Jacques Crafford's DJI RS5 Review

DJI · Camera & Photography · Reviewed by Jacques Crafford · Published 2026-05-31

Rating 5/5Source quality 85/100Evidence 12Claims 8Q&A 4Pros 7Cons 3Camera & PhotographyIndependent creator

Based on a review by Jacques Crafford (accessed 2026-05-31).

This page converts Jacques Crafford's review of the DJI DJI RS5 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.

Source verdict

The reviewer concludes that a gimbal is an essential tool, but one should not use it for every situation. The choice between a gimbal and handheld shooting should always be driven by the intentionality behind the shot, considering the desired feeling and movement.

About this source

This video by Jacques Crafford explores the strategic decision-making process between using a camera gimbal and shooting handheld for cinematic video production. The reviewer discusses how different camera movements influence the feeling and emotion conveyed in a shot, and demonstrates these concepts using examples from his short films. He also provides a brief review of the DJI RS5 gimbal, highlighting specific features.

Review notes

The DJI RS5 gimbal is an indispensable tool for achieving stable and controlled cinematic camera movements, particularly excelling with its intelligent tracking capabilities. Its Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module, which magnetically connects and displays a feed, allows for confident subject tracking even on challenging terrain, while the included briefcase handle provides electronic control. However, relying solely on the gimbal can detract from shots requiring raw energy, chaos, or emotional intensity, where handheld movement is more appropriate. Filmmakers prioritizing smooth, motivated movements over significant distances will find this gimbal highly effective; if your intent is to convey raw emotion or chaos, combine it with deliberate handheld shots.

What the reviewer liked

  • Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module is a worthy upgrade, magnetically connecting and displaying a feed on the gimbal screen
  • Allows tracking a subject with the camera going backwards, maintaining framing on uneven terrain like hiking trails
  • Tracking can be activated by simple gestures or tapping the trigger button
  • Included briefcase handle electronically communicates with the gimbal, offering joystick control and a record button without changing grip
  • Built-in Z-Axis indicator helps guide users into more stable shots and avoid the 'up and down' effect
  • Features fine tuning knobs on all three axes for faster on-the-fly balancing
  • Auto-lock feature is very useful for quickly switching the gimbal on and off

What the reviewer criticised

  • Smooth gimbal movement can be out of place for shots conveying chaos, raw emotion, or bad news, where camera shake is desired
  • Requires rebalancing after every adjustment (e.g., zoom, filter) for maximum stability, though the RS5 simplifies this process
  • Can draw too much attention to the camera if used for subtle shots that might benefit from a handheld focus on surroundings

Structured claims

Gimbals are all about stability and keeping focus on the subject, driving attention away from the camera. Handheld shooting, conversely, is about conveying energy and emotion, creating a more pronounced camera movement.

reviewer_claimstrong

The reviewer confidently states that the Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module on the DJI RS5 is a worthy upgrade, especially for challenging tracking scenarios.

reviewer_claimstrong

The DJI RS5, particularly with its tracking module and briefcase handle, enables challenging tracking shots on uneven terrain, allowing the operator to focus on navigating rather than framing.

reviewer_claimstrong

The RS5's intelligent tracking module allows activation by gestures or trigger tap, and its briefcase handle features a joystick for framing adjustments and a record button for convenient operation.

reviewer_claimstrong

The DJI RS5 incorporates a built-in Z-Axis indicator that provides visual feedback on camera shake, guiding the user to maintain more stable shots.

reviewer_claimmoderate

The DJI RS5 is equipped with fine-tuning knobs on all three axes, which significantly expedites the balancing process, allowing for faster adjustments on the fly.

specification_claimstrong

Gimbals excel at creating smooth, stable camera movements that keep the focus on the subject, particularly effective for motivated movements covering significant distances or for a commercial aesthetic.

reviewer_claimstrong

Handheld footage, with its imperfect movement, is more effective at representing feelings of chaos, pain, intensity, or raw energy, especially during rapid movements or emotionally charged scenes.

reviewer_claimstrong

Evidence items

Acquired DJI RS5

reviewer_claimneutralt=03:00–03:08

The reviewer mentions he recently acquired the DJI RS5, tending to skip generations unless there's a significant upgrade.

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

DJI RS5 Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module

specification_claimneutralt=03:08–03:22

The DJI RS5 features an Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module that magnetically connects to the gimbal and displays a feed on its screen.

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

Intelligent Tracking Module is a worthy upgrade

reviewer_claimpositivet=03:22–03:33

After using it in various scenarios, the reviewer confidently states that the Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module is a worthy upgrade.

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

Tracking on hiking trail with RS5

hands_on_demopositivet=03:34–04:05

The reviewer demonstrates that tracking a subject backwards on a hiking trail is impossible handheld without stumbling, but the RS5 tracker with the Electronic Briefcase Handle allows perfect framing while focusing on walking forward.

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

Automatic object identification and gesture tracking

specification_claimpositivet=04:06–04:19

The DJI RS5's module automatically identifies moving objects, and tracking can be activated by gestures or by tapping the trigger button.

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

Briefcase handle joystick and record function

hands_on_demopositivet=04:19–04:29

The included briefcase handle electronically communicates with the gimbal, allowing users to adjust framing with the joystick and press record without taking their hand off the handle.

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

Tracking for consistent motivated movements

reviewer_claimpositivet=04:30–04:40

Tracking a subject with the RS5 makes it easy to keep framing consistent, which works great for motivated movements.

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

DJI RS5 Z-Axis indicator for stability

specification_claimpositivet=05:37–06:01

The DJI RS5 has a built-in Z-Axis indicator that visualizes shake and flashes from orange to red if the movement goes too far, guiding users to more stable shots.

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

Fine-tuning knobs on RS5

specification_claimpositivet=08:35–08:52

The DJI RS5 features fine-tuning knobs on all three axes, which significantly speeds up on-the-fly balancing.

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

Gimbal for smooth spinning ball shot

hands_on_demopositivet=09:30–09:41

The reviewer used the RS5 for a clean, smooth gimbal movement when filming a freestyle footballer spinning the ball.

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

Gimbal for smooth half-orbit shot

hands_on_demopositivet=09:41–09:47

The reviewer employed a gimbal shot for a smooth half-orbit movement as the subject spun around.

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

Handheld creates energy for rapid movements

reviewer_claimneutralt=09:50–10:04

Handheld shooting can create energy in a way a gimbal cannot, particularly when filming rapid movements on the ground.

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

Quick answers

  • When should I use a gimbal versus handheld for video? The choice between a gimbal and handheld shooting should be guided by the desired feeling and movement for the shot.
  • Is the DJI RS5's intelligent tracking module worth the upgrade? The reviewer found the DJI RS5's Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module to be a worthy upgrade.
  • Does the DJI RS5 offer improved control and ease of use? The DJI RS5 provides improved control through its design.
  • Does the DJI RS5 help with achieving stable shots? The DJI RS5 helps users achieve more stable shots with its built-in Z-Axis indicator, which visually represents shake and signals when movements are becoming too excessive (flashing from orange to red).

Buyer questions answered

When should I use a gimbal versus handheld for video?

The choice between a gimbal and handheld shooting should be guided by the desired feeling and movement for the shot. Gimbals provide smooth, stable movements that keep the focus on the subject, ideal for motivated movements over significant distances or a polished, commercial feel. Handheld shooting, conversely, introduces energy and emotion, effectively conveying chaos, pain, or intensity, and is often suitable for unmotivated movements where the camera's presence is more pronounced.

Is the DJI RS5's intelligent tracking module worth the upgrade?

The reviewer found the DJI RS5's Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module to be a worthy upgrade. It magnetically connects to the gimbal and displays a live feed on the screen, automatically identifying moving objects. Tracking can be activated via gestures or a trigger tap. This feature makes complex shots, such as tracking a subject backwards on uneven terrain, achievable while the operator focuses on navigating.

Does the DJI RS5 offer improved control and ease of use?

The DJI RS5 provides improved control through its design. The included briefcase handle allows for joystick control of framing and a record button without repositioning the hand. Additionally, the gimbal features fine-tuning knobs on all three axes, which greatly speeds up on-the-fly balancing adjustments, an important factor for maintaining optimal stability during a shoot.

Does the DJI RS5 help with achieving stable shots?

The DJI RS5 helps users achieve more stable shots with its built-in Z-Axis indicator, which visually represents shake and signals when movements are becoming too excessive (flashing from orange to red). This feature guides the user to maintain smoother motion and avoid unwanted vertical bounce. Additionally, the gimbal's fine-tuning knobs facilitate precise balancing, which is crucial for maximizing stability.

Specs mentioned in this review

DJI RS5 Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module
The DJI RS5 features an Enhanced Intelligent Tracking Module that magnetically connects to the gimbal and displays a feed on its screen
Automatic object identification and gesture tracking
The DJI RS5's module automatically identifies moving objects, and tracking can be activated by gestures or by tapping the trigger button
DJI RS5 Z-Axis indicator for stability
The DJI RS5 has a built-in Z-Axis indicator that visualizes shake and flashes from orange to red if the movement goes too far, guiding users to more stable shots
Fine-tuning knobs on RS5
The DJI RS5 features fine-tuning knobs on all three axes, which significantly speeds up on-the-fly balancing

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

85/100 source quality

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

Transcript summary

This video by Jacques Crafford delves into the strategic decision-making process between using a gimbal and shooting handheld for cinematic video production. He explains how camera movement, whether motivated or unmotivated, impacts the emotional resonance of a shot, with gimbals providing stability and focus, while handheld introduces energy and emotion. Crafford showcases examples from his short films to illustrate these concepts, demonstrating how combining both techniques with clear intent can create powerful visual narratives. He also briefly reviews the DJI RS5's intelligent tracking module and fine-tuning features, endorsing them as worthy upgrades for consistent framing.

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

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