My favourite among those is the fine-tuning knob on every axis, which made setup the easiest I have had on any gimbal for DSLR or mirrorless cameras by far. The camera was mounted on its quick-release plate and perfectly balanced in two minutes flat which, for the first time, felt amazing.
“The build on the DJI RS 5 is as good as ever.”
The RS 5 can hold a payload of 6.6 pounds, which should cover just about any camera setup you might have. The added quick-open tripod gives you a handle extension and all legs open at once, so you can pop it onto a surface just that much faster when seconds can make all the difference.
The best feature, for my money, was one I did not know about until I turned it on. The DJI RS 5 unlocks all of its axes when you activate the gimbal and places it back into its flat, locked state so it can go right back in the case. It is a quality-of-life improvement that may seem small, but when I want to shoot, I want to shoot. Having to reset a piece of equipment that I use on a day-to-day basis is incredibly annoying to me, and the RS 5 is locked and loaded with the press of a button.
The additional equipment in the DJI RS 5 Combo is fantastic for everyday shooters, including the electronic briefcase handle and the brand-new Intelligent Tracking Module. The briefcase handle comes complete with the bulk of the controls you get on the gimbal. You can switch modes, control the joystick, trigger features and hit record, all while the other controls are out of your reach when you are shooting low-angle footage. It is an amazing tool that makes the Combo worth it all on its own.
The Intelligent Tracking Module is improved in every way. It can track non-human objects like cars and pets, and it can reacquire its subject even if it leaves the screen. The module installs very quickly through its magnetic mount and stays securely in place even if you are running around. The best part? Whatever is being captured by the tracking module is transmitted to the touch screen so you can see what you are shooting without other monitoring and select what you are tracking with a simple tap. It is a perfect accessory for subjects on the move.
Shooting all day is easier than ever with the DJI RS 5’s battery life of up to 14 hours, plus the battery grip’s additional juice getting you to 30 hours. I am guilty of leaving my gear on between shots. Even as I write this, it is on next to me, tracking me whenever I get up from my chair, so I am thankful for the extra life.
You want to switch to vertical mode? It is so much faster and easier than ever. Loosen one knob and press a button, and you can remove the horizontal plate and reattach it to the gimbal in a vertical orientation. It takes seconds, plus a quick rebalance which, as we discussed, is a faster process. They have made everything so easy that you will never be discouraged from shooting in a certain style because of a workflow that is tougher than desired.
“DJI’s Ronin series has been the standard-bearer of professional-level gimbals for a long time.”
DJI’s Ronin app, available on Android and iOS, connects your phone to the DJI RS 5, allowing you to create preset gimbal moves, adjust the sensitivity of the joystick or even control the RS 5 remotely from the app. You can even connect a PlayStation or Xbox controller and run the entire gimbal from that. You can also control movement through the gyroscope on your phone using Force Mobile. The app is full of great features that, if you want to get creative, you definitely should not sleep on.
The DJI RS 5 Combo comes in at $719 US. If you do not feel you need the Intelligent Tracking Module or the electronic briefcase handle, you can get the gimbal for $569 US, but I do not know that I could live without those accessories, and the extra $150 is more than worth it to me. The DJI RS 5 has fulfilled a wish list of feature updates and quality-of-life upgrades I did not even know I had. It is easily my favourite gimbal I have ever used, and to see the innovation put into this iteration of the Ronin series makes me so excited for its future.
- Enhanced Intelligent Tracking – With the Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module, frame and track any subject—a person, vehicle, or pet—from RS 5’s touchscreen, keeping the subject precisely positioned.
- Effortless Low-Angle Shots – With the new Electronic Briefcase Handle, enjoy intuitive, single-handed operation via a joystick and buttons that let you control the gimbal and camera.
