ISSUE 126
54 / GEAR
TESTED: DJI RS 5 COMBO KIT & SHURE MV88 USB-C
Stabilisation with a brain
£619 dji.com DJI’s RS 5 introduces intelligent tracking that actively helps frame and follow your subject 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.
Specifications
Axes Three stabilised with Z-axis vertical indicator Load capacity 3kg Battery 2150mAh Run/charging time 14 hours/1 hour Display Fixed touchscreen OLED Axis locks Auto Modes Pan-Follow, Pan-and-Tilt Follow, FPV, 3D Roll 360, Custom mode, Active Track Connectivity 2GHz RF, Bluetooth 5.1, 2x USB-C, Android and iOS app Accessory mounts 1/4in-20 mount, coldshoe, RSA/Nato ports Dimensions (wxhxd) 115.7x258.7 x247.4mm folded, excluding camera, grip and tripod Weight 1193g Verdict Overall rating 10/10 Auto tracking and more power makes this a total winner as it boasts incredible spec in an affordable pro gimbal. It’s not for super-heavy payloads but is more than enough for most large mirrorless cameras 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.
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
GIMBAL BIMBLE A bolt-on handle makes the RS 5 superb for low- angle shots when
you’re walking while working
TESTED: SHURE MV88 USB-C
£145 shure.com Shure way to fix mobile audio
Specifications
Smartphone video recording has come a long way, but audio remains weak. Built-in microphones sound awful, struggle in noisy environments and rarely deliver the clarity needed. The Shure MV88 USB-C stereo microphone is designed to fill this gap, providing a simple upgrade for mobile filmmakers, vloggers and content creators. At its core, the MV88 USB-C is a compact stereo condenser mic that plugs directly into any USB-C device, including contemporary smartphones, tablets and laptops. There are no cables, batteries or adapters to worry about – simply connect and record. Its direct-dock design suits fast workflows where simplicity matters. Shure has updated the MV88 for the universal USB-C standard, replacing
the original Lightning-only version. Despite its small size, the mic offers four selectable polar patterns: stereo, monocardioid, mono bidirectional and raw mid-side – flexible enough for interviews, ambience, group discussions or your own narration. Auto level mode adjusts gain to keep levels consistent, and a real-time denoiser reduces background noise such as traffic or air conditioning. For more control, Shure’s Motiv apps give access to manual gain, compression, EQ, limiting and high-pass filtering. In use, the MV88 USB-C is a step up from built-in mics, capturing warmer, more detailed audio with better stereo imaging and presence. It does not replace a full shotgun or lav kit, but it’s a highly effective, portable solution.
Type 2x condenser USB-C mic with cardioid/figure of eight pattern Response and sensitivity 20Hz-20kHz, -37dBFS/Pa at 1kHz, -33.75 side Maximum SPL 120dB A/D conversion 24-bit, 48kHz sample rate USB/digital output 1x USB-C male Signal processing/FX Auto level, compressor, EQ, gain, noise reduction, sound preset, stereo width adjustment Weight 40g
Verdict Overall rating 8/10 A simple, easy- to-use mic that makes a massive difference to smartphone audio. It’s plug-and-play, and works with the great Motiv apps
Dimensions (wxhxd) 26.4x67.9x35.4mm
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