Tom Antos's DJI RS5 Gimbal Review

DJI · Camera & Photography · Reviewed by Tom Antos · Published 2026-03-06

Rating 3/5Source quality 100/100Evidence 13Claims 12Q&A 6Pros 8Cons 7Camera & Photography

Based on a review by Tom Antos (accessed 2026-03-06).

This page converts Tom Antos's review of the DJI DJI RS5 Gimbal into structured evidence — timestamped claims, pros & cons, and buyer questions. It is not the original review and does not replace watching or reading the full source.

Product Evidence hub pending. This is currently the only analysed source for this product. A full evidence hub becomes available once a second qualifying source is processed.

Sponsorship & disclosure

Brand relationship disclosed as: affiliate

Source verdict

The reviewer concludes that the DJI RS5 is a good option for new gimbal users, but not a worthwhile upgrade for existing RS4 owners. He intends to keep his RS4 Pro due to its larger payload capacity and compatibility with the DJI Focus Pro, recommending the RS5 only if a bigger payload or Focus Pro compatibility aren't critical.

About this source

This review provides an in-depth look at the new DJI RS5 gimbal, detailing its new features, improvements, and some limitations. The reviewer covers aspects like the redesigned tripod, fine adjustment knobs, payload capacity, battery life, improved briefcase handle, and ActiveTrack performance. Comparisons are also made to the previous DJI RS4 model.

Review notes

The DJI RS5 gimbal is not a necessary upgrade for existing users, primarily due to its ActiveTrack limitations and lack of significant new features. While the fine adjustment knobs offer much better balancing and the briefcase handle is more usable with integrated controls, the ActiveTrack struggles with fast-moving or multiple objects, failing to keep pace with a running dog even at high sensitivity. If you are new to gimbals and need a user-friendly option, this is a solid choice. However, if you already own the RS4 gimbal or require a higher payload for professional cinema rigs and the DJI Focus Pro, you should look at the RS4 Pro instead.

What the reviewer liked

  • Improved auto-folding tripod stand for easier setup
  • Fine adjustment knobs on all three axes for precise balancing
  • Super fast charging (0-100% in 1 hour)
  • Improved briefcase handle with electronic contacts and integrated controls
  • Tracking camera included (not sold separately as with RS4)
  • Produces smooth shots comparable to the RS4 gimbal
  • User-friendly and easy to customize settings
  • Good at tracking a single person for self-filming

What the reviewer criticised

  • ActiveTrack gets confused and loses track with multiple objects
  • ActiveTrack is not fast enough to follow rapidly moving objects like cars or animals
  • ActiveTrack at highest sensitivity feels too robotic and unnatural
  • Not a significant upgrade over the DJI RS4 for existing owners
  • Z-axis tracker has limited practical utility for experienced gimbal operators
  • Max payload of 3kg (6.5lbs) is less than the RS4 Pro
  • Not compatible with DJI Focus Pro, unlike the RS4 Pro

Structured claims

The RS5 features an improved tripod stand with auto-folding legs, making it a convenient enhancement over the previous version.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The RS5's fine adjustment knobs on all three axes significantly improve the ease and precision of balancing the gimbal compared to the RS4.

comparison_claimstrong

The RS5 has a maximum payload capacity of 3 kilograms (6.5 pounds), which is a key consideration for camera compatibility.

specification_claimstrong

The RS5 offers a 14-hour battery life and supports super-fast charging, achieving a full charge in just one hour.

specification_claimstrong

The RS5's briefcase handle is improved with a safety pin for secure attachment and integrated electronic controls (joystick, trigger, mode, record buttons) for more convenient operation.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Unlike the RS4, the DJI RS5 includes the tracking camera, adding value to the package.

comparison_claimmoderate

The ActiveTrack feature on the RS5 performs well for tracking people, comparable to previous DJI gimbals, making it suitable for self-filming.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The ActiveTrack on the RS5 struggles to consistently track objects and animals, frequently losing them with fast movements or getting confused by multiple subjects.

reviewer_claimstrong

The RS5 produces smooth shots comparable to the RS4 and superior to many other gimbals on the market.

comparison_claimmoderate

The RS5 is as user-friendly as the RS4, offering easy operation and quick customization of settings.

comparison_claimmoderate

The Z-axis tracker provides visual feedback on vertical camera movement, which can be helpful for new gimbal operators learning to achieve a smooth 'ninja walk'.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Despite its functionality, the Z-axis tracker's practical long-term use is limited for experienced users and those prioritizing camera framing over gimbal screen monitoring.

reviewer_claimmoderate

Evidence items

Auto-folding tripod stand improvement

visual_inspectionpositivet=00:00–00:29

The new RS5 gimbal features an improved tripod that allows all three legs to move simultaneously when one is lifted, making it a small but neat improvement over the previous version.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Fine adjustment knobs on all three axes

hands_on_demopositivet=00:30–01:37

The RS5 includes fine adjustment knobs on all three axes, which significantly improves the balancing process. Users can quickly fine-tune positions without struggling, preventing accidental nudges.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Max payload capacity

specification_claimneutralt=01:38–01:41

The DJI RS5 gimbal has a maximum payload capacity of three kilograms, which is equivalent to six and a half pounds.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Battery life and fast charging

specification_claimpositivet=01:42–01:55

The battery life for the RS5 is rated at 14 hours, and it features super fast charging, allowing a full charge from zero to 100% in just one hour.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Improved briefcase handle with safety pin and integrated controls

visual_inspectionpositivet=01:56–03:16

The new briefcase handle has electronic contacts and a safety pin, which prevents the gimbal from detaching accidentally. It also integrates a joystick, front trigger, M button, and record buttons, making it more usable for long operating times.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Included tracking camera with RS5

reviewer_claimpositivet=03:17–03:36

DJI now includes the tracking camera with the RS5, which was not included with the RS4 and had to be purchased separately.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

ActiveTrack performance for people

hands_on_demopositivet=03:44–05:07

The ActiveTrack does a really good job tracking a person, performing as well as with the RS4 or RS mini gimbal for filming oneself or behind-the-scenes footage.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

ActiveTrack performance for objects and animals

hands_on_demonegativet=03:49–05:07

The ActiveTrack's performance for tracking objects like cars or animals like dogs is not good; it often fails to recognize them, loses track when they move too fast, or gets confused by multiple objects.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

ActiveTrack sensitivity settings

reviewer_claimneutralt=05:08–05:54

The reviewer advises against using the highest sensitivity settings for ActiveTrack as it makes the gimbal too sensitive and robotic. Medium or slow sensitivity is recommended for natural-feeling shots.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Smoothness of shots compared to RS4 and other gimbals

comparisonpositivet=06:04–06:26

The RS5 is as good as the RS4 gimbal and definitely better than other gimbals from different manufacturers when it comes to producing smooth shots.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Ease of use compared to RS4

comparisonpositivet=06:26–06:36

The RS5 is just as user-friendly as the RS4 gimbal, allowing for quick customization of settings.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Z-axis tracker functionality

hands_on_demoneutralt=08:18–09:59

The RS5 includes a Z-axis tracker on the screen that shows whether the gimbal is bouncing up and down while walking. It's a useful feature for new gimbal operators learning to walk smoothly.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Z-axis tracker practical usefulness

reviewer_claimmixedt=09:12–10:35

The reviewer finds the Z-axis tracker of limited long-term use for experienced operators who already know how to walk smoothly, and also because operators are usually focused on the camera's screen for framing rather than the gimbal's display.

Source location: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fd0_QesGBC4

Quick answers

  • Is the DJI RS5 a good gimbal for first-time buyers? The reviewer highly recommends the DJI RS5 for those new to the gimbal market, stating it produces smooth shots as well as the RS4 and better than many other manufacturers' gimbals.
  • What is the max payload capacity of the DJI RS5? The gimbal is officially rated for a max payload of 3 kilograms, which translates to six and a half pounds.
  • How long does the battery last and how fast does it charge? The RS5 boasts an impressive 14-hour battery life.
  • Is the ActiveTrack feature reliable for tracking objects and animals? The reviewer found that ActiveTrack performs admirably when tracking a person, comparable to previous DJI gimbals.

Buyer questions answered

Is the DJI RS5 a good gimbal for first-time buyers?

The reviewer highly recommends the DJI RS5 for those new to the gimbal market, stating it produces smooth shots as well as the RS4 and better than many other manufacturers' gimbals. It is also very user-friendly and allows for quick customization of settings, making it an excellent starting point.

What is the max payload capacity of the DJI RS5?

The gimbal is officially rated for a max payload of 3 kilograms, which translates to six and a half pounds. This specification is important for users to consider which cameras and lenses they can effectively mount on the gimbal.

How long does the battery last and how fast does it charge?

The RS5 boasts an impressive 14-hour battery life. Additionally, it features a super-fast charging capability that allows the battery to go from completely drained to fully charged in only one hour, making it convenient for quick turnarounds.

Is the ActiveTrack feature reliable for tracking objects and animals?

The reviewer found that ActiveTrack performs admirably when tracking a person, comparable to previous DJI gimbals. However, it struggles significantly with other objects like cars or animals such as dogs, often failing to recognize them, losing track when they move quickly, or becoming confused if multiple objects are present.

Should existing DJI RS4 owners upgrade to the RS5?

The reviewer explicitly states that upgrading from an RS4 is not worth it. While there are minor improvements like the tripod and fine adjustment knobs, core features like tracking haven't seen significant upgrades. Owners of the RS4 can also buy the tracking camera module separately, negating one of the RS5's new inclusions. The reviewer concludes that if you're happy with your RS4, you should keep it to save money.

Does the RS5 have fine-tuning controls for balancing?

A significant improvement in the RS5 is the inclusion of fine adjustment knobs on all three axes. This allows users to unlock and very quickly and precisely fine-tune the gimbal's position, making the balancing process much smoother and preventing accidental nudges that could throw off the setup.

Specs mentioned in this review

Max payload capacity
The DJI RS5 gimbal has a maximum payload capacity of three kilograms, which is equivalent to six and a half pounds kilograms
Battery life and fast charging
The battery life for the RS5 is rated at 14 hours, and it features super fast charging, allowing a full charge from zero to 100% in just one hour hours

Not covered in depth by this source

  • Not covered: Fit & Sizing
  • Not covered: Ride Feel
  • Not covered: Durability
  • Not covered: Traction
  • Not covered: Breathability

Why this source is included

100/100 source quality

  • • Independent of the brand
  • ✓ Hands-on demonstration
  • ✓ Specific testing or measurements
  • ✓ Clear sponsorship / relationship disclosure

Transcript summary

Tom Antos reviews the DJI RS5 gimbal, highlighting several new features and improvements. He praises the auto-folding tripod stand, the fine adjustment knobs on all three axes for easier balancing, and the enhanced briefcase handle with integrated controls and a safety pin. The review also covers the gimbal's max payload of 3 kg (6.5 lbs) and its 14-hour battery life with 1-hour fast charging. While the ActiveTrack effectively follows people, its performance is inconsistent with objects, animals, and fast movements. The reviewer ultimately suggests the RS5 is a solid choice for first-time gimbal buyers but not a necessary upgrade for current RS4 users.

Full transcript is not redistributed here to respect the original creator’s rights.

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