MINI TESTS
a bit. That’s a genuine efficiency boost. And if you are used to walking backwards while talent walks towards you, you can now walk forwards and hold the camera behind you or to your side. If running alongside a subject, you can keep your focus on where you are going, instead of always trying to look at the screen to make sure the talent is still in the frame. All it takes is a supplied USB-C cable from your camera to the gimbal, another from the Tracking Module to the gimbal and linking up your camera with Bluetooth. It’s easy to check via the comprehensive DJI app. Other improvements join this leap forward, such as fifth-generation stabilisation that is smoother than ever. Footage is among the smoothest achievable from a handheld gimbal in this weight class. Whether tracking a subject at walking pace or moving quickly alongside action, the DJI RS 5 maintains a level of stability that is simply incredible. Fast-moving subjects really show what the RS 5 is capable of. Even when the operator is moving at speed, the gimbal remains composed, ironing out footstep-induced bounce or micro-jitters with very impressive consistency. It’s performance that reduces the need for post-production stabilisation and gives footage a more natural feel straight out of camera. One of the standout accessories for the RS 5 is the new electronic briefcase handle, which connects via the Nato/ RSA communication port on the side of the gimbal. Not just a grip, it expands how the RS 5 can be operated. The handle has mode and record buttons, a second joystick and even a trigger for recentring the gimbal or entering selfie mode. It allows left- or right-handed operation and is perfect for low-slung shots where traditional gimbal operation becomes awkward. A welcome new feature to help you achieve as smooth footage as possible is the Z-axis indicator built into the larger touchscreen. Of course, the Z axis of up-and-down movement is not stabilised so you always need to walk with care. With this axis now monitored, there is a simple green, amber and red system that provides real-time feedback on how much stress you are putting on the gimbal motors and therefore how steady your movement is. Adjust your movement, earn a green indicator and footage will improve immediately. The RS 5 has a coldshoe mount for attaching accessories such as external monitors, so it feels at home in small studio set-ups as well as on location.
SPECIFICATIONS
Axes: Three stabilised with Z-axis vertical indicator Load capacity: 3kg/6.6lb Battery: 2150mAh Runtime: 14 hours Charging time : 1 hour Display: Full-colour, 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: 247.4x115.7x258.7mm/ 16.5x8.8x7.65in folded, excluding camera, grip and tripod Weight: 1.2kg/2.63lb further, as fine-tuning knobs are used on every axis arm. The result is faster, smoother and far more precise balancing, even with payloads of up to 3kg/6.6lb. Finding the sweet spot takes a fraction of the time compared to previous RS models, and the auto- locking axes make set-up and teardown near effortless. Native vertical shooting comes axis arms that reduce friction during adjustments. The RS 5 now goes even as standard, requiring only a quick reattachment and rebalance. This is a practical, time-saving feature. It is typical of this new gimbal that DJI has ironed out pretty much every complaint filmmakers usually have. DJI has gone a long way to solving issues and innovating with new tech. The stabilisation is exceptional, the tracking module is amazing and the improvements to ergonomics, balancing and battery life make it a joy to use in day-to-day production. Combined with rock-solid Bluetooth camera control and a system that simply works every time you power it on, the RS 5 feels mature, refined and remarkably complete. PRO MOVIEMAKER RATING: 10/10 Auto tracking and more power makes this a total winner Pros: Incredible spec in an affordable pro gimbal Cons: Not for super-heavy payloads
HANDLE BAR The bolt-on handle unit is ideal for extra stability (above) or getting the camera low (far left); the new screen is very useful (left)
Combined with the Tracking Module, this turns the gimbal into a flexible camera platform rather than a single- purpose stabiliser. Inside, the RS 5’s bigger battery grip is a new standard battery that charges in just one hour and delivers up to 14 hours of runtime – a serious upgrade over the RS 4, offering 60% faster charging and around two extra hours of operation. This means you can realistically get through a full 12-hour shoot day without worrying about power. Even if you do need to top up, a quick charge over lunch is enough. No other gimbal in this class currently offers this combination of fast charging and extended runtime. Balancing has long been one of the most frustrating aspects of gimbal use, particularly with heavier cameras. DJI made big strides with the RS 4 by introducing Teflon-coated
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