DJI RS 5 Combo Kit review

What is the DJI RS 5 Combo Kit?

It’s rare we give any product a perfect rating, but DJI’s RS 5 leaps forward in what a motorised, three-axis gimbal can do. This milestone enables hands-free subject tracking via a clip-on module mounted aside the camera. 

Although a version first appeared on the lower-end RS 4 Mini last year, it was squarely aimed at vloggers and so had limited options. DJI expands the tech into a far more capable tool with the new RS 5, introducing more powerful motors, a higher payload capacity and a refined tracking system.

As part of the kit, an Intelligent Tracking Module makes the 1.8-inch touchscreen much more useful than just a settings panel. It is effectively a live video monitor that shows exactly what the tracking module sees and, by extension, what the camera sees. A single tap or hand gesture can select and lock onto a subject, keeping it framed as it or the gimbal moves. 

Once tracking is active, the system is intuitive and flexible. Subjects don’t need to be locked dead centre – put them anywhere in the frame and the RS 5 will maintain your composition. Tracking speed can be adjusted to suit gentle movement or action shots. 

Crucially, tracking is no longer limited to people. Vehicles, animals and unconventional objects can be picked by drawing a box on the screen. In our test, the RS 5 proved surprisingly adept at holding onto unpredictable subjects, even in relatively low light and at distances of several metres.

Once framing is set, you won’t need to stay glued to the monitor or check composition constantly. You can move confidently or focus on navigating your environment. And you won’t have to walk backwards to film a subject; you can let the gimbal handle framing.

Beyond tracking, fifth-generation stabilisation has some of the smoothest handheld footage ever. Fast-moving shots really highlight the capabilities of the RS 5. Even when moving quickly for action, the gimbal stays composed, maintaining stability without feeling overdamped or artificial.

A welcome addition to the kit is an electronic briefcase handle. No simple grip, it has a second joystick, record and mode buttons and a trigger for re-centring or selfie mode. This opens up low-angle shooting, and supports both left- and right-handed operation.

DJI has also addressed one of the hardest aspects of gimbal use: operator movement. A new Z-axis indicator on the touchscreen gives real-time feedback on vertical motion, using a simple green–amber–red system. It is an intuitive way to improve technique and immediately see when movement is stressing the motors.

The RS 5’s new battery grip charges fully in just one hour and delivers up to 14 hours of runtime. Few gimbals in this class offer such fast charging and extended endurance. 

Balancing has also been refined. Low-friction coatings, auto-locking arms and fine-tuning knobs on every axis make set-up faster and more precise, even with payloads of up to 3kg. Native vertical shooting is built in, requiring only a quick rebalance.

Together, these improvements add up to more than polish. The RS 5 feels mature, confident and forward-thinking – a stabiliser that actively helps you get the shot.